GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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118 Instruments and Controls
The front passenger seat belt reminder light
and chime may come on if an object is put
on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the reminder light and/or
chime, remove the object from the seat or
buckle the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. It is
located in the instrument cluster. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s),
the passenger sensing system, the
pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System 062.
The airbag readiness light comes on for
several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System 067 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
or the symbols for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on
or off symbol, to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON, or the on symbol, is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF, or the off symbol, is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, or if the airbag readiness light
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146 Lighting
for an additional 10 minutes. To keep the
lamps on for more than 10 minutes, the
ignition must be on or in ACC/ACCESSORY.
#:If equipped, turns on the fog lamps.
See Fog Lamps 0150.
IntelliBeam System
If equipped, this system turns the vehicle's
high-beam headlamps on and off according
to surrounding traffic conditions.
The system turns the high-beam headlamps
on when it is dark enough and there is no
other traffic present.
This light
bcomes on in the instrument
cluster when the IntelliBeam system is
enabled.
Turning On and Enabling IntelliBeam
To enable the IntelliBeam system, press
bon the turn signal lever when it is
dark outside and the exterior lamp control is
in AUTO or
2.
Driving with IntelliBeam
The system only activates the high beams
when driving over 40 km/h (25 mph).
The blue high-beam on light appears on the
instrument cluster when the high beams
are on.
There is a sensor near the top center of the
windshield that automatically controls the
system. Keep this area of the windshield
clear of debris to allow for best system
performance.
The high-beam headlamps remain on, under
the automatic control, until one of the
following situations occurs:
.The system detects an approaching
vehicle's headlamps.
.The system detects a preceding vehicle's
taillamps.
.The outside light is bright enough that
high-beam headlamps are not required.
.The vehicle's speed drops below 20 km/h
(12 mph).
.The IntelliBeam system is disabled by the
button on the turn signal lever. If this
happens, press
bon the turn signal
lever when the exterior lamp control is in
the AUTO or
2position to reactivate the
IntelliBeam system. The instrument
cluster light will come on to indicate the
IntelliBeam system is reactivated.
The high beams may not turn off
automatically if the system cannot detect
another vehicle's lamps because of any of
the following:
.The other vehicle's lamps are missing,
damaged, obstructed from view,
or otherwise undetected.
.The other vehicle's lamps are covered
with dirt, snow, and/or road spray.
.The other vehicle's lamps cannot be
detected due to dense exhaust, smoke,
fog, snow, road spray, mist, or other
airborne obstructions.
.The vehicle's windshield is dirty, cracked,
or obstructed by something that blocks
the view of the light sensor.
.The vehicle is loaded such that the front
end points upward, causing the light
sensor to aim high and not detect
headlamps and taillamps.
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Lighting 147
.Driving on winding or hilly roads.
The automatic high-beam headlamps may
need to be disabled if any of the above
conditions exist.
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
A reminder chime sounds when the
headlamps or parking lamps are manually
turned on, the vehicle is turned off, and a
door is open. To disable the chime, turn the
lamps off.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
Push the turn signal lever toward the
instrument panel to change the headlamps
from low to high beam.
Pull or push the turn signal lever to return
to low-beam headlamps.
When the high-beam headlamps are on, this
indicator light on the instrument cluster will
also be on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the high-beam
headlamps to signal a driver in front of you
that you want to pass. It works even if the
headlamps are in the automatic position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward
you, then release it.
If the headlamps are in the automatic
position or on low beam, the high-beam
headlamps will turn on. Depending on the
type of headlamp, they will either turn off
after a short duration or stay on as long as
you hold the lever toward you. The
high-beam indicator on the instrument
cluster will come on. Release the lever to
return to normal operation.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of the vehicle during the day. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on when the
following conditions are met:
.The vehicle is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The transmission is not in P (Park).
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL system is on, only the DRL
are on. The taillamps, sidemarker lamps,
instrument panel lights, and other lamps
will not turn on.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic
headlamp system switches from DRL to the
headlamps.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp
control to
Oand then release. For vehicles
first sold in Canada, turning off the DRL will
only work when the vehicle is parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to
AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
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148 Lighting
There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor,
otherwise the headlamps will come on when
they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. If it is light outside when the
vehicle leaves the garage, there is a slight
delay before the automatic headlamp
system changes to the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). During that delay, the
instrument cluster may not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the instrument panelillumination control is in the full bright
position. See
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0152.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps will turn off or may change
to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system turns off
when the exterior lamp control is turned to
Oor the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in
daylight with the engine on, and the
exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and other
exterior lamps come on. The transition time
for the lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are not
operating, these lamps turn off. Move the
exterior lamp control to
Oor;to disable
this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
Work Truck
Uplevel Shown, Base Level Similar
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Climate Controls 201
If equipped with heated outside mirrors,
press
fto turn them on or off. SeeHeated
Mirrors 036.
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.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation :
If equipped with remote start, the climate
control system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. If equipped with heated or
ventilated seats or a heated steering wheel,
these features may come on during a
remote start. See Remote Vehicle Start 020,
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 052, and
Heated Steering Wheel 0102.
Sensors
The solar sensor, on top of the instrument
panel near the windshield, monitors the
solar heat.
The climate control system uses the sensor
information to adjust the temperature, fan
speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise the
automatic climate control system may not
work properly. Afterblow Feature
If equipped, under certain conditions, the
fan may stay on or may turn on and off
several times after you turn off and lock the
vehicle. This is normal.
Air Vents
Use the sliding knobs on the center and side
air vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
Air vents blow warm air on the side
windows in cold weather. If Floor, Defog,
or Defrost modes are selected, a small
amount of air will come from the vents
closest to the window.
To close the front A/C vents, move the
sliding knobs to the full down position for
vertical slats or away from you for
horizontal slats.
To close the rear A/C vents, move the
sliding knobs to the full inboard position.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
air inlets at the base of the windshield
that could block airflow.
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Driving and Operating 257
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
If equipped with Super Cruise, ACC uses a
radar sensor(s) as well to detect other
vehicles. SeeRadio Frequency Statement
0 450.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0247. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC
can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0206.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the camera sensor is blocked by snow,
ice, or dirt. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead. Keep the
windshield and headlamps clean.
.When visibility is poor due to rain,
snow, fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust;
when other foreign objects obscure
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the camera’s view; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat
.When towing a trailer
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Driving and Operating 267
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield behind
the rearview mirror can become blocked by
snow, ice, dirt, mud, or debris. This area
needs to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
If equipped with Super Cruise, the radar
sensors on the front of the vehicle can also
become blocked by snow, ice, dirt, mud,
or debris. These areas need to be cleaned
for ACC to operate properly.
The vehicle headlamps may need to be
cleaned due to dirt, snow, or ice. Objects
that are not illuminated correctly may be
difficult to detect.
If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See“Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” previously
in this section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise control
system.
For cleaning instructions, see “Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0414.Super Cruise
If equipped, Super Cruise can steer to
maintain lane position under certain
conditions on Super Cruise-enabled roads
that are separated from opposing traffic.
Super Cruise can also steer to perform a
lane change under certain conditions on
Super Cruise-enabled roads. when a lane
change is initiated by the driver using the
turn signal lever.
A lane change can be initiated by the driver
using the turn signal lever.
The Super Cruise System may initiate a lane
change maneuver in following scenarios:
.to pass slower traffic
.when the current lane is ending ahead
.to return to the initial lane
See “Super Cruise Lane Change” later in this
section and Turn and Lane-Change Signals
0 149.
{Warning
Super Cruise can only assist to maintain
lane position, or steer to change lanes,
when driving on compatible roads. You
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
must supervise the driving task and
monitor the road conditions. You may
need to respond to traffic events by
steering, braking, or accelerating. See
Defensive Driving.
Super Cruise is:
.Not a self-driving system
.Not a crash avoidance or warning
system
.Not a substitute for proper supervision
of the driving task.
Super Cruise uses the following to detect
the current lane position and lane markings
ahead on compatible roads under certain
conditions:
.Cameras
.Global Positioning System (GPS) sensing
.A high-precision map
.GPS-enhancement data downloaded
through OnStar
Super Cruise works with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), which controls acceleration
and braking while Super Cruise is enabled
and operating. Review and understand both
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268 Driving and Operating
this section and the ACC section before
using Super Cruise. SeeAdaptive Cruise
Control (Camera) 0256.
An active Connected Service plan that
includes Super Cruise Services is required to
use Super Cruise.
{Warning
Super Cruise does not perform all aspects
of driving, nor does it do everything a
driver can do. Super Cruise only steers to
maintain vehicle position in the current
lane or, under some circumstances, to
change lanes. Super Cruise can only be
used with Adaptive Cruise Control.
Super Cruise does:
.Not prevent crashes or warn of
possible crashes.
.Not steer to avoid stopped or
slow-moving vehicles, cross-traffic,
construction barriers or cones,
motorcycles, children, pedestrians,
animals, or other objects on the road.
.Not steer in response to vehicles or
objects next to your vehicle, including
vehicles attempting to enter your lane. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not respond to traffic lights, stop
signs, or other traffic control devices.
.Not respond to crossing traffic.
.Not make turns.
.Not steer to merge onto or to exit
highways.
.Not steer to avoid, or steer through
construction zones.
.Not function on surface streets.
.Not respond to oncoming traffic.
.Not function in city driving conditions.
{Warning
Some state and local laws may require
hands to be kept on the steering wheel
at all times. Only remove your hands
from the steering wheel if Super Cruise is
engaged, it is safe to do so, and it is
permitted by state and local laws.
{Warning
Failure to supervise the driving task and
to respond appropriately, even while
Super Cruise is operating, can cause a
crash. Super Cruise may not respond as
you would to all driving situations and
may not maintain lane position under all
conditions.
It is extremely important to pay
attention to the operation of the vehicle,
even while using Super Cruise. Do not
use a hand-held device while driving,
even with Super Cruise engaged. To
prevent serious injury or death:
.Always remain properly seated in the
driver seat with your seat belt
fastened.
.Never remove your hands from the
steering wheel when Super Cruise is
not operating.
.Always make sure traffic conditions
are safe before using Super Cruise.
.Always keep the entire vehicle and the
sensors clean. Sensors are on the
front, sides, and rear of the vehicle.(Continued)