GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
448 Vehicle Care
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.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect. If equipped with power assist steps, extend
them and then use a high pressure
wash to clean all joints and gaps.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Vehicle Care 449
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. Refer to“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result. Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow to all safety instructions on
the label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation.
To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following
cleaners or techniques:
.
Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
. Never use a brush with stiff
bristles.
. Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too much
pressure.
. Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water. A concentrated soap solution will
create streaks and attract dirt.
Do not use solutions that contain
strong or caustic soap.
. Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.
. Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial
glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use
abrasive cleaners on automotive
glass. Abrasive cleaners or
aggressive cleaning may damage
the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water
during the first three to six months
of ownership will reduce tendency
to fog.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
454 Service and Maintenance
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services.
Normal Service
All maintenance services, including
those listed under Additional
Required Services, are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0269.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0317. Severe Service
In addition to the normal service
schedule, some vehicles require
service more often. Severe service
is for vehicles that are:
.
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high-speed or
competitive driving.
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0357.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0363.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0408.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0414.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer
Fluid 0379.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Service and Maintenance 455
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 0366.
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 0414.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0363 andEngine Oil Life
System 0366.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0373.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0379.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0444. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade
Replacement 0387.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0408. .
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0414.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0370.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0444.
. 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 0444. 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 071.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
458 Service and Maintenance
(3)Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
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/or axles
and should be replaced.
(5) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling
System 0371.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0380.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
460 Service and Maintenance
(3)Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
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/or axles
and should be replaced.
(5) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling
System 0371.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0380.Special Application
Services
.
Vehicles with Dual Wheels:
Check dual wheel nut torque at
160, 1 600 and 10 000 km (100,
1,000 and 6,000 mi) of driving.
Repeat this service whenever a
tire/wheel is serviced or
removed.
. Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every 5 000 km/
3,000 mi.
. Have underbody flushing service
performed. See “Underbody
Maintenance” inExterior
Care 0444.
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services —their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
OnStar 489
4G LTE speed. Up to seven mobile
devices can be connected. A data
plan is required. Use the in-vehicle
controls only when it is safe to
do so.1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot information, press
=, wait for
the prompt, then say “Wi-Fi
settings.” On some vehicles,
touch Wi-Fi Settings on the
screen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will display the Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID),
password, and on some
vehicles, the connection type
(no Internet connection, 3G,
4G, 4G LTE), and signal quality
(poor, good, excellent).
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call
1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor.
OnStar RemoteLink
®Mobile App
(If Equipped)
Download the OnStar RemoteLink
mobile app to select Apple
®iOS,
Android™, BlackBerry®,
or Windows®mobile devices. OnStar Subscribers can access the
following services from a mobile
device:
.
Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
. Lock/unlock doors, if equipped
with automatic locks.
. Activate the horn and lamps.
. Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil
life, or tire pressure,
if factory-equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System.
. Send directions to the vehicle.
. Locate the vehicle on a map
(U.S. market only).
. Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot
on/off, manage settings, and
monitor data consumption,
if equipped.
For OnStar RemoteLink information
and compatibility, see
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor to
unlock the doors or sound the horn
and flash the lamps.
OnStar AtYourService
OnStar Advisors can provide special
offers from restaurants and retailers
on your route, help locate hotels,
or book a room.
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
Make and receive calls with the
built-in wireless calling service,
which requires available minutes.
Make a Call
1. Press
=. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”
2. Say “Call.”System responds:
“Call. Please say the name or
number to call.”
3. Say the entire number without pausing, including a “1”and the
area code. System responds:
“OK, calling.”
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Index 499
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 479
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 484
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 490
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 471
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 309
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148, 150
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 312
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 30 Driving (cont'd)
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 266
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 268
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395, 397
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Emergency
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 487
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Engine (cont'd)
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 358
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Cooling System Messages . . . 154
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 134
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 286
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 484
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 174
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 176