2010 GMC SIERRA DENALI transmission fluid

4. Allow the engine to idle (500–800 rpm) for at least
one minute. Slowly release the brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and press the Trip/Fuel button or trip odometer reset stem until TRANS
TEMP (Transmission Temperature) displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
6. Using the TRANS TEMP reading, determine and perform the appropriate check procedure. If the
TRANS TEMP reading is not within the required
temperature ranges, allow the vehicle to cool,
or operate the vehicle until the appropriate
transmission fluid temperature is reached.Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as a reference to determine if
the transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely
until a hot check procedure can be made. The hot
check procedure is the most accurate method to check
the fluid level. Perform the hot check procedure at the
first opportunity. Use this cold check procedure to check
fluid level when the transmission temperature is
between 80°F and 90°F (27°C and 32°C).
1. Locate thetransmission dipstick at
the rear of the engine
compartment, on the
passenger side of the
vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑16for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the
reading.
6-25

5. If the fluid level is below the COLD check band,add only enough fluid as necessary to bring the
level into the COLD band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5L). Do not
overfill.
6. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the transmission reaches a normal operating
temperature between 160°F to 200°F
(71°C to 93°C).
7. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way, then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the transmission fluid level
when the transmission fluid temperature is between
160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).
The hot check is the most accurate method to check the
fluid level. The hot check should be performed at the
first opportunity in order to verify the cold check. The
fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases, so it is
important to ensure the transmission temperature is
within range.
1. Locate thetransmission
dipstick at the
rear of the engine
compartment, on
the passenger side
of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑16for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the
reading.
6-26

5. Safe operating level is within the HOT cross hatchband on the dipstick. If the fluid 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 fluid as necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level is low, add only
enough fluid to bring the level into the HOT band.
It does not take much fluid, generally less than one
pint (0.5L). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way, then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedures described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper fluid level.
If fluid is added, it may take 15 minutes or longer to
obtain an accurate reading because of residual fluid
draining down the dipstick tube. If inconsistent readings
persist, check the transmission breather to be sure it is
clean and not clogged. If readings are still inconsistent,
contact your dealer/retailer.
6-27

Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantson page 7‑11for more information.
Application Capacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located under
the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more information.
Cooling System 16.8 qt15.9 L
Engine Oil with Filter 6.0 qt†5.7 L†
Fuel Tank 26.0 gal98.4 L
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement) 6.0 qt5.7 L
Transfer Case Fluid 1.5 qt1.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lbft190Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual.
Recheck fluid after filling.
†Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
6.2L V8 2Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6-122

.Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven
in dusty conditions only). SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑22.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
Maintenance II
.Perform all services described in Maintenance I.
.Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
.Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,
and parking brake cable guides. Control arm ball
joints are maintenance‐free.
.Engine cooling system inspection. Visual
inspection of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps and
replacement, if needed.
.Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and
wiper blade cleaning, if contaminated. See
Windshield and Wiper Blades
on page 6‑110. Worn
or damaged wiper blade replacement. See
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on
page 6‑61.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders,
folding seat hardware, and liftgate hinges, linkage,
and handle pivot points lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑11. More frequent lubrication may be
required when vehicle is exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component check. See Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 2‑73.
.Automatic transmission fluid level check and
adding fluid, if needed. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑24.
.Transfer case fluid level check and adding fluid,
if needed.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑22.
7-4

Additional Required Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. SeeEngine Oilon
page 6‑18.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑29.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑39.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑71.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑78.
Once a Year
.Starter switch check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑9.
.Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑9.
.Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. See Owner Checks and Serviceson
page 7‑9.
.Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7‑9.
.Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenser
outside cleaning. See Cooling System
on
page 6‑28.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat shields
inspection for loose or damaged components.
.Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort,
or binding. Replace if needed.
7-5

First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑22.
.Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy city
traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑24.
.Transfer case fluid change (severe service) for
vehicles mainly driven when frequently towing a
trailer, or used for taxi, police, or delivery service.
Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the underbody, care should be
taken to not directly spray the transfer case output
seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be replaced.
.Evaporative control system inspection. Check all
fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook‐up,
routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace as
needed.
An Emission Control Service. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not
nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the vehicle's useful life.
We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded.
7-6

First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluidon
page 6‑24.
.Transfer case fluid change (normal service). Check
vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the underbody, care should be
taken to not directly spray the transfer case output
seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be replaced.
.Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection. An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). SeeEngine Coolant
on page 6‑29.An
Emission Control Service.
.Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed. An Emission Control
Service.
7-7