brakes GMC SIERRA DENALI 2019 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 243This feature is designed to prevent
the vehicle from rolling, either
forward or rearward, during vehicle
drive off. HSA will be automatically
activated after the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill on a grade.
During the transition period between
when the brake pedal is released
and the accelerator pedal is
pressed, HSA holds the braking
pressure to ensure that there is no
rolling. The brakes will automatically
release when the accelerator pedal
is applied. It will not activate if the
vehicle is in a drive gear and facing
downhill, or if the vehicle is facing
uphill and in R (Reverse). Ride Control Systems Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control System Operation The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
an electronic stability control
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 keeping the vehicle on the
intended path. Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) is also on automatically when
the vehicle is started. See Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) 0 293 .
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 0 208
and “ Turning the Systems Off and
On ” later in this section.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 245cluster, then release. The
appropriate message will display in
the DIC.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press and release
g . The
traction off light
i and the
StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
g in the
instrument cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically
turn on if the vehicle exceeds
56 km/h (35 mph). Traction control
will remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature and a Hill
Start Assist (HSA) feature.
See Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
0 293 or Hill Start Assist (HSA)
0 242 .
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 313 . Hill Descent
Control (HDC) If equipped, Hill Descent Control
(HDC) sets and maintains vehicle
speed while driving down steep
grades in a forward or reverse gear.
The HDC switch is on the center
stack, below the climate controls.
Press
5 to enable or disable HDC.
Vehicle speed must be below
50 km/h (31 mph).
When enabled, the HDC light
displays on the instrument cluster.
A blinking HDC light indicates the
system is actively applying the
brakes to maintain vehicle speed.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds
between 1 and 22 km/h (1 and
14 mph) on grades greater than or
equal to 10%. If HDC is to be used for more than
three minutes or on grades steeper
than 25%, the transfer case should
be put into Four-Wheel Drive Low
(4
n ) to reduce the possibility of
brake overheating.
Noise from the Electronic Brake
Control Module (EBCM) is normal
when HDC is active.
When HDC is activated, the initial
HDC speed is set to the current
driving speed. It can be increased or
decreased by pressing +RES or
SET- on the steering wheel, or by
applying the accelerator or brake
pedal. This adjusted speed
becomes the new set speed.
HDC will remain enabled between
30 and 60 km/h (19 and 37 mph);
however, vehicle speed cannot be
set or maintained in this range. HDC
will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h
(50 mph) or above 60 km/h
(37 mph) for at least 30 seconds.
5 must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC. HDC may disable
after an extended period of use.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 249Terrain Mode
Drive Select Expected Vehicle Behavior Ideal Terrain
Drive (L3-Lx) Minor deceleration when off
throttle and mild ability to
modulate throttle, mimicks
performance of 4-low without
torque multiplication. Grassy fields,
mild two tracks,
rutted roads,
large rolling hills,
L2 Moderate deceleration when
off throttle and moderate
ability to modulate throttle.
Will bring vehicle to a stop in
most cases. Mild rock crawling,
heavy ruts,
short, steeper grades,
L1 Significant deceleration when
off throttle and significant
ability to modulate throttle.
Will bring vehicle to a stop in
most cases. Rock crawling
down hill
Active Braking During Lift Throttle
will reduce the back and forth
between the accelerator and brake
pedals.
Vehicle Hold Features:
.
When the vehicle comes to a
stop on an incline grade in
forward gear or on a decline grade in reverse gear, Vehicle
Hold is engaged until the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
.
When the vehicle is in forward
gear on a decline, the vehicle is
allowed to creep down the hill
when brake pedal is released without pressing accelerator
pedal. The vehicle will also
creep forward on flat ground.
.
If the driver seat belt is removed
and the driver door is opened
while vehicle is being held, EPB
will be engaged.
.
EPB will engage if vehicle is
held for an extended period.
Terrain Mode is only available on
vehicles equipped with the single
speed transfer case.
Terrain Mode can only be
active when:
.
Vehicle speed is less than
80 km/h (50 mph).
.
The transfer case is in 4
m .
Frequent use of this mode may
cause brake wear due to the light
braking.
The vehicle will automatically exit
the mode if the brakes get too hot.
Terrain mode can be turned back on
after the brakes have cooled.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 251will automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0 243 . If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0 260 . When
road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be
turned back on.
Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/
ESC system will disengage the
cruise control.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages. 5 : Press to turn cruise control on
or off. A white indicator comes on or
off in the instrument cluster.
+RES : If there is a set speed in
memory, press the control up briefly
to resume to that speed or press
and hold to accelerate. If cruise
control is already engaged, use to
increase vehicle speed.
SET − : Press the control down
briefly to set the speed and activate
cruise control. If cruise control is
already engaged, use to decrease
vehicle speed.
* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5 is on when not in use, SET − or
+RES could get pressed and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep
5off when cruise is not being used.
1. Press
5 to turn the cruise
system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed. 3. Press and release SET − .
4. Remove your foot from the
accelerator.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after
cruise control has been set to the
desired speed. See Instrument
Cluster 0 138 .
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied or
* is pressed, the
cruise control is disengaged without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, press
RES+ up briefly. The vehicle returns
to the previously set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.
Press and hold +RES up until
the desired speed is reached,
then release it.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 253
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.
{ WarningDo 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
0 198 .
Under many conditions, these
systems will not:
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
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.
.
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.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) 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 change the volume of
the warning chime, see “ Comfort
and Convenience ” under Vehicle
Personalization 0 167 .
If equipped with the Safety Alert
Seat, the driver seat cushion may
provide a vibrating pulse alert
instead of beeping. To change this,
see “ Collision/Detection Systems ”
under Vehicle Personalization
0 167 .
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep
these areas of the vehicle clean to
ensure the best driver assistance
feature performance. Driver

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 261
{ WarningFCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0 198 .
FCA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See
“ Collision/Detection Systems ” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 167 . Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle ahead indicator will
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{ Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
(Continued) Warning (Continued) or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
With Head-Up Display

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 263Cleaning 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.
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) If the vehicle has Forward Collision
Alert (FCA), it also has FAB, which
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 forward automatic
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 0 260 .
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).
{ WarningFAB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do
not rely on FAB to brake the
vehicle. FAB will not brake
outside of its operating speed
range and only responds to
detected vehicles.
FAB may not:
.
Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
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.
.
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.
FAB may slow the vehicle to a
complete stop to try to avoid a
potential crash. If this happens, FAB
may engage the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly
press the accelerator pedal.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
264 Driving and Operating
{ WarningFAB 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 FAB, 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. { WarningIBA 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.
FAB and IBA can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“ Collision/Detection Systems ” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 167 .
{ WarningUsing FAB 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 system.
The FAB system does not need
service.
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System If equipped, the FPB system may
help avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in
a forward gear. FPB displays an
amber indicator,
~ , when a nearby
pedestrian is detected directly
ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly,
FPB provides a red flashing alert on
the windshield and rapidly beeps or
pulses the driver seat. FPB can
provide a boost to braking or
automatically brake the vehicle. This
system includes Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA), and the Forward
Automatic Braking (FAB) system

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 265may also respond to pedestrians.
See Forward Automatic Braking
(FAB) 0 263 .
The FPB system can detect and
alert to pedestrians in a forward
gear at speeds between 8 km/h
(5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
During daytime driving, the system
detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft).
During nighttime driving, system
performance is very limited.
{ WarningFPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle,
unless it detects a pedestrian.
FPB may not detect pedestrians,
including children:
.
When the pedestrian is not
directly ahead, fully visible,
or standing upright, or when
part of a group.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
Due to poor visibility,
including nighttime
conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.
If the FPB sensor is blocked
by dirt, snow, or ice.
.
If the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned
or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply
the brakes. For more information,
see Defensive Driving 0 198 .
Keep the windshield, headlamps,
and FPB sensor clean and in
good repair.
FPB can be set to Off, Alert, or Alert
and Brake through vehicle
personalization. See “ Collision/
Detection Systems ” under Vehicle
Personalization 0 167 . Detecting the Pedestrian
Ahead
FPB alerts and automatic braking
will not occur unless the FPB
system detects a pedestrian. When
a nearby pedestrian is detected
directly in front of the vehicle, the
pedestrian ahead indicator will
display amber.
Front Pedestrian Alert
With Head-Up Display

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
266 Driving and Operating
Without Head-Up Display
When the vehicle approaches a
pedestrian ahead too rapidly, the
red FPB alert display will flash on
the windshield. Eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from
the front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times.
When this Pedestrian Alert occurs,
the brake system may prepare for
driver braking to occur more rapidly
which can cause a brief, mild
deceleration. Continue to apply the
brake pedal as needed. Cruise
control may be disengaged when
the Front Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash
into a pedestrian directly ahead, and
the brakes have not been applied,
FPB may automatically brake
moderately or brake hard. This can help to avoid some very low speed
pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can
automatically brake to detected
pedestrians between 8 km/h (5 mph)
and 80 km/h (50 mph). Automatic
braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as
higher speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking
may engage the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB. A firm press
of the accelerator pedal will also
release Automatic Braking and
the EPB.
{ Warning
FPB may alert or automatically
brake the vehicle suddenly in
situations where it is unexpected
and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in
shape or size to pedestrians,
including shadows. This is normal
operation and the vehicle does
(Continued) Warning (Continued) not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press
the accelerator pedal, if it is safe
to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“ Front Pedestrian Detection ” in
“ Collision/Detection Systems ” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 167 .
{ WarningUsing the Front Pedestrian
Braking system 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.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate
properly, cleaning the outside of the
windshield in front of the rearview
mirror may correct the issue.