2019 GMC SIERRA DENALI Owners Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
248 Driving and Operating Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “ Weight of the Trailer ” under
Trailer Towing 0 281 .
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load under the following
conditions:
.
Through rolling terrain
.
In stop-and-go traffic
.
In busy parking lots where
improved low speed control of
the vehicle is desired
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or with no
trailer at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to
selecting Tow/Haul Mode when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.
When selected, the Tow/Haul Mode
light will display in the instrument
cluster. If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/
Haul Mode active, Tow/Haul Mode
will remain active after the vehicle
has been turned on if the vehicle
was turned off for less than four
hours. Otherwise, the vehicle will
start up in Tour Mode.
Terrain Mode
Use for finer control during low
speed, off-road driving. When using
this mode it will mimic the
characteristics of four-wheel-drive
low without the torque capabilities.
Use when:
.
Traveling on very rough roads at
very low speeds, such as a
two-track or heavily rutted road.
.
Traveling slowly in grassy fields.
.
Pulling a boat out of the water
on a trailer.
.
Using the vehicle for public
off-road recreational driving.
See Off-Road Driving 0 200 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0 206 . When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle
will shift automatically but may hold
a lower gear longer to maximize
engine torque. The steering will
change to provide more precise
control. A unique pedal map,
transmission shift pattern, and rpm
control are utilized to give better
control at lower speeds and over
rough terrain. When the vehicle
comes to a stop, Vehicle Hold is
engaged. TCS will be optimized for
maximum torque transfer across
axles, and Active Braking During Lift
Throttle will be engaged.
Active Braking During Lift Throttle:
.
Automatically applies light
braking, similar to heavy engine
braking of four-wheel-drive low.
.
In D (Drive), the vehicle will
apply light braking until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In
Manual L1 and Manual L2,
moderate braking may stop the
vehicle.
.
Trailer braking is reduced.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 249Terrain Mode
Drive Select Expected Vehicle Behavior Ideal Terrain
Drive (L3-Lx) Minor deceleration when off
throttle and mild ability to
modulate throttle, mimicks
performance of 4-low without
torque multiplication. Grassy fields,
mild two tracks,
rutted roads,
large rolling hills,
L2 Moderate deceleration when
off throttle and moderate
ability to modulate throttle.
Will bring vehicle to a stop in
most cases. Mild rock crawling,
heavy ruts,
short, steeper grades,
L1 Significant deceleration when
off throttle and significant
ability to modulate throttle.
Will bring vehicle to a stop in
most cases. Rock crawling
down hill
Active Braking During Lift Throttle
will reduce the back and forth
between the accelerator and brake
pedals.
Vehicle Hold Features:
.
When the vehicle comes to a
stop on an incline grade in
forward gear or on a decline grade in reverse gear, Vehicle
Hold is engaged until the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
.
When the vehicle is in forward
gear on a decline, the vehicle is
allowed to creep down the hill
when brake pedal is released without pressing accelerator
pedal. The vehicle will also
creep forward on flat ground.
.
If the driver seat belt is removed
and the driver door is opened
while vehicle is being held, EPB
will be engaged.
.
EPB will engage if vehicle is
held for an extended period.
Terrain Mode is only available on
vehicles equipped with the single
speed transfer case.
Terrain Mode can only be
active when:
.
Vehicle speed is less than
80 km/h (50 mph).
.
The transfer case is in 4
m .
Frequent use of this mode may
cause brake wear due to the light
braking.
The vehicle will automatically exit
the mode if the brakes get too hot.
Terrain mode can be turned back on
after the brakes have cooled.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
250 Driving and Operating When Terrain Mode is selected:
.
Auto Engine Start/Stop will be
disabled.
.
The Terrain Mode indicator
displays on the instrument
cluster.
Limited-Slip Differential If equipped, the limited-slip
differential 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 allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle. For vehicles with the
limited-slip differential, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 415 .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
{ WarningCruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
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 cruise control is being used
and the Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 251will automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0 243 . If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0 260 . When
road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be
turned back on.
Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/
ESC system will disengage the
cruise control.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages. 5 : Press to turn cruise control on
or off. A white indicator comes on or
off in the instrument cluster.
+RES : If there is a set speed in
memory, press the control up briefly
to resume to that speed or press
and hold to accelerate. If cruise
control is already engaged, use to
increase vehicle speed.
SET − : Press the control down
briefly to set the speed and activate
cruise control. If cruise control is
already engaged, use to decrease
vehicle speed.
* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5 is on when not in use, SET − or
+RES could get pressed and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep
5off when cruise is not being used.
1. Press
5 to turn the cruise
system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed. 3. Press and release SET − .
4. Remove your foot from the
accelerator.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after
cruise control has been set to the
desired speed. See Instrument
Cluster 0 138 .
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied or
* is pressed, the
cruise control is disengaged without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, press
RES+ up briefly. The vehicle returns
to the previously set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.
Press and hold +RES up until
the desired speed is reached,
then release it.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
252 Driving and Operating .
To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, press +RES
up briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0 138 .
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.
Press and hold SET – down until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.
To slow down in small
increments, press SET – down
briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0 138 .
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed. Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing SET – will result in cruise
control set to the current vehicle
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain
vehicle speed.
While going downhill, cruise braking
helps maintain driver selected
speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started and
cruise control is active. It is not
enabled in Range Selection Mode. It assists in maintaining driver
selected speed when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
For other forms of descent control,
see Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 245 , Automatic Transmission
0 229 , and Tow/Haul Mode 0 234 .
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.
Press
* .
.
Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.
To turn off cruise control,
press
5 .
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
5 is pressed
or the ignition is turned off.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 253
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.
{ WarningDo 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
0 198 .
Under many conditions, these
systems will not:
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
Detect children,
pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.
Detect vehicles or objects
outside the area monitored
by the system.
.
Work at all driving speeds.
.
Warn you or provide you
with enough time to avoid a
crash.
.
Work under poor visibility or
bad weather conditions.
.
Work if the detection sensor
is not cleaned or is covered
by ice, snow, mud, or dirt.
.
Work if the detection sensor
is covered up, such as with
a sticker, magnet, or metal
plate.
.
Work if the area surrounding
the detection sensor is
damaged or not properly
repaired.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes and/or steer
the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible or Safety Alert Seat
Some driver assistance features
alert the driver of obstacles by
beeping. To change the volume of
the warning chime, see “ Comfort
and Convenience ” under Vehicle
Personalization 0 167 .
If equipped with the Safety Alert
Seat, the driver seat cushion may
provide a vibrating pulse alert
instead of beeping. To change this,
see “ Collision/Detection Systems ”
under Vehicle Personalization
0 167 .
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep
these areas of the vehicle clean to
ensure the best driver assistance
feature performance. Driver

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
254 Driving and Operating Information Center (DIC) messages
may display when the systems are
unavailable or blocked. .
Front and rear bumpers and the
area below the bumpers
.
Front grille and headlamps
.
Front camera lens in the front
grille or near the front emblem
.
Front side and rear side panels
.
Outside of the windshield in front
of the rearview mirror
.
Side camera lens on the bottom
of the outside mirrors
.
Rear side corner bumpers
.
Rear Vision Camera in the
tailgate handle
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing If equipped, the Rear Vision Camera
(RVC), Surround Vision, Rear Park
Assist (RPA), Front Park Assist
(FPA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) may help the driver park or
avoid objects. Always check around
the vehicle when parking or
backing. The RVC, RPA, and Surround
Vision will not work properly if the
tailgate is down. If the tailgate is
down, do not use these systems.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) When the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), the RVC displays an
image of the area behind the vehicle
in the infotainment display. The
previous screen displays when the
vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse)
after a short delay. To return to the
previous screen sooner, press any
button on the infotainment system,
shift into P (Park), or, while in D
(Drive), reach a vehicle speed of
approximately 12 km/h (8 mph). The
rear vision camera is in the tailgate
handle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 255
1. View Displayed by the Rear
Vision Camera
1. View Displayed by the Rear
Vision Camera
2. Corners of the Rear Bumper Displayed images may be farther or
closer than they appear. The area
displayed is limited and objects that
are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper do not
display.
A warning triangle may display to
show that Rear Park Assist (RPA)
has detected an object. This triangle
changes from amber to red and
increases in size the closer the
object.
If equipped with Hitch View, see
“ Surround Vision ” following.
Surround Vision (360 Degrees) If equipped, the Surround Vision
system can display various views
surrounding the vehicle in the
infotainment display using four
cameras mounted around the
vehicle. The front camera is in the
grille under the front emblem, the
side cameras are on the bottom of
the outside mirrors, and the rear
camera is in the tailgate handle.
The Surround Vision system can be
accessed by selecting CAMERA in
the infotainment display or when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
To return to the previous screen
sooner, press any button on the
infotainment system, shift into
P (Park), or, while in D (Drive),
reach a vehicle speed of
approximately 12 km/h (8 mph).
{ WarningThe Surround Vision cameras
have blind spots and will not
display all objects near the
corners of the vehicle. Folding
outside mirrors that are out of
position may not display surround
view correctly. Always check
around the vehicle when parking
or backing.