ESP GMC SIERRA 2023 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 241
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. These systems help
limit wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the drive
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the
brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keepingthe vehicle on the intended path. Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically
when the vehicle is started. See
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) 0285.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0214 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
When the transfer case (if equipped) is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low, the stability system
is automatically disabled,
gcomes on, and
the appropriate message will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC). Both
traction control and StabiliTrak/ESC are
automatically disabled in this condition.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 259
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will display
amber when you are following a vehicle
ahead much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the steering
wheel. Press
[to set the FCA timing to
Far, Medium, or Near. The first button press
shows the current setting on the DIC.
Additional button presses will change this
setting. The chosen setting will remain until
it is changed and will affect the timing of
both the Collision Alert and the Tailgating
Alert features. The timing of both alerts will
vary based on vehicle speed. The faster the
vehicle speed, the farther away the alert will
occur. Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert timing.
The range of selectable alert timings may
not be appropriate for all drivers and driving
conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts for
turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles, or shadows.
These alerts are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to operate
properly, this may correct the issue:
.Clean the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror.
.Clean the entire front of the vehicle.
.Clean the headlamps.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
If equipped, the AEB system may help avoid
or reduce the harm caused by front-end
crashes. AEB also includes Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA). When the system detects a
vehicle ahead in your path that is traveling
in the same direction that you may be
about to crash into, it can provide a boost
to braking or automatically brake the
vehicle. This can help avoid or lessen the
severity of crashes when driving in a
forward gear. Depending on the situation, the vehicle may automatically brake
moderately or hard. This automatic
emergency braking can only occur if a
vehicle is detected. This is shown by the FCA
vehicle ahead indicator being lit. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0257.
The system works when driving in a forward
gear between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph). It can detect vehicles up to
approximately 60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash preparation
feature and is not designed to avoid
crashes. Do not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc.
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow. (Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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260 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
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.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake pedal is
applied quickly by providing a boost to
braking based on the speed of approach and
distance to a vehicle ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled. To view
available settings for this feature, touch the
Settings icon on the infotainment home
page. Select “Vehicle”to display the list of
available options and select “Collision/
Detection Systems”.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone, or blind spot
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Driving and Operating 261
part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA) system,
read the entire LCA section before using this
feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding lane change crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from behind. The
LCA warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside side mirror and will
flash if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to vehicles
outside of the system detection zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. It may
not provide alerts when changing lanes
under all driving conditions. Failure to use
proper care when changing lanes may
result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Before making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your shoulder,
and use the turn signals.LCA Detection Zones
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone
The LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from both
sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The
height of the zone is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground.
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) warning
area starts at approximately the middle of
the vehicle and goes back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers
are also warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 70 m (230 ft) behind
the vehicle.
How the System Works
The LCA symbol lights up in the side mirrors
when the system detects a moving vehicle
in the next lane over that is in the side blind zone or rapidly approaching that zone
from behind. A lit LCA symbol indicates it
may be unsafe to change lanes. Before
making a lane change, check the LCA
display, check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side Mirror
DisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror LCA displays will briefly come on to
indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left or right
side mirror display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in the next lane over in
that blind zone or rapidly approaching that
zone. If the turn signal is activated in the
same direction as a detected vehicle, this
display will flash as an extra warning not to
change lanes.
LCA can be disabled through vehicle settings.
When you disable LCA, SBZA is also disabled.
To view available settings from the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
262 Driving and Operating
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems. If LCA
is disabled by the driver, the LCA mirror
displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving for
the system to calibrate to maximum
performance. This calibration may occur
more quickly if the vehicle is driving on a
straight highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
During a trip, the LCA system is not
operational until the vehicle reaches
24 km/h (15 mph).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a stopped
vehicle, or when towing a trailer. The LCA
detection zones that extend back from the
side of the vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution while
changing lanes when towing a trailer. LCA
may alert to objects attached to the vehicle,
such as a trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over, especially in
wet conditions or when driving on sharp
curves. The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA sensors
in the left or right corners of the rear
bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0374. If the DIC
still displays the system unavailable
message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer.
If the LCA displays do not light up when
moving vehicles are in the side blind zone or
are rapidly approaching this zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0404.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid crashes
due to unintentional lane departures. LDW
uses a camera sensor to detect the lane
markings at speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater. It may provide an alert if the
vehicle is crossing a lane without using a
turn signal in that direction. LDW light will
not alert if the turn signal is active in the
direction of lane departure, or if LDW
detects that you are accelerating, braking or
actively steering.
{Warning
The LDW system does not steer the
vehicle. The LDW system may not:
.Provide enough time to avoid a crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Driving and Operating 269
.Become familiar with, and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. If your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing, install extended side view mirrors
on your vehicle, even if not required.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.Perform the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 800 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing.
.Tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul Mode is
recommended for heavier trailers. See
Tow/Haul Mode0234. If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear may
be selected using Manual Mode. See
Manual Mode 0232.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer, unless equipped with
Super Cruise:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer: (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0229.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment 0276. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Driving and Operating 271
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill:1. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park). Turn the wheels
toward the curb if facing downhill or
into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat. Disconnect the trailer wiring before backing
the trailer into the water to prevent damage
to the electrical circuits. Reconnect the
wiring to the trailer after removing the
trailer from the water. If the trailer has
electric brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave
the electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality while on
the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in Four-Wheel Drive High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
272 Driving and Operating
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 0385. 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 0313.
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
278 Driving and Operating
MeasurementHeight Example 2500/3500 (mm)
H1 1 040
H2 1 080
H2−H1 40
(H2−H1)/4 10
H2−[(H2−H1)/4] 1 070
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. SeeTires
0 337 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers can be
used with many pickup models. These
trailers place a larger percentage of the
weight (kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle
than conventional trailers. Make sure this
weight does not cause the vehicle to exceed
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) or Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Fifth-wheel
or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 –25% of the trailer weight up to the maximum amount specified on the Trailering
Information Label. See
“Trailer Weight"
under Trailer Towing 0272.
The hitch should be in the pickup bed so
that its centerline is over or near the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far forward
that it will contact the back of the cab in
sharp turns. This is especially important for
short box pickups. Trailer pin box extensions
and sliding fifth-wheel hitch assemblies may
be used. There should be at least 15 cm
(6 in) of clearance between the top of the
pickup box and the bottom of the trailer
shelf that extends over the box.
Attach the hitch to the tow vehicle frame
rails. Do not use the pickup box for support.
Two Inch Adapter Sleeve and
Retainer Pin
The 2500/3500 series vehicles are equipped
with a 2-1/2” square receiver. An adapter is
provided to allow the use of a 2” draw bar,
along with a hitch retainer pin, and
retainer clip.
Safety Chains
Always attach safety chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
If the trailer being towed weighs up to
2 271 kg (5,000 lb) with a factory-installed
step bumper, safety chains may be attached

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Driving and Operating 291
Average Fuel Economy
Touch to view the average fuel economy of
the vehicle while the Trailer Profile is active.
Connections
1. Light Test Start Button
2. Trailer Electrical Diagnostics
Connections: OK
If a trailer connection is detected, the view
will display OK.
Trailer Connections Status
When a trailer is connected, the Trailering
App System detects the trailer connection
using the Park and Stop/Turn Signal lighting
circuits and alerts the driver by requesting atrailer profile setup through the Trailering
App System on the infotainment screen. The
Trailer Detection Alert setting must be
enabled for the alert to display when a
trailer is connected. When a trailer is
connected and the vehicle is off, the
Trailering App System will periodically pulse
the lighting circuits of the trailer to verify it
is still connected. The trailer lights may
periodically flash as a result of this trailer
connection detection. These flashes may be
more visible in dark ambient light
environments. The flashing or flickering
lights are a normal condition and the
Trailering App System has built-in
protections to prevent the battery from
draining. When Theft Alert is also enabled
the frequency and pattern of this flashing
will change.
If a connected trailer becomes disconnected,
the trailer disconnect message will appear
on the DIC immediately, if vehicle is on,
or the next time the vehicle is turned on .
Check your trailer connection if needed.
Connection Problem
If any of the trailer connections are lost, a
message about the connection issue will
appear on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). The infotainment display will also
show the connection issue in the Connection
Status view.
If a trailer connection is not detected, the
Trailering App will not display the
Connection Status screen.
Connection Trailer Lighting Faults Detected
The Trailering App System monitors for
electrical faults on the trailer lights.
A message about the lighting issue will
appear on the DIC. The infotainment display
will also show the lighting issue in the
Connection Status view. Repair your trailer
lights if needed. A trailer lighting issue is
not covered by your GM warranty.
Diagnose View
Touch Diagnose to see more information
about the connection problem.
This view will display the names of the
trailer connector pins, a graphic of the trailer
connector, and a graphic of the back of the
trailer.
Any connector pin that failed will be amber
color, and the location of the corresponding
connection will be highlighted on the
graphic of the back of the trailer.