2024 GMC SIERRA DENALI power steering

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
234 Driving and Operating
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0125.
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
Work Truck Shown, Others Similar
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In the
case of insufficient electrical power,
however, 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 0124 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0124.
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-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 261
.Interior Trailer View
.Guidance Lines
.Hitch Guidance
Troubleshooting
The Transparent Trailer calibration may take
longer than expected or not calibrate if:
.The vehicle is driven too fast during
calibration. Speed should be maintained
below 50 km/h (31 mph).
.The vehicle is not driven straight during
calibration. Steering should be maintained
as straight as possible, excessive steering
during calibration may extend
calibration time.
.The calibration is attempted in low light.
Calibration should be attempted when
there is enough light.
.The calibration is attempted during
adverse weather conditions. Calibration
during conditions such as snow or heavy
rain should be avoided.
.The road surface is not ideal for
calibration. Calibration should be
attempted on an alternate road surface.
.The accessory trailer cameras are
swapped at the hitch connector. Ensure
that the camera mounted to the rear of
the trailer is connected to the rear trailer
camera input.
.The accessory trailer camera is mounted,
angled or rotated outside of the defined
mounting location (see camera
installation instructions).
Distortion may be observed in the calibrated
Transparent Trailer View if:
.The accessory trailer camera is mounted,
angled or rotated outside of the defined
mounting location (see camera
installation instructions).
The Transparent Trailer image is not the
right size:
.The size of the image overlaid on the face
of the trailer may be too large or too
small if the measurements input into the
Trailering App are not accurate.
The Transparent Trailer icon may appear
grayed out if:
.A compatible trailer profile is not
configured or a non-compatible trailer
profile is selected.
.The vehicle is in R (Reverse).
.The trailer is not connected.
.The accessory rear trailer camera is not
connected or connected to the incorrect
input.
The preview may not be provided or the
wrong preview may be provided if:
.The accessory cameras are not recognized.
Ensure that the accessory camera(s) are
connected and power cycle the vehicle.
.The accessory trailer cameras are
swapped at the hitch connector. Ensure
that the accessory camera(s) are
connected to the correct input.
.The accessory trailer camera(s) are
connected to the correct camera input.
.The accessory trailer camera(s) are not
installed according to the installation
instructions.
A feature may be unavailable or not
activating as expected if:
.The customization is disabled. Check the
customization settings where applicable.
.The accessory trailer cameras are
swapped at the hitch connector. Ensure
that the accessory camera(s) are
connected to the correct camera input.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 291
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
Mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0238.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0227.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Trailer Weight” underTrailer
Towing 0280.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.Through rolling terrain.
.In stop-and-go traffic.
.In busy parking lots. Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics, heavy or light steering
efforts, and reduced fuel economy.
Integrated Trailer Brake Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system for use with
electric trailer brakes or most electric over
hydraulic trailer brake systems. These
instructions apply to both types of electric
trailer brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake Control
Panel on vehicles with an ITBC system. The
power output to the trailer brakes is
proportional to the amount of vehicle
braking. This available power output to the
trailer brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with the
vehicle’s brake, antilock brake, and
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
systems. In trailering conditions that cause
the vehicle’s antilock brake or StabiliTrak/
ESC systems to activate, power sent to the
trailer's brakes will be automatically
adjusted to minimize trailer wheel lock-up.
This does not imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC.
If the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
or StabiliTrak/ESC systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC system may
not function fully or at all. Make sure all of
these systems are fully operational to allow
the ITBC system to function properly.
The ITBC system is powered through the
vehicle's electrical system. Turning the
ignition off will also turn off the ITBC
system. The ITBC system is fully functional
only when the ignition is in on.{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an air brake
system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking, including
increased stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in serious
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Vehicle Care 309
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 310
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 311
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 313
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 317
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check (Mechanical
Shifter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 333
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 337 Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . 341
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . 342
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 348
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . 351
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 351
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 359
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 361
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 361
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 362
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 376

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
314 Vehicle Care
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0376.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0376.
3. Battery - North America 0327.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0318.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0314.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0319.
7. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid 0323.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0314.
9. Auxiliary Battery. Battery - North
America 0327.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 326.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0337.
12. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System 0319.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0324.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil”
in the Duramax diesel supplement.
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0316.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0313 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Vehicle Care 323
normal idle speed for at least five minutes
while the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for five minutes while parked. If the warning
is still displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and
the ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message
displays, an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders helps to
prevent engine damage. In this mode, a loss
in power and engine performance will be
noticed. This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
If the engine or transmission detects an
impending hot fluid condition, then the
transmission may force upshifts to limit
temperatures. Downshifts may also be
prevented in this instance. Normal operationmay continue unless the display indicates
there is a hot condition and engine should
be idled.
Caution
After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, the engine oil
will be severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is cool may
cause engine damage. Allow the engine
to cool before attempting any repair.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change
the oil, and reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil
0314.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
The vehicle has a clutched engine cooling
fan. When the clutch is engaged, the fan
spins faster to provide more air to cool the
engine. In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully engages, so an increase in fan noise may be heard.
This is normal and should not be mistaken
as the transmission slipping or making extra
shifts. It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when starting
the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch
partially disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is in the
engine compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0313 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power
steering fluid unless there is a leak
suspected in the system or an unusual noise

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
324 Vehicle Care
is heard. A fluid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.
Wait for the power steering system to cool,
with the engine off, before checking the
fluid.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:1. Set the ignition off and let the engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be between the ADD and
FULL marks. If necessary, add only enough
fluid to bring the level up to the hashed
area between the ADD and FULL marks, do
not overfill. To prevent contamination of brake fluid,
never check or fill the power steering
reservoir with the brake master cylinder
cover off.
What to Use
Caution
Use of the incorrect fluid may damage
the vehicle and the damages may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0398.
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0398.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use
the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage
hoses and seals.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs to be
added, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. Use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall below
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid message
on the DIC that comes on when the washer
fluid is low. The message is displayed for
15 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle.
When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, washer fluid will need to
be added to the windshield washer fluid
reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview 0313 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
340 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
60 Powertrain Sensor 2 (DSL)
61 Active Hydraulic Steering (HD)
62 DEFC Batt 1/CVS
63 Trailer Brake
65 –
66 Cooling Fan Motor Left (LD)
67 –
68 DEFC Batt 2
69 Starter Pinion (LD Gas)/ Starter Motor (HD)
71 Cooling Fan Lower (LD)
72 Cooling Fan Right (LD)
73 Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp Left
74 Trailer Interface Module 2
75 Integrated Chassis Control Module
76 Electric RNG BDS Fuses
Usage
78 Engine Control Module
79 Cabin Cool Pump 17W (LD)/Auxiliary
Battery (HD)
80 Powertrain Sensor 1 (DSL)
81 Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp Right
82 Trailer Interface Module 1
83 FTZM 1
84 Trailer Battery 85 –
86 Engine Control Module 87 Injector B Even
88 O2 B Sensor
89 O2 A Sensor
90 Injector A Odd 91 Engine Control Module Throttle Control (HD) Fuses
Usage
92 Cool Fan Clutch (HD DSL)/Aeroshutter
(LD/HD)
Relays Usage
5 Rear Window Defogger
18 DC/AC Inverter
23 Fuel Heater (DSL)
35 Parking Lamp
36 Run/Crank
43 Secondary Axle Motor
59 A/C Clutch
64 Starter Motor (LD)/Cool Fan Clutch (HD DSL)
70 Starter Pinion (LD Gas)/ Starter Motor (HD)
77 Powertrain