2015 5.3/ 6-speed questions

Atlas · December 4, 2015

Just hit 8100 miles since buying at the end of May 2015. It's been a good truck overall, but have some questions...

1. Did the tire rotation at 7500mi. Greased the tie rod ends per the owner's book recommendation, but didn't know how much to add. I stopped when I saw the rubber boot puff just slightly. No grease came out anywhere, so I assume it's not over-full. Does that sound right?

2. The 1-2 shift feels weird. When 2nd engages, it feels like the trans is slipping, but I'm wondering if maybe that's actually the torque converter locking up. This is my first modern automatic trans...it used to be autos would only lock up approaching highway speeds, 45-50mph or so. I can't imagine my trans is slipping, the truck only had 5 miles when I bought it and I've been super easy on it. I've heard modern automatics lock up a lot sooner for efficiency and are able to unlock and lock during gear shifts. Do you think that's the case here?

3. WTF is with AFM? (that's a rhetorical question). It makes the truck feel downright sloppy, especially if you're driving on rolling terrain or in heavy traffic. Ok, so not really a question, just a rant.

4. "Service Stabilitrak" will flash intermittently and set a light on the dash. Has happened twice now. It usually clears itself on the next run cycle and nothing appears to be awry with any wiring to the wheel sensors. Is there a known bug or something that causes it to randomly trip?

Skeeter McSkeet · December 8, 2015

Just hit 8100 miles since buying at the end of May 2015. It's been a good truck overall, but have some questions...

1. Did the tire rotation at 7500mi. Greased the tie rod ends per the owner's book recommendation, but didn't know how much to add. I stopped when I saw the rubber boot puff just slightly. No grease came out anywhere, so I assume it's not over-full. Does that sound right?

2. The 1-2 shift feels weird. When 2nd engages, it feels like the trans is slipping, but I'm wondering if maybe that's actually the torque converter locking up. This is my first modern automatic trans...it used to be autos would only lock up approaching highway speeds, 45-50mph or so. I can't imagine my trans is slipping, the truck only had 5 miles when I bought it and I've been super easy on it. I've heard modern automatics lock up a lot sooner for efficiency and are able to unlock and lock during gear shifts. Do you think that's the case here?

3. WTF is with AFM? (that's a rhetorical question). It makes the truck feel downright sloppy, especially if you're driving on rolling terrain or in heavy traffic. Ok, so not really a question, just a rant.

4. "Service Stabilitrak" will flash intermittently and set a light on the dash. Has happened twice now. It usually clears itself on the next run cycle and nothing appears to be awry with any wiring to the wheel sensors. Is there a known bug or something that causes it to randomly trip?

I can't really answer all the questions but can give my .02...Got my 2015 Sierra on 12-13-14, I'm right at 19k miles now.

1. I never greased anything, was assuming anything like that would be performed by the dealer in the included scheduled maintenance.

2. Mine has some crazy shifting as well. I usually keep it in manual mode around town up to around 45 mph. Not sure if you have tried this, but it's an easy solution to not getting a tune. Seems like the truck has to think about if it wants to stay in v4 or kick back to 8, especially after taking your foot off the pedal. The manual mode will keep it out of v4 up to manual 5, if you put it in 6 it will kick in and out again. The truck seems to shift so much smoother like this as well through all gears up and down. You may have already stumbled on this browsing the forums though. This is basically questions 2 and rhetorical 3 lol.

4. I haven't experienced this.

-Skeet

pm26 · December 8, 2015

I will at least answer number 1 question. Yes, you did it exactly right.

Badass69 · December 8, 2015

Well that's a helpful tip... considering I haven't serviced my truck myself yet I didn't know the outer tie rod was greaseable. Turn the wheels and yup... there is a nipple... None on the ball joints sadly though. And sure enough... gm has never put a gun to them. It took about 14 shots from my gun to even puff the boot up... nothing on pdi and nothing on their free "services". Another good reason to do maintenance myself.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Haus_Z71 · December 10, 2015

For AFM, I am ordering a Range AFM disabler for $190. I am sick of AFM too and don't want it to engage at all. I've heard nothing but great reviews for this tool.