2014 GMC SIERRA 1500 Owners Manual

Black plate (29,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-29
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 12-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front and
rear brakes —for the worse. The
braking performance expected can
change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-5 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well.

Black plate (30,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
10-30 Vehicle Care
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.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5-24. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See
Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5.
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 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
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{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.

Black plate (31,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-31
{Caution
.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.
Battery
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-5for battery location.
{Warning
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10-89 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.

Black plate (32,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
10-32 Vehicle Care
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer toMaintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 to determine when to
check the lubricant.
How to Check Lubricant
Electronic Transfer Case
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
Manual Transfer Case
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain PlugAutomatic Transfer Case
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug (1) hole, located on the
transfer case, some lubricant will
need to be added. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (1) hole. Use
care not to overtighten the plug.

Black plate (33,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-33
When to Change Lubricant
Refer toMaintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 to determine how often to
change the lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check front axle fluid unless a leak
is suspected, or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.1500 Series
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain PlugAll Except 1500 Series
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
.When the differential is cold, add
enough lubricant to raise the
level from 0 mm (0 in) to 3.2 mm
(1/8 in) below the fill
plug (1) hole.
.When the differential is at
operating temperature (warm),
add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of the fill
plug (1) hole.

Black plate (34,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
10-34 Vehicle Care
What to Use
Refer toRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check rear axle fluid unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired.
All axle assemblies are filled by
volume of fluid during production.
They are not filled to reach a certain
level. When checking the fluid level
on any axle, variations in the
readings can be caused by factory
fill differences between the minimum
and the maximum fluid volume.
Also, if a vehicle has just been
driven before checking the fluid
level, it may appear lower than
normal because fluid has traveled out along the axle tubes and has
not drained back to the sump area.
Therefore, a reading taken
five minutes after the vehicle has
been driven will appear to have a
lower fluid level than a vehicle that
has been stationary for an hour or
two. The rear axle assembly must
be supported on a flat, level surface
to get a true reading.How to Check Lubricant
2500HD with 6.0L
All Other Series and Engines
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
.For all 4.3L and 5.3L 1500
Series applications, the proper
level is 1.0 mm to 19.0 mm
(0.04 in to 0.7 in) below the
bottom of the fill hole, located on
the rear axle. Add only enough
fluid to reach the proper level.
.For 6.2L 1500 Series
applications, the proper level is
from 15 mm to 40 mm (0.6 in to
1.6 in) below the bottom of the

Black plate (35,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-35
fill plug hole, located on the rear
axle. Add only enough fluid to
reach the proper level.
.For all 6.0L 2500HD Series
applications, the proper level is
from 0 mm to 13 mm (0 to 0.5 in)
below the bottom of the fill plug
hole, located on the rear axle.
Add only enough fluid to reach
the proper level.
.For all 6.6L Duramax Diesel
2500HD Series applications and
all 3500 Series applications, the
proper level is from 17 mm to
21 mm (0.6 in to 0.8 in) below
the bottom of the fill plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add
only enough fluid to reach the
proper level.
What to Use
Refer toRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Noise Control System
The following information relates to
compliance with federal noise
emission standards for vehicles with
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of more than 4 536 kg
(10,000 lb). The noise control
system warranty is given in your
warranty manual.
These standards apply only to
vehicles sold in the United States.
Federal law prohibits the following
acts or the causing thereof:
1. The removal or rendering inoperative by any person, other
than for purposes of
maintenance, repair or
replacement, of any device or
element of design incorporated
into any new vehicle for the
purpose of noise control, prior to
its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use; or 2. The use of the vehicle after such
device or element of design has
been removed or rendered
inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to
constitute tampering are the acts
listed below.
Insulation:
Removal of the noise shields or any
underhood insulation.
Engine:
Removal or rendering engine speed
governor, if the vehicle has one,
inoperative so as to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
Fan and Drive:
.Removal of fan clutch, if the
vehicle has one, or rendering
clutch inoperative.
.Removal of the fan shroud, if the
vehicle has one.

Black plate (36,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
10-36 Vehicle Care
Air Intake:
.Removal of the air cleaner
silencer.
.Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.Removal of the muffler and/or
resonator.
.Removal of the exhaust pipes
and exhaust pipe clamps.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. 2. Apply both the parking brake
and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins
to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.