ignition GMC SIERRA 2024 Owner's Guide

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
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-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
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

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 221
Warning (Continued)
roll, even if the shift lever is in P (Park).
Be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear. If towing a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0276.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 234.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the shift lever toward you and
moving it up as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case, if equipped, is in a drive gear, not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the vehicle off.
5. Take the remote key with you.
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. The vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If you have four-wheel drive and the
transfer case is in N (Neutral), the vehicle
will be free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). So be sure the transfer case
is in a drive gear–not in N (Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, it could overheat and
even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set
before you leave it. After moving the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pulling it toward you. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much
force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat.
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before you release
the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission. You will
then be able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The system is
designed to prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the brake pedal
is applied and the ignition is on or in
Service Mode.
The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage
–less than 9 volt –battery.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 223
Warning (Continued)
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 220 and
Engine Exhaust 0222.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 276.
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift lever
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. This display comes on when the
ignition is in accessory mode, on,
or service mode.
There are several different positions for the
shift lever.
See Driver Mode Control 0238 and “Range
Selection Mode” underManual Mode 0226.
P : This position locks the rear wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the
vehicle has a heavy load, you might notice
an increase in the effort to shift out of
P (Park). See “Torque Lock” underShifting
Into Park 0220.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0220 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 276.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 229
When the shift is complete the indicator will
stop flashing. The DIC message turns off
once the shift is complete. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0380 or
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0379.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive) : Use
when road surface conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front axle is
engaged, and the vehicle's power is sent to
the front and rear wheels automatically
based on driving conditions. This setting
provides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2
m.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow. 4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :
This setting
engages the front axle and delivers extra
torque. Choose 4
nwhen driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, or deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep hills.
While driving in 4
n, keep vehicle speed
below 60 km/h (36 mph).
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0236.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The
4x4 indicator will remain flashing until the
shift request has completed. A DIC message
displays to indicate that the 4x4 transfer
case has been requested to shift to the new
desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 indicator stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
When a shift to 2
mis completed successfully
while in P (Park), the parking brake will
engage. To resume driving, shift the transmission to the desired gear and
manually release the parking brake or press
the accelerator pedal to begin driving. See
Electric Parking Brake
0234.
If equipped, use 4
n, AUTO, or 4mto provide
additional traction when parking on a steep
grade with poor traction such as ice, snow,
mud, or gravel.
Shifting Into 4
n
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
n. The actual 4x4 shift request is
only made after the button is released.
The 4x4 indicator will remain flashing
until the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays to indicate that
the 4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the
4x4 indicator stops flashing and the
current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift request
occurs, a DIC message displays. Reduce
vehicle speed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
230 Driving and Operating
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, a DIC message
displays. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds
for the shift to occur. After this time, an
indicator in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition on. It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph). 2. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. The actual 4x4
shift request is only made after the
button is released. The 4x4 indicator will
remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays
to indicate the state of the request.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the
4x4 indicator stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message displays.
Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, DIC messages will
display. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for
this shift to occur. After this time, a
indicator in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral):
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds until
the N (Neutral) indicator starts flashing in
the instrument cluster. When the shift is
complete, the indicator stops flashing.
If the parking brake and/or brake pedal
is not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the original
state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed
to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds,
the transfer case will remain in its
original state. This will be indicated in
the instrument cluster.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 231
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition Positions 0216.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0234.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m. Transfer
case shifts out of N (Neutral) can only be
made into 2
m. When the shift to 2mis
complete, the indicator in the instrument
cluster will stop flashing. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift, the
indicator will return to the previously
selected setting.
Part-time Transfer Case
Two-Speed Transfer Case
Work Truck Shown, All Other Models Similar
If equipped, the transfer case controls are
used to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the desired
button. The indicator in the instrument
cluster will flash while a shift is in progress.
The indicator displayed will change to
indicate the setting requested. When the shift is complete the indicator will
stop flashing. The DIC message turns off
once the shift is complete. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0380 or
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0379.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This setting
engages the front axle and delivers extra
torque. Choose 4
nwhen driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, or deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep hills.
While driving in 4
n, keep vehicle speed
below 60 km/h (36 mph).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
232 Driving and Operating
Shifting into 4nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0236.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and 4n
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
Shifting into 4
mwill not complete at vehicle
speeds above 120 km/h (75 mph), the shift
will complete when speed is reduced.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The
4x4 indicator will remain flashing until the
shift request has completed. A DIC message
displays to indicate that the 4x4 transfer
case has been requested to shift to the new
desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 indicator stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
When a shift to 2
mis completed successfully
while in P (Park), the parking brake will
engage. To resume driving, shift the
transmission to the desired gear and
manually release the parking brake or press
the accelerator pedal to begin driving. See
Electric Parking Brake 0234. If equipped, use 4
nor 4mto provide
additional traction when parking on a steep
grade with poor traction such as ice, snow,
mud, or gravel.
Shifting Into 4
n
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
n. The actual 4x4 shift request is
only made after the button is released.
The 4x4 indicator will remain flashing
until the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays to indicate that
the 4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the
4x4 indicator stops flashing and the
current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift request
occurs, a DIC message displays. Reduce
vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, a DIC message
displays. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for the shift to occur. After this time, a
indicator in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition on. It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
mor 2m. The actual 4x4 shift
request is only made after the button is
released. The 4x4 indicator will remain