
GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Vehicle Care 339
Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, master
cylinder, brake fluid reservoir,
vacuum pipes, electric vacuum
pump including bracket and vent
hose, if equipped.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year. Inspect power steering for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
1500 Series vehicles, at least every
other oil change lubricate the outer
tie rod ends.
2500/3500 Series vehicles, at least
every other engine oil change
lubricate the upper and lower
control arm ball joints. Control arm
ball joints on 1500 series vehicles
are maintenance-free.
2500/3500 Series vehicles equipped
with steering linkage, at least every
other engine oil change lubricate the
tie rod ball joints, idler arm pivot
shaft bearings, idler arm socket, and
pitman arm socket.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Service and Maintenance 347
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0261.
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
Inspect the passenger compartment
air filter every 36 000 km/
22,500 miles or two years,
whichever comes first. Replace if
necessary. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality,
or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if
there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0306.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0258 andEngine Oil Life
System 0261.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0267.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0274.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0335. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 282.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0300. .
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0306.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 265.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0335.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear
at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0335. Lubricate
the suspension and steering
components at least every other
oil change. (If equipped with
grease fittings)
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 060.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Service and Maintenance 353
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0355 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Service and Maintenance 355
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
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 recommended fluids and lubricants section in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. AC Delco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 258.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0267.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Hydraulic Power Steering System (2500/3500 Series Only) GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 19329450, in Canada 19329451).
Automatic Transmission (All except 6.2L with 8-Speed transmission) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (6.2L with 8-Speed transmission) DEXRON
®-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19300536, in
Canada 19300537).
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
372 Customer Information
If the airbag has inflated, seeWhat
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 066.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
(U.S. and Canada Only)
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Manual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
–
$40.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Pouch: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
390 Index
Driving (cont'd)For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 173
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 175
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288, 290
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 Engine (cont'd)
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 255
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Cooling System Messages . . . 128
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 109
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 193
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 375 Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 146
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 148
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 150
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 261, 264
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Index 391
Fog LampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 200, 277
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 117
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Front Seats Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 52
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 121
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 192
Requirements, California . . . . . 224
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Fuses (cont'd)
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288, 290
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 142Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 109
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Transmission Temperature . . . . . 111
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 345
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 150
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 121
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 148
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 122
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 302
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 173
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . 210
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . 118
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Index 393
Lights (cont'd)Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 148
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . .118
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . .112
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . .119
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 121
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 346
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 115
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Messages Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Battery Voltage and
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . 128
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Messages (cont'd)
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Key and Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Object Detection System . . . . . 130
Ride Control System . . . . . . . . . . 130
Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Steering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Mirrors Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Automatic DimmingRearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Blind Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Trailer Tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . 42
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \