GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
Instruments and Controls 121
When the vehicle is started, these lights
come on solid to remind rear passengers to
fasten their seat belts. Then each light may
stay on solid or flash, and a chime may
come on if the rear passenger remains
unbuckled, or becomes unbuckled, when the
vehicle is moving. An X indicates the seat
belt is not buckled. A check mark indicates
the seat belt is buckled.
If all rear seat positions are buckled, neither
the chime nor the lights will come on.
For information on the front seat belt
reminder lights, see "Driver Seat Belt
Reminder Light" and "Front Passenger Seat
Belt Reminder Light" listed previously.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. It is
located in the instrument cluster. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s),
the passenger sensing system, the
pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System 064.
The airbag readiness light comes on for
several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System 069 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
or the symbols for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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144 Lighting
Turning On and Enabling IntelliBeam
To enable the IntelliBeam system, press
bon the turn signal lever when it is
dark outside and the exterior lamp control is
in AUTO or
2.
Depending on the vehicle model, the
following displays when the IntelliBeam
System is enabled:
.blight on the instrument cluster
.Auto High Beam Active message displays
in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
Driving with IntelliBeam
The system only activates the high beams
when driving over 40 km/h (25 mph).
The blue high-beam on light appears on the
instrument cluster when the high beams
are on. There is a sensor near the top center of the
windshield that automatically controls the
system. Keep this area of the windshield
clear of debris to allow for best system
performance.
The high-beam headlamps remain on, under
the automatic control, until one of the
following situations occurs:
.The system detects an approaching
vehicle's headlamps.
.The system detects a preceding vehicle's
taillamps.
.The outside light is bright enough that
high-beam headlamps are not required.
.The vehicle speed drops below 20 km/h
(12 mph).
.The IntelliBeam system is disabled by the
button on the turn signal lever. If this
happens, press
bon the turn signal
lever when the exterior lamp control is in
the AUTO or
2position to reactivate the
IntelliBeam system. Depending on vehicle
model, the instrument cluster light will
come on or the Auto High Beam Active
message displays on the DIC to indicate
the IntelliBeam system is reactivated. The high beams may not turn off
automatically if the system cannot detect
another vehicle's lamps because of any of
the following:
.The other vehicle’s lamps are missing,
damaged, obstructed from view,
or otherwise undetected.
.The other vehicle’s lamps are covered
with dirt, snow, and/or road spray.
.The other vehicle’s lamps cannot be
detected due to dense exhaust, smoke,
fog, snow, road spray, mist, or other
airborne obstructions.
.The vehicle windshield is dirty, cracked,
or obstructed by something that blocks
the view of the light sensor.
.The vehicle is loaded such that the front
end points upward, causing the light
sensor to aim high and not detect
headlamps and taillamps.
.Driving on winding or hilly roads.
The automatic high-beam headlamps may
need to be disabled if any of the above
conditions exist.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Lighting 145
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
A reminder chime sounds when the
headlamps or parking lamps are manually
turned on, the vehicle is turned off, and a
door is open. To disable the chime, turn the
lamps off.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
Push the turn signal lever toward the
instrument panel to change the headlamps
from low to high beam.
Pull or push the turn signal lever to return
to low-beam headlamps.
When the high-beam headlamps are on, this
indicator light on the instrument cluster will
also be on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the high-beam
headlamps to signal a driver in front of you
that you want to pass. It works even if the
headlamps are in the automatic position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward
you, then release it.
Depending on the type of headlamp, they
will either turn off after a short duration or
stay on as long as you hold the lever
toward you. The high-beam indicator on the
instrument cluster will come on. Release the
lever to return to normal operation.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of the vehicle during the day. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on when the
following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.When the DRL system is on, only the DRL
are on. The taillamps, sidemarker lamps,
instrument panel lights, and other lamps
will not turn on.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic
headlamp system switches from DRL to the
headlamps.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp
control to
Oand then release. For vehicles
first sold in Canada, off will only work when
the vehicle is parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to
AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
146 Lighting
There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor,
otherwise the headlamps will come on when
they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. If it is light outside when the
vehicle leaves the garage, there is a slight
delay before the automatic headlamp
system changes to the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). During that delay, the
instrument cluster may not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the instrument panelillumination control is in the full bright
position. See
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0150.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps will turn off or may change
to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system turns off
when the exterior lamp control is turned to
Oor the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in
daylight with the engine on, and the
exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and other
exterior lamps come on. The transition time
for the lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are not
operating, these lamps turn off. Move the
exterior lamp control to
Oor;to disable
this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
Work Truck
Uplevel Shown, Base Level Similar
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
Driving and Operating 241
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster (Base Level)0112 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 0113. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If cruise control is already activated:
.Press and hold SET– down until the
desired lower speed is reached, then
release it.
.To decrease vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press SET– down. For
each press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster (Base Level) 0112 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 0113. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will slow
down to the previously set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal or shortly following the release to override
cruise control, briefly pressing SET–
will
result in cruise control set to the current
vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well cruise control works on a hill
depends on the vehicle speed, the load, and
the steepness of the hill. When going up a
steep hill, you may have to apply the
accelerator pedal to maintain the set speed.
While going downhill, cruise braking helps
maintain driver selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled when the
vehicle is started and cruise control is active.
It assists in maintaining driver selected
speed when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission to slow
the vehicle.
For other forms of descent control, see Hill
Descent Control (HDC) 0237, Automatic
Transmission 0223, and Tow/Haul Mode
0 227.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Lightly apply the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.Press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The
following gap is the following time between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected directly
ahead in your path, moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in your
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0413.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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242 Driving and Operating
disengage. SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0236. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC
can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0200.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the sensors are blocked by snow, ice,
or dirt. The system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the entire front of
the vehicle clean.
.Visibility is poor due to rain, snow,
fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust; when
other foreign objects obscure the
camera and/or radar; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip.
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat, or when
the vehicle is loaded in excess of load
limits. See Vehicle Load Limits 0210.
J:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
RES+ : Press briefly to resume the previous
set speed or to increase vehicle speed if ACC
is already activated. To increase speed by
about 1 km/h (1 mph), press RES+ briefly. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph)
mark on the speedometer, hold RES+.
SET– :Press briefly to set the speed and
activate ACC or to decrease vehicle speed if
ACC is already activated. To decrease speed
by about 1 km/h (1 mph), press SET– briefly.
To decrease speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
hold SET–.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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252 Driving and Operating
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield behind
the rearview mirror can become blocked by
snow, ice, dirt, mud, or debris. This area
needs to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
The vehicle headlamps may need to be
cleaned due to dirt, snow, or ice. Objects
that are not illuminated correctly may be
difficult to detect.
If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See“Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” previously
in this section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise control
system.
For cleaning instructions, see “Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0383.
Advanced Driver Assistance
Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0200.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible or Safety Alert Seat
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To view
available settings from the infotainment
screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Comfort
and Convenience.
If equipped with the Safety Alert Seat, the
driver seat cushion may provide a vibrating
pulse alert instead of beeping. To view
available settings from the infotainment
screen, touch Settings > Vehicle >
Collision/Detection Systems.