2003 GMC SIERRA Power steering

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Air Cleaner/Filter Restriction Indicator
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
G. Fan
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND)
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Underhood Fuse Block
M. Battery
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away. For more information,
see“CHECK OIL LEVEL”underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-51.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick has a yellow looped handle and
is located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

5. Then replace the
pressure cap. Be sure
the pressure cap is
hand-tight and
fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your 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 you may hear an increase in fan noise. 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.You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steeringfluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. Afluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at thefluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enoughfluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind offluid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Always use the properfluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washerfluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use afluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washerfluid until the
tank is full.
Notice:
•When using concentrated washerfluid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
•Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washerfluid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washerfluid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as
well as washerfluid.
•Fill your washerfluid tank only three-quarters full
when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
•Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The center instrument panel utility block is located
underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering column.
Device Usage
SEO Special Equipment Option
TRAILER Trailer Brake Wiring
UPFIT Upfitter (Not Used)
SL RIDERide Control Harness
Connection
HDLR 2 Headliner Wiring Connector
BODY Body Wiring Connector
DEFOG Rear Defogger Relay
HDLNR 1 Headliner Wiring Connector 1
SPARE RELAY Not Used
CB SEATDriver and Passenger Seat
Module Circuit Breaker
CB RT DOORRight Power Windows Circuit
Breaker
SPARE Not Used
INFOInfotainment Harness
Connection
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2003 - Sierra Denali

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-9.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in theoor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-26.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months, or at engine oil change intervals,
check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant
when necessary. Auid loss could indicate a problem.
Check and have it repaired, if needed. Check vent
hose at transfer case for kinks and proper installation.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brakeuid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent or
equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-35
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-91
Add-On Equipment..........................................4-50
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)..............3-60
After Off-Road Driving.....................................4-30
Air Bag
Off Light.....................................................3-28
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-31
Readiness Light..........................................3-27
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-55
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-71
Air Bag Off Switch.......................................1-61
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-59
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-66
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-70
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-59
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-59
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-58
Where Are the Air Bags?
..............................1-57
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine
.................................5-18
Air Conditioning
..............................................3-21
All Overseas Locations
...................................... 7-4
All-Wheel Drive
...............................................5-45
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
.........................2-21AM ...............................................................3-76
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-78
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-78
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-35
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-84
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-88
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-83
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-85
Finish Damage............................................5-87
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..........5-88
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Approaching a Hill..........................................4-23
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-56
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-76
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-77
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-78
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-78
CD Changer
...............................................3-73
Fixed Mast Antenna
.....................................3-78
Navigation/Radio System
..............................3-70
Radio with Cassette and CD
.........................3-57
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
................................3-71
Setting the Time
..........................................3-57
Theft-Deterrent Feature
................................3-75
Understanding Radio Reception
.....................3-76
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2003 - Sierra Denali

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XM™) .............3-61
Finding a Station............................................3-59
Finish Care....................................................5-85
Finish Damage...............................................5-87
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-78
Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-64
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-65
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
FM Stereo.....................................................3-76
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-14
Folding the Rear Seat....................................... 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-58
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-47
Front Reading Lamps
......................................3-15
Fuel
............................................................... 5-4
Additives
...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel
.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank
........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries
.............................. 5-6
Gage
.........................................................3-41Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-41
System Inspection.......................................6-14
Fuel Information Button....................................3-44
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-54
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-36
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-40
Speedometer..............................................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Transmission Temperature.............................3-36
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-33
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-35
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-37
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-20
Glove Box.....................................................2-39
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
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2003 - Sierra Denali