2016 GMC SIERRA engine oil

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 155
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATING IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0135.
When towing, use Tow/Haul mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0292.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the engine cooling
system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation. Stop
and turn off the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message clears when
the engine has cooled to a safe
operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message. See Engine
Oil Life System 0366 for
information on how to reset the
message. See Engine Oil0363 and
Maintenance Schedule 0454.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this
message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Engine Oil 0363.
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine oil becomes hotter than the
normal operating temperature. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it
cools down. See
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0135.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil 0363.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
may sound when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating 0375 for more
information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability to

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
280 Driving and Operating
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. Turn the ignition key to START.When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will
go down as the engine gets
warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the
oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light
is on and the FUEL LEVEL
LOW message is displayed in
the Driver Information Center
(DIC), hold the ignition switch
in the START position to
continue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there
while holding the key in START
for up to 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor
to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Fast Idle System
If equipped, this feature is available
only with cruise control. The manual
fast idle switch is operated using the
cruise control buttons on the left
side of the steering wheel.
This system can be used to
increase engine idle speed
whenever the following conditions
are met:
.
The parking brake is set.
. The brake pedal is not pressed.
. The vehicle must not be moving
and the accelerator must not be
pressed.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Driving and Operating 319
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle may not pass a smog-check
test. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0141.
If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer for diagnosis. If it
is determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If planning to drive in countries
outside the U.S. or Canada, the
proper fuel might be hard to find.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
in the country where driving. Never
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing
methanol, manganese, or any other fuel not recommended. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper
fuel would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See
Fuel0317.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of Fuel
System Treatment PLUS added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change can help. Fuel System
Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Do not use additives with E85 or
FlexFuel.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel cap can
use either unleaded gasoline or fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
All other vehicles should use only
the unleaded gasoline as described
in Fuel 0317. The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an
alternative fuels website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use
the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.
For the 6.0L V8 engine, after
refueling, the vehicle calculates the
composition of the fuel. It is not
recommended to repeatedly switch
between fuels. If fuels are switched
frequently, add as much fuel as
possible and do not add less than
11 L (3 gal) when refueling. Drive at
least 11 km (7 mi) immediately after

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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324 Driving and Operating
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0292. When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see
Engine Overheating 0375.Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Driving and Operating 325
If parking the rig on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0454.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0277.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
(Continued)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
354 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 355
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 356
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 366
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 367
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 370
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 370
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 375
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Battery - North America . . . . . . 382
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 385
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 386
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 387
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 387
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 388
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Electrical System Overload . . . 391
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Vehicle Care 359
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0434.
2. Battery - North America 0382.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0371.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0370.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0367
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) 0370.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location. See Jump Starting - North
America 0434.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling
System 0371.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0380.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0379.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0392.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Vehicle Care 361
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0434.
2. Battery - North America 0382.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0371.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0370.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0367
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) 0370.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0434.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling
System 0371.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0379.
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0380.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0392.