GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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212 Infotainment System
destination entry and voice keypad,
can be completed in a single
command. If the task takes more
than one command to complete, the
first command would be to indicate
the kind of task that is to be
performed. The system replies with
prompts that lead through a dialog
to enter the necessary information.
Voice recognition can be used when
the ignition is on or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0281.
Using Voice Recognition
Voice recognition becomes available
once the system has been
initialized. This begins when the
ignition is turned on. Initialization
may take a few moments.
1. Press
gon the steering wheel
control to activate voice
recognition, or select
gon the
infotainment screen on the
center stack.
. If voice recognition is
started from the steering
wheel control, the instrument cluster displays
the selections and visual
dialog content.
. If voice recognition is
started from the
infotainment screen, the
selections and visual dialog
content are displayed on
both the center stack
display and the instrument
cluster display.
2. The audio system mutes and the system plays a prompt
followed by a beep.
3. Wait until after the beep completes, then clearly speak
one of the commands
described in this section.
Press
gto interrupt any voice
recognition system prompt. For
example, if the prompt seems
to be taking too long to finish,
press
gagain and the beep
should happen right away. There are two voice prompt modes
supported:
.
Long verbal prompts: The longer
prompts provide more
information regarding the
supported actions.
. Short prompts: The short
prompts provide simple
instructions about what can be
stated.
If a command is not spoken, the
voice recognition system says a
help prompt.
Prompts and Screen Displays
While a voice recognition session is
active, there will be corresponding
buttons on screens displayed.
Manual interaction in the voice
recognition session is permitted.
Interaction during a voice session
may be completed entirely using
voice commands, or some
selections may expedite a session.
If a selection is made using a
manual control, the dialog will
progress in the same way as if the
selection was made through a voice
command. Once the system is able
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 227
Receiving a Call
When an incoming call is received,
the audio system mutes and a ring
tone is heard in the vehicle.
.Press
gto answer the call.
. Press
ito ignore a call.
Call Waiting
Call waiting must be supported on
the cell phone and enabled by the
wireless service carrier.
.Press
gto answer an incoming
call when another call is active.
The original call is placed
on hold.
. Press
gagain to return to the
original call.
. To ignore the incoming call, no
action is required.
. Press
ito disconnect the
current call and switch to the call
on hold.
Three-Way Calling
Three-way calling must be
supported on the cell phone and
enabled by the wireless service
carrier.
1. While on a call, press
g.
2. Say “Three-way call.”
3. Use the “Dial”or“Call”
command to dial the number of
the third party to be called.
4. Once the call is connected, press
gto link all callers
together.
Ending a Call
Pressito end a call.
Transferring a Call
Audio can be transferred between
the Bluetooth system and the cell
phone.
The cell phone must be paired and
connected with the Bluetooth
system before a call can be
transferred. The connection process
can take up to two minutes after the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN. To Transfer Audio from the
Bluetooth System to a Cell Phone
During a call with the audio in the
vehicle:
1. Press
g.
2. Say “Transfer Call.”
To Transfer Audio to the Bluetooth
System from a Cell Phone
During a call with the audio on the
cell phone, press
g. The audio
transfers to the vehicle. If the audio
does not transfer to the vehicle, use
the audio transfer feature on the cell
phone. See your cell phone
manufacturer's user guide for more
information.
Voice Pass-Thru
Voice pass-thru allows access to the
voice recognition commands on the
cell phone. See your cell phone
manufacturer's user guide to see if
the cell phone supports this feature.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Infotainment System
.The time it takes to process files
will depend on the USB storage
device type and capacity, and
the type of files stored.
. Some USB storage device files
may not be compatible.
. Up to two USB devices and one
iPod can be played through a
USB hub. All devices may not be
supported, depending on the
performance of the USB hub.
If there is not enough power
supply, it may not operate
normally.
. Do not disconnect the USB
storage device while it is playing.
This may cause damage to the
product or affect the
performance of the USB device.
. Disconnect the USB storage
device when the ignition is
turned off. If the ignition is turned
on while the USB device is
connected, the USB device may
be damaged or may not operate
normally. .
USB storage devices can only
be connected for playing music/
movies, viewing photo files,
or upgrading.
. Do not use the USB terminal to
charge USB accessory
equipment. The heat generated
may cause performance issues
or damage.
. Music files to which Digital Right
Management (DRM) is applied
cannot be played.
. USB storage device capacity
limit is 2,500 music files, 2,500
photo files, 250 movie files,
2,500 folders, and 10 stages of
folder structure. The iPod/iPhone
can play all music files
supported, but will only display
up to 2,500 files on the screen in
alphabetical order.
. Some iPod/iPhone product
models may not support the
connectivity or functionality of
this product. .
Only connect the iPod/iPhone
with connection cables
supported by iPod/iPhone
products. Other connection
cables cannot be used.
. The iPod/iPhone may be
damaged if it is connected to the
vehicle with the ignition on.
When not in use, disconnect the
iPod/iPhone.
. When the iPod/iPhone is
connected to the USB port by
using the iPod/iPhone cable, the
Bluetooth music is not
supported.
. The iPod/iPhone playback
functions and the information
displayed may be different when
played on the infotainment
system.
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Climate Controls 249
vents. The system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle
and the air conditioning compressor
will run, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
SeeAir Vents 0253.
@(Recirculation) : Press to turn
on recirculation. An indicator light
comes on. Air is recirculated to
quickly cool the inside of the
vehicle. It can also be used to help
reduce outside air and odors that
enter the vehicle.
8(Outside Air, If Equipped) :
Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that outside is
on. When selected, air from outside
the vehicle circulates throughout the
vehicle. The recirculation mode
cannot be used with the outside
air mode.
f(Outside Heated Mirror, If
Equipped) : Press to turn the
heated mirrors on or off. See
Heated Mirrors 048. A/C (Air Conditioning) :
Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on to
show that the air conditioning is
enabled. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run. The A/C
light will stay on even if the outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Rear Window Defogger
K(Rear Window Defogger) :
If equipped, press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An
indicator light on the button comes
on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is in ON/
RUN. The defogger turns off if the
ignition is turned to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
If equipped with heated outside
mirrors, they turn on when the rear
window defogger button is on. They
help to clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirrors.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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252 Climate Controls
windshield and the side window
vents. The air conditioning
compressor also comes on, unless
the outside temperature is below
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
SeeAir Vents 0253.
A/C (Air Conditioning) : Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on to
show that the air conditioning is
enabled. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run. The A/C
light will stay on even if the outside
temperatures are below freezing.
@(Recirculation) : Press to turn
on recirculation. An indicator light
comes on. Air is recirculated to
quickly cool the inside of the
vehicle. It can also be used to help
reduce outside air and odors that
enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
K(Rear Window Defogger) :
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is in ON/
RUN. The defogger turns off if the
ignition is turned to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
Heated Mirror : If equipped with
heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirror when
the rear window defog button is
pressed. See
Heated Mirrors 048.
Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the
defrost grille in the middle of the
instrument panel, monitors the solar
heat. Do not cover the solar sensor
or the system will not work properly.
There is also an exterior
temperature sensor behind the front
grille. This sensor reads the outside
air temperature and helps maintain
the temperature inside the vehicle.
Any cover on the front of the vehicle
including a snow plow, could cause
a false reading in the displayed
temperature.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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256 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 265
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 266
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 268
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 277
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 281
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . 285
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 286
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 302
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . 305
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 309
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 309
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) (2500/3500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 319
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
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Driving and Operating 267
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0303.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0300.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0476. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
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278 Driving and Operating
Ignition Positions
Vehicles with Key Access have an
ignition switch with four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
0 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF) :When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off. Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0281. This position locks the ignition and
steering wheel. It also locks the
transmission on automatic
transmission vehicles. The key can
be removed in LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
does not work, then the vehicle
needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF. On
vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the shift lever
must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK/
OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0301.{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.