GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
Instruments and Controls 105
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place. Tilt and Telescoping Wheel
To adjust the tilt and telescoping steering
wheel, if equipped:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving.
Heated Steering Wheel
(: If equipped, press to turn it on or off.
A light next to the button displays when the
feature is turned on.
The steering wheel takes about
three minutes to start heating.
Remote Start Heated Steering Wheel
If equipped with remote start, the heated
steering wheel may turn on automatically
during a remote start along with the heated
seats when it is cold outside. The heated
steering wheel indicator light may not
come on.
See Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 054.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
Instruments and Controls 119
Transmission Temperature Gauge
(Uplevel only)
Transmission Temperature Gauge(Uplevel only)
Transmission Temperature Gauge(Uplevel only)
This gauge displays while the vehicle is in
the Tow/Haul driver mode, and the lower
gauges are configured to display four
gauges. The transmission fluid temperature
is also selectable as Left/Right side info. To
change gauge configurations, see “Options”
under Instrument Cluster (Base Level) 0112
or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 0113. The transmission temperature gauge shows
the transmission fluid temperature. If the
gauge is reading in the red area and/or a
message appears in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), the vehicle must be stopped
and the cause checked. One possible cause is
a low fluid level in the transmission.
Caution
Do not drive the vehicle while the
transmission fluid is overheating, or the
transmission can be damaged. This could
lead to costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty.
Voltmeter Gauge
Base Level
Uplevel
When the ignition is on, this gauge indicates
the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, this gauge
shows the condition of the charging system.
The gauge can transition from a higher to
lower or a lower to higher reading. This is
normal. If the vehicle is operating outside
the normal operating range, the charging
system light comes on. See Charging System
Light 0122. The voltmeter gauge may also
read lower when in fuel economy mode.
This is normal.
Readings outside the normal operating
range can also occur when a large number
of electrical accessories are operating in the
vehicle and the engine is left idling for an
extended period. This condition is normal
since the charging system is not able to
provide full power at engine idle. As engine
speeds are increased, this condition should
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 - 12/7/22
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 - 12/7/22
Climate Controls 193
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
1. Driver and Passenger TemperatureControls
2. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
5. Recirculation 6. A/C (Air Conditioning)
7. Fan Control
8. Power Button
9. MAX Defrost
10. Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped) or Heated Mirrors (If Equipped)
Climate Control Display
Uplevel Shown
1. Driver and Passenger Temperature Settings
2. Fan Control
3. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
4. Recirculation
5. A/C (Air Conditioning)
6. Sync (Synchronized Temperature)
7. Auto (Automatic Operation)
8. Air Delivery Mode Controls
9. On/Off (Power)
10. Front Climate Selection
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 207
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires 0345.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, and
cooling system.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding roads,
long grades, passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Caution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 219
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there while
pressing ENGINE START/STOP for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the button
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
If equipped, the engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up in cold weather
conditions at or below−18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting. An
internal thermostat in the plug-end of the
cord may exist, which will prevent engine
heater operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly. 3. Plug the heater cord into the connector
on the vehicle.
4. Plug the cord into a grounded 110-volt AC outlet that is protected by a ground
fault detection function.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 237
Drive the vehicle. Ifdcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC is on
the center stack.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster. The appropriate message
will display in the DIC. To turn TCS on again,
press and release
g. The traction off light
idisplayed in the instrument cluster will
turn off. If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the traction off light
iand the StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgcome on and stay on in the instrument
cluster, then release. The appropriate
message will display in the DIC.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The traction off light
iand the StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgin
the instrument cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if
the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph).
Traction control will remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
feature and a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature.
See Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0294 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0235.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0310.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
If equipped, Hill Descent Control (HDC) sets
and maintains vehicle speed while driving
down steep grades in a forward or reverse
gear. The HDC switch is on the center stack.
Press
5to enable or disable HDC. Vehicle
speed must be below 50 km/h (31 mph).
When enabled, the HDC light displays on
the instrument cluster.
A blinking HDC light indicates the system is
actively applying the brakes to maintain
vehicle speed. HDC can maintain vehicle
speeds between 1 and 22 km/h (1 and
14 mph) on grades greater than or equal
to 10%.
If HDC is to be used for more than
three minutes or on grades steeper than
25%, the transfer case should be put into
Four-Wheel Drive Low (4
n) to reduce the
possibility of brake overheating.