Black plate (56,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-56 Driving and Operating
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center stack.
{Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release the
gbutton. The traction
off light
idisplays in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate message
will display in the DIC. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-40. To turn TCS on again, press and release the
gbutton. The
traction off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
the
gbutton is pressed, the system
will not turn off until the wheels stop
spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
gbutton until
the traction off light
iand the
StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument
cluster, then release. The
appropriate message will display in
the DIC. See Ride Control System
Messages on page 5-40.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
g
button. The traction off lightiand
the StabiliTrak OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off. StabiliTrak will automatically turn on
if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h
(35 mph). Traction control will
remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature and a Hill
Start Assist (HSA) feature. See
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) on
page 9-98
orHill Start Assist (HSA)
on page 9-54.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Hill Descent
Control (HDC)
If equipped, HDC can be used when
driving downhill. It sets and
maintains vehicle speed while
descending a very steep incline in a
forward or reverse gear.
The HDC switch is on the center
stack, below the climate controls.
Black plate (57,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-57
Press5to enable or disable HDC.
Vehicle speed must be below
50 km/h (31 mph).
The HDC light displays on the
instrument cluster when enabled.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds
between 3 and 22 km/h (2 and
14 mph) on an incline greater than
or equal to a 10% grade. A blinking
HDC light indicates that the system
is actively applying the brakes to
maintain vehicle speed.
When HDC is set, that is the initial
set speed. It can be increased or
decreased by applying the
accelerator or brake pedal. This
adjusted speed becomes the new
set speed. HDC will remain enabled between
22 and 60 km/h (14 and 37 mph),
however vehicle speed cannot be
set or maintained in this range.
It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h
(50 mph) or above 60 km/h
(37 mph) for at least 30 seconds.
5
must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a
speed above 22 km/h (14 mph) and
less than 60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC
message will display.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the brakes are applied, the cruise
control disengages.
Black plate (60,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-60 Driving and Operating
To disable and enable Cruise
Grade Braking for the current
ignition key cycle, press and
hold the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. A DIC message
displays. SeeTransmission
Messages on page 5-42.
.Vehicles with a diesel engine
have Cruise Grade Braking
enabled when Tow/Haul Mode is
on, the exhaust brake is on,
or both are on.
For other forms of Grade Braking,
see Automatic Transmission on
page 9-33 ,Tow/Haul Mode on
page 9-38, and Hill Descent Control
(HDC) on page 9-56. Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise
control:
.To disengage cruise control,
step lightly on the brake pedal.
.To disengage cruise control,
Press
*on the steering wheel.
.To turn off the cruise control,
press
5on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory by pressing
5
or if the ignition is turned off.
Driver Assistance
Systems
This vehicle may have features that
work together to help avoid crashes
or reduce crash damage while
driving, backing, and parking. Read
this entire section before using
these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver
Assistance Systems. These
systems do not replace the need
for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided by
these systems. Failure to use
proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving
on page 9-3.
(Continued)
Black plate (64,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-64 Driving and Operating
Disconnecting the Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
The RVC must be disconnected if
the tailgate needs to be removed.
The RVC is disconnected by
removing the connector from the
electrical junction block mounted on
the left side of the cross member of
the vehicle frame. After
disconnecting, the cap mounted
next to the camera connector must
be relocated so that the open
terminals on the junction block are
covered.
Assistance Systems for
Driving
If equipped, when driving the
vehicle, Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) and Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) can help to avoid a crash or
reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
If equipped, the FCA system may
help to avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps or pulses the driver seat.
FCA also lights an amber visual
alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds
above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. FCA does not warn
of pedestrians, animals, signs,
guardrails, bridges, construction
barrels, or other objects. Be ready
to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving on page 9-3.
FCA can be disabled with the FCA
steering wheel control.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected
ahead, the vehicle ahead indicator
will display green. Vehicles may not
Black plate (65,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-65
be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills; or due to poor
visibility. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches
another detected vehicle too rapidly,
six red lights will flash on the
windshield. Also, eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from
the front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times.
When this Collision Alert occurs, the
brake system may prepare for driver
braking to occur more rapidly which
can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal as needed. Cruise control may be
disengaged when the Collision Alert
occurs.
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will
display amber when you are
following a vehicle ahead much too
closely.
Black plate (92,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-92 Driving and Operating
Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, double cab, and crew
cab pickups have a seven-wire
trailer towing harness.
For vehicles not equipped with
heavy duty trailering, the harness is
secured to the vehicle's frame
behind the spare tire mount. The
harness requires the installation of a
trailer connector, which is available
through your dealer.
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
PackageFor vehicles equipped with
heavy-duty trailering, the harness
connector is mounted in the bumper.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:
.Green/Violet: Left Stop/Turn
Signal
.Yellow/Gray: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
.Gray/Brown: Taillamps/
Parklamps
.White: Ground
.White/Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red/Green: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the Tow/Haul Mode
button, if equipped, located at the
end of the shift lever. This will boost
the vehicle system voltage and
properly charge the battery. If the
trailer is too light for Tow/Haul
Mode, or the vehicle is not equipped
with Tow/Haul, turn on the headlamps as a second way to
boost the vehicle system and
charge the battery.
Camper/Fifth-Wheel Trailer Wiring
Package
The seven-wire camper harness is
under the rear bumper, attached to
the frame near the rear
crossmember. A connector must be
added to the wiring harness that
connects to the camper.
The harness contains the following
camper/trailer circuits:
.Green/Violet: Left Stop/Turn
Signal
.Yellow/Gray: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
.Gray/Brown: Taillamps/
Parklamps
.White: Ground
.White/Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red/Green: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
Black plate (93,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-93
If the vehicle is equipped with the
heavy-duty trailering option, see
“Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package”earlier in this section.
When the camper-wiring harness is
ordered without the heavy-duty
trailering package, a seven-wire
harness with a seven-pin connector
is at the rear of the vehicle and is
tied to the vehicle's frame.
Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are
included with the vehicle as part of
the trailer wiring package. These
provisions are for an electric brake
controller.
The harness should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center.
Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at the end of
the shift lever turns on and off the
Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
cluster comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is on. Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. See
Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9-38.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75 percent of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing on page 9-77. Tow/
Haul is most useful under the
following driving conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through
rolling terrain.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in
stop-and-go traffic.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired.
Black plate (94,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-94 Driving and Operating
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to the
selection of Tow/Haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load.
Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric-over-hydraulic trailer
brakes.This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
system. The power output to the
trailer brakes is based on the
amount of brake pressure being
applied by the vehicle’s brake
system, and on the type of trailer
brakes detected. This available
power output to the trailer brakes
can be adjusted to a wide range of
trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’
s brake, antilock brake,
and StabiliTrak systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak
systems to activate, power sent to
the trailer's brakes will be
automatically adjusted to minimize
trailer wheel lock-up. This does not
imply that the trailer has StabiliTrak.
If the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
or StabiliTrak systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC
system may not be fully functional
or may not function at all. Make sure all of these systems are fully
operational to ensure full
functionality of the ITBC system.
The ITBC system is powered
through the vehicle's electrical
system. Turning the ignition off will
also turn off the ITBC system. The
ITBC system is fully functional only
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an
air brake system may result in
reduced or complete loss of trailer
braking. There may be an
increase in stopping distance or
trailer instability which could
result in personal injury or
damage to the vehicle, trailer,
or other property. Use the ITBC
system only with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.