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74 Seats and Restraints
system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System 069.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0361 for
additional important information.
If a snow plow is added to the vehicle, the
airbags should still work properly. The
airbag systems were designed to work
properly under a wide range of conditions,
including snow plowing with vehicles that
have the optional snow plow prep package
(RPO VYU). Do not change or defeat the
snow plow's “tripping mechanism.” If you
do, it can damage the snow plow and the
vehicle, and may cause an airbag
deployment.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0407.Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 0121.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 066. See your dealer
for service.
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag systems
in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in
serious injury or even death. To help
make sure the airbag systems are
working properly after a crash, have
them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your dealer
for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after
the vehicle is started or comes on when you
are driving, the airbag system may not work
properly. Have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0121.

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104 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Instrument Cluster (Base Level) . . . . . . . . 112
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 118
Transmission Temperature Gauge (Uplevel only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 121 Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 124
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 124
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Disabled Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Uplevel Cluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 141

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116 Instruments and Controls
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in
either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles
per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has
been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven since the trip
odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset
through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0131 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 133.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
Fuel Gauge
Metric Base Level
English Base Level
Metric Uplevel
English Uplevel
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates the approximate amount of fuel
left in the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.

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Instruments and Controls 131
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white when the
cruise control is on and ready, and turns
green when the cruise control is set and
active.
SeeCruise Control 0239.
Adaptive Cruise Control Light
Base LevelUplevel
This light is white when the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC, if equipped) is on and ready,
and turns green when the ACC is set and
active. Curve Speed Control Light
If equipped, this light may illuminate green
when ACC is actively controlling the vehicle
speed and detects a sharp curve on the road
ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
while navigating the curve and may increase
speed out of the curve, but will not exceed
the set speed.
See
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0241.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)
The DIC displays are shown in the center of
the instrument cluster. The displays show
the status of many vehicle systems. The trip
odometer reset stem in the instrument
cluster is used to access the DIC menu
items.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement for more
information.
DIC Menu Items
Turn the trip odometer reset stem to scroll
through the following menu items:
.Digital Speedometer
.Trip 1/2
.Fuel Range
.Tire Pressure
.Remaining Oil Life
.Air Filter Life
.Brake Pad Life

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134 Instruments and Controls
Trip 1 or Trip 2, Average Fuel Economy, and
Average Speed :Shows the current distance
traveled, in either kilometers (km) or
miles (mi), since the trip odometer was last
reset.
The Average Fuel Economy display shows
the approximate average liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km), kilometers per
liter (km/L), or miles per gallon (mpg). This
number is calculated based on the value
recorded since the last time this menu item
was reset. This number reflects only the
approximate average fuel economy that the
vehicle has at that moment, and changes as
driving conditions change.
Average Speed shows the average speed of
the vehicle in kilometers per hour (km/h) or
miles per hour (mph). This average is
calculated based on various vehicle speeds
recorded since the last reset of this value.
Press the thumbwheel while this display is
active to reset the values.
Timer : To start the timer, press the
thumbwheel while this display is active. The
display will show the amount of time that
has passed since the timer was last reset. To
stop the timer, press the thumbwheel
briefly while this display is active and the
timer is running. Press the thumbwheel while this display is
active to reset the timer.
Tire Pressure :
Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 351 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0351.
Fuel Economy : Displays average fuel
economy, the best fuel economy over the
selected distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy.
Press the thumbwheel to change the
selected distance. This display can be reset
by selecting Reset in the menu.
Driver Assistance : If equipped, shows
information for Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW),
Forward Collision Alert (FCA), and Follow
Distance Indicator(FDI).
Oil Life : Shows an estimate of the
remaining oil life. If REMAINING OIL LIFE
99% is displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See
Engine Oil
0 314. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0394.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not
reset the Oil Life display at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, see Engine Oil Life
System 0316.
Brake Pad Life : Displays an estimate of the
remaining life of the front and rear brake
pads. Messages will display based on brake
pad wear and the state of the system. Reset
the Brake Pad Life display after replacing the
brake pads. See Brake Pad Life System
0 325.
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of the
remaining engine air filter’s life and the
state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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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.

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280 Driving and Operating
5. Gradually release the brake pedal toallow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then, apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer out of the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0394. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0321.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, and
durability. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.

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Driving and Operating 281
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, and how frequently the vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment” underTowing Equipment 0284
to determine if equalizer bars are required
to obtain the maximum trailer weight
rating. See
“Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0284 to determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
A trailering information label on the B-pillar
shows tow rating information for the
vehicle.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the Trailering Information
Label.
To check that the weight of the vehicle and
trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle,
follow these steps:
1. Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information Label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value on the Trailering Information
Label.