2016 Sierra Denali-2 month review

Ron.s · February 15, 2016

Just a few notes comparing my 2016 Sierra Denali to my 2014. They are identical except for my 2014 did not have Enhanced Collision Alert with Lane Keep and my 14 was a 6 speed with 3.42 rear end. Both were the 6.2. My 16 has MAG ride shocks. 16 is two moths old and has 3000 miles. Android phone so no comment on Car Play or Android Auto (yet to be released).

1. Handling-overall the 16 handles better. Feels tighter and slightly better road manners although there may be more feedback from road imperfections. Cruising at higher speeds it's even more difficult to tell how fast you are going. I find myself going too fast often! There may be a slight improvement in cornering...20-30 MPH over posted is no problem. It's all subjective but it just seems slightly improved-ride and handling.

2. Performance-Engine is slightly more responsive and coupled with the 8 speed it accelerates better when passing. Throttle pedal maybe a tad more responsive. Don't know about 0-60 but traction is an issue if I hit it hard in 2 wheel drive.

3. Intellilink is much better. The speed is good-comparable to other devices. It's also much more complete-the 14 was released half done and buggy. Navigation is very good for a factory system. Presets simple to set up and use; voice works well; Nav screen now shows all relative info-ETA, Miles remaining and miles next turn without toggling like on my 14. So far only one minor issue with a shortcut on a dirt road to save 2 miles. Faster, easier to use & more complete. Phone-had to link it several times first 2 weeks but since has been flawless, Now get text's on screen or verbal if moving. Screen functions for text's don't work with my Moto X Pure but voice commands do work. No text's on my 14.

Fit and Finish is very good on my 16. My 14 had a paint flaw.

8 Speed-Overall it works well. At first it shifted so smooth that it was difficult to tell it had shifted. Now shifts are OK but not quite as smooth. 3 times in city driving there has been an erratic shift. It seems to happen when the transmission is shifting down as I start to accelerate. Engine changes from V8 to V4 mode are seamless.

Wind Noise from drivers window yet to be addressed with my dealer. Moderate noise at 50-80 MPH. 14 no wind noise.

Slip Yoke-my 14 stuck several times. May have had it happen on my 16 once last week. Parked overnight my 14 stuck so bad that it released with a bang. Normally when they stick it feels more like a surge when stopping. If it happens again I'll add that to my list next dealer visit.

Vibratation-my 14 didn't vibrate. I run Michelin X Ice on a second set of 20" wheels in Winter and factory tire and wheels the rest of the year. Same winter tires on my 14. I noticed a vibration on my 16 on a road trip 3 weeks ago so changed tires back to factory and still have the vibration. After spending some time I've determined it's not likely an out of balance vibration like you get from wheels, drive line or rear end. The entire truck shakes felt primarily in the seats but also notice my windshield mounted radar detector jumping. It happens when I get into a rough road where concrete or asphalt seams hare raised. At 70-85 MPH the frequency of hitting those rough spots seems to start a vibration. My 14 did not vibrate on the same roads, same winter tires and so it might be the MAG shocks contribute to the issue or don't function properly. My other thought is that the short travel to the overloads may let the primary spring bottom creating kick back. As I increase/decrease speed the vibration improves or disappears. It happened on a two year old stretch of concrete freeway; one year old asphalt road and on several other sections of older road. In our area winter conditions create frost heaves and all roads get rougher.

I may try the spring clamps mentioned in the vibration thread next month before I make another trip.

Love the truck overall!!!

Edit:

The Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist need work IMO. Lane keep is too slow at higher speeds-my truck crosses the center line or shoulder marker before it adjusts and the adjustment is too severe. Collision alert works OK but it too seems a little late to warn you. Hopefully this will be improved with software refinements.

LED head lights are great. My 14's were dim even after the fix.

m3n00b · February 16, 2016

Interesting. My collision alert activates when driving directly into the setting/rising sun..kind of annoying.

99-ls1-ss · February 16, 2016

Can the collision alert be adjusted like in the Malibus?

m3n00b · February 17, 2016

Can the collision alert be adjusted like in the Malibus?

Yeah I think there's 3 levels.

-tapa

Ron.s · February 22, 2016

Update on my vibration. There have been posts about adding spring clamps to cure or reduce vibrations. Thinking it was a waste of time I added clamps to my truck. Before adding them I noticed that free play (spacing) to the overload spring varried 3/4". The driver rear was 1 1/2" the other 3 were about 3/4". One spring set was also slightly wider, the clamp was loose except on the driver front set. The springs didn't appear to be out of alignment side to side. I bought two sets and started by installing one set on the front of each side, may or may not put a set on the rear. I went about 9 inches in front of the axel but I don't think it matters how far because the clamps close the gap so the overload spring cushion is touching the spring above. To my surprise my truck rides smoother around town, the opposite of what I expected. No opinion on vibration yet. Tuesday I will make a 600 mile trip and will know more then.

I'm wondering why there was such a difference in rear springs and if that is some of the problem. Also wonder if my Mag shocks are defective. Anyone have an opinion? Remember my vibration is from road imperfections at higher speeds not out of balance drive train. I have no theory why the ride is softer/smoother!!!

Edit:

My truck was empty and sitting on my nearly level garage floor. The floor is level side to side with a slight taper front to back.

DPetry94 · February 22, 2016

Do the spring clamps make it feel any stiffer? Do the clamps purely help with just the vibration issue, or is their other benefits?

zoomiejr2 · February 22, 2016

Nice write up. I have 4000km on my 2016 all terrain 6.2. No issues yet I love it. Getting it lifted this week

Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk

Ron.s · February 22, 2016

Do the spring clamps make it feel any stiffer? Do the clamps purely help with just the vibration issue, or is their other benefits?

No, just the opposite it feels softer. There is still about 3/4" of free play at the rear of the springs, just none in the front.

Ron.s · March 5, 2016

Update:

VIBRATION-Installed spring clamps to front leafs and they did eliminate most of my vibration and gave me a softer ride around town... But the rear suspension isn't 100% right, seems like just a band aid. I still get vibes on one stretch of really bad road and "jostling feeling" on others. I think my Magnetic Ride shocks are bad or need reprogrammed. I was contacted by GM Customer Service about the vibration and I am waiting for them to schedule a dealer appointment. Not optimistic but worth a try.

ANDROID AUTO-Installed yesterday. Took the dealer 3 passes and 2 hours to complete. They had done dozens of new inventory but something in mine was causing an issue. Then it didn't work until I removed my phone from the vehicle and removed my vehicle from the phone-turned both off-turned off bluetooth and started over. Worked this time and opened bluetooth on my phone and made the bluetooth link automatically. I made one mistake in that I didn't watch the tutorial on steering wheel controls thinking I could go back later-wrong. Now I can't get the voice controls on steering to work right=they revert to GM commands but I can tap the voice icon on screen and voice works like it does on my phone. Another small thing (I'm sure a GM thing) you have to hit Home and then Android Auto to get started when plugging in phone. The last time I tried it went automatically to home so ??? Would be nice just to have Android Auto open when phone plugs in. Pretty much everything else still works the same and you can navigate with AA and listen to radio at the same time. The GM Nav seems great until you look at Google Maps-so much better and so easy to use voice for a destination. Now a tablet sized 10" screen would be nice.

My first impressions after an hour or so are very favorable. There is a slight learning curve on the menu but most of it is simple. I had a little trouble finding playlists with Google Play Music but didn't read any instructions like most men are famous for... ha ha! As good as this is in the first gen it can only get better.

Edit... The system stays where you are when you turn off the truck. You can return and plug your phone back in and have AA active same place or hit home and go back to GM system. When in AA there are 5 buttons at the bottom of the screen at all times 1. Maps 2. Phone 3.The generic AA screen with local weather, notifications and time/distance to home or where it thinks you are headed. 4. Google Music 5. Return to GM Intellilink.

Top right there is always the voice command "microphone" symbol. The system is much better than I thought at first: fast, easy, and flawless so far.

camcamaro1991 · March 6, 2016

Thanks for Ron for all the info.

I have a 2016 Sierra Denali on order, looking forward to it.

Any update from GM or Dealer about the notorious GM vibration? I was following the thread in the recall section but its a mess

Which tires came stock on your truck? which rims 20's or 22's, mine was confirmed with Goodyear Wranglers RSA's on chrome 20's, day 1 replacement installing Michelin Defender LTX M/S (I know this doesn't fix the vibe)

Have you compared the HID headlights on lower models vs the High powered LED on the Denali, if so any difference?

I will have a lot more questions, be patient with me.

Ron.s · March 7, 2016

CamCamaro,

I have the 20's with Goodyear but was running my Michelin X Ice on 20's until a few weeks ago. My vibration is suspension related not an out of balance drive train. I'm pretty sure my shocks aren't right and the leaf springs are a little off too.

The headlights are very good but I don't know how they compare to other 16's. I assume GM upped output on all.

I'm still waiting on a call from GM, don't really expect much and I'm leaving again in a week so it may be 30+ days. I'm not real excited about starting the dealer visit, big PIA. But the more I use Android Auto the better I like it. Now if they make it work Bluetooth and add a few more features next year.....

camcamaro1991 · March 7, 2016

Yeah, I don't think the vibration is related to magnetic shocks, magnetic ride does ride different for sure, so the noticed difference from your 2014 to 2016 is fairly obvious. All other trucks are reporting the issue as well, now the shocks and leaf springs could take a closer look (I will research more if Crew cabs & double cabs are the most combine to see the vibration since they are both 143.5 wheelbase, vs the other configuration of cabs to frames), I diagnosed Mercedes Benz suspensions as a tech for years, not a fan of finding issues like this (stuff like this haunts techs and dealers, 9/10 times I checked so much stuff for free). Since my brother is getting the 2013 when I get my 2016 I will compared them side by side to see if I can find anything, I would bet frame and springs/leafs are the same.

Is it worse in V4 mode?

would you be willing to show me/us some pics of your spring clamps, or any photos of your suspension you feel maybe subjective or out of place?

Reading about all the folks online complaints over the last 3 model years, Need to eliminate all the variables from the GMT-900's vs the K2xx

Ecotec3 engines-ALL (4.3 has a balance shaft) (Tuning/ V4 mode)
new rearends 9.5 & 9.76
body/cab mounts
engine/transmission mounts
wheel/tire combo's (possibly hub centric issues)
Denali Magnetic shocks
exhaust system

for the love of God anyone please add more variables, its late and brain is not working I am sure there are lots more.

Smickie500 · March 7, 2016

Yeah, I don't think the vibration is related to magnetic shocks, magnetic ride does ride different for sure, so the noticed difference from your 2014 to 2016 is fairly obvious. All other trucks are reporting the issue as well, now the shocks and leaf springs could take a closer look (I will research more if Crew cabs & double cabs are the most combine to see the vibration since they are both 143.5 wheelbase, vs the other configuration of cabs to frames), I diagnosed Mercedes Benz suspensions as a tech for years, not a fan of finding issues like this (stuff like this haunts techs and dealers, 9/10 times I checked so much stuff for free). Since my brother is getting the 2013 when I get my 2016 I will compared them side by side to see if I can find anything, I would bet frame and springs/leafs are the same.

Is it worse in V4 mode?

would you be willing to show me/us some pics of your spring clamps, or any photos of your suspension you feel maybe subjective or out of place?

Reading about all the folks online complaints over the last 3 model years, Need to eliminate all the variables from the GMT-900's vs the K2xx

Ecotec3 engines (4.3 has a balance shaft) (Tuning/ V4 mode)

new rearends 9.5 & 9.76

body/cab mounts

engine/transmission mounts

wheel/tire combo's (possibly hub centric issues)

Denali Magnetic shocks

exhaust system

for the love of God anyone please add more variables, its late and brain is not working I am sure there are lots more.

Nitrogen in tires....I know that always opens up a big can of worms but my last 2 trucks had it and I took it out and road force balanced the tires and solved my problems,,,I just got my 2016 and it is doing the same thing... I will put around 4000 miles on it and do the same thing to it.

camcamaro1991 · March 7, 2016

Nitrogen is not going to affect tire force/vibes or fix out of round tires its to keep air/nitrogen tire pressure stable through temp variations, personally Goodyear tires are junk. I was the wheel/Tire at DT since I was 18 until I was a tech a MB, and mounted everything you can think of. Brand vs brand, failures & common issues, Michelin's are the best, Michelins are on all the highest end vehicles. aka the Bugatti Veyron/Ciron! so please don't sit here and argue about what brands you think is better, I have owned all brans, a new set of Michelin's will out last my powertrain warranty on my 2016 truck and be stupid comfortable, with improved traction, even wet.

Nitrogen is never 100%, its normally between 80-90% the rest is still O2, so to pay extra for something that has filler is a waste, we played with Nitrogen machines, while they help a little its not going to affect a DD very much, now on race cars and airplanes it makes a huge difference and its typically 100% nitrogen with no filler.

Road force is nice if the machines are well kept, Hence if they are calibrated! They can pin point issues that even we cant see with the naked eye, so it helps, but tire matching it to the wheel and using weights helps but doesn't always fix the vibe's, an out of round tire is like balancing a bent rim, its always going to cause vibration issues.

I am driving my truck straight from the dealer to DT and getting Michelin Defender LTX m/s's, with regular ol air

Smickie500 · March 7, 2016

Nitrogen is not going to affect tire force/vibes or fix out of round tires its to keep air/nitrogen tire pressure stable through temp variations, personally Goodyear tires are junk. I was the wheel/Tire at DT since I was 18 until I was a tech a MB, and mounted everything you can think of. Brand vs brand, failures & common issues, Michelin's are the best, Michelins are on all the highest end vehicles. aka the Bugatti Veyron/Ciron! so please don't sit here and argue about what brands you think is better, I have owned all brans, a new set of Michelin's will out last my powertrain warranty on my 2016 truck and be stupid comfortable, with improved traction, even wet.

Nitrogen is never 100%, its normally between 80-90% the rest is still O2, so to pay extra for something that has filler is a waste, we played with Nitrogen machines, while they help a little its not going to affect a DD very much, now on race cars and airplanes it makes a huge difference and its typically 100% nitrogen with no filler.

Road force is nice if the machines are well kept, Hence if they are calibrated! They can pin point issues that even we cant see with the naked eye, so it helps, but tire matching it to the wheel and using weights helps but doesn't always fix the vibe's, an out of round tire is like balancing a bent rim, its always going to cause vibration issues.

I am driving my truck straight from the dealer to DT and getting Michelin Defender LTX m/s's, with regular ol air

I just know that the nitrogen is rough and vibrates almost like the tires are out of round when it is first driven each day ..but it will smooth out 90% when tires have been driven for 20 min..I have had the Goodyear tires LS2 on last 2 trucks and I now have the Bridgestones street tread on my new truck and both brands would do the same thing...