2024 GMC SIERRA DENALI steering

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
176 Infotainment System
Linking to a Different Phone
To link to a different cell phone, the new
cell phone must be in the vehicle and paired
to the Bluetooth system.1. Touch PHONE on the Home Page or the phone shortcut on the applications tray
at the bottom of the display.
2. Touch Phones.
3. Touch the new cell phone to link to from the not connected phone list. See “First
to Connect Paired Phones” previously in
this section for more information about
setting the device as the First to Connect
or as a Secondary Phone.
Switching to Handset or
Handsfree Mode
To switch between handset or
handsfree mode:
.While the active call is hands-free, touch
the Handset display option to switch to
the handset mode.
The mute icon will not be available nor
functional while Handset mode is active.
.While the active call is on the handset,
touch the Handset display icon to switch
to the hands-free mode.
Making a Call Using Contacts and Recent
Calls
Calls can be made through the Bluetooth
system using personal cell phone contact
information for all cell phones that support
the Phone Book feature. Become familiar
with the cell phone settings and operation.
Verify the cell phone supports this feature.
The Contacts menu accesses the phone book
stored in the cell phone.
The Recents menu accesses the recents call
list from your cell phone.
To make a call using the Contacts menu:
1. Touch Phone on the Home Page.
2. Touch Contacts.
3. The Contacts list can be searched by using the first character. Touch A-Z on
the infotainment display to scroll
through the list of names.
Select the name to call.
4. Select the desired contact number to call.
To make a call using the Recents menu: 1. Touch Phone on the Home Page.
2. Touch Recents.
3. Touch the name or number to call.
Making a Call Using the Keypad
To make a call by dialing the numbers:1. Touch Phone on the Home Page.
2. Touch Keypad and enter a phone number.
3. Touch
#to start dialing the number.
Searching Contacts Using the Keypad
To search for contacts using the keypad: 1. Touch Phone on the Home Page.
2. Touch Keypad and enter partial phone numbers or contact names using the
digits on the keypad to search.
Results appear on the right side of the
screen. Touch one to place a call.
Accepting or Declining a Call
When an incoming call is received, the
infotainment system mutes and a ring tone
is heard in the vehicle.
Accepting a Call
There are three ways to accept a call:
.Pressgon the steering wheel controls.
.Touch Answer on the infotainment
display.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Infotainment System 177
.Select Answer on the instrument cluster
using the select control.
Declining a Call
There are three ways to decline a call:
.Pression the steering wheel controls.
.Touch Ignore on the infotainment display.
.Select Ignore on the instrument cluster
using the select control.
Call Waiting
Call waiting must be supported on the
Bluetooth cell phone and enabled by the
wireless service carrier to work.
Accepting a Call
There are three ways to accept a
call-waiting call:
.Pressgon the steering wheel controls.
.Touch Switch on the infotainment display.
.Select Switch on the instrument cluster
using the select control.
Declining a Call
There are three ways to decline a
call-waiting call:
.Pression the steering wheel controls.
.Touch Ignore on the infotainment display.
.Select Ignore on the instrument cluster
using the select control.
Switching Between Calls (Call Waiting
Calls Only)
To switch between calls, press the phone
icon on the Home Page to display the Call
View. While in Call View, touch the call
information of the call on hold to change
calls.
Three-Way Calling
Three-way calling must be supported on the
Bluetooth phone and enabled by the
wireless service carrier to work.
To start a three-way call while in a
current call: 1. In the Call View, select Add Call to add another call.
2. Initiate the second call by selecting from Recents, Contacts, or Keypad.
3. When the second call is active, press the merge icon to conference the three-way
call together.
Ending a Call
.Pression the steering wheel controls.
.Touchbnext to a call to end only
that call.
.Select End on the instrument cluster using
the select control.
Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Tones
The in-vehicle Bluetooth system can send
numbers during a call. This is used when
calling a menu-driven phone system. Use the
Keypad to enter the number.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
(Base Radio)
If equipped, Android Auto and/or Apple
CarPlay capability may be available through
a compatible smartphone. If available, the
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay icons will
change from gray to color on the Home
Page of the infotainment display.
To use Android Auto and/or Apple CarPlay:
For Wired Phone Projection
1. Download the Android Auto app to your smartphone from the Google Play store
for phones running Android 9 and below.
There is no app required for Apple
CarPlay.
2. Connect your Android phone or Apple iPhone by using the factory-provided
phone USB cable and plugging into a
USB data port. For best performance, it is

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
182 Infotainment System
Apps
The menu may contain the following:
Android Auto
Allows interacting directly with a mobile
device on the infotainment display. See
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Base
Radio)0177 or
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Uplevel
Radio) 0179.
Apple CarPlay
This feature allows you to interact directly
with your mobile device on the infotainment
display. See Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
(Base Radio) 0177 or
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Uplevel
Radio) 0179.
Audio
Adjusts different audio settings.
Phone
Adjusts different phone settings.
Vehicle
The menu may contain the following:
Rear Seat Reminder
Allows for a chime and a message when the
rear door has been opened before or during
operation of the vehicle.
Climate and Air Quality
Adjusts different climate settings.
Collision/Detection Systems
Adjusts different driver assistance system
settings.
Comfort and Convenience
Adjusts different comfort and convenience
settings.
Lighting
Adjusts different lighting settings.
Power Door Locks
Adjusts different door lock settings.
Remote Lock, Unlock, and Start
Adjusts different remote lock settings.
Ride Height
Adjusts different ride height settings. Power Assist Steps
Adjusts different running board settings.
Seating Position
Adjusts different seat settings.
Suspension
Adjusts different suspension settings.
Trailering
Adjusts different trailering settings.
Teen Driver
See
Teen Driver 0185.
Valet Mode
This will lock the infotainment system and
steering wheel controls. It may also limit
access to vehicle storage locations,
if equipped.
To enable valet mode: 1. Enter a four-digit code on the keypad.
2. Select Enter to go to the confirmation screen.
3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or unlock the
system. Touch Back to go back to the
previous menu.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Climate Controls 195
0MAX :Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed if not
already above a medium fan speed. This
mode overrides the previous mode selected
and clears fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. When the control is pressed
again, the system returns to the previous
mode setting and fan speed.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
It can also be used to help reduce outside
air and odors that enter the vehicle.
Avoid using recirculation for long periods of
time in cold or damp conditions. Using
recirculation in cold or damp conditions can
result in window fogging.
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning on
or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is enabled. If the
fan is turned off, the air conditioner will not
run. The A/C light will stay on even if the
outside temperatures are below freezing.
Rear Window Defogger
1REAR : If equipped, press to turn the
rear window defogger on or off. An indicator
light on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works when
the engine is running. The defogger can be
turned off by turning the vehicle off or to
accessory mode.
If equipped with heated outside mirrors,
press
fto turn them on or off. See Heated
Mirrors 037.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not clear the inside rear window with
sharp objects.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation :
If equipped with remote start, the climate
control system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. If equipped with heated or
ventilated seats or a heated steering wheel,
these features may come on during a remote start. See
Remote Vehicle Start 021,
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 054, and
Heated Steering Wheel 0105.
Sensors
The solar sensor, on top of the instrument
panel near the windshield, monitors the
solar heat.
The climate control system uses the sensor
information to adjust the temperature, fan
speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise the
automatic climate control system may not
work properly.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
198 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . 199
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Truck-Camper Loading Information . . . . . 214
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 220
Vehicle Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 222Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 223
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) . . . . . . 241
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems . . . 252
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Surround Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 263
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . 270
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Filling the Tank (Pickup Models) . . . . . . . 273
Filling the Tank (Chassis Cab and Box Delete Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 276

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 199
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Trailering App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 306
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab . . . . . 308
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
200 Driving and Operating
.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 057.
.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-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 201
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
0 323.
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 0227.
The power steering system may require
maintenance. See Power Steering Fluid
0 323. 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.