2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 manual transmission

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.
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A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System on page 5-30.
C. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-46.
D.Battery on page 5-45.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 5-24orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on
page 5-27.
G. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-46.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
I. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-30.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-39.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-127.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil” in the
DURAMAX®Diesel manual.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. 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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4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the
lower level. Repeat the check procedure to verify
the reading.
5. Safe operating level is within the HOT cross hatch
band on the dipstick. If the uid level is not within
the HOT band, and the transmission temperature is
between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C), add
or drain uid as necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the uid level is low, add only
enough uid to bring the level into the HOT band.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5L). Do not overll.
6. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.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.
Cooling System
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
The Cooling System allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
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Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be covered
by the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage the vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine with two
batteries, you should know before you begin that,
especially in cold weather, you may not be able
to get enough power from a single battery in another
vehicle to start your diesel engine. If your vehicle
has more than one battery, use the battery that
is closer to the starter -- this will reduce electrical
resistance. This is located on the passenger side,
in the rear of the engine compartment.3. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause an unwanted
ground connection. You would not be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling,
set the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission
in Neutral before setting the parking brake. If you
have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear, not in Neutral.
Notice:If you leave the radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other
accessories when jump starting the vehicle.
4. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all the lamps that are not needed.
This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries.
And it could save the radio!
5-47

ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Fuel Tank
1500 Series Standard and Short Box 26.0 gal 98.0 L
1500 Series Long Box 34.0 gal 128.7 L
2500 Series Standard Box 26.0 gal 98.0 L
2500 Series and 3500 Series Long Box 34.0 gal 128.7 L
3500 Series Chassis Cab 50.0 gal 189.0 L
3500 Chassis Cab – Front Tank 27.0 gal 102.0 L
3500 Chassis Cab – Rear Tank (if equipped) 23.0 gal 87.0 L
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement)
Auto 4-Speed Transmission 4L60-E Electronic
Transmission5.0 qt 4.7 L
Auto 6-Speed Transmission 6L80-E 6.0 qt 5.7 L
Auto 6-Speed Transmission 6L90-E 6.3 qt 6.0 L
Auto 6-Speed Transmission Allison 7.4 qt 7.0 L
Transfer Case Fluid 1.6 qt 1.5 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 ft lb 190Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
5-132

Additional Required Services
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX®Diesel manual.
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service (IorII) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Vehicles without a lter restriction
indicator: Replace engine air cleaner
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-22.•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (severe service).See footnote (h).•••
Change automatic transmission uid
and lter (normal service).•
Four-wheel drive only: Change transfer
case uid (extreme duty service).
See footnotes (g) and (l).• •••••
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Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the maintenance schedule section in the
DURAMAX
®Diesel manual.
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certied for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-32.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967,
in Canada 89021320).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle
(1500 Series) –
Four-Wheel
DriveSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
6-15

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin
contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
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