GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
122 Instruments and Controls
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
is on, there may be a problem with the
lights or the passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service right away.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light 0121
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message. If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. See
Ignition Positions 0216.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
128 Instruments and Controls
This light comes on when the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off.
If ESC is off, the Traction Control System
(TCS) is also off. To turn ESC off and on, see
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0236.
If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do not
assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust
driving accordingly.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer. If the system is working
normally the indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature warning
light indicates that the vehicle has
overheated. Driving with this light on can
damage the engine and it may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating 0321.
The engine coolant temperature warning
light comes on when the engine has
overheated.
If this happens, pull over and let the engine
idle. See Engine Overheating 0321.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Normal Mode is
selected.
This light comes on when Snow Mode is
selected.
This light comes on when Off-Road Mode is
selected.
See Driver Mode Control 0238.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
130 Instruments and Controls
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. SeeImmobilizer
Operation 033.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer 0145.
IntelliBeam Light
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam
system, if equipped, is enabled. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0143.
Front Fog Lamp Light
For vehicles with fog lamps, this light comes
on when the fog lamps are turned on.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are
turned off. See Fog Lamps0148.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps
are in use, except when only the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) are active. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0143.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Climate Controls 191
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 196
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
1. Fan Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Controls
3. TEMP (Temperature Control)
4. Recirculation
5. A/C (Air Conditioning)
6. ON/OFF
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.
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 217
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
SeeRemote Key Operation 015.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on 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.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the vehicle will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0220.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the vehicle
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 vehicle 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 vehicle off.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0234.
{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 vehicle off, pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP button one time without the
brake pedal applied will place the vehicle in
accessory mode.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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218 Driving and Operating
The vehicle 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
vehicle 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 0218.
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
vehicle is on, but the vehicle will not be able
to be driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button again to turn the vehicle off.Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0306.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. The remote key must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP with the brake
pedal applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button. The driver may observe a minor, and
temporary, brake pedal kickback when
starting the vehicle. This is normal.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), press ENGINE START/STOP
to continue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
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Driving and Operating 223
Warning (Continued)
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 220 and
Engine Exhaust 0222.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 276.
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift lever
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. This display comes on when the
ignition is in accessory mode, on,
or service mode.
There are several different positions for the
shift lever.
See Driver Mode Control 0238 and “Range
Selection Mode” underManual Mode 0226.
P : This position locks the rear wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the
vehicle has a heavy load, you might notice
an increase in the effort to shift out of
P (Park). See “Torque Lock” underShifting
Into Park 0220.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0220 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 276.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
250 Driving and Operating
When following a vehicle and entering a
curve, ACC may not detect the vehicle ahead
and accelerate to the set speed. When this
happens, the vehicle ahead indicator will not
appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not in your
lane and apply the brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an alert and/
or braking that is considered unnecessary.
It could respond to vehicles in different
lanes or stationary objects when entering or
exiting a curve. This is normal operation.
The vehicle does not need service.Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead until it
is completely in the lane. The brakes may
need to be manually applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of the
vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not within
your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not centered,
or is shifted to one side of the lane.
Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or roadside
objects may be incorrectly detected when
located along the roadway. Do Not Use ACC on Hills
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
as ACC may not detect a vehicle ahead.
Towing with ACC
If equipped when towing a trailer, ACC
driving characteristics such as following gap,
acceleration rates and braking rates may be
modified to provide a better towing
experience.
When ACC is used with vehicles equipped
with aftermarket trailer brake controller,
disengage ACC before applying the manual
trailer brake. ACC will not automatically
disengage when manual trailer brake is
applied.
ACC may be used when towing a trailer
when trailer attached is within GM-approved
allowable size and weight limits. See
Trailer
Towing 0280.