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
188 Infotainment System
Trademarks and License
Agreements
FCC Information
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0413.
"Made for iPhone," means that an electronic
accessory has been designed to connect
specifically to iPhone, and has been certified
by the developer to meet Apple
performance standards. Apple is not
responsible for the operation of this device
or its compliance with safety and regulatory
standards. Please note that the use of this
accessory with iPhone may affect wireless
performance. iPhone are trademarks of
Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries.
Trial length and service availability may vary
by model, model year or trim. Service will
automatically stop at the end of your trial
subscription period unless you decide to
continue service. If you do not wish to enjoy
your trial, you can cancel by calling the
number below. All SiriusXM services require
a subscription, each sold separately by
SiriusXM after the trial period. Service
subject to the applicable SiriusXM Customer
Agreement and Privacy Policy, visit
www.siriusxm.com (USA) or www.siriusxm.ca
(Canada) to see complete terms and how to
cancel which includes calling 1-866-635-2349
(USA) or 1-888-539-7474 (Canada). Some
services and features are subject to device
capabilities and location availability. Content
varies by SiriusXM subscription package. All
fees, content and features are subject to
change.
SiriusXM with 360L: Some features,
including streaming content and listening
recommendations, require an active OnStar Connected Access plan and may vary by
vehicle model. Content varies by SiriusXM
subscription plan. GM connected vehicle
services vary by vehicle model and require
active service plan, working electrical
system, cell reception and GPS signal. See
onstar.com for details and limitations.
SiriusXM, Pandora, Stitcher and all related
logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.
and its respective subsidiaries.
SiriusXM satellite service is only available in
the 48 contiguous United States (and Puerto
Rico with limited availability) and Canada.
In Canada: Some deterioration of service
may occur in extreme northern latitudes.
This is beyond the control of SiriusXM.
Explicit Language Notice: Channels with
frequent explicit language are indicated with
an
“XL” after the channel name.
Family-friendly packages are available by
contacting SiriusXM:
.USA Customers —See www.siriusxm.com
or call 1-888-601-6296.
.Canada Customers —See
www.siriusxm.ca or call 1-877-438-9677.
It is prohibited to copy, decompile,
disassemble, reverse engineer, hack,
manipulate, or otherwise make available any
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-
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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 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
216 Driving and Operating
See“Certification/Tire Label” under
Vehicle Load Limits 0210. If weight
ratings are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below the
ratings.
See your dealer for more information
on curb weights, cargo weights, Cargo
Weight Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
driving this vehicle, overall performance
will benefit by following these break-in
period recommendations:
.Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt
stops.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Avoid exceeding the following engine
speeds when accelerating or
downshifting to slow or brake the
vehicle:
Gasoline engines: 4000 rpm
Diesel engines: 3000 rpm
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi). Hard stops with new
brake linings can result in premature
wear and earlier replacement. Follow
this guideline every time brake linings
are replaced.
.Do not tow a trailer. See Trailer
Towing 0280 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and more
information.
After the break-in period, the engine
speed and load can be gradually
increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems adjust during the first
6,400 km (4,000 miles) of routine driving to
provide optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift performance. Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle.
Ignition Positions
Base Model Shown, Others Similar
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have
pushbutton starting.
The remote key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Driving and Operating 217
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
SeeRemote Key Operation 015.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the vehicle will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0220.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the vehicle
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the vehicle will turn off. The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
ignition is turned off and driver door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
Unless an emergency exists, do not turn the
engine off when the vehicle is moving. This
will cause a loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP button for
longer than two seconds, or press twice
in five seconds.
2. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force. 3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can
be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and make sure engine is off.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the vehicle off.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0234.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
Accessory Mode (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows some electrical accessories
to be used when the engine is off.
With the vehicle off, pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP button one time without the
brake pedal applied will place the vehicle in
accessory mode.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
218 Driving and Operating
The vehicle will switch from accessory mode
to off after five minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
vehicle off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing ENGINE START/STOP button once
will turn the ignition on. Once engine
cranking begins, release the button. Engine
cranking will continue until the engine
starts. See Starting the Engine 0218.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for
more than five seconds will place the vehicle
in Service Mode. The instruments and audio
systems will operate as they do when the
vehicle is on, but the vehicle will not be able
to be driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button again to turn the vehicle off.Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0306.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. The remote key must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP with the brake
pedal applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button. The driver may observe a minor, and
temporary, brake pedal kickback when
starting the vehicle. This is normal.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), press ENGINE START/STOP
to continue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try