2010 GMC SIERRA automatic transmission

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑12.
Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission fluid while it is
hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the fluid
level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring
the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It does
not take much fluid, generally less than 0.5 Liter (1 Pint).
Do not overfill.
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑12.
.After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
.When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. The only reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheating the transmission.
If you suspect a small leak, then use the following
checking procedures to check the fluid 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
fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑12.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3. Be sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricantson
page 7‑12.
6-26

How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Notice:Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or
exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid 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).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, move the shift
lever back to P (Park).
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 27°C and 32°C (80°F and 90°F).
1. Locate the
transmission 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.
6-27

To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly 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. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal, is located under a
red plastic cover at the positive battery post.
To uncover the positive (+) terminal, open the
red plastic cover.
The remote negative (−) terminal is a stud located
on the right front passenger side of the engine,
where the negative battery cable attaches. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 6‑16.
6-45

Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire's height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 6‑72
.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑30.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑30.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear
axle. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑30.
6-70

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would
use in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
{WARNING:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it is designed
only for changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips off the jack. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, only use it for
changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use the
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard Warning Flashers
on
page 4‑3.
{WARNING:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you or
other people. You and they could be badly injured
or even killed. Find a level place to change your
tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission shift lever in P (Park), or shift a manual transmission to
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
(Continued)
6-90

Engine Specifications
EngineVIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
4.3L V6 (LU3) XAutomatic 0.060 in (1.52 mm)
4.8L V8 (L20) AAutomatic 0.040 in (1.02 mm)
5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel with
Active Fuel Management™
(Iron Block) (LMG) 0
Automatic 0.040 in (1.02 mm)
5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel with
Active Fuel Management™
(Aluminum Block) (LC9) 3
Automatic 0.040 in (1.02 mm)
6.0L V8 (Iron Block) (L96 or LY6) G or K Automatic0.040 in (1.02 mm)
6.2L V8 Flexible Fuel
(Aluminum Block) (L9H) 2
Automatic 0.040 in (1.02 mm)
6-128

.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 6‑114.
Worn or damaged wiper blade replacement.
See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on
page 6‑63.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders,
folding seat hardware, and tailgate hinges,
linkage, and handle pivot points lubrication.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑12. 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 2‑93.
.Automatic transmission fluid level check and
adding fluid, if needed. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
on
page 6‑23or Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) on page 6‑26.
.Four‐wheel drive vehicles: Transfer case fluid level
check and adding fluid, if needed.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑21.
.Vehicles with diesel engine or GVWR above
4 536 kg (10,000 lbs) only: Shields inspection for
damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as
required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service.
Applicable to vehicles sold in the United States
and recommended for vehicles sold in Canada.
Additional Required Services
At the First 160 km/100 Miles, 1 600 km/
1,000 Miles, and 10 000 km/6,000 Miles
.For vehicles with dual wheels: Check dual wheel
nut torque. For proper torque, see Capacities and
Specifications on page 6‑126.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑18.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑31.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑38.
7-5

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