2015 GMC SIERRA DENALI ECO mode

Black plate (45,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-452. Turn the knob to 4
n . Wait for the
4
n indicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
{ CautionShifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
n indicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the
shift. After 30 seconds the transfer
case will shift to 4
m . Turn the knob
to 4
m to display the indicator. With
the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again. Shifting Out of 4
n To shift out of 4
n :
1. The vehicle must be stopped or
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph)
with the transmission in
N (Neutral) and the ignition in
ON/RUN. It is best for the
vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
m , AUTO,
or 2
m . Wait for the 4
m , AUTO,
or 2
m indicator light to stop
flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
{ Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case. If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
m , AUTO, or 2
m indicator light
will flash for 30 seconds but will not
complete the shift. With the vehicle
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press
and hold the brake pedal. See
Parking Brake on page 9-47 .
3. Start the vehicle or turn the
ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m .
6. Turn the transfer case knob
clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts blinking.

Black plate (52,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
9-52 Driving and Operating HDC will remain enabled between
22 and 60 km/h (14 and 37 mph);
however vehicle speed cannot be
set or maintained in this range.
It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h
(50 mph) or above 60 km/h
(37 mph) for at least
30 seconds.
5 must be pressed
again to re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a
speed above 22 km/h (14 mph) and
less than 60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC
message will display. See Vehicle
Speed Messages on page 5-42 .
Locking Rear Axle Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle. Cruise Control With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{ WarningCruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads. If equipped with an Allison or
Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic
transmission, see “ Tow/Haul Mode
Grade Braking ” under Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9-39 for an
explanation of how cruise control
interacts with the Range Selection
Mode, Tow/Haul Mode, and Grade
Braking systems.
If the cruise control is being used
and the Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-49 . If a collision
alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System on page 9-59 .
When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, cruise control
can be turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise
control disengages.

Black plate (54,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
9-54 Driving and Operating The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on
page 5-9 . The increment value used
depends on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated: .
Press and hold the SET – button
until the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it. .
To slow down in small
increments, briefly press the
SET – button. For each press,
the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on
page 5-9 . The increment value used
depends on the units displayed. Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing the SET – button will result
in cruise control set to the current
vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain
vehicle speed. While going downhill: .
Vehicles with a 6-speed
automatic transmission and a
gasoline engine have Cruise
Grade Braking to help maintain
driver selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started and
cruise control is active. It is not
enabled in Range Selection
Mode. It assists in maintaining
driver selected speed when
driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and
transmission to slow the vehicle.
To disable and enable Cruise
Grade Braking for the current
ignition key cycle, press and
hold the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. A DIC message
displays. See Transmission
Messages on page 5-39 . .
Vehicles with a diesel engine
have Cruise Grade Braking
enabled when Tow/Haul Mode is
on, the exhaust brake is on,
or both are on.

Black plate (72,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
9-72 Driving and Operating Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, and how much
the vehicle is used to pull a trailer
are all important. It can depend on
any special equipment on the
vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See
“ Weight of the Trailer Tongue ” later
in this section for more information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) for 1500
series trucks is calculated assuming
the tow vehicle has the driver, a
front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment.
Weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight
rating.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) for
2500 and 3500 series trucks is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has only the driver but all required
trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from the
trailer weight rating. Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
For kingpin weight and trailer
tongue weight information, see
“ Weight of the Trailer Tongue ” later
in this section.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.
Weights listed apply for
conventional trailers and fifth-wheel
trailers unless otherwise noted.

Black plate (79,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-79Vehicle Series Trailer Weight Weight Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3175 kg (7,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer
manufacturer ’ s
recommendation
1500 Over 3175 kg (7,000 lb) Required 50%
2500/3500 Up to 8165 kg (18,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer
manufacturer ’ s
recommendation
1. Body to Ground Distance
2. Front of Vehicle When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure distance (1) before
coupling the trailer to the hitch ball.
Measure the height again after the
trailer is coupled and adjust the
spring bars so the distance (1) is as
close as possible to halfway
between the two measurements.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck
Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers
can be used with many pickup
models. These trailers place a
larger percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle
than conventional trailers. Make
sure this weight does not cause the
vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin
weight should be 15 to 25% of the
trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specified in the trailering
chart for the vehicle. See “ Weight of
the Trailer ” under Trailer Towing on
page 9-71 .
The hitch should be located in the
pickup bed so that its centerline is
over or slightly in front of the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far

Black plate (81,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-81Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, double cab, and crew
cab pickups have a seven-wire
trailer towing harness.
For vehicles not equipped with
heavy-duty trailering, the harness is
secured to the vehicle's frame
behind the spare tire mount. The
harness requires the installation of a
trailer connector, which is available
through your dealer.
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package For vehicles equipped with
heavy-duty trailering, the harness
connector is mounted in the bumper.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits: .
Green/Violet: Left Stop/Turn
Signal .
Yellow/Gray: Right Stop/Turn
Signal .
Gray/Brown: Taillamps/Parking
Lamps .
White: Ground .
White/Green: Back-up Lamps .
Red/Green: Battery Feed .
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the Tow/Haul Mode
button, if equipped, at the end of the
shift lever. This will boost the
vehicle system voltage and properly
charge the battery. If the trailer is
too light for Tow/Haul Mode, or the
vehicle is not equipped with Tow/ Haul, turn on the headlamps as a
second way to boost the vehicle
system and charge the battery.
Camper/Fifth-Wheel Trailer Wiring
Package
The seven-wire camper harness is
under the rear bumper, attached to
the frame near the rear
crossmember. A connector must be
added to the wiring harness that
connects to the camper.
The harness contains the following
camper/trailer circuits: .
Green/Violet: Left Stop/Turn
Signal .
Yellow/Gray: Right Stop/Turn
Signal .
Gray/Brown: Taillamps/Parking
Lamps .
White: Ground .
White/Green: Back-up Lamps .
Red/Green: Battery Feed .
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake

Black plate (15,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-155. Safe operating level is within the
HOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 71°C and 93°C (160°F
and 200°F), add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level is
low, add only enough fluid to
bring the level into the HOT
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 L
(1 pt). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer. Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 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. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. See Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13-11 .{ CautionUse of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
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 .
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see “ Pickup Models ” under “ Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter ” in the Duramax
diesel supplement for the correct
inspection and replacement
procedures.

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)