
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
196 Climate Controls
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 202
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
Work Truck/Custom
1. Fan Control/Power Button
2. MAX Defrost
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. A/C (Air Conditioning) 5. TEMP (Temperature Control)
6. Recirculation
7. Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped) or
Heated Mirrors (If Equipped)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Climate Controls 197
Other Models
1. Fan Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Controls
3. TEMP (Temperature Control)
4. Recirculation
5. A/C (Air Conditioning)
6. Power Button
7. MAX Defrost
8. Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped) or Heated Mirrors (If Equipped)
9:Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed. On some
models, press the fan control to turn the
climate control system on or off. TEMP :
Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Controls : Press
z,Y,
or
[to change the direction of the
airflow. Any combination of the three
controls can be selected. An indicator light
comes on in the selected mode button.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following. An indicator light will
illuminate:
z: Air is directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
Y: Air is directed to the a/c outlets.
[:Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some air directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed if not
already above a medium fan speed. This
mode overrides the previous mode selected
and clears fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. When the control is pressed
again, the system returns to the previous
mode setting and fan speed.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
@: 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.
Avoid using recirculation for long periods of
time in cold or damp conditions. Using
recirculation in cold or damp conditions can
result in window fogging.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
198 Climate Controls
A/C :Press to turn the air conditioning 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
1REAR : 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 engine is running. The defogger turns
off if the vehicle is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If equipped with heated outside mirrors,
press
fto turn them on or off. See Heated
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.
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
1. Driver and Passenger Temperature
Controls
2. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
5. Recirculation
6. A/C (Air Conditioning) 7. Fan Control
8. ON/OFF
9. MAX Defrost
10. Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped) or Heated Mirrors (If Equipped)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
208 Driving and Operating
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement. 2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used for
off-road driving. Vehicles without four-wheel
drive and vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires must
not be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful off-road
driving is to control the speed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
214 Driving and Operating
.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.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
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. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 445. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0230. To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow. See
“Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out” later in this section.
If equipped, the front and rear axles may
be locked to improve traction. See Locking
Front Axle 0253 and
Locking Rear Axle 0253.
The Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0247. If TC/ESC cannot free
the vehicle, see “Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out” following.

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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

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Driving and Operating 271
When the steering wheel is moved
manually, the steering wheel light bar
flashes blue and
^on the instrument
cluster turns blue to indicate Super Cruise is
not steering the vehicle.
When ready to allow Super Cruise to
resume steering again, position the vehicle
in the center of the lane, hold the steering
wheel until the steering wheel light bar
turns green, and then release the steering
wheel when it is safe to do so.
{Warning
To help prevent crashes before making a
lane change:
.Always check mirrors.
.Glance over your shoulder.
.Use the turn signals.
Super Cruise Lane Change
Super Cruise can steer to perform a single
lane change under certain conditions when
requested by the driver or initiated by the
Super Cruise System. To request a lane change:
1. Verify the lane next to your vehicle is clear and conditions are safe to make a
lane change.
2. Use the turn signal lever to activate the turn signal in the direction of the desired
lane change.
3. Return the turn signal lever to the neutral position after the lane change.
See Turn and Lane-Change Signals 0149.
Super Cruise System may initiate a single
lane change when enabled through Vehicle
Personalization under following conditions:
.The Super Cruise System may initiate a
lane change to the left to pass a slower
moving vehicle ahead and a subsequent
lane change to right to return to your
original lane.
.Super Cruise System may initiate a lane
change to left or right when current lane
is ending ahead.
.To cancel a Super Cruise lane change,
return the turn signal lever to the neutral
position or move the turn signal lever.
.Super Cruise steering can be overridden
with manual steering at any time to
cancel a Super Cruise lane change.
If Super Cruise detects that traffic is clear,
Super Cruise will steer the vehicle to
perform the lane change. A message appears
on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
during the lane change to provide more
information on the status of the lane
change.
Super Cruise Lane Change functionality is
only available on Super Cruise capable
divided roads.
The Super Cruise Lane Change feature can
be enabled or disabled through the vehicle
personalization menu. See “Super Cruise
Lane Change” underVehicle Personalization
0 137.
Super Cruise Lane Change may be disabled
when a trailer or other accessory (e.g. bike
rack, cargo tray, etc) is detected.
Do not use Super Cruise Lane Change
feature when towing a trailer.