2023 GMC SIERRA ABS

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 239
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0123.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0122 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0122.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages. Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
240 Driving and Operating
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0268.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 205.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
244 Driving and Operating
System (ABS), StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), and Traction Control System
(TCS) performance.
For more information on off-road driving see
Off-Road Driving0208.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when hauling heavy loads to provide
increased performance and vehicle control.
Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the transmission
shift pattern, trailer sway, and steering.
If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/Haul
Mode active and then restarted within four
hours or less, Tow/Haul will remain active.
Otherwise, the vehicle will start in
Normal Mode.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, exhaust
braking is automatically activated when
Tow/Haul Mode is selected. It maintains
vehicle speed by automatically
implementing a shift pattern that uses the
engine and the transmission to slow the
vehicle. The system will command
downshifts and use the turbocharger on the
engine to reduce vehicle speed when the
brake is applied. The normal tow/haul shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode, grade breaking is deactivated,
allowing the driver to select a range and
limiting the highest gear available. See
Manual Mode
0232.
For more information on trailer weight
specifications, see Towing Equipment 0276.
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
{
Warning
Cruise 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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If equipped 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 will
automatically disengage. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0241. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0257.
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 271
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill:1. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park). Turn the wheels
toward the curb if facing downhill or
into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat. Disconnect the trailer wiring before backing
the trailer into the water to prevent damage
to the electrical circuits. Reconnect the
wiring to the trailer after removing the
trailer from the water. If the trailer has
electric brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave
the electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality while on
the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in Four-Wheel Drive High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/18/22
Vehicle Care 319
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0122.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0385.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0389.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0305 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 01.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0367 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/18/22
Vehicle Care 361
Rear Position
5. If the flat tire is on the rear of the vehicle, position the jack under the rear
axle between the spring anchor and the
shock absorber bracket.
If a snow plow has been added to the
front of the vehicle, lower the snow
plow fully before raising the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack head is
positioned so that the rear axle is resting
securely between the grooves that are
on the jack head.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is lifted
on a jack is dangerous. If the vehicle slips
off the jack, you could be badly injured
or killed. Never get under a vehicle when
it is supported only by a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can damage the
vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To
help avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head
into the proper location before raising
the vehicle.
{Warning
The jack has a feature to limit its travel
to prevent overextension. When the
height limit is reached, an increase in
resistance if felt when attempting to
raise the jack farther. Raising the jack
past the height limit can damage the jack
pin and cause the jack to lock into an
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overextended position or not lower fully.
Do not attempt to force the jack higher
once the height limit is reached.
6. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground so there is enough room
for the spare tire to fit under the
wheel well.
7. Remove all the wheel nuts and take offthe flat tire.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/18/22
374 Vehicle Care
10. Release the parking brake and removethe wheel blocks.
11. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature display will
default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage.
Dolly Towing
Caution
Do not tow this vehicle with two wheels
on the ground, or vehicle damage could
occur. This damage would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Dolly towing this vehicle is not allowed with
either the front or the rear tires on the
ground for two-wheel drive or four-wheel
drive, regardless of transfer case.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0389.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
{Warning
Do not power wash any part of the
vehicle’s interior, including the vinyl floor
covering. This could damage safety and
other systems in the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
416 Index
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Adding a Snow Plow or SimilarEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Additional OnStar Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 201
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 69
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 68
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 68
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 74
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Replacing System Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 73
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . 181
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Assistance Systems
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257