2012 GMC Sierra Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
GMC
Model:
Sierra
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 GMC Sierra Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Instrument Panel (Base/Uplevel Version)
8
Instrument Panel (Premium Version)
12
Initial Drive Information
14
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
14
Remote Vehicle Start
15
Door Locks
15
Windows
16
Seat Adjustment
17
Memory Features
20
Heated and Ventilated Seats
21
Head Restraint Adjustment
21
Safety Belts
22
Passenger Sensing System
22
Mirror Adjustment
22
Steering Wheel Adjustment
25
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment
25
Interior Lighting
26
Exterior Lighting
27
Windshield Wiper/Washer
27
Climate Controls
28
Transmission
30
Four-Wheel Drive
31
Vehicle Features
33
Radio(s)
33
Satellite Radio
34
Portable Audio Devices
34
Bluetooth®
35
Steering Wheel Controls
35
Cruise Control
36
Navigation System
36
Driver Information Center (DIC)
36
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
37
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
37
Power Outlets
38
Universal Remote System
38
Sunroof
39
Performance and Maintenance
41
StabiliTrak® System
41
Tire Pressure Monitor
41
Engine Oil Life System
41
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
42
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
42
Roadside Assistance Program
42
OnStar®
43
Keys, Doors, and Windows
45
Keys and Locks
46
Keys
46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
47
Remote Vehicle Start
49
Door Locks
51
Power Door Locks
52
Delayed Locking
52
Automatic Door Locks
52
Lockout Protection
53
Safety Locks
53
Doors
53
Rear Doors (Extended Cab)
53
Tailgate
54
Vehicle Security
55
Anti-theft Alarm System
55
Immobilizer
56
Immobilizer Operation
57
Exterior Mirrors
58
Convex Mirrors
58
Manual Mirrors
58
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
59
Power Mirrors
59
Folding Mirrors
60
Heated Mirrors
61
Park Tilt Mirrors
61
Interior Mirrors
62
Manual Rearview Mirror
62
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
62
Windows
63
Manual Windows
63
Power Windows
64
Rear Windows
65
Sun Visors
65
Roof
66
Sunroof (Extended Cab)
66
Sunroof (Crew Cab)
67
Seats and Restraints
69
Head Restraints
70
Front Seats
71
Seat Adjustment
71
Center Seat
72
Power Seat Adjustment
72
Lumbar Adjustment
72
Reclining Seatbacks
73
Memory Seats
75
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
77
Rear Seats
78
Rear Seats (Extended Cab Full Bench)
78
Rear Seats (All Split Bench and Hybrid Full Bench)
79
Safety Belts
80
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
81
Lap-Shoulder Belt
82
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
87
Lap Belt (Crew and Extended Cab)
87
Safety Belt Extender
88
Safety System Check
88
Safety Belt Care
88
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
89
Airbag System
89
Where Are the Airbags?
91
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
93
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
95
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
95
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
95
Airbag On-Off Switch
97
Passenger Sensing System
100
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
104
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
105
Airbag System Check
106
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
106
Child Restraints
107
Older Children
107
Infants and Young Children
109
Child Restraint Systems
112
Where to Put the Restraint
113
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
115
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
123
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position)
123
Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position)
126
Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)
126
Storage
137
Storage Compartments
137
Instrument Panel Storage
137
Glove Box
137
Cupholders
137
Center Console Storage
138
Instruments and Controls
139
Controls
140
Steering Wheel Adjustment
140
Steering Wheel Controls
140
Horn
142
Windshield Wiper/Washer
142
Compass
143
Clock
145
Power Outlets
147
Cigarette Lighter
148
Ashtrays
149
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
149
Instrument Cluster
150
Speedometer
151
Odometer
151
Trip Odometer
151
Tachometer
151
Fuel Gauge
152
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
153
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
154
Voltmeter Gauge
154
Safety Belt Reminders
155
Airbag Readiness Light
156
Airbag On-Off Light
157
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
159
Charging System Light
160
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
160
Brake System Warning Light
163
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
164
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
164
Tow/Haul Mode Light
164
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
165
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
165
Tire Pressure Light
165
Engine Oil Pressure Light
166
Low Fuel Warning Light
166
Security Light
167
High-Beam On Light
167
Front Fog Lamp Light
167
Cruise Control Light
168
Information Displays
168
Driver Information Center (DIC)
168
Vehicle Messages
177
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
177
Brake System Messages
178
Door Ajar Messages
178
Engine Cooling System Messages
179
Engine Oil Messages
180
Engine Power Messages
180
Fuel System Messages
181
Key and Lock Messages
181
Lamp Messages
181
Object Detection System Messages
181
Ride Control System Messages
182
Airbag System Messages
183
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
183
Starting the Vehicle Messages
183
Tire Messages
183
Transmission Messages
184
Vehicle Reminder Messages
185
Washer Fluid Messages
186
Vehicle Personalization
186
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
186
Universal Remote System
194
Universal Remote System Programming
194
Universal Remote System Operation
199
Lighting
201
Exterior Lighting
201
Exterior Lamp Controls
201
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
202
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
203
Flash-to-Pass
203
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
203
Automatic Headlamp System
204
Hazard Warning Flashers
205
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
205
Fog Lamps
206
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp
206
Interior Lighting
207
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
207
Cargo Lamp
208
Dome Lamps
208
Reading Lamps
208
Lighting Features
209
Entry Lighting
209
Exit Lighting
209
Battery Load Management
209
Battery Power Protection
210
Infotainment System
211
Introduction
211
Infotainment
211
Theft-Deterrent Feature
212
Operation
213
Radio
219
AM-FM Radio
219
Satellite Radio
221
Radio Reception
224
Fixed Mast Antenna
225
Satellite Radio Antenna
225
Audio Players
225
CD Player
225
CD/DVD Player
231
Auxiliary Devices
242
Rear Seat Infotainment
247
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
247
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System
256
Phone
258
Bluetooth
258
Trademarks and License Agreements
265
Climate Controls
267
Climate Control Systems
267
Climate Control Systems (with Air Conditioning)
267
Climate Control Systems (with Heater Only)
270
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
271
Air Vents
276
Driving and Operating
277
Driving Information
278
Distracted Driving
278
Defensive Driving
279
Drunk Driving
279
Control of a Vehicle
280
Braking
280
Steering
280
Off-Road Recovery
281
Loss of Control
281
Off-Road Driving
282
Driving on Wet Roads
287
Highway Hypnosis
288
Hill and Mountain Roads
288
Winter Driving
289
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
291
Vehicle Load Limits
292
Truck-Camper Loading Information
299
Starting and Operating
301
New Vehicle Break-In
301
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
301
Ignition Positions
302
Starting the Engine
303
Fast Idle System
305
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
305
Engine Coolant Heater
306
Shifting Into Park
306
Shifting out of Park
308
Parking over Things That Burn
308
Active Fuel Management®
308
Engine Exhaust
309
Running the Vehicle While Parked
310
Automatic Transmission
311
Manual Mode
314
Tow/Haul Mode
315
Drive Systems
316
Four-Wheel Drive
316
Brakes
329
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
329
Parking Brake
330
Brake Assist
330
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
330
Ride Control Systems
331
StabiliTrak® System
331
Locking Rear Axle
334
Cruise Control
334
Object Detection Systems
337
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
337
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
338
Fuel
344
Recommended Fuel
344
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
345
California Fuel Requirements
345
Fuels in Foreign Countries
345
Fuel Additives
346
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
347
Filling the Tank
348
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
349
Towing
350
General Towing Information
350
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
350
Trailer Towing
354
Towing Equipment
370
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
381
Conversions and Add-Ons
381
Add-On Electrical Equipment
381
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
382
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
385
Vehicle Care
387
General Information
388
California Proposition 65 Warning
389
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
389
Accessories and Modifications
389
Vehicle Checks
390
Doing Your Own Service Work
390
Hood
391
Engine Compartment Overview
392
Engine Oil
393
Engine Oil Life System
396
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
397
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission)
400
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
403
Cooling System
404
Engine Coolant
405
Engine Overheating
408
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
410
Engine Fan
410
Power Steering Fluid
411
Washer Fluid
412
Brakes
413
Brake Fluid
414
Battery
416
Four-Wheel Drive
416
Front Axle
417
Rear Axle
418
Noise Control System
420
Starter Switch Check
421
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
421
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
421
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
422
Wiper Blade Replacement
422
Glass Replacement
423
Headlamp Aiming
423
Bulb Replacement
425
Halogen Bulbs
425
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
425
Pick-Up Box Identification and Fender Marker Lamps
426
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models)
426
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
427
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp
428
License Plate Lamp
428
Replacement Bulbs
429
Electrical System
429
Electrical System Overload
429
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
430
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
430
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
434
Wheels and Tires
436
Tires
436
Tire Sidewall Labeling
438
Tire Designations
440
Tire Terminology and Definitions
441
Tire Pressure
444
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation
446
Tire Pressure Monitor System
446
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
448
Tire Inspection
451
Tire Rotation
451
Dual Tire Rotation
453
When It Is Time for New Tires
454
Buying New Tires
454
Different Size Tires and Wheels
456
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
456
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
458
Wheel Replacement
458
Tire Chains
460
If a Tire Goes Flat
461
Tire Changing
462
Full-Size Spare Tire
473
Jump Starting
474
Towing
479
Towing the Vehicle
479
Recreational Vehicle Towing
479
Appearance Care
484
Exterior Care
484
Interior Care
487
Floor Mats
490
Service and Maintenance
491
General Information
491
Maintenance Schedule
493
Special Application Services
498
Additional Maintenance and Care
499
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
502
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
502
Maintenance Replacement Parts
505
Maintenance Records
506
Technical Data
509
Vehicle Identification
509
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
509
Service Parts Identification Label
509
Vehicle Data
510
Capacities and Specifications
510
Engine Drive Belt Routing
514
Customer Information
515
Customer Information
515
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada)
515
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico)
517
Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada)
518
Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico)
519
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S. and Canada)
520
Online Owner Center
520
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and Canada)
521
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada)
521
Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico)
523
Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and Canada)
526
Courtesy Transportation Program (U.S. and Canada)
527
Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada)
528
Service Publications Ordering Information
530
Reporting Safety Defects
531
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
531
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
532
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
532
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
533
Event Data Recorders
533
OnStar®
534
Navigation System
534
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
534
Radio Frequency Statement
534
OnStar
535
OnStar Overview
535
OnStar Services
536
Emergency
536
Security
536
Navigation
536
Connections
538
Diagnostics
539
OnStar Additional Information
539
Index
543
Index_A
543
Index_B
544
Index_C
544
Index_D
546
Index_E
546
Index_F
547
Index_G
548
Index_H
548
Index_I
549
Index_J
549
Index_K
549
Index_L
549
Index_M
550
Index_N
551
Index_O
551
Index_P
551
Index_R
552
Index_S
553
Index_T
554
Index_U
555
Index_V
555
Index_W
556
2012 GMC Sierra Overview
Introduction
The 2012 GMC Sierra stands as a robust and stylish full-size pickup truck that masterfully balances performance, comfort, and advanced technology. Known for its durability and capability, this model is designed to cater to the diverse needs of the modern truck owner, whether it's for work, recreation, or both. With a variety of trims and configurations, the Sierra offers something for everyone, making it a competitive choice in its class.
Powertrains
The 2012 GMC Sierra boasts several powerful engine options to suit different driving preferences. The base 4.3-liter V6 engine produces a respectable 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, perfect for light-duty tasks. For those seeking more power, the 5.3-liter V8 engine delivers 315 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, ideal for towing and hauling. The ultimate option is the 6.2-liter V8, generating an impressive 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, which ensures that the Sierra can handle the toughest challenges.
Trims
This model is offered in multiple trims, including the Work Truck (WT), SLE, SLT, and Denali, each providing varying levels of luxury and features. The WT focuses on utility, while the SLE adds more comfort and technology features. The SLT enhances the upscale experience with leather upholstery and additional tech options, while the Denali represents the pinnacle of GMC's luxury offerings, featuring exclusive materials and advanced connectivity.
Features
The 2012 Sierra is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance both functionality and comfort. Highlights include Bluetooth connectivity, a premium audio system, rearview camera, and advanced safety options such as stability control and antilock brakes. With plenty of cargo space and versatile seating arrangements, the Sierra is as practical as it is stylish.
Owner's Manual
The 2012 GMC Sierra owner's manual serves as a comprehensive guide to the pickup's features, maintenance, and operational instructions. It provides valuable insights into troubleshooting common issues, recommended service intervals, and an overview of the vehicle's safety features, ensuring that owners can maximize their truck's capabilities and address any concerns effectively.
User manual download
The GMC Sierra owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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