check engine light GMC SIERRA DENALI 2019 User Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 241ABS is active, it may indicate that
road surfaces are slippery. Braking
sooner may be required for driving
conditions.
Braking in Emergencies ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The EPB can always
be activated, even if the ignition is off. To prevent draining the battery,
avoid repeated cycles of the EPB
when the engine is not running.
The system has a
Y or PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a
8Service Parking Brake light.
See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 152 and Service Electric Parking
Brake Light 0 152 . There are also
parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the
Y or PARK light to ensure that
the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a
complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch
momentarily.
The
Y or PARK light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the
Y or PARK light
flashes continuously, then the EPB
is only partially applied or there is a problem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release the
EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced.
Do not drive the vehicle if the
Y or
PARK light is flashing. See your
dealer. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0 152 .
If the
8 light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Y or PARK
light remains on. If the
8 light
remains on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
pressed. If the switch is pressed
until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 289Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions If the vehicle is not equipped with
an integrated trailer brake controller,
and the trailer has electric brakes, a
trailer brake controller needs to be
installed on the vehicle. The brake
controller should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center.
If equipped, there is a trailer brake
jumper harness provided with the
vehicle. The connector on the trailer
brake jumper harness is attached to
a mating connector to the left of the
steering wheel behind the knee
bolster. The four blunt cut wires on
the jumper harness need to be
connected to an aftermarket electric
trailer brake controller. The harness
contains the following circuits:
Electric Trailer
Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Violet or
Red/Black
Brake Apply
Signal White/Blue Ground Black
The fuse for the electric trailer brake
circuit is in the engine compartment
fuse block, but the wires may not be
connected. They should be
connected by your dealer or a
qualified service center.
Refer to the aftermarket electric
trailer brake controller owner's
manual to determine wire color
coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the
brake controller may be different
from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each
trip, and periodically on longer trips.
If equipped, the trailering app will
monitor the brake lamps, turn signal
lamps, running lamps and reverse
lamps on the trailer. DIC messages
may be displayed if lighting circuit
issues are detected on the trailer. The trailer bulbs can be observed
by starting the trailer light test
sequence. See Trailering App
0 296 .
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode For instructions on how to enter
Tow/Haul Mode, see Driver Mode
Control 0 246 .
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0 234 .
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
294 Driving and Operating brakes are selectively applied at
each wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway. If equipped
with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the
trailer has an electric brake system,
StabiliTrak/ESC may also apply the
trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/
ESC warning light will flash on the
instrument cluster. Reduce vehicle
speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer
sway continues, StabiliTrak/ESC
can reduce engine torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned
off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 243 .
{ WarningTrailer sway can result in a crash
and in serious injury or death,
even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway,
reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from
the accelerator. Then pull over to
check the trailer and vehicle to
help correct possible causes,
including an improperly or
overloaded trailer, unrestrained
cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment 0 285 for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations. Aftermarket Electronic Trailer
Sway Control Devices Some trailers may come equipped
with an electronic device designed
to reduce or control trailer sway.
Aftermarket equipment
manufacturers also offer similar
devices that connect to the wiring
between the trailer and the vehicle.
These devices may interfere with
the vehicle ’ s trailer brake or other
systems, including integrated
anti-sway systems, if equipped.
Messages related to trailer
connections or trailer brakes could
appear on the DIC. The effects of
these aftermarket devices may have
on vehicle handling or trailer brake
performance is not known.
{ Warning
Use of aftermarket electronic
trailer sway control devices could
result in reduced trailer brake
performance, loss of trailer
brakes, or other malfunctions, and
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
306 Driving and Operating If Tow/Haul Mode is off and this
setting is on for a Trailer Profile,
each time the ignition is turned on a
reminder will appear to turn on Tow/
Haul Mode when the Trailer Profile
is active.
If Tow/Haul Mode is on and this
setting is on for a Trailer Profile, the
reminder will not appear when the
Trailer Profile is active.
Conversions and
Add-Ons Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{ WarningThe Data Link Connector
(DLC) is used for vehicle service
and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0 149 .
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle ’ s
systems. CautionSome electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 0 96 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 97 .
For information on wiring auxiliary
switches, see www.gmupfitter.com
or contact your dealer.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 311
Vehicle Care General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 312
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements . . . . . 313
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 323
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Engine Air Filter Life
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 326
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 331
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 335
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Battery - North America . . . . . . 337
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 342
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 343
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 343
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 344
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 345
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Headlamp Aiming Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Bulb Replacement Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 349
Electrical System Electrical System Overload . . . 349
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 350
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Wheels and Tires Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 360
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 3974. Turn the ignition off on both
vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
accessory power outlets. Turn
off the radio and all the lamps
that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save
both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other
vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative ( − )
terminal locations on that
vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal is
under a red plastic cover at the
positive battery post. To
uncover the positive (+)
terminal, open the red plastic
cover.
For more information on the
location of the remote
positive (+) and remote
negative ( − ) terminals, see
Engine Compartment Overview
0 316 . { WarningAn electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{ WarningUsing a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately. { WarningFans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Check that the jumper cables
do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will
go to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Negative ( − )
will go to a heavy, unpainted
metal engine part or to a
remote negative ( − ) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative ( − ) or you will get a
short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts
too. And do not connect the
negative ( − ) cable to the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
402 Vehicle Care vehicle is equipped with
Keyless Access, with your foot
off the brake pedal, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
five seconds until the green
light comes on in the button.
See Ignition Positions (Key
Access) 0 217 or Ignition
Positions (Keyless Access)
0 219 .
4. Set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0 241 .
5. Disconnect from the tow
vehicle.
6. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to 2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High). When
the shift to 2
m (Two-Wheel
Drive High) is complete, the
light in the instrument cluster
will stop flashing and stay lit.
See Four-Wheel-Drive Light
0 153 .
8. Start the engine. Check that
the vehicle is in 2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) by starting the engine and shifting
the transmission to D (Drive)
and then to R (Reverse). There
should be movement of the
vehicle while shifting.
9. Shift the transmission to
P (Park) and turn off the
ignition.
10. Release the parking brake and
remove the wheel blocks.
11. Reset any lost presets.
The outside temperature
display will default to 0 °C
(32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage. Dolly Towing

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
422 Service and Maintenance
Additional
Maintenance and Care Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services — their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
.
Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
.
Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
.
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.
Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle ’ s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 425 for GM approved
fluids.
.
Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
.
Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Index 459
Index A Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . 227
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 306
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 326
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 188, 190
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 92
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 88
Airbags
Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 148
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 267
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 240
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Index 461Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 148
Check
Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 343
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . 100
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . 117, 120, 121
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 188
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 440
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Connected Services
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455
Connections
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 456
Control
Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Control Light
Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 145
Engine Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188, 190
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435 Customer Assistance (cont'd)
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Customer Information
Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433
D Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 440
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 446
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 445
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Diagnostics
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 458
Differential, Limited-Slip . . . . . . . . 250
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45