Black plate (21,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Instruments and Controls 5-21
Brake System Warning
Light The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
Metric English
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn if there is a
problem. When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light also comes on
when the parking brake is set. The
light stays on if the parking brake
does not fully release. If it stays on
after the parking brake is fully
released, it means the vehicle has a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The pedal might be harder to push,
or the pedal can go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See
Towing the Vehicle on page 10-91 .
{ Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
(Continued) Warning (Continued) the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the
system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
Black plate (34,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
5-34 Instruments and Controls
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 10-11 for
information on how to reset the
message. See Engine Oil on
page 10-8 and Maintenance
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 10-8 . 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. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 5-13 .
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 10-8 .
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 10-21
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.
Black plate (36,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
5-36 Instruments and Controls when it is temporarily unavailable.
The LDW system does not need
service.
This message could be due to the
camera being blocked. Cleaning the
outside of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
PARK ASSIST OFF This message displays when the
Parking Assist system has been
turned off or when there is a
temporary condition causing the
system to be disabled.
SERVICE FRONT CAMERA If this message remains on after
continued driving, the vehicle needs
service. Do not use the Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) and
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
features. Take the vehicle to your
dealer. 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. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-49 .
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 9-49 . If this
message continues to be displayed
for multiple ignition cycles and on
different road surfaces, see your
dealer for service.
Black plate (11,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-11your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system
has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on to
indicate that an oil change is
necessary. See Engine Oil
Messages on page 5-34 . Change
the oil as soon as possible within
the next 1 000 km (600 mi). It is
possible that, if driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is
not necessary for up to a year. The
engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be
reset. For vehicles without the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed
when the OIL LIFE REMAINING
percentage is near 0%. Your dealer
has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil regularly over the course of
an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the engine oil life system:
1. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5-27 .
2. Press and hold
V for several
seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.
Black plate (12,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-12 Vehicle Care The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal
slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC. If the
display shows 100%, the system
is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine
oil life system has not been reset.
Repeat the procedure. Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6 Speed
Transmission) When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
{ Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
(Continued) Caution (Continued) not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 .
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 . Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 .
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
{ Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
(Continued)
Black plate (24,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-24 Vehicle Care distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
{ CautionAfter driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
See Engine Oil on page 10-8 .
Engine Fan If the vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan, when the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
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. The
fans 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)
Black plate (64,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-64 Vehicle Care .
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires on page 10-69 ..
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly, it cannot detect or signal a
low tire condition. See your dealer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message come on
and stay on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification
code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the
vehicle ’ s tires or replacing one or
more of the TPMS sensors. Also,
the TPMS sensor matching process should be performed after replacing
a spare tire with a road tire
containing the TPMS sensor. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next
ignition cycle. The sensors are
matched to the tire/wheel positions,
using a TPMS relearn tool, in the
following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger
side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to
purchase a relearn tool. A TPMS
relearn tool can also be purchased.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Sensor Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or
call 1-800-GM TOOLS
(1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the
first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted. The TPMS sensor matching
process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off.
3. Make sure the Tire Pressure info
page option is turned on. The
info pages on the DIC can be
turned on and off through the
Settings menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-27 .
4. Use the DIC controls on the right
side of the steering wheel to
scroll to the Tire Pressure
screen under the DIC info page.
5. Press and hold the
V (Set/
Reset) button located in the
center of the DIC controls.
The horn sounds twice to signal
the receiver is in relearn mode
and the TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message displays on
the DIC screen.
Black plate (3,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Maintenance
Schedule Owner Checks and Services At Each Fuel Stop .
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 10-8 .
Once a Month .
Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure on
page 10-59 ..
Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10-65 ..
Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10-25 .
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10-11 .
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter The passenger compartment air
filter removes 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.
Inspect the passenger compartment
air filter every 36 000 km/
22,500 miles or two years,
whichever comes first. Replace if
necessary. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy traffic, areas with poor air quality,
or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if
there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation on page 10-65 . .
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil on page 10-8 and Engine Oil
Life System on page 10-11 . .
Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant on page 10-18 . .
Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10-25 .