2010 GMC SIERRA brake fluid

Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does not
correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{WARNING:
If too much brake fluid 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 fluid 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 fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the brake fluid reservoir.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6‑16.
The fluid 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.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed
container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricantson
page 7‑12.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt
from entering the reservoir.
6-40

{WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
.Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake hydraulic system parts. For example,
just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake hydraulic system
can damage brake hydraulic system parts
so badly that they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in the wrong kind
of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
fluid on the vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See Washing Your Vehicle
on
page 6‑113
.
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 firmly.
{WARNING:
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 first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
6-41

When the Change Engine Oil Soon message
displays, certain services, checks, and inspections are
required. The services described for MaintenanceI
should be performed at every engine oil change.
The services described for Maintenance IIshould be
performed when:
.Maintenance Iwas performed the last time the
engine oil was changed.
.It has been 10 months or more since the Change
Engine Oil Soon message has displayed or since
the last service.
Maintenance I
.Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑18. An Emission Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑31.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑38.
.Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑72.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑80.
.Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotationon
page 6‑80.
.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). See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑21.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
.For vehicles with Allison Transmission®only:
At the first engine oil change only, replace external
transmission filter.
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 on 2500/3500 series vehicles require
lubrication but should not be lubricated unless their
temperature is−12°C (10°F) or higher, or they
could be damaged. Control arm ball joints on
1500 series vehicles are maintenance‐free.
Vehicles used under severe commercial operating
conditions require lubrication on a regular basis
every 5 000 km/3,000 miles.
7-4

Once a Month
.Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑72.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑80.
Once a Year
.Starter switch check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑11.
.Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑11.
.Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. See Owner Checks and Serviceson
page 7‑11.
.Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7‑11.
.Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenser
outside cleaning. See Cooling System
on
page 6‑30.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat shields
inspection for loose or damaged components.
.Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort,
or binding. Replace if needed.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change
(extreme duty service) for vehicles mainly driven
off‐road in four‐wheel drive. Vehicles used for
farming, mining, forestry, Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), and snow plowing occupations
meet this definition. 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.
7-6

Scheduled Maintenance
ServiceMaintenanceIMaintenance II
Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system. ••
Engine coolant level check. ••
Windshield washer fluid level check. ••
Tire inflation pressures check. ••
Tire wear inspection. ••
Rotate tires. ••
Fluids visual leak check. ••
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven in dusty conditions only). ••
Brake system inspection. ••
Allison Transmission
®only: External transmission filter replacement (at the first
maintenance service performed on the vehicle only).
Steering and suspension inspection. •
7-9

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
.The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only when
the shift lever is in P (Park).
.The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park) Mechanism
Check
{WARNING:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once
should the vehicle begin to move. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the
regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held
by the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see the maintenance
schedule section in the DURAMAX
®Diesel manual.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
7-12

UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil
on page 6‑18.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
coolant. See
Engine Coolanton
page 6‑31.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967,
in Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift Linkage Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
Lubrication Chassis 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 Drive SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
Front Axle
(1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD Series) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678) meeting
GM Specification 9986115.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678) meeting
GM Specification 9986115.
7-13

Appearance Care (cont.)Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-116
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-116
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-116
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-114
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-84 Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-145
Navigation/Radio System, see NavigationManual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-123
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-148
Rear Seat (RSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-143
Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-84
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-145
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . . . . . . . . .4-149
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-87
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23, 6-26
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48B
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Electric Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Run-Down Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-123
Brake
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Pedal and Adjustable Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) andCargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
i - 2