2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 maintenance schedule

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle is equipped with one of the following wiring
harnesses for towing a trailer or hauling a slide-in
camper.
Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, extended cab and crew cab pickups have a
seven-wire trailer towing harness.
For vehicles not equipped with heavy duty trailering, the
harness is secured to the vehicle’s frame behind the
spare tire mount. The harness requires the installation of
a trailer connector, which is available through your
dealer/retailer.
If towing a light-duty trailer with a standard four-way
round pin connector, an adapter is available from your
dealer/retailer.
4-81

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Pickup Models”
under “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in the DURAMAX®
Diesel Supplement for the correct inspection and
replacement procedures.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16for
the location of the engine air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change after
each 50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4for
more information. If driving on dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter, remove the engine
air cleaner/lter from the vehicle by following Steps 1
through 7. When the engine air cleaner/lter is removed,
lightly shake it to release loose dust and dirt. If the engine
air cleaner/lter remains caked with dirt, a new lter is
required.
Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
1. Locate the air cleaner/lter assembly. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-16.
2. Loosen the four screws on the cover of the housing
and lift up the cover.
5-22

Consistency of Readings
Always check the uid level at least twice using the
procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper uid
level. If readings are still inconsistent, contact your
dealer/retailer.
How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Using a funnel, add uid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission uid while it is
hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the uid
level is low, add only enough of the proper uid to bring
the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It does not
take much uid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L).
Do not overll.Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as described
under “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid,”
earlier in this section.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
5-26

Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmission
uid level. The only reason for uid loss is a transmission
leak or overheating the transmission. If you suspect a
small leak, then use the following checking procedures
to check the uid level. However, if there is a large leak,
then it may be necessary to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer/retailer service department and have it repaired
before driving the vehicle further.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4. Be sure to use the
transmission uid listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-15.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission uid.
Before checking the uid level, prepare the vehicle as
follows:
1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a level
surface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in
P (Park).
5-27

Do not top off the brake uid. Adding uid does not
correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings
are worn, there will be too much uid when new
brake linings are installed. Add or remove brake uid,
as necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on
the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned, and the vehicle
could be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
See “Checking Brake Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake uid by looking at the brake uid reservoir.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16.
The uid level should be
above MIN. If it is not, have
the brake hydraulic system
checked to see if there is
a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.
5-42

Brake Wear
This vehicle has front disc brakes and could have rear
drum brakes or rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving,
except when applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-131.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do not have
wear indicators, but if a rear brake rubbing noise is heard,
have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. Drum
brakes have an inspection hole to inspect lining wear
during scheduled maintenance. When the front brake
pads are replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
5-44

For all 6.0L and 6.2L 2500HD Series applications,
the proper level is from 0 to 0.5 inches (0 mm to
13 mm) below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add only enough uid
to reach the proper level.
For all 6.6L DURAMAX DIESEL 2500HD Series
applications and all 3500 Series applications, the
proper level is from 0.6 inches to 0.8 inches (17 mm
to 21 mm) below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add only enough uid to
reach the proper level.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Four-Wheel Drive
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to these
vehicles.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check transfer case
uid unless you suspect there is a leak, or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
5-53

A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you will need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care
not to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to change the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Active Transfer Case
5-55