2015 GMC SIERRA 1500 traction control

Black plate (27,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Instruments and Controls 5-27
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak
button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF
light come on when StabiliTrak is
turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-50.StabiliTrak®OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off.
If the StabiliTrak and TCS are off,
the system does not assist in
controlling the vehicle. Turn on the
TCS and the StabiliTrak systems
and the warning light turns off.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-50.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally,
the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS, and potentially the StabiliTrak
system have been disabled. A DIC
message may display. Check the
DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service.

Black plate (28,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
5-28 Instruments and Controls
If the indicator/warning light is on
and flashing, the TCS and/or the
StabiliTrak system is actively
working.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-50.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. See
Tire Messages on
page 5-42. Stop as soon as
possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See
Tire Pressure on page 10-59.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 10-62.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank
is low on fuel. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.

Black plate (40,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
5-40 Instruments and Controls
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Parking Assist
system. Do not use this system to
help you park. See your dealer for
service.
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If this message displays, it means
there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this
message, try to reset the system.
Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine
again. If this message still comes
on, it means there is a problem. You
should see your dealer for service.
The vehicle is safe to drive;
however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message displays, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer
for service. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-50.
STABILITRAK INITIALIZING
This message may come on if the
StabiliTrak system has not fully
initialized because of road
conditions or the incorrect tire size.
When the StabiliTrak system is fully
initialized, the message will turn off.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-50. If this
message continues to be displayed
for multiple ignition cycles and on
different road surfaces, see your
dealer for service.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
traction control has been turned off.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-50.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
traction control is active. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-50.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when the
StabiliTrak system has been turned
off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To limit wheel spin and realize the
full benefits of the stability
enhancement system, you should
normally leave StabiliTrak on. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-50.

Black plate (2,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
7-2 Infotainment System
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid
distraction by disabling some
functions when driving. These
functions may gray out when they
are unavailable.
All functions are available when the
vehicle is parked. Before driving:
.Become familiar with the
infotainment system operation
and buttons on the faceplate.
.Set up the audio by presetting
favorite stations, setting the
tone, and adjusting the
speakers.
.Set up phone numbers in
advance so they can be called
easily by pressing a single
button or by using a single voice
command for vehicles equipped
with phone capability.
See Defensive Driving on page 9-3.
The audio system can be played
even after the ignition is turned off.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9-28.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
TheftLock®is designed to
discourage theft of the vehicle's
radio by learning a portion of the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The radio does not operate if it is
stolen or moved to a different
vehicle.
Overview
Infotainment System Overview
The infotainment system is
controlled by using the buttons on
the faceplate and steering wheel
controls, if equipped. See Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5-3.

Black plate (29,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
Infotainment System 7-29
number has been entered, the
command“Call”will start dialing the
number.
“Voice Mail”: Initiate a call to voice
mail numbers.
Voice Recognition for OnStar
(If Equipped)
“OnStar”: Begin OnStar Voice
Recognition.
Phone
Bluetooth (Overview)
Instructions for using the cell phone
may differ between infotainment
systems. The base radio and base
radio with connectivity instructions
are included in this manual. See the
infotainment manual for instructions
on the uplevel radios.
Bluetooth-capable systems can
interact with many cell phones,
allowing:
.Placement and receipt of calls in
a hands-free mode.
.Sharing of the cell phone’s
address book or contact list with
the vehicle.
To minimize driver distraction,
before driving, and with the vehicle
parked:
.Become familiar with the
features of the cell phone.
Organize the phone book and
contact lists clearly and delete duplicate or rarely used entries.
If possible, program speed dial
or other shortcuts.
.Review the controls and
operation of the infotainment
system.
.Pair cell phone(s) to the vehicle.
The system may not work with
all cell phones. See
“Pairing”in
this section.
.If the cell phone has voice
dialing capability, learn to use
that feature to access the
address book or contact list. See
“Voice Pass-Thru” in this
section.
.See “Storing and Deleting Phone
Numbers” in this section.
{Warning
When using a cell phone, it can
be distracting to look too long or
too often at the screen of the
phone or the infotainment system.
(Continued)

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 (2,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
9-2 Driving and Operating
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-72
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-87
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-96
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-97
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 9-97
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-101
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.

Black plate (6,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
7299746) - 2015 - crc - 11/11/13
9-6 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues—such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without four-wheel drive and
vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR)
tires must not be driven off-road
except on a level, solid surface. For
more contact information about the
original equipment tires, see the
Limited Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear safety belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
.Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
.Remove any underbody air
deflector, if equipped. Re-attach
the air deflector after off-road
driving.
.Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.