How do you Remove the Airbox on 2014/15 GMC Sierra?

[MrScubaBHT]

Hey All,

 

I have a 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Crew 6.5 and the truck is great except for the headlight light output which everyone is a big topic discussion on the boards everywhere. I've already modified the 9005 Bulbs to fit which didn't take that long at all. However, I'm perplexed as to how to properly remove the Passenger Side Airbox without breaking anything. I've checked for YouTube Videos or Pics or the removal to no avail.

 

I believe you have to remove the entire air intake plenum first, disconnect the sensor and detach from the airbox, then remove the airbox lid and filter. The airbox seems like it is firmly attached to the bottom and there is a large clip where the air comes in from the side fender. I just don't want to yank it out for fear of breaking some unseen clips. Has anyone done the removal? If so what's the trick to removing the airbox?

 

Pictures or video would help immensely; just surprised no one has posted a how to video up on YouTube with as much discussion there is around replacing the stock bulbs with brighter bulbs or HID's.

 

 

[USCGRetiredJosh]

download the directions on how to install a K&N air filter from their website. It tells you how to remove the airbox

[Spurshot]

First, if you are putting a 9005 in place of a 9012, you may be disappointed. The 9012 is in the area of 1800 lumens. 9005 bulbs are all over the place, but not likely as high as 1800 lumens.

 

To remove the air box, disconnect electrical harness at the MAF (next to the air box snorkel). Loosen the large hose clamp on the snorkel of the air box. Slide the duct off the snorkel of the air box. Grab the snorkel and yank up sharply. There are three grommets that hold the air box that will release.

[TJay74]

Correct, don't run the 9005 as it only puts out something like 1300 lumens. 1st suggestion would be to go to the dealer and have the new update done if the truck doesn't already have it from the factory. If the bulb you pulled out of the drivers side says VOLSA on it then your truck has the higher output 9011 bulbs and the new updated BCM programming. If the stock bulb was a Phillips then go to the dealer and tell them the head lights suck and have them do the TSB for the headlights. It will get you the newer bulb that is brighter than stock and 200k whiter as well along with having the BCM reprogrammed for more voltage to the headlights.

 

If you don't want to go that route the better route is to order the Phillips 9012 bulbs from Home Depot, modify them and put them in instead. They are 2300 lumens and are a decent upgrade over the stock bulbs.

 

So far on the new update the new VOLSA 9011 bulb with the BCM programming is just as bright as the modified 9012 bulb and is actually a whiter light than the 9012 bulb as well.

[MrScubaBHT]

9005 Sylvania Silverstar Ultra. I had these in my 2007 Toyota Tundra and they blazed. These are High Beam Headlams, thought they had like 1800 lumens and a whiter light output than the stock headlight bulbs. I just can't stand the yellowish light these stock bulbs put out and seem very dim compared to the Tundra I sold prior to purchasing the GMC Sierra.

 

Tjay, do you have the TSB #? I've heard of a ECM, but not a BCM. Excuse my ignorance, but what control module is that? So after the TSB and change in bulbs are they whiter and brighter?

 

Oh Mine are the the Phillips 9012 Bulbs,

 

Thanks for everyone's input.

[TJay74]

Sorry, I had the modified bulbs for so long I always get the 9012/9011 mixed up. The Sierra only uses 1 bulb for lows and highs. When you go to high beam it opens a shutter inside of the projector to allow more light out.

 

ECM - Engine

TCM - Transmission

BCM - Body control module

 

I think the TSB is PIT5374A now for the head light update.

[MrScubaBHT]

Thanks TJay, I do understand how the high beams work in the Sierra. Just thought 9005 bulbs (which are high beams) had around 1800 lumens when using the Syvania Silverstar Ultras. So based on what I saw 9011 are older HIR-1 and 9012 are HIR-2 (2nd Gen). So why would Gen 1 be brighter? Cannot find any lumen info on the Silverstars anywhere...

[TJay74]

The 9012 is what the truck uses stock, they are a 55w bulb. The 9011 is the 65w version of the same bulb. From some reading on the net the 9012 maxes at 1955 lumens depending on the brand the 9011 goes to 2300 lumen.

 

Everything I have fond on the net from lighting sites states that the HIR are far superior to the 9005/9006 bulbs in all attributes.

[POS VETT]

There isn't an ECM when it comes to GM control modules nowadays. The control module for the engine is called PCM or Powertrain Control Module.

[Spurshot]

There isn't an ECM when it comes to GM control modules nowadays. The control module for the engine is called PCM or Powertrain Control Module.

 

I think they went back to a ECM/TCM setup.

 

From the GM Upfitter site

 

A member retrieved his TCM from the valve body.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/163647-tcm/page-2

[Chris]

 

I think they went back to a ECM/TCM setup.

 

From the GM Upfitter site

 

A member retrieved his TCM from the valve body.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/163647-tcm/page-2

Been the case since 07 for the trucks.

[Ventilator]

First, if you are putting a 9005 in place of a 9012, you may be disappointed. The 9012 is in the area of 1800 lumens. 9005 bulbs are all over the place, but not likely as high as 1800 lumens.

 

To remove the air box, disconnect electrical harness at the MAF (next to the air box snorkel). Loosen the large hose clamp on the snorkel of the air box. Slide the duct off the snorkel of the air box. Grab the snorkel and yank up sharply. There are three grommets that hold the air box that will release.

Mine only had 2 grommets, 2 studs and one threaded drain spout in the corner IIRC?