off road mode GMC SIERRA DENALI 2024 Owners Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
40 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.Tilt
{Warning
The Rear Camera Mirror (RCM) has a
limited view. Portions of the road,
vehicles, and other objects may not be
seen. Do not drive or park the vehicle
using only this camera. Objects may
appear closer than they are. Check the
outside mirrors or glance over your
shoulder when making lane changes or
merging. Failure to use proper care may
result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Troubleshooting
See your dealer for service if a blue screen
and
3are displayed in the mirror, and
the display shuts off. Also, push the tab as
indicated to return to the automatic
dimming mode.
The Rear Camera Mirror may not work
properly or display a clear image if:
.There is glare from the sun or headlamps.
This may obstruct objects from view.
If needed, push the tab to turn off the
display.
.Dirt, snow, or other debris blocks the
camera lens. Clean the lens with a soft
damp cloth.
.The camera’s mounting on the vehicle has
been damaged, and/or the position or the
mounting angle of the camera has
changed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
Instruments and Controls 115
Audio
Browse music, select from the favorites,
or change the audio source. Use the
thumbwheel to change the station or go to
the next or previous track.
Navigation
If there is an active route, the Turn-by-Turn
directions will appear on the Navigation
Page, if there is no active route a compass
will be displayed.
Phone
If there is no active phone call, view recent
calls, or scroll through contacts.
Options
Use the thumbwheel to scroll through items
in the Options menu.
Display Layout :Choose Classic, Progressive,
Digital, and Clean layout by pressing the
thumbwheel while the desired item is
highlighted. Exit the Layout menu by
pressing
o.
Left/Right Side Info : Press the thumbwheel
to select the items to be displayed in the
display areas. See "Left/Right Side Info"
previously in this section. Lower Gauges :
Choose one of three gauge
configurations by pressing the thumbwheel
while the desired item is highlighted. The
selected configuration will be displayed at
the bottom of the display.
Maximum displays fuel level, coolant
temperature, engine oil pressure, and
battery voltage. Transmission fluid
temperature displays instead of battery
voltage while in Tow Haul mode.
Medium displays fuel level, and coolant
temperature.
Minimum displays only the fuel level.
Info Page Options : Press the thumbwheel
to select the items to be displayed in the
Info app. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0131 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 133.
Units : Choose US or metric units by
pressing the thumbwheel while the desired
item is highlighted.
Speed Warning : Allows the driver to set a
speed that they do not want to exceed. To
set the Speed Warning press the
thumbwheel when Speed Warning is
displayed. Use the thumbwheel to adjust
the value and press to set the speed. Once the speed is set, this feature can be
turned off by pressing the thumbwheel
while viewing this page. If the selected
speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is
displayed with a chime.
Speed Sign Display :
Shows sign
information, which comes from a roadway
database in the onboard navigation system,
if equipped. The sign will show “− −”when
offline maps are unavailable. See Maps
0 165.
Head-up Display (HUD) : If equipped, this
feature allows for adjusting the angle of the
HUD image and changing or turning off the
Speed Limit Sign.
HUD Rotation: Press the thumbwheel while
Adjust Rotation is highlighted to enter
Adjust Mode. Scroll to adjust the angle of
the HUD display. Press the thumbwheel to
confirm and save the setting. This feature
may only be available in P (Park).
Speed Limit Style: Press the thumbwheel
while Speed Limit Style is highlighted to
change the speed sign style or to turn it off.
Software Information : Displays open source
software information.
Reset To Defaults : Allows the driver to
reset to default settings.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/15/22
128 Instruments and Controls
This light comes on when the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off.
If ESC is off, the Traction Control System
(TCS) is also off. To turn ESC off and on, see
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0236.
If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do not
assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust
driving accordingly.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer. If the system is working
normally the indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature warning
light indicates that the vehicle has
overheated. Driving with this light on can
damage the engine and it may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating 0321.
The engine coolant temperature warning
light comes on when the engine has
overheated.
If this happens, pull over and let the engine
idle. See Engine Overheating 0321.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Normal Mode is
selected.
This light comes on when Snow Mode is
selected.
This light comes on when Off-Road Mode is
selected.
See Driver Mode Control 0238.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
144 Lighting
Turning On and Enabling IntelliBeam
To enable the IntelliBeam system, press
bon the turn signal lever when it is
dark outside and the exterior lamp control is
in AUTO or
2.
Depending on the vehicle model, the
following displays when the IntelliBeam
System is enabled:
.blight on the instrument cluster
.Auto High Beam Active message displays
in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
Driving with IntelliBeam
The system only activates the high beams
when driving over 40 km/h (25 mph).
The blue high-beam on light appears on the
instrument cluster when the high beams
are on. There is a sensor near the top center of the
windshield that automatically controls the
system. Keep this area of the windshield
clear of debris to allow for best system
performance.
The high-beam headlamps remain on, under
the automatic control, until one of the
following situations occurs:
.The system detects an approaching
vehicle's headlamps.
.The system detects a preceding vehicle's
taillamps.
.The outside light is bright enough that
high-beam headlamps are not required.
.The vehicle speed drops below 20 km/h
(12 mph).
.The IntelliBeam system is disabled by the
button on the turn signal lever. If this
happens, press
bon the turn signal
lever when the exterior lamp control is in
the AUTO or
2position to reactivate the
IntelliBeam system. Depending on vehicle
model, the instrument cluster light will
come on or the Auto High Beam Active
message displays on the DIC to indicate
the IntelliBeam system is reactivated. The high beams may not turn off
automatically if the system cannot detect
another vehicle's lamps because of any of
the following:
.The other vehicle’s lamps are missing,
damaged, obstructed from view,
or otherwise undetected.
.The other vehicle’s lamps are covered
with dirt, snow, and/or road spray.
.The other vehicle’s lamps cannot be
detected due to dense exhaust, smoke,
fog, snow, road spray, mist, or other
airborne obstructions.
.The vehicle windshield is dirty, cracked,
or obstructed by something that blocks
the view of the light sensor.
.The vehicle is loaded such that the front
end points upward, causing the light
sensor to aim high and not detect
headlamps and taillamps.
.Driving on winding or hilly roads.
The automatic high-beam headlamps may
need to be disabled if any of the above
conditions exist.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Infotainment System 161
AM-FM Radio (Uplevel Radio)
Playing the Radio
From the Home Page, touch the Audio icon
to display the now playing screen for the
active audio source. Touch the source button
such as FM or AM in the left corner to
change your source.
Finding a Station
Seeking a Station
From the AM or FM screen, touch the back
or forward buttons to search for the
previous or next strong station.
Tune
Touch
Yon the infotainment display to
enter the Tune screen. Enter a frequency
using the keypad.
Touch the
Hto save the station as a
favorite.
Entering a valid AM or FM frequency will
automatically tune to the new station but
not close the Tune screen.
Touch the Go button or frequency in the list
to begin playing the station. The tune page
will close and return to the now playing
screen.
Storing Radio Station Favorites
Saved favorite stations will show at the
bottom of the now playing screen.
AM or FM favorites can be stored by
pressing and holding a favorite slot.
Audio Settings
Audio settings vary by region.
From the now playing screen, touch
kand
the following may display.
Sound
.Equalizer
.Fade/Balance
.Sound Mode (if equipped)
Bose AudioPilot
If equipped, adjusts the volume based on
the noise inside the vehicle and vehicle
speed.
Manage Radio Favorites
Displays a list of audio favorites that can be
moved or deleted.
Radio Text (RDS)
When on, radio station call letters and
messages from radio stations will be shown. Radio Text Category
When on, category information about
current radio content will be shown.
Radio Data System (RDS)
RDS relies on receiving specific RDS
information from radio stations and only
works when the information is available.
It is possible that a radio station could
broadcast information that causes the radio
to work improperly.
In addition, RDS features are region and
country of sale specific. This means specific
RDS content may not be available in your
listening area or in the country you operate
the vehicle.
To turn RDS features on or off, see "Audio
Settings" previously.
The following RDS features may be
supported by radio broadcasters in your
listening area:
RDS features
.Display radio station call letters
.Display messages from radio stations
.Provide radio station category information
(when available)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
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
208 Driving and Operating
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0236.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0233.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 408. To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0222.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 213
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help load the vehicle the
right way.
{Warning
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to. There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in this
manual. See
“Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving“ underOff-Road
Driving 0203.
Two-Tiered Loading
Depending on the model of the pickup,
an upper load platform can be created
by positioning three or four 5 cm (2 in)
by 15 cm (6 in) wooden planks across
the width of the pickup box. The planks
must be inserted in the pickup box
depressions.
When using this upper load platform,
be sure the load is securely tied down
to prevent it from shifting. The load's
center of gravity should be positioned
in a zone over the rear axle. The zone is
located in the area between the front
of each wheel well and the rear of each
wheel well. The center of gravity height
must not extend above the top of the
pickup box flareboard. Any load that extends beyond the
vehicle's taillamp area must be properly
marked according to local laws and
regulations.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
Add-On Equipment
When carrying removable items, a limit
on how many people carried inside the
vehicle may be necessary. Be sure to
weigh the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/13/22
Driving and Operating 225
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode when
towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load,
driving on steep hills, or driving off-road.
Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding”underLoss of Control 0202.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature
that adjusts the transmission shifting to the
current driving conditions in order to reduce
rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift, if the
engine is able to maintain vehicle speed by
analyzing things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load. If the
shift stabilization feature determines that a
current vehicle speed cannot be maintained,
the transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear. In some
cases, this could appear to be a delayed
shift, however the transmission is operating
normally. Grade Braking is available in all modes,
including Range Selection Mode. See
Manual
Mode 0226. Grade Braking assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds when
driving on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the vehicle.
The transmission uses adaptive shift
controls. The adaptive shift control process
continually compares key shift parameters
to pre-programmed ideal shifts stored in the
transmission’s computer. The transmission
constantly makes adjustments to improve
vehicle performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy
load or when the temperature changes.
During this adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the
transmission's gear shifting may be delayed
to provide more stable shifts until the
engine warms up. Shifts could be more
noticeable with a cold transmission. This
difference in shifting is normal. L :
This position allows selection of a range
of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If equipped, see “Range Selection
Mode” underManual Mode 0226.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.

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).