tow GMC SIERRA 1500 2015 Owners Manual

Black plate (26,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
10-26 Vehicle Care
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when starting the engine. It will go
away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fans, the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. Thefans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans
may run after the engine has been
turned. off. This is normal and no
service is required.
Power Steering Fluid
(1500 Series)
The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid
(2500/3500 Series)
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10-5 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
Wait for the power steering system
to cool, with the engine off, before
checking the fluid.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.

Black plate (67,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Vehicle Care 10-67
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires if the vehicle
has dual rear wheels (except
polished forged aluminum
wheels).
Vehicles with polished forged
aluminum dual wheels have
three unique wheels; a front, a
rear outer and a rear inner.
These wheels cannot be rotated
to another position, however,
they can be rotated from left to
right to the same position.Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires if the vehicle
has polished forged aluminum
dual rear wheels. The spare
wheel can be used in any
position and can be rotated with
the rear inner wheels.
When installing dual wheels,
check that the vent holes in the
inner and outer wheels on each
side are lined up.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire andLoading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See
Tire Pressure on page 10-59
and
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9-15.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications on
page 12-2.{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.

Black plate (75,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Vehicle Care 10-75
Warning (Continued)
by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of the vehicle and
you or others may be injured in a
crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust, or remove
the device if it is contacting the
vehicle, and do not spin the
vehicle's wheels.
If you do find traction devices that
will fit, install them on the rear
tires.
{Caution
If the vehicle does not have dual
wheels and has a tire size other
than P265/65R18, P275/55R20,
LT265/70R17, LT265/70R18,
LT265/60R20, P285/50R20, 285/
45R22, or P285/45R22, use tire
chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use chains that
are the proper size for the tires.
Install them on the tires of the
rear axle. Do not use chains on
the tires of the front axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If you
can hear the chains contacting
the vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues,
slow down until it stops. Driving
too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage the
vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if there ever is a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.

Black plate (79,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Vehicle Care 10-79
2. Assemble the wheel wrench (7)and the two jack handle
extensions (6), as shown.
3. Insert the hoist end (openend) (10) of the extension
through the hole (9) in the rear
bumper.
Do not use the chiseled end of
the wheel wrench.
Be sure the hoist end of the
extension (10) connects to the
hoist shaft. The ribbed square
end of the extension is used to
lower the spare tire.
4. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the
spare tire to the ground.
Continue to turn the wheel
wrench until the spare tire can
be pulled out from under the
vehicle.
5. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle.
6. Tilt the tire toward the vehicle
with some slack in the cable to
access the tire/wheel retainer.
Tilt the retainer and pull it
through the center of the wheel
along with the cable and spring.
7. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
Use the following pictures and
instructions to remove the flat tire
and raise the vehicle.

Black plate (83,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Vehicle Care 10-83
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.
6. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle far enough off
the ground so there is enough
room for the spare tire to fit
under the wheel well.
7. Remove all the wheel nuts andtake off the flat tire.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
8. Remove any rust or dirt from thewheel bolts, mounting surfaces,
and spare wheel.
9. Install the spare tire.

Black plate (84,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
10-84 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
10. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the
nuts toward the wheel.
11. Tighten each wheel nut by hand. Then use the wheel
wrench to tighten the nuts until
the wheel is held against
the hub.
12. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the
vehicle. Lower the jack
completely.
{Warning
If wheel studs are damaged, they
can break. If all the studs on a
wheel broke, the wheel could
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
come off and cause a crash.
If any stud is damaged because
of a loose-running wheel, it could
be that all of the studs are
damaged. To be sure, replace all
studs on the wheel. If the stud
holes in a wheel have become
larger, the wheel could collapse in
operation. Replace any wheel if
its stud holes have become larger
or distorted in any way. Inspect
hubs and hub‐piloted wheels for
damage. Because of loose
running wheels, piloting pad
damage may occur and require
replacement of the entire hub, for
proper centering of the wheels.
When replacing studs, hubs,
wheel nuts or wheels, be sure to
use GM original equipment parts.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Specifications on page 12-2 for
original equipment wheel nut
torque specifications.
{Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
(Continued)

Black plate (85,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Vehicle Care 10-85
Caution (Continued)
sequence and to the proper
torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications for
the wheel nut torque specification.
13. Tighten the nuts firmly in acrisscross sequence, as
shown, by turning the wheel
wrench clockwise.
For vehicles with dual wheels, have
a technician check the wheel nut
tightness of all wheels with a torque
wrench after the first 160, 1 600 and
10 000 km (100, 1,000 and 6,000 mi).
Repeat this service whenever you have a tire removed or serviced.
See
Capacities and Specifications
on page 12-2.
When reinstalling the regular wheel
and tire, also reinstall either the
center cap, or bolt-on hub cap,
depending on what the vehicle is
equipped with. For center caps,
place the cap on the wheel and tap
it into place until it seats flush with
the wheel. The cap only goes on
one way. Be sure to line up the tab
on the center cap with the
indentation on the wheel. For
bolt-on hub caps, align the plastic
nut caps with the wheel nuts and
then tighten by hand. Then use the
wheel wrench to tighten.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
{Caution
Storing an aluminum wheel with a
flat tire under your vehicle for an
extended period of time or with
the valve stem pointing up can
damage the wheel. Always stow
the wheel with the valve stem
pointing down and have the
wheel/tire repaired as soon as
possible.

Black plate (88,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
10-88 Vehicle Care
If equipped with a temporary use
full-size spare tire, it is indicated on
the tire sidewall. SeeTire Sidewall
Labeling on page 10-53. This spare
tire should not be driven on over
112 km/h (70 mph), or 88 km/h
(55 mph) when pulling a trailer, at
the proper inflation pressure.
Repair and replace the road tire as
soon as it is convenient, and stow
the spare tire for future use.
{Caution
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive
and a different size spare tire is
installed, do not drive in
four-wheel drive until the flat tire
is repaired and/or replaced. The
vehicle could be damaged and
the repairs would not be covered
by the warranty. Never use
four-wheel drive when a different
size spare tire is installed on the
vehicle. The vehicle may have a different
size spare tire than the road tires
originally installed on the vehicle.
This spare tire was developed for
use on this vehicle, so it is all right
to drive on it. If the vehicle has
four-wheel drive and a different size
spare tire is installed, drive only in
two-wheel drive.
After installing the spare tire on the
vehicle, stop as soon as possible
and check that the spare tire is
correctly inflated.
Have the damaged or flat road tire
repaired or replaced and installed
back onto the vehicle as soon as
possible so the spare tire will be
available in case it is needed again.
Do not mix tires and wheels of
different sizes, because they will not
fit. Keep your spare tire and its
wheel together. If the vehicle has a
spare tire that does not match the
original road tires and wheels in size
and type, do not include the spare in
the tire rotation.
Jump Starting
For more information about the
vehicle battery, see
Battery on
page 10-30.
If the vehicle's battery (or batteries)
has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your vehicle. Be sure
to use the following steps to do it
safely.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can
burn you.
.They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
.They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.

Black plate (93,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Vehicle Care 10-93
Towing the Vehicle
{Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash
or hook to the chassis
components—including the front
and rear subframes, suspension
control arms, and links —during
towing and recovery of a disabled
vehicle, or when securing the
vehicle. Use the proper nylon
strap harnesses around the tires
to secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
car carrier. A wheel lift tow truck
could damage the vehicle.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed. To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing”
following.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
dinghy and dolly towing. Dinghy
towing is towing the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground. Dolly
towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two
wheels on a dolly.
Follow the tow vehicle
manufacturer
’s instructions. See
your dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
{Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

Black plate (94,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
10-94 Vehicle Care
{Caution
If the two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with all four wheels on the
ground.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two-speed transfer
case that have an N (Neutral) and a
Four-Wheel Drive Low (4 (
n) setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
Follow these steps to dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing
forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine. 4. Shift the transfer case to
N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive on page 9-38 for the
proper procedure. Check that
the vehicle is in N (Neutral) by
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
5. With the transmission in D (Drive), turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
{Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage
to the vehicle.