GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
400 Vehicle Care Dinghy Towing
(Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles and
Vehicles with a Single-Speed
Transfer Case)
Caution
If a vehicle with two-wheel drive
or a single-speed transfer case is
towed with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Two-wheel-drive vehicles and
vehicles with a single-speed transfer
case should not be towed with all
four wheels on the ground.
Dinghy Towing (Vehicles with a
Two-Speed Transfer Case)
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two-speed transfer
case that have an N (Neutral) and a
4
n (Four-Wheel Drive Low) setting. { WarningShifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can allow the vehicle
to move even if the transmission
is in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
and use wheel blocks before
shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral).
To dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being
towed behind the tow vehicle,
facing forward and on a level
surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle
being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to
N (Neutral). See “ Shifting into
N (Neutral) ” under Four-Wheel
Drive 0 235 .
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 4015. With the engine running,
release the parking brake and
verify that the transfer case is
in N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to D (Drive) and
then to R (Reverse). There
should be no movement while
shifting the transmission.
6. Shift the transmission to D
(Drive).
7. If equipped with an ignition key,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If equipped with
Keyless Access, turn the
engine off. Disregard the Shift
to P (Park) DIC message.
See Ignition Positions (Key
Access) 0 217 or Ignition
Positions (Keyless Access)
0 219 .
{ Warning
To avoid death, serious injury,
or property damage, before
dinghy towing the vehicle, always
disconnect and secure the
(Continued) Warning (Continued) negative battery cable and cover
the negative battery post and
cable with a non-conductive
material. If the battery is left
connected or the battery cable
contacts the post, the Electric
Parking Brake may activate
during towing, which could cause
a crash.
8. Disconnect the negative ( – )
battery cable. See “ Negative
Battery Cable Disconnection ”
in Battery - North America
0 337 .
9. Shift the transmission to
P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur. 10. Move the steering wheel to
make sure the steering column
is unlocked.
11. If the vehicle has an ignition
key, keep it in the towed
vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY
to prevent the steering column
from locking. If the vehicle is
equipped with Keyless Access,
keep the RKE transmitter
outside of the vehicle and
manually lock the doors.
Access the vehicle by using
the key in the door lock. See
Door Locks 0 44 .
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting from the tow
vehicle:
1. Park on a level surface. Secure
the vehicle with wheel blocks.
2. Re-connect the negative ( – )
battery. See Battery - North
America 0 337 .
3. Turn on the ignition with the
engine off. For vehicles with a
key, turn the ignition to ON/
RUN with the engine off. If the
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
402 Vehicle Care vehicle is equipped with
Keyless Access, with your foot
off the brake pedal, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
five seconds until the green
light comes on in the button.
See Ignition Positions (Key
Access) 0 217 or Ignition
Positions (Keyless Access)
0 219 .
4. Set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0 241 .
5. Disconnect from the tow
vehicle.
6. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to 2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High). When
the shift to 2
m (Two-Wheel
Drive High) is complete, the
light in the instrument cluster
will stop flashing and stay lit.
See Four-Wheel-Drive Light
0 153 .
8. Start the engine. Check that
the vehicle is in 2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) by starting the engine and shifting
the transmission to D (Drive)
and then to R (Reverse). There
should be movement of the
vehicle while shifting.
9. Shift the transmission to
P (Park) and turn off the
ignition.
10. Release the parking brake and
remove the wheel blocks.
11. Reset any lost presets.
The outside temperature
display will default to 0 °C
(32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage. Dolly Towing
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 403CautionDo not tow this vehicle with two
wheels on the ground, or vehicle
damage could occur. This
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Dolly towing this vehicle is not
allowed with either the front or the
rear tires on the ground for
two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive,
regardless of transfer case. Appearance Care Exterior Care Locks Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 425 .
Washing the Vehicle To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
{ Warning
Do not power wash any part of
the vehicle ’ s interior, including the
vinyl floor covering. This could
damage safety and other systems
in the vehicle, which would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. 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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 407Caution (Continued)or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
CautionChrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure. CautionTo avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire/wheel cleaning
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 all other brake parts. 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,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Control arm ball joints on 1500
series vehicles are
maintenance-free.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
− 12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Service and Maintenance 417ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0 345 .
.
Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof 0 65 .
.
Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing
0 385 .
.
Verify the spare tire is tightly
stowed under the vehicle.
Tighten as needed. See "Storing
a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools" in
Tire Changing 0 385 .
.
Visually inspect the spare tire to
ensure that it is tightly stowed
under the vehicle. Push, pull,
and try to turn the tire. If the
spare tire moves, tighten as
necessary. Verify that the wheel
retainer plate compression
spring is fully compressed.
See Tire Changing 0 385 .
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Service and Maintenance 423Lamps
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 of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
.
Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.
Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle ’ s interior and
exterior, see Interior Care 0 408 and
Exterior Care 0 403 .
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.
Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.
Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.
Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
426 Service and Maintenance Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive) and
Rear Axle See your dealer.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299570, in
Canada 19299571).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges,
Body Door Hinge Pins, Tailgate
Hinge and Linkage, Fuel Door Hinge,
Tailgate Handle Pivot Points, Hinges,
Latch Bolt, and Linkage Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or
equivalent.
Weatherstrip Squeaks Synthetic Grease with Teflon, Superlube (GM Part No. 12371287, in
Canada 10953437).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection
requirements.