Jump to content

Denali 3500 Problems

SMKN LS1

By SMKN LS1
in Troubleshooting & Recalls

Recommended Posts

SMKN LS1 Enthusiast

SMKN LS1

Posted
Posted

Thought I'd share our experiences with our new 2015 Sierra Denali 3500 DRW Duramax. Wife and I love the new truck, and can't wait to tow the camper with it. But, the number of issues we've experienced on a new vehicle is really unexpected! I mean, GM, why?!?

 

Here's what we have so far with 750 miles on the odometer:

 

1. Soaked rear insulation (under carpet) on the driver's rear side

2. Whistling noise at 65 mph from center of windshield

3. Headlight complaint

 

The dealer has already looked at the soaked carpet and said I must have left a window open. They also damaged the rear trim when removing the rear seat :) Spoke to the manager and it's going back in tomorrow for another look. Btw, I confirmed a normal manual car wash will cause the leak to happen. It's really sad that I have to be the one to convince them that my truck has a problem, find the root cause, explain potential solutions, and turn it over to the dealer to see what happens. Engineers usually look for these things before releasing a product to the market, don't they? Ugh

 

Whistling noise...yep, as described in other threads here. Just discovered that issue today.

 

New headlights from PIT5374A have been ordered by the dealer, but still on backorder.

 

On the good side, it is a wonderful truck! Definitely a step up in luxury from our old 2003 Suburban 2500! We've already added an ARE cap, GM/Kicker subwoofer, GM molded splash guards, Lock'er Down console safe, and Weathertech floor mats. Have a Bedrug to be installed for the dogs soon. And, waiting on a steering stabilizer to be released from backorder.

 

I sure hope GM and the dealer can fix these things. Totally crazy for an expensive vehicle like this to have leaks and whistling noise...just don't understand. Hope you guys are luckier than we are, and maybe this info will be useful for you. And, thank you for letting me vent AND for this forum as it's been very therapeutic for me lol.

  • 2 weeks later...
20L8TSierra24 Senior Enthusiast

20L8TSierra24

Posted
Posted

I bet the third brake light is leaking.

As for the headlights, there is a huge thread on the 1/2 ton section about this. I hope everything works out for you... BtW, keep a bucket of damp rid in the back seat to soak up some of the moisture in the mean time.

SMKN LS1 Enthusiast

SMKN LS1

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks 20Bowtie14

 

We got the truck back tonight after it being in the shop for almost two weeks. Here's what they did:

 

1. Replaced weatherstripping on rear driver's side door for water leak

2. Replaced center roof marker lamp for whistling noise

3. No parts yet for the new headlights...still on back order after 3+ weeks.

 

The dealer says they also have trim parts on order to replace the ones that were scratched.

 

I guess I'm happier (?). I'll take the truck to a self car wash this weekend and test to see if the leak is still there.

SMKN LS1 Enthusiast

SMKN LS1

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The leak appears to be gone after a thorough car wash today. Glad that's over with.

 

Truck goes back in next week for the remaining parts.

derekmls New Member

derekmls

Posted
Posted

Did the Whistling noise go away? My Denali 3500 does the exact same thing, really bad when its windy.

 

SMKN LS1 Enthusiast

SMKN LS1

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So far, so good. But, haven't put many miles on it since it was fixed.

 

Picking up the truck tonight and will post if I hear it again.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.4k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,846
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    Zinister101
    Newest Member
    Zinister101
    Joined

  • Who's Online   5 Members, 0 Anonymous, 664 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • newdude
      6.2L L87 Powertrain Engine Noise (Lifter Failure) Question

      By newdude · Posted

      Engine failure requires radiator replacement per GM if it contains an engine oil cooler.  They do NOT want them flushed.  Radiator replacement is also required for the 6.2 recall if the engine fails.   Here is the TSB the dealer is referring to - 22-NA-074 1..2    Its a slightly older version, but the current version of it covers all model years 2000-2026.  So if enough failure debris was present, it gets an oil cooler.  If that is part of the radiator, it gets a radiator.  Also, same for oil cooler lines.  Those get replaced.     Now something like a 2.7 Turbo which uses an oil to water heat exchanger for the oil cooler, the radiator would be left alone but the oil cooler would be replaced, as well as any lines.  
    • txab
      Wow I'm in a pickle. (Broke down truck) and a story.

      By txab · Posted

      Doing the right thing, replacing both valves is the way to go. The valves with the ball leak far more often than the schrader. Never cared for them. The accumulator really should be replaced if the system has had no pressure in it and it was a keeper, but since you're looking to sell it, bet you can get by. Did you pull the orifice screen and see what was there?   Shame you can't get 134a. Hopefully the previous repairs included dye.   Some of the R4s I messed with developed leaks where the line sets connected or the front seal. Had one where the HPCO was leaking. Front seal would only leak under pressure. See any obvious oily spots?   I've got nitrogen I use to test pressure and to help dry the system prior to evacuation.   Keep up the good work
    • richard wysong
      Wow I'm in a pickle. (Broke down truck) and a story.

      By richard wysong · Posted

      Next time you're on a road trip to a state where you can still buy it stock up on 12oz cans, you might look into getting certified so you can buy it where you are as well. When they switched from R12 to R134a the test for certification was easy, they basically just wanted the $25
    • Atlas
      Wow I'm in a pickle. (Broke down truck) and a story.

      By Atlas · Posted

      Getting greedy...   The AC pump has been replaced at least once per service records, and it's been recharged twice since 2018 or so, in approximately 2 year intervals between those charges.   It was done at the same shop...clearly they were enjoying the revenue of recharging the system periodically versus actually tracking down and fixing the leak. I learned that the owner was 88 years old when she passed in 2023, so maybe they assumed only a temporary fix was needed anyway.   The system is basically empty now, the compressor spins freely, so I'm guessing it "just needs a recharge".   I vacuumed it down, and it has basically held overnight. Doesn't appear to leak under vacuum, check! So it must leak under pressure. I don't have a way to pressurize the system and pressurizing it with shop air wouldn't be great for the air dryer (which is probably toast anyway?)   The dryer (accumulator? I'm not an AC expert) has a Schrader valve, but the high side has an old ball-type valve, which are notorious for leaking. It's clearly had schmutz blown out of it at one point because the line/area next to the valve is coated old black crud, which I assume is AC refrigerant residue/oil, or maybe even dirty dye. I think I'll roll the dice and replace the valves. I have a black light around here somewhere so I'll find it and shine it around the engine bay in the dark to see if there's any dye.   I can't think of another way to track down the leak other than injecting some dye (if it doesn't have any) and having it charged up. We can't buy R134a off the shelf here anymore, so I'll run it up to Jiffy Lube and have them do it. I think I have a coupon. At the very least, the charge should last long enough for a year or two, according to history. I think this truck will be long gone by then. But cold AC is a selling point.    
    • clowe1243
      6.2L L87 Powertrain Engine Noise (Lifter Failure) Question

      By clowe1243 · Posted

      Got the truck back today.  Called them yesterday to get an update, and miraculously my truck is finished?!?! The $13k out the door was complete bullshit!  Ended up being over $14k.  They added some bullshit service bulletin that I cant even find, where they replaced my radiator without telling me or asking me, and charging me for it.  Need to do more research into it, cause they leaked the first delivered radiator was ran over by FedEX.  Sounds like bullshit to me. 2.5 Months for an engine swap, which ended up being remanufactured, not new; ****ing ridiculous.  Brakes are squishy as hell, not sure if its from sitting.  Will give a couple days to see it that figures it self out.  GAVE IT BACK TO ME WITH 1 GALLON OF GAS!  Just filled the tank the day before drop off, more bullshit.  My dash cam SD card was formatted, not really much I can do about that. 3 year, 100k GM warranty at least.  Time to sell it and say **** off to GM.  Bad experience.  Cant wait for the survey email to come through.  Overpriced Raptor R, here I come!

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...