engine coolant GMC SIERRA 1500 2015 Owners Manual

Black plate (5,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Introduction v
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®(if equipped)
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
(: Heated Steering Wheel
j:LATCH System Child
Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
O: Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_: Tow/Haul Mode
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak®
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (6,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
2-6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped with the remote start
feature, the climate control system
will come on when the vehicle is
started remotely depending on the
outside temperature.
The rear defog and heated and
cooled seats, if equipped, may also
come on. SeeHeated and Cooled
Front Seats on page 3-8 and
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-45.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of
vehicles.
Do not use remote start if the
vehicle is low on fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote
started if:
.The key is in the ignition (Key
Access) or the transmitter is in
the vehicle (Keyless Access)
.The hood is not closed.
.There is an emission control
system malfunction and the
malfunction indicator lamp is on.
The engine will turn off during a
remote vehicle start if:
.The coolant temperature gets
too high.
.The oil pressure gets low.
The RKE transmitter range may be
reduced while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System on page 2-3 orVehicle
Personalization on page 5-45.
Starting the Engine Using Remote
Start
1. Press and release
Q. 2. Immediately press and hold
/
until the turn signal lamps flash
or for at least four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on. The
doors will be locked and the
climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run
for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps
for 10-minute time extension.
Place the ignition in ON/RUN/
START to operate the vehicle.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be
extended by 10 minutes, for a total
of 20 minutes, if during the first
10 minutes Steps 1–2 are repeated
while the engine is still running.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a single start with an extension,
is allowed between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be
turned on and then back off to use
remote start again.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-3
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 5-4
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-4
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16 Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-17
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-18
Airbag On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-21
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . 5-25
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . 5-26
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . 5-26
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 5-26
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-27
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . 5-27
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 5-28
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-29 Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-29
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Information Displays
Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-36
Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-37
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-38
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-38
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-39
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-40
Airbag System Messages . . . . 5-41

Black plate (16,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
5-16 Instruments and Controls
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge measures the
temperature of the vehicle's engine
coolant.
While driving under normal
operating conditions, if the needle
moves into the red warning area,
the engine is too hot. Pull off the
road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
Voltmeter Gauge
When the ignition is on, this gauge
indicates the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, this
gauge shows the condition of the
charging system. The gauge can
transition from a higher to lower or a
lower to higher reading. This is
normal. If the vehicle is operating
outside the normal operating range,
the charging system light comes on.
See Charging System Light on
page 5-21 for more information. The

Black plate (37,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Instruments and Controls 5-37
Engine Cooling System
Messages
AIR CONDITIONING OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge on page 5-16. To avoid
added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the
coolant temperature returns to
normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge on
page 5-16.
When towing, use tow/haul mode to
prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9-37.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the engine cooling
system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation. Stop
and turn off the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message clears when
the engine has cooled to a safe
operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message. See Engine
Oil Life System on page 10-13 for
information on how to reset the
message. See Engine Oil on
page 10-10 andMaintenance
Schedule on page 11-3.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this
message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Engine Oil on page 10-10.

Black plate (38,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
5-38 Instruments and Controls
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine oil becomes hotter than the
normal operating temperature. Stop
and allow the vehicle to idle until it
cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 5-16.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil on page 10-10.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
may sound when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 10-23
for more information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the fuel level is low.
Refuel as soon as possible. See
Fuel Gauge on page 5-14 andFuel
on page 9-64.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the malfunction indicator lamp
on the instrument cluster if the
vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened
properly. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5-22. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. See Filling the Tank
on page 9-67. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 9-11
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-12
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-14
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-23
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-26 Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 9-28
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Active Fuel Management
®. . . 9-31
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-33
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-49
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-62
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-65
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-65
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-65

Black plate (28,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
9-28 Driving and Operating
.Press and release the cruise
control SET- button. Engine
speed will be held at
approximately 1200 rpm.
One of the following actions will turn
off the fast idle:
.Pressing the brake.
.Selecting the cruise control
cancel button.
.Releasing the parking brake.
.Moving the transmission shift
lever out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral).
.Selecting the cruise control on/
off button when it was
previously on.
.Pressing the cruise control SET-
button a second time.
.Pressing the accelerator more
than one-quarter of the
way down.
.Turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
The following vehicle accessories
can be used for up to 10 minutes
after the engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.OnStar System (if equipped)
.Sunroof (if equipped)
These features work when the key
is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,
the windows and sunroof continue
to work up to 10 minutes or until any
door is opened. The radio continues
to work for up to 10 minutes or until
the driver door is opened.
Accessory Power Outlets (APOs)
The vehicle may have APOs in
several locations. See Power
Outlets on page 5-6. The APOs in the console or center
seat position are powered by RAP.
They will continue to work for up to
10 minutes after the key is turned
from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, or until
the driver door is opened.
The APOs on the center stack come
from the factory powered directly
from the vehicle battery, and supply
accessory power at all times,
regardless of ignition key position.
If electronic items are left plugged
into these APOs for long periods of
time with the vehicle off, the vehicle
battery could be drained. The
vehicle may not start if the battery is
allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up in
cold weather conditions at or below
−18°C (0°F). Vehicles with an
engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting.

Black plate (29,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Driving and Operating 9-29
An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist,
which will prevent engine coolant
heater operation at temperatures
above−18°C (0°F).
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is
secured to the driver side fender
with a clip, next to the engine
compartment fuse block.
Carefully remove the wire tie
that bundles the electrical plug.
Do not cut the electrical cord.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be 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. 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, use the steps
that follow. With four-wheel drive,
if the transfer case is in
N (Neutral), the vehicle will be
free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). Be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear. If towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9-69.

Black plate (71,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Driving and Operating 9-71
Caution (Continued)
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See
Tow/Haul Mode on page 9-37.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see Engine Overheating on
page 10-23.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load.