2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 power steering fluid

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-33.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-9.
C.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-53.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
E.Instrument Panel Cluster (US-Canada) on page 3-34.
F. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-28. Tow/Haul Selector
Button (If Equipped). SeeTow/Haul Mode on
page 2-34. Range Selection Mode (Allison
Transmission and Hydra-Matic
®6-Speed Button
(If Equipped). SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-28.
G.Audio System(s) on page 3-84.
H.Instrument Panel Storage on page 2-81.
I. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-53.
J.Exterior Lamps on page 3-16.
K.Hood Release on page 5-14.
L.Parking Brake on page 2-50.
M.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-20.Dome Lamps on
page 3-20.Fog Lamps on page 3-19(If Equipped).
N.Cruise Control on page 3-12.
O.Tilt Wheel on page 3-8.P.Horn on page 3-8.
Q.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-140
(If Equipped).
R. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-37.
S. Ashtray (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-23.
T.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6(If Equipped).
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-61
(If Equipped). Pedal Adjust Button (If Equipped).
SeeAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 2-26. Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Button
(If Equipped).Windshield Washer on page 3-12.
U.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22.
V.Climate Control System (With Heater Only) on
page 3-24orClimate Control System (With Air
Conditioning) on page 3-25andDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-27.
W. Power Take Off (PTO) Control (If Equipped).
See Power Take Off (PTO) in the Duramax
Diesel Supplement Index.
X. Passenger Airbag Off Control (If Equipped).
SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-81.
Y.Glove Box on page 2-80.
3-5

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-33.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-9.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster (US-Canada) on page 3-34.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
E. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-28.
F.Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-34(If Equipped).
G.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-53.
H.Audio System(s) on page 3-84.
I.Exterior Lamps on page 3-16.
J. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-53.
K.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-20.Dome Lamps
on page 3-20.
L. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-37.
M.Hood Release on page 5-14.
N.Parking Brake on page 2-50.
O.Cruise Control on page 3-12.P.Tilt Wheel on page 3-8.
Q.Horn on page 3-8.
R.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-140.
S.Climate Control System (With Heater Only)
on page 3-24orClimate Control System (With Air
Conditioning) on page 3-25orDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-27(If Equipped).
T.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22. Cigarette
Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-23.
U.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6(If Equipped). Pedal
Adjust Button (If Equipped). SeeAdjustable Throttle
and Brake Pedal on page 2-26.Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-61(If Equipped).
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Button (If
Equipped). SeeWindshield Washer on page 3-12.
V. Passenger Airbag Off Control (If Equipped).
SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-81.
W.Glove Box on page 2-80.
3-7

Service............................................................5-4
Accessories and Modications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-7
Gasoline Specications....................................5-7
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-8
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................5-11
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-13
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-14
Hood Release..............................................5-14
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-16
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-22Automatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission)..............................5-24
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)..............................5-27
Cooling System............................................5-30
Engine Coolant.............................................5-32
Engine Overheating.......................................5-36
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-38
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-39
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-53
Front Axle......................................................5-56
Noise Control System.....................................5-57
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-57
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-58
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

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.
5-17

Engine Fan Noise
If the 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.
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans, you may hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating
the air conditioning system, the fans may change to
high speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans will change to low
speed when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-16for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-39

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the level
up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage
the vehicle and the damages may not be covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct
uid listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-15.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer uid needs to be added,
be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before
use. Use a uid that has sufficient protection against
freezing in an area where the temperature may
fall below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer uid message in the DIC
that comes on when the washer uid is low. The message
is displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition
cycle. When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, you will need to add washer uid
to the windshield washer uid reservoir.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-16for reservoir
location.
5-40

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