
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
350 Vehicle Care 1. Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting - North America
0 426 .
2. Battery - North America 0 369 .
3. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0 359 .
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 358 .
5. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“ How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid ” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) 0 354
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8-Speed Transmission)
0 357 .
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“ Checking Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 350 .
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When
to Add Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 350 .
8. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). See Cooling System
0 359 . 9. Remote Negative ( – ) Location.
See Jump Starting - North
America 0 426 .
10. Power Steering Fluid
Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid (1500 Series) 0 365 or
Power Steering Fluid (2500/
3500 Series) 0 365 .
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “ Adding Washer
Fluid ” under Washer Fluid
0 366 .
12. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid 0 368 .
13. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped).
See Battery - North America
0 369 .
14. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0 381 .
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra 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:
.
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 0 353 .
.
Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “ What to Do with
Used Oil ” in this section.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
360 Vehicle Care
6.0L V8 Engine
1. Coolant Surge Tank
2. Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap
3. Engine Belt-Driven Cooling
Fan (Out of View)
{ Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan. { WarningDo not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0 363 . What to Use
{ WarningPlain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
.
Gives freezing protection down
to − 37 °C ( − 34 °F), outside
temperature.
.
Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
.
Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.
Will not damage aluminum parts.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
362 Vehicle Care
{ WarningPlain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
{ WarningSteam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool. WarningFailure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If no coolant is visible in the surge
tank, add coolant.
Light-Duty
Coolant Surge
Tank
Pressure Cap Heavy-Duty
Coolant Surge
Tank
Pressure Cap
1. Remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper mixture to the full
cold mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank
pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates approximately
90 °C (195 °F).
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
full cold mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap
tightly.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
436 Vehicle Care CautionDo not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals. CautionDo not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
e symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow with the car wash
instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped,
must be turned off. Remove any
accessories that may be damaged
or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
See Power Assist Steps 0 43 for
cleaning information.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
440 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
attachment, connections, 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. CautionLubrication 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Vehicle Care 441Finish Damage Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
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 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 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
448 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule Owner Checks and Services At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0 350 .
Once a Month
.
Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 397 .
.
Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0 404 .
.
Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 366 .
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
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.
See Engine Oil Life System 0 353 .
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 0 405 .
.
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0 350 and Engine Oil Life
System 0 353 .
.
Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0 359 .
.
Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0 366 .
.
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0 435 . Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 375 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Service and Maintenance 449.
Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0 397 .
.
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0 404 .
.
Visually check for fluid leaks.
.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 358 .
.
Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0 435 .
.
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 0 435 . 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 0 75 . .
Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.
Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
.
Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0 435 .
.
Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0 374 .
.
Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0 374 .
.
Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0 374 .
.
Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 375 . .
Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.
Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open ability is low, service the
gas strut. See Gas Strut(s)
0 376 .
.
Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof 0 55 .
.
Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing
0 415 .