Black plate (92,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-92 Driving and Operating
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating of 40 amperes for the
auxiliary battery provision.
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.
If towing a light-duty trailer with a
standard four-way round pin
connector, an adapter is available
from your dealer.Heavy-DutyTrailer Wiring Harness
Package
For vehicles equipped with heavy
duty trailering, the harness
connector is mounted in the bumper.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
.Brown: Taillamps
.White: Ground
.Light Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red: Battery Feed*
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuses for these two circuits are
installed in the underhood electrical
center, but the wires are not
connected. They should be
connected by your dealer or a
qualified service center. The fuse
and wire for the ITBC is factory
installed and connected if the
vehicle is equipped with an ITBC.
The fuse for the battery feed is not
required if the vehicle has an
auxiliary battery. If the vehicle does
not have an auxiliary battery, have
your dealer or authorized service
center install the required fuse.
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the Tow/Haul Mode
button, if equipped, located at the
end of the shift lever. This will boost
the vehicle system voltage and
properly charge the battery. If the
trailer is too light for Tow/Haul
Mode, or the vehicle is not equipped
with Tow/Haul, turn on the
Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 10-9
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-15
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17 Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-20
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-23
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Noise Control System . . . . . . 10-31
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-32
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-33
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-34
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Pick-Up Box Identification and Fender Marker
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-37
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Black plate (6,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
10-6 Vehicle Care
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑15.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10‑16.
C. Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump
Starting on page 10‑82.
D. Battery on page 10‑27.
E. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting on page 10‑82.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
on page 10‑10 orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑12.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑6. H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of
View). See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil on
page 10‑6.
I. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑16.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑23.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on
page 10‑25.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑39.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑23.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax Diesel Supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑9.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Black plate (38,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
10-38 Vehicle Care
3. Turn the bulb socket (C) one‐quarter turn to release the bulb
socket from the lamp
housing (A).
4. Pull the bulb (B) from the bulb socket (C).
5. Reverse the steps to install.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up Lamp 3047K
Back-up Lamp* 1156
Cargo Lamp and
Center
High-Mounted
Stoplamp
(CHMSL) 912
Fender Marker W5WLL
Front Turn Signal
Lamp, Sidemarker
Lamp, and
Parking Lamp 3157AExterior Lamp Bulb
Number
High-Beam
Headlamp 9005
Low-Beam
Headlamp H11
License
Plate Lamp 168
Stoplamp/Taillamp/
Turn Signal Lamp 3047K
Sidemarker Lamp 194
Stoplamp/Turn
Signal Lamp/
Taillamp* 1157
* Chassis Cab Models
For replacement bulbs not listed
here, contact your dealer.
Electrical System
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.
Black plate (39,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Vehicle Care 10-39
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses, circuit
breakers and fusible thermal links.
This greatly reduces the chance of
fires caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band
inside the fuse. If the band is broken
or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure
you replace a bad fuse with a new
one of the identical size and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the
road and don't have a spare fuse,
you can borrow one that has the
same amperage. Just pick some
feature of your vehicle that you can
get along without–like the radio or
accessory power outlet– and use its
fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax Diesel supplement
for more information.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
The Engine Compartment Fuse
Block is located in the engine
compartment, on the driver side of
the vehicle.
Black plate (40,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
10-40 Vehicle Care
Lift the cover to access the fuse
block.
Notice:Spilling liquid on any
electrical component on the
vehicle may damage it. Always
keep the covers on any electrical
component.
To remove fuses, hold the end of
the fuse between your thumb and
index finger and pull straight out.
Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/ Turn Lamp Fuses
Usage
2 Electronic Suspension
Control, Automatic
Level Control
Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/ Turn Lamp
Black plate (41,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Vehicle Care 10-41
FusesUsage
4 Engine Controls
5 Engine Control Module, Throttle
Control
6 Trailer Brake Controller
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensor
9 Antilock Brakes System 2
10 Trailer Back-up Lamps
11 Driver Side Low-Beam
Headlamp
12 Engine Control Module (Battery)
13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side) Fuses
Usage
14 Transmission Control Module
(Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16 Passenger Side Low-Beam
Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls (Ignition)
20 Fuel Pump
21 Fuel System Control Module
22 Not Used
23 Not Used
24 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Left Side) Fuses
Usage
25 Trailer Park Lamps
26 Driver Side Park Lamps
27 Passenger Side Park Lamps
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30 Passenger Side High-Beam
Headlamp
31 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
32 Driver Side High-Beam
Headlamp
33 Daytime Running Lamps 2
34 Sunroof
35 Key Ignition System, Theft
Deterrent System
Black plate (42,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
10-42 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
36 Windshield Wiper
37 SEO B2 Upfitter Usage (Battery)
38 Electric Adjustable Pedals
39 Climate Controls (Battery)
40 Airbag System (Ignition)
41 Amplifier
42 Audio System
43 Miscellaneous (Ignition), Cruise
Control
44 Not Used
45 Airbag System (Battery)
46 Instrument Panel Cluster
47 Power Take-Off Fuses
Usage
48 Auxiliary Climate Control (Ignition)
49 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)
50 Rear Defogger
51 Heated Mirrors
52 SEO B1 Upfitter Usage (Battery)
53 Accessory Power Outlet
54 SEO Upfitter Usage
55 Climate Controls (Ignition)
56 Engine Control Module, Secondary
Fuel Pump
(Ignition) J-Case
Fuses Usage
57 Cooling Fan 1
58 Not Used
59 Heavy Duty Antilock Brake
System
60 Cooling Fan 2
61 Antilock Brake System 1
62 Starter
63 Stud 2 (Trailer Brakes)
64 Left Bussed Electrical Center 1
65 Not Used
66 Not Used
67 Transfer Case