2023 GMC SIERRA Owners Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
216 Driving and Operating
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.”See
Trailer Towing 0272 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules, and trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1
= (453 kg) (1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lb) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lb)
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lb)
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2= 453 kg (1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lb) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lb)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 217
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3= 453 kg (1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lb) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lb)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lb)
Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information label for specific
information about the vehicle's capacity
weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never
exceed the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label
is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the
vehicle's original tires and the inflation
pressures needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. This is
called Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, and
cargo.
The Certification/Tire label also may
show the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To determine the actual loads on the front and rear
axles, weigh the vehicle at a weigh
station. Your dealer can help with this.
Be sure to spread the load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
The Certification/Tire label also contains
important information about the Front
Axle Reserve Capacity.
{Warning
In the case of a sudden stop or
collision, things carried in the bed of
your truck could shift forward and
come into the passenger area,
injuring you and others. If you put
things in the bed of your truck, you
should make sure they are properly
secured.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
218 Driving and Operating
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help load the vehicle the
right way.
{Warning
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to. There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in this
manual. See
“Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving“ underOff-Road
Driving 0208.
Two-Tiered Loading
Depending on the model of the pickup,
an upper load platform can be created
by positioning three or four 5 cm (2 in)
by 15 cm (6 in) wooden planks across
the width of the pickup box. The planks
must be inserted in the pickup box
depressions.
When using this upper load platform,
be sure the load is securely tied down
to prevent it from shifting. The load's
center of gravity should be positioned
in a zone over the rear axle. The zone is
located in the area between the front
of each wheel well and the rear of each
wheel well. The center of gravity height
must not extend above the top of the
pickup box flareboard. Any load that extends beyond the
vehicle's taillamp area must be properly
marked according to local laws and
regulations.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
Add-On Equipment
When carrying removable items, a limit
on how many people carried inside the
vehicle may be necessary. Be sure to
weigh the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 219
* Equipment Maximum Weight
Ladder Rack and
Cargo340 kg (750 lb)
Cross Toolbox and
Cargo 181 kg (400 lb)
Side Boxes and
Cargo 113 kg per side
(250 lb per side)
* The combined weight for all
rail-mounted equipment should not
exceed 454 kg (1,000 lb).
Loading Points
1. Primary Load Points
2. Secondary Load Areas
3. GM Approved Accessory Mounting Points
Structural members (1) and (2) are included
in the pickup box design. Additional
accessories should use these load points.
Depending on the accessory design, use a
spacer under the accessory at the load
points to remove gap. The holes for GM
approved accessories (3) are not intended for
aftermarket equipment. See
www.gmupfitter.com for additional pickup
box load bearing structural information.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
A vehicle-specific Truck-Camper Loading
Information label is attached to the
inside of the vehicle's glove box. This
label indicates if a slide-in camper can
be carried, how much of a load the
vehicle can carry, and how to correctly
spread out the load. It will help to
match the right slide-in camper to the
vehicle. Your dealer can help make a good
vehicle-camper match and help
determine the Cargo Weight
Rating (CWR).
When installing and loading a slide-in
camper, check the manufacturer's
instructions.
When carrying a slide-in camper, the
total cargo load of the vehicle is the
weight of the camper plus:
.Everything added to the camper after
it left the factory.
.Everything in the camper.
.All the people inside.
The CWR is the maximum weight of the
load the vehicle can carry. It does not
include the weight of the people inside.
But, use about 68 kg (150 lb) for
each seat.
The total cargo load must not be more
than the vehicle's CWR.
Refer to the Truck-Camper Loading
Information label in the glove box for
dimensions A and B as shown in the
following illustration.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
220 Driving and Operating
Use the rear edge of the load floor for
measurement purposes. The
recommended location for the cargo
center of gravity is in zone C for the
CWR. It is the point where the mass of
a body is concentrated and,
if suspended at that point, would
balance the front and rear.
Here is an example of proper truck and
camper match:
1.Camper Center of Gravity
2.Recommended Center of Gravity
Location Zone
When the truck is used to carry a
slide-in camper, the total cargo load of
the truck consists of the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight of
installed additional camper equipment
not included in the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight of
camper cargo, and the weight of
passengers in the camper. The total
cargo load should not exceed the truck's
cargo weight rating, and the camper's center of gravity (1) should fall within
the truck's recommended center of
gravity zone (2) when installed.
Any accessories or other equipment
that are added to the vehicle must be
weighed. Then, subtract this extra
weight from the CWR. This extra weight
may shorten the center of gravity zone
of the vehicle.
If the slide-in camper and its load
weighs less than the CWR, the center of
gravity zone for the vehicle may be
larger.
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
the vehicle. When the truck-camper is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh on
the front and on the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total axle loads should not
exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings are
given on the Certification/Tire label
attached to the B-pillar. See

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 221
“Certification/Tire Label”underVehicle
Load Limits 0215. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
See your dealer for more information
on curb weights, cargo weights, Cargo
Weight Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See Trailer Towing 0272 for the trailer
towing capabilities of the vehicle and
more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a “break-in”
period during the first 6,400 km
(4,000 miles) of routine driving. As the
vehicle is driven, the mechanical systems
adjust to provide optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy.
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
1. ACC/ACCESSORY
2. ON/RUN
3. START
The ignition switch has four positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
ON/RUN and the brake pedal must be
applied.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
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.