2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Drive Modes Explained
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As Big Red’s light-duty truck offering, the GMC Sierra 1500 is a highly adept pickup capable of tackling all sorts of situations. To better its capabilities, the light-duty pickup utilizes a variety of drive modes, so with that in mind, GM Authority is taking a closer look at 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 drive modes in the following explainer.
The 2024 Sierra 1500 is offered with up to six drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Snow / Ice, Off-Road, Tow / Haul, and Terrain. The Driver Mode Control knob is located to the left of the steering wheel and can be rotated to make an appropriate selection.
Normal
Normal Mode is used for regular city and highway driving, and provides a balance between comfort and handling for a smooth ride. Notably, it’s the standard / default drive mode.
Sport
Sport Mode is utilized when road conditions or personal preferences dictate a more controlled response from the vehicle. As such, this drive mode improves vehicle handling and acceleration on dry pavement by modifying steering efforts, transmission shifting, brake pedal tuning, and suspension tuning. Notably, if the vehicle is equipped with an Active Exhaust system, Sport Mode also modifies the exhaust valve opening.
Snow / Ice
Snow / Ice Mode is used to improve acceleration on snow- or ice-covered roads. When activated, this drive mode adjusts acceleration to optimize traction on slippery surfaces. However, Snow / Ice Mode can compromise acceleration on dry asphalt.
Off-Road
Off-Road Mode is utilized for all-terrain recreational driving, and improves driving at moderate speeds on grass, gravel, dirt, unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. With the accelerator pedal tuned for off-road use, the Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) systems are modified for performance.
Tow / Haul
Tow / Haul Mode is used to improve performance and vehicle control when hauling heavy loads. This drive mode adjusts transmission shift patterns, steering, and Trailer Sway Control if equipped. If the pickup is turned off with Tow / Haul Mode active and then restarted within two hours, it will remain engaged. Otherwise, Normal Mode will activate when the pickup is turned back on.
For units of the equipped with the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax, exhaust braking is automatically activated when the Tow / Haul Mode is selected. The system commands downshifts and uses the turbocharger to reduce vehicle speed when the brake pedal is applied, and the normal tow/haul shift pattern will be restored on a low grade or when the accelerator pedal is pressed. Auto Start / Stop is disabled in this mode.
Terrain
Terrain Mode is utilized for finer control during low-speed off-road driving. This drive mode mimics the characteristics of four-wheel drive low without the torque capabilities, and is recommended for use when traveling on rough roads at low speed, slowly through grassy fields, pulling a boat out of the water on a trailer, or in public off-road recreational driving. Note that Auto Stop / Start is disengaged while this mode is active.
However, if the wheels slip while in Terrain Mode, this may result in excessive heat in the transfer case, causing 4WD and Terrain Mode to automatically turn off, returning the pickup to two-wheel drive. Once the transfer case cools, 4WD will automatically activate once more.
Finally, Terrain Mode may hold a lower gear longer to maximize engine torque. A unique pedal map, transmission shift pattern, and RPM control are also utilized to improve control at lower speeds and over rough terrain. TCS is optimized for maximum torque transfer between axles, and Active Braking During Lift Throttle will engage.
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Does tow / haul mode change anything with the alternator so that it stays on continuously to charge trailer / camper batteries? I’ve heard with the more modern “smart” alternators that they will sometimes top of the start battery and then stop recharging.