2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI check oil

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
364 Vehicle Care If there is an engine overheat
warning, but no steam is seen or
heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can
get a little too hot when the vehicle:
.
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.
Stops after high-speed driving.
.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
.
Tows a trailer; see Trailer Towing
0 307 .
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the
highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle. If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an
engine driven cooling fan, push
down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least
five minutes while the vehicle is
parked. If the warning is still there,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message displays, an
overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps to prevent engine damage. In
this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Vehicle Care 365Caution (Continued)attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0 350 .
Engine Fan If the vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan, when the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when starting the engine. It will go
away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fan(s), the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans
may run after the engine has been
turned. off. This is normal and no
service is required. Power Steering Fluid
(1500 Series) The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid
(2500/3500 Series)
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 345 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.

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
446 Service and Maintenance
Service and
Maintenance General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 446
Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 448
Special Application Services Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
Additional Maintenance
and Care Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
Maintenance Replacement
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 459 General Information This maintenance section applies to
vehicles with a gasoline engine. For
diesel engine vehicles, see
"Maintenance Schedule" in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs. Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
CautionDamage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
(Continued)

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 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
450 Service and Maintenance Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal
12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi
180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 miRotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)
@ @ @ @ @ @Inspect evaporative control system. (2)
@ @ @Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)
@ @ @Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
@For GVW under 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)
@For GVW over 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)
@ @ @Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)
@Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)
@Replace brake fluid. (7)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Service and Maintenance 451Footnotes — Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services — Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, poor air quality, areas with
high dust levels or are sensitive to
environmental allergens. Filter
replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you
determine when it is the right time to
replace your filter. (2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(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
0 359 .
(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 0 368 .