climate control GMC SIERRA DENALI 2015 User Guide

Black plate (31,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Instruments and Controls 5-31Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge: Shows the temperature of
the automatic transmission fluid in
either degrees Celsius (°C) or
degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Off Road: Displays vehicle pitch
and roll information, road wheel
angle, and four-wheel drive (4WD)
status.
Vehicle Messages Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V .
The messages that require
immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously and clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
The following are the possible
messages and some information
about them.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement. Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages BATTERY LOW START
VEHICLE When the vehicle ’ s battery is
severely discharged, this message
will display and four chimes will
sound. Start the vehicle
immediately. If the vehicle is not
started and the battery continues to
discharge, the climate controls,
heated seats, and audio systems
will shut off and the vehicle may
require a jump start. These systems
will function again after the vehicle
is started.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the
battery voltage drops below
expected levels and features are
disabled. Turn off all unnecessary
accessory features.

Black plate (45,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Instruments and Controls 5-45adjusted to this level. To set the
maximum startup volume, press +
or − to increase or decrease.
Vehicle Select and the following may
display: .
Climate and Air Quality .
Collision/Detection Systems .
Comfort and Convenience .
Lighting .
Power Door Locks .
Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
Climate and Air Quality Select the Climate and Air Quality
menu and the following may display: .
Auto Fan Max Speed .
Auto Rear Defog
Auto Fan Max Speed
This feature will set the maximum
auto fan speed.
Select Low, Medium, or High. Auto Rear Defog
If equipped, this feature will
automatically turn on the rear
window defogger when it is cold
outside.
Select Off or On.
Collision/Detection Systems Select the Collision/Detection
Systems menu and the following
may display: .
Alert Type .
Auto Collision Preparation .
Park Assist
Alert Type
This feature will set crash alerts to
beeps or seat vibrations. This
setting affects all crash alerts
including Forward Collision Alert,
Lane Departure Warning, and Park
Assist alerts.
Select Beeps or Safety Alert Seat. Auto Collision Preparation
This feature will turn on or off the
Forward Collision Alert feature as
well as the automatic braking
capability of the Auto Collision
Preparation feature. With the Alert
and Brake setting, both Forward
Collision Alert as well as the
automatic braking capability of the
Auto Collision Preparation feature
are available. The Alert setting
disables most automatic braking
functions of the Auto Collision
Preparation feature. Some
last-second automatic braking
capability is still provided with the
Alert setting, but it is much less
likely to be triggered by most driving
conditions. Off disables all Forward
Collision Alert and automatic
braking capabilities of the Auto
Collision Preparation feature.
Select Off, Alert and Brake, or Alert.
See Object Detection System
Messages on page 5-35 .

Black plate (8,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
6-8 Lighting
Lighting Features Entry Lighting The vehicle has an illuminated entry
feature.
When a door is opened, the dome
lamps and puddle lamps come on if
the dome lamp control is in the
DOOR position. If the dome lamp
control is in the OFF position, the
lamps do not come on.
The headlamps, parking lamps,
taillamps, and back-up lamps turn
on briefly at night, or in areas with
limited lighting, when
K is pressed
on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. After about 30 seconds
the exterior lamps turn off. Entry
lighting can be disabled manually by
changing the ignition out of the OFF
position, or by pressing the RKE
transmitter
Q button.
This feature can be changed. See
“ Vehicle Locator Lights ” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-42 . Exit Lighting The interior lamps, headlamps,
parking lamps, back-up lamps, and
license plate lamps come on when
the key is removed from the ignition.
The interior lamps turn off
automatically in 20 seconds. The
interior lamps do not come on if the
dome lamp control is in the OFF
position.
The exterior lamps turn off
immediately by turning the exterior
lamps control off.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-42 .
Battery Load
Management The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM), which
estimates the battery's temperature
and state of charge. It then adjusts
the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery. When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. The voltmeter
gauge or the voltage display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
if equipped, may show the voltage
moving up or down. This is normal.
If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.

Black plate (1,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Climate Controls 8-1
Climate Controls Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic Climate Control
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Maintenance Passenger Compartment Air
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic Climate Control System With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be
controlled.
1. Driver Temperature Control
2. A/C (Air Conditioning)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. Fan Control
5. Defrost
6. Passenger Temperature Control 7. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
8. Air Recirculation
9. Power Button
10. Rear Window Defogger
11. SYNC (Synchronized
Temperature)

Black plate (2,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
8-2 Climate Controls Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls
the fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation in
order to heat or cool the vehicle to
the desired temperature.
When the indicator light is on, the
system is in full automatic operation.
If the air delivery mode or fan
setting is manually adjusted, the
auto indicator turns off and displays
will show the selected settings.
To place the system in
automatic mode:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the driver and passenger
temperature.
To find your comfort setting, start
with 22°C (72°F) and allow the
system time to stabilize. Then
adjust the temperature as
needed for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to
cool the vehicle faster, recirculation
may be automatically selected in
warm weather. The recirculation light will not come
on when automatically controlled.
Press
@ to manually select
recirculation; press it again to select
outside air.
Do not cover the solar sensor on the
top of the instrument panel near the
windshield. This sensor regulates
air temperature based on sun load.
See “ Sensors ” later in this section.
Manual Operation
O (On/Off): Press to turn the
climate control system on or off.
Outside air still enters the vehicle,
and is directed to the floor. This
direction can be changed by
pressing the air delivery mode.
9 (Fan Control): Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Press the
knob to turn the fan off.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Control: The
temperature can be adjusted
separately for the driver and
passenger.
Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the driver or passenger
temperature setting.
SYNC (Synchronized
Temperature): Press to link the
passenger temperature setting to
the driver setting. The SYNC
indicator light will turn on. When the
passenger setting is adjusted, the
SYNC indicator light is off.
The driver side or passenger side
temperature display shows the
temperature setting increasing or
decreasing.
Air Delivery Mode Control:
Press
Y ,
\ ,
[ , or
- to change
the direction of the airflow. An
indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button.

Black plate (3,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Climate Controls 8-3Changing the mode cancels the
automatic operation and the system
goes into manual mode. Press
AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Y (Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
\ (Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air is directed
toward the windshield and side
window outlets.
[ (Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some to the
windshield, side window outlets, and
second row floor outlets.
- (Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor
outlets, and side window vents. The
system automatically forces outside
air into the vehicle and the air
conditioning compressor will run,
unless the outside temperature is
close to freezing. 0 (Defrost): Press to clear the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window
vents. The air conditioning
compressor also comes on, unless
the outside temperature is below
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
See Air Vents on page 8-4 .
A/C (Air Conditioning): Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on to
show that the air conditioning is
enabled. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run. The A/C
light will stay on even if the outside
temperatures are below freezing.
@ (Recirculation): Press to turn
on recirculation. An indicator light
comes on. Air is recirculated to
quickly cool the inside of the
vehicle. It can also be used to help
reduce outside air and odors that enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
K (Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is in ON/
RUN. The defogger turns off if the
ignition is turned to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
{ Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
(Continued)

Black plate (4,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
8-4 Climate Controls Caution (Continued)not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
Heated Mirror: If equipped with
heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost
from the surface of the mirror when
the rear window defog button is
pressed. See Heated Mirrors on
page 2-17 .
Sensors The solar sensor, located in the
defrost grille in the middle of the
instrument panel, monitors the solar
heat. Do not cover the solar sensor
or the system will not work properly.
There is also an exterior
temperature sensor behind the front
grille. This sensor reads the outside
air temperature and helps maintain
the temperature inside the vehicle.
Any cover on the front of the vehicle
including a snow plow, could cause
a false reading in the displayed
temperature.
The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to
maintain comfort settings by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan
speed, and the air delivery mode.
The system may also supply cooler
air to the side of the vehicle facing
the sun. The recirculation mode will
also be used as needed to maintain
cool outlet temperatures. Air Vents Use the air vents in the center and
on the side of the instrument panel
to direct airflow. Use the
thumbwheels near the air vents to
open or close off the airflow.
Air vents blow warm air on the side
windows in cold weather. If Floor,
Defog, or Defrost modes are
selected, a small amount of air will
come from the vents close to the
window. If the airflow is shut off
using the thumbwheels, warm air
will be directed to the other
instrument panel vents. This is
normal operation.
Use the thumbwheels to turn vent
airflow on or off based on the mode
selected.
Operation Tips .
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.

Black plate (5,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Climate Controls 8-5.
Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively. .
Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
Maintenance Passenger Compartment
Air Filter The filter reduces the dust, pollen,
and other airborne irritants from
outside air that is pulled into the
vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
See Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 . To find out what type of
filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11-14 . 1. Open the lower glove box door
completely.
2. Remove the four screws from
around the lower glove box. The
door does not need to be
removed to access the screws.

Black plate (6,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
8-6 Climate Controls
3. Close the lower glove box door
and pull it from its frame to
remove the entire unit. 4. Release the two tabs holding the
service door. Open the service
door and remove the old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Close the service door and
secure the tabs.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the
glove box.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed. Service All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should
never be repaired or replaced by
one from a salvage vehicle.
It should only be replaced by a new
evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants
should be reclaimed with proper
equipment. Venting refrigerants
directly to the atmosphere is harmful
to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite,
or other health-based concerns.

Black plate (2,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
9-2 Driving and Operating E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-65
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Trailer Towing General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-71
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-78
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-87
Conversions and Add-Ons Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-88
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 9-88
Pickup Conversion to
Chassis Cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-92 Driving Information Distracted Driving Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive. .
Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls. .
Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices. .
Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving. .
Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor. .
Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children. .
Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint. .
Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.