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
Infotainment System 187
or the DIC will display a message
indicating that Teen Driver is active and
the action is not available.
.Super Cruise or Ultra Cruise, if equipped,
is not available.
.Enhanced Low Fuel Warning
(if equipped)–When the vehicle is low
on fuel, the low fuel light on the
instrument cluster flashes and the DIC
low fuel warning cannot be dismissed.
.Do not tow a trailer if equipped with
Automatic Emergency Braking.
Report Card
The vehicle owner must secure the driver’s
consent to record certain vehicle data when
the vehicle is driven with a registered Teen
Driver key. There is one Report Card per
vehicle. Data is only recorded when a
registered Teen Driver key is used to
operate the vehicle.
The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven –the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed detected.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Wide Open Throttle –the number of
times the accelerator pedal was pressed
nearly all the way down.
.Forward Collision Alerts (if equipped) –
the number of times the driver was
notified when approaching a vehicle
ahead too quickly and at potential risk for
a crash.
.Forward Automatic Braking, also called
Automatic Emergency Braking (if
equipped) –the number of times the
vehicle detected that a forward collision
was imminent and applied the brakes.
.Reverse Automatic Braking (if equipped) –
the number of times the vehicle detected
that a rearward collision was imminent
and applied the brakes.
.Traction Control –the number of times
the Traction Control System activated to
reduce wheel spin or loss of traction.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.Antilock Braking System Active –The
number of Antilock Brake System
activations.
.Tailgating Alerts (if equipped) –the
number of times the driver was alerted
for following a vehicle ahead too closely.
Report Card Data
Cumulative Data is saved for all trips until
the Report Card is reset or until the
maximum count is exceeded. If the
maximum count is exceeded for a Report
Card line item, that item will no longer be
updated in the Report Card until it is reset.
Each item will report a maximum of
1,000 counts. The distance driven will report
a maximum of 64 374 km (40,000 mi).
To delete Report Card data, do one of the
following:
.From the Report Card display, touch
Reset.
.Touch Clear PIN and All Teen Driver Keys
from the Teen Driver menu. This will also
unregister any Teen Driver keys and
delete the PIN.
Forgotten PIN
See your dealer to reset the PIN.
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
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
202 Driving and Operating
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues
—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.