2018 GMC SIERRA ignition

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
198 Infotainment System
Supported Apple Devices
To view supported devices in U.S.,
see www.my.gmc.com\learn.
To view supported devices in
Canada, see www.gmcowner.ca.
To view supported devices in
Mexico, see your dealer.
USB Supported File and Folder
Structure
The infotainment system supports:
.FAT16.
. FAT32.
. exFAT.
Connecting a USB Storage
Device or iPod/iPhone
To connect a USB storage device,
connect the device to the USB port.
To connect an iPod/iPhone, connect
one end of the device’ s cable to the
iPod/iPhone and the other end to
the USB port.
The iPod/iPhone charges while it is
connected to the vehicle if the
ignition is on or in ACC/ ACCESSORY. See
Ignition
Positions 0256. When the vehicle is
turned off, the iPod/iPhone
automatically powers off and will not
charge or draw power from the
vehicle's battery.
For more information on USB
usage, see “Audio System
Information” following.
Audio System Information
The infotainment system can play
the music files contained in the USB
storage device or iPod/iPhone
products.
Using MP3/WMA/OGG/WAV Files
.
Music files with .mp3, .wma,
.ogg, and .wav file name
extensions can be played.
. MP3 files that can be played: Bit
rate: 8 kbps to 320 kbps.
Sampling frequency: 48 kHz,
44.1 kHz, 32 kHz, 24 kHz, 22.05
kHz, and 16 kHz.
. Files with a bit rate above
128 kbps will result in higher
quality sound. .
ID3 Tag information for MP3
files, such as the album name
and the artist, can be played.
. To display album title, track title,
and artist information, the file
should be compatible with the
ID3 Tag V1 and V2 formats.
Using USB Storage Devices and
iPod/iPhone
. Use a USB or flash memory type
storage device. Do not connect
using a USB adaptor.
. Do not connect and reconnect
the USB device repeatedly in a
short time, as this may cause
static electricity and problems
using the device.
. Use a USB device with a metal
connecting terminal.
. Connection with i-Stick Type
USB storage devices may be
faulty due to vehicle vibration.
. Do not touch the USB
connecting terminal.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Infotainment System 199
.Only USB storage devices
formatted in FAT16/32 or exFAT
file systems are recognized.
NTFS and other file systems are
not recognized.
. 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,
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 that are in
capacity with a limit of 5,000
files, such as music, photo,
video, 15 stages of folder
structure. Normal usage cannot
be guaranteed for a storage
device that exceeds this limit.
The iPod/iPhone can play all
music files that are supported.
The music file lists will only
display up to 5,000 files on the
screen. These files are sorted 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Infotainment System 205
Voice Recognition
If equipped, voice recognition allows
for hands-free operation within the
audio and phone applications. This
feature can be started by pressing
either the
gbutton on the steering
wheel or by selecting the
gon the
screen display.
However, not all features within
these areas are supported by voice
commands. Generally, only complex
tasks that require multiple manual
interactions to complete are
supported by voice commands.
For example, tasks that take more
than one or two button presses such
as selecting a song or artist to play
from a media device would be
supported by voice commands.
Other tasks, like adjusting the
volume or seeking up or down are
audio features that are easily
performed by pressing one or two
buttons, and are not supported by
voice commands. In general there are flexible ways to
speak commands for completing the
tasks. Most of them, except
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.
See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0260.
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
212 Infotainment System
Vehicles with a Bluetooth system
can use a Bluetooth-capable cell
phone with a Hands-Free Profile to
make and receive phone calls. The
infotainment system and voice
recognition are used to control the
system. The system can be used
with the ignition on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY. The range of the
Bluetooth system can be up to 9.1 m
(30 ft). Not all phones support all
functions and not all phones work
with the Bluetooth system. For U.S.
and Canada only, see www.gm.com/
bluetooth for more information about
compatible phones.
Bluetooth Controls
Use the buttons on the center stack,
infotainment display, and the
steering wheel to operate the
Bluetooth system.
Steering Wheel Controls
g:Press to answer incoming calls,
confirm system information, and
start voice recognition.
i: Press to end a call, reject a
call, or cancel an operation. Press
to mute or unmute the infotainment
system.
Infotainment System Controls
For information about how to
navigate the menu system using the
infotainment controls, see Overview
0 188.
MENU : Turn to scroll through a list.
Press to select the highlighted list
option.
{: Press to go to the Home Page.
See Home Page 0189.
PHONE or
#: Select to enter the
phone main menu. See Bluetooth
(Overview) 0211 orBluetooth
(Infotainment Controls) 0213.
Voice Recognition
If equipped, the voice recognition
system uses commands to control
the system and dial phone numbers. Noise :
The system may not
recognize voice commands if there
is too much background noise, such
as noise from open windows or loud
talking inside the vehicle.
When to Speak : A tone sounds to
indicate that the system is ready for
a voice command. Wait for the tone
and then speak.
How to Speak : Speak clearly in a
calm and natural voice.
Audio System
When using the Bluetooth system,
sound comes through the vehicle's
front audio system speakers and
overrides the audio system. Use the
Oknob during a call to change the
volume level. The system maintains
a minimum volume level.
Bluetooth Audio Quality
Turn off the Echo and Noise
cancellation feature on your phone,
if supported, for the best hands-free
performance.
See www.gm.com/bluetooth for U.S.
and Canada only.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Climate Controls 227
-:This mode clears the windows
of fog or moisture. Air is directed to
the windshield, floor outlets, and
side window vents.
0: Press to clear the windshield
of fog or frost more quickly. Air is
directed to the windshield and the
side window 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.
See Air Vents 0231.
@: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: If equipped, press to turn the
outside air mode on. An indicator
light on the button comes on to
show that outside air is on. When
selected, air from outside the
vehicle circulates throughout the
vehicle. The recirculation mode
cannot be used with the outside
air mode.
A/C : 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: 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 on. The
defogger turns off if the ignition is
turned to ACC/ACCESSORY or 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/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
230 Climate Controls
conditioning compressor also comes
on, unless the outside temperature
is below freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
SeeAir Vents 0231.
A/C : 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.
@: 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: 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,
press
Kto heat the mirrors. See
Heated Mirrors 050.
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.
Some vehicles may have the
exterior temperature sensor in the
passenger side mirror instead of the
front grille area.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
234 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 244
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 245
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 247
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 255
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 260
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Active Fuel Management . . . . . 264
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 265
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 282
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . 284
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 288
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 289
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) (2500/3500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 300
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 243
{Warning
Getting out of the vehicle on the
downhill side when stopped
across an incline is dangerous.
If the vehicle rolls over, you could
be crushed or killed. Always get
out on the uphill side of the
vehicle and stay well clear of the
rollover path.
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow,
or Ice
Use a low gear when driving in mud
—the deeper the mud, the lower
the gear. Keep the vehicle moving
to avoid getting stuck.
Traction changes when driving on
sand. On loose sand, such as on
beaches or sand dunes, the tires
tend to sink into the sand. This
affects steering, accelerating, and
braking. Drive at a reduced speed
and avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. Traction is reduced on hard packed
snow and ice and it is easy to lose
control. Reduce vehicle speed when
driving on hard packed snow
and ice.
{Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds,
or rivers can be dangerous. Ice
conditions vary greatly and the
vehicle could fall through the ice;
you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
Driving in Water
{Warning
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers
could drown. If it is only shallow
water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Traction could be lost, and the
vehicle could roll over. Do not
drive through rushing water.
Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep,
drive through it slowly. At faster
speeds, water can get into the
engine and cause it to stall. Stalling
can occur if the exhaust pipe is
under water. Do not turn off the
ignition when driving through water.
If the exhaust pipe is under water,
the engine will not start. When going
through water, the brakes get wet
and it may take longer to stop. See
“Driving on Wet Roads” later in this
section.