
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
136 Instruments and Controls
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, these buttons are in the
overhead console.
This system can replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security
systems, and home automation devices.
These instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other devices.
Do not use the Universal Remote system
with any garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quick and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal Remote
System
Programming involves time-sensitive actions
and may time out, requiring the procedure
to be repeated. Read these instructions
completely before programming the
Universal Remote system. It may help to
have another person assist with the
programming process.
1. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3 in)
away from the Universal Remote system
buttons with the indicator light in view. The hand-held transmitter was supplied
by the manufacturer of the garage door
opener receiver.
2. Press and release one of the three Universal Remote system buttons to be
programmed. Press and hold the
hand-held transmitter button. Do not
release the hand-held transmitter button
until the indicator light changes from a
slow to a rapid flash or continuous light.
Then release the hand-held transmitter
button.
Some garage door openers may require
substitution of Step 2 with the procedure
under “Radio Signals for Some Gate
Operators” later in this section.
3. Press and hold the newly programmed Universal Remote system button for
five seconds while watching the indicator
light and garage door activation.
.If the indicator light stays on
continuously or the garage door
moves when the button is pressed,
then programming is complete. There
is no need to complete Steps 4–6.
.If the indicator light does not come
on or the garage door does not
move, a second button press may be
required. For a second time, press

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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152 Infotainment System
Using the System
Audio
Touch the Audio icon to display the active
audio source page. Examples of available
sources may include AM, FM, SXM (if
equipped), USB, AUX, and Bluetooth.
Phone
Touch the Phone icon to display the Phone
main page. SeeBluetooth (Pairing and Using
a Phone) 0177 or
Bluetooth (Overview) 0176.
Nav
If equipped, touch the Nav icon to display
the navigation map. See Using the
Navigation System 0160.
Users
If equipped, touch the Users icon to sign in
or create a new user profile, and follow the
on-screen instructions.
Only four user profiles can be active at one
time in the vehicle. It may be necessary to
remove a profile from the menu before
creating or signing into an existing profile.
The removed profile can be logged into at a
later time.
Settings
Touch the Settings icon to display the
Settings menu. See Settings0182.
Apple CarPlay
Touch the Apple CarPlay icon to activate
Apple CarPlay (if equipped) after a
supported device is connected. See Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto 0181.
Android Auto
Touch the Android Auto icon to activate
Android Auto (if equipped) after a supported
device is connected. See Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto 0181.
Apps
If equipped, in-vehicle apps are available for
download. Touch the Apps icon on the
Home Page to begin.
Downloading and using in-vehicle apps
requires Internet connectivity which can be
accessed with a data plan through the
vehicle’s built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot,
if equipped, or a compatible mobile device
hotspot. On most mobile devices, activation
of the Wi-Fi hotspot is in the device’s Settings menu under Mobile Network
Sharing, Personal Hotspot, Mobile Hotspot,
or similar.
Availability of apps and connectivity varies
by vehicle, conditions, and location. Data
plan rates apply. Features are subject to
change. For more information, see
www.my.gmc.com/learn.
OnStar Services
If equipped, touch the OnStar Services icon
to display the OnStar Services and Account
pages. See
OnStar Overview 0408.
Camera
If equipped, touch the Camera icon to access
the camera application. See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0248.
Shortcut Tray
The shortcut tray is near the bottom of the
display. It shows up to four applications.
Infotainment Display Features
Infotainment display features show on the
display when available. When a feature is
unavailable, it may gray out. When a
feature is touched, it may highlight.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Driving and Operating 203
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . 204
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Truck-Camper Loading Information . . . . . 219
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Ignition Positions (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . 221
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) . . . . . 223
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 227
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 229
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 230
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 238
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Surround Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 257
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 260
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . 262
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Filling the Tank (Pickup Models) . . . . . . . 265
Filling the Tank (Chassis Cab and Box Delete Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . 268

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Driving and Operating 205
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 058.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious —or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops or a brake fault
occurs, the brakes may lose power assist.
More effort will be required to stop the
vehicle. It may take longer to stop.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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206 Driving and Operating
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Hydraulic Power Steering (2500/3500
Series)
(2500/3500 Series–All Regular Cab, Double
Cab/Crew Cab with Base Interior)
The power steering system may require
maintenance. See Power Steering Fluid 0315.
If power steering assist is lost because the
engine stops or the system malfunctions,
the vehicle can be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer.
(2500/3500 Series –Double Cab/Crew Cab
with Uplevel Interior)
The vehicle has a power steering system
that varies the amount of effort required to
steer the vehicle. Less steering effort is
required at slower speeds. At faster speeds,
the required steering effort increases. The
system helps the steering wheel return to
center at low speeds. Pressing the Tow/Haul
mode button adjusts steering effort for
driving conditions described in Tow/Haul
Mode 0234.
The power steering system may require
maintenance. See Power Steering Fluid 0315. If power steering assist is lost because the
engine stops or the system malfunctions,
the vehicle can be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer.
{Warning
Do not hold the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal at the same time.
Damage may occur to the power steering
and power brake systems which could
lead to reduced performance, up to and
including loss of steering and brake
assist.
Caution
Do not hold the steering wheel at full
rotation for more than 15 seconds and/or
at an elevated RPM. Damage may occur
to the power steering system and there
may be loss of power steering assist.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.

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222 Driving and Operating
0 (Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF) :This
position turns off the vehicle. It also locks
the ignition, the transmission, and the
steering column, if equipped with a locking
steering column.
To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park).
3. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0239.
4. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF. 5. Remove the key.
6. Release the brake pedal.
See your dealer if the key can be removed
in any other position.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 227.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering column,
the steering can bind with the front wheels
turned off center, which may prevent key
rotation out of LOCK/OFF. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this does not work, then the vehicle needs
service.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, turn off the
vehicle only in an emergency. In an emergency, if the vehicle cannot be
pulled over and must be turned off while
driving:
1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
Continue braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop.
5. Shift to P (Park).
6. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column (1), then turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF (2).
7. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0239.
8. Remove the key.
9. Release the brake pedal.

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Driving and Operating 223
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in—or pushed all the way in
toward the steering column when turning
off the vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This position allows
features such as the infotainment system to
operate while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column, if equipped
with a locking steering column. Use this
position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 227.
From ON/RUN, push the key all the way in
toward the steering column, then turn the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/ACCESSORY with the
engine off, the battery could drain and the
vehicle may not start.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories and to
display some instrument cluster warning
and indicator lights. This position can also be used for service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the
engine is running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position.
If the key is left in ON/RUN with the engine
off, the battery could drain and the vehicle
may not start.
3 (START) :
This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts, release
the key. The ignition returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have
pushbutton starting.
The remote key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Key Access) 012 or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 014.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
on or in Service Mode, and the brake pedal
must be applied.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
224 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0227.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition system will
turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
ignition is turned off and driver door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
Unless an emergency exists, do not turn the
engine off when the vehicle is moving. This
will cause a loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP button for
longer than two seconds, or press twice
in five seconds.
2. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and make sure engine is off.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the ignition off.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0239.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency. Accessory Mode (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows some electrical accessories
to be used when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the button
once without the brake pedal applied will
place the ignition system in accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from accessory
mode to OFF after five minutes to prevent
battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :
This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing ENGINE START/STOP button once
will turn the ignition on. Once engine
cranking begins, release the button. Engine
cranking will continue until the engine
starts. See Starting the Engine 0225.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for
more than five seconds will place the vehicle
in Service Mode. The instruments and audio
systems will operate as they do when the