2019 GMC SIERRA DENALI maintenance schedule

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 205CautionDo not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep,
drive through it slowly. At faster
speeds, water can get into the
engine and cause it to stall. Stalling
can occur if the exhaust pipe is
under water. Do not turn off the
ignition when driving through water.
If the exhaust pipe is under water,
the engine will not start. When going
through water, the brakes get wet
and it may take longer to stop. See
“ Driving on Wet Roads ” later in this
section.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that
has collected on the underbody or
chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
Re-install underbody air deflector
and air dam if removed. After operation in mud or sand,
have the brake linings cleaned and
checked. These substances can
cause glazing and uneven braking.
Check the body structure, driveline,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires,
and exhaust system for damage and
check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
More frequent maintenance service
is required. See the Maintenance
Schedule 0 415 .
Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water. { WarningWet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
250 Driving and Operating When Terrain Mode is selected:
.
Auto Engine Start/Stop will be
disabled.
.
The Terrain Mode indicator
displays on the instrument
cluster.
Limited-Slip Differential If equipped, the limited-slip
differential can give more traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel.
It works like a standard axle most of
the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle. For vehicles with the
limited-slip differential, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 415 .Locking Rear Axle Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Cruise Control
{ WarningCruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the cruise control is being used
and the Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 281the drive mode that is
appropriate for the road
conditions.
CautionIf the vehicle tires begin to spin
and the vehicle begins to slide
toward the water, remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal
and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 415 . It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all
nuts and bolts on the trailer hitch
are tight. Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 331 .
Trailer Towing If equipped with a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
CautionTowing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Trailer Weight
{ WarningNever exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how frequently the vehicle is used to
tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle
contents, trailer, and trailer contents

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 325
Automatic Transmission
Fluid When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. See Publication
Ordering Information 0 442 .
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
(Continued) Caution (Continued) not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 425 .
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 415 . Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 425 .
Engine Air Filter Life
System When to Change the Engine
Air Filter
When the “ Replace at Next Oil
Change ” message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the time of the next engine oil
change. When the “ Replace Engine
Air Filter Now ” message displays,
the engine air filter should be replaced as soon as possible. Reset
the engine air filter life system after
the engine air filter is replaced. See
your dealer for service and to reset
the system.
If equipped, this feature provides an
indication of when to change the
engine air filter. It is based on
driving conditions, which can cause
when to change to vary greatly. It is
possible an air filter change may not
be indicated for up to four years.
How to Reset the Engine Air
Filter Life System To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the
DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
0 160 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 159 .
3. Press
T to move to the Reset/
Disable display area. Select
Reset then press
V .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
326 Vehicle Care 4. Press to confirm to reset.
5. If the vehicle is not equipped
with DIC buttons, depress the
thumbwheel or trip odometer
reset stem for several seconds
to reset the air filter life system.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see “ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ” in
the Duramax diesel supplement for
the correct inspection and
replacement procedures.
The engine air cleaner/filter is on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 316 .
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0 415 .
If equipped with the engine air filter
life system, see Engine Air Filter
Life System 0 325 . If driving in very dusty areas, follow
the engine air filter inspecting and
changing intervals. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 415 .
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
5.3L V8 Engine (L84) Shown, 2.7L
L4 Engine (L3B), 4.3L V6 Engine
(LV3), 5.3L V8 Engine (L82), and
6.2L V8 Engine (L87) Similar
1. Air Duct Clamp
2. Electrical Harness
Connector
3. Screws
1. Locate the air cleaner/filter
assembly. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 316 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 337.
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{ Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0 151 .
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 415 .
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0 425 .
{ Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid. CautionIf brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 316 for battery location.
Stop/Start System
Vehicles equipped with a 2.7L L3B,
3.0L LM2, 5.3L L84 or 6.2L L87 are
equipped with a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See Stop/Start
System 0 222 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
340 Vehicle Care For vehicles equipped with the Stop/
Start system:
1. Install the negative battery
cable to the battery
sensor stud.
2. Install the negative battery
cable nut to the battery sensor
stud and tighten.
3. Turn the ignition on.
For vehicles not equipped with the
Stop/Start system:
1. Install the negative battery
cable clamp to the negative
battery post.
2. Tighten the negative battery
cable nut.
3. Turn the ignition on.
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule
0 415 to determine when to check
the lubricant. 1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug (1) hole, located on the
transfer case, some lubricant will
need to be added. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (1) hole. Use
care not to overtighten the plug. When to Change Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule
0 415 to determine how often to
change the lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 425 to determine what
kind of lubricant to use.
Front Axle When to Check and Change
Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check front axle fluid unless a leak
is suspected, or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
342 Vehicle Care .
For the 6.2L engine, the proper
level is from 15 mm to 40 mm
(0.6 in to 1.6 in) below the
bottom of the fill plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add
only enough fluid to reach the
proper level.
What to Use Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 425 to determine what
kind of lubricant to use.
Noise Control System Noise Emissions Warranty General Motors warrants to the first
person who purchases this vehicle
for purposes other than resale and
to each subsequent purchaser that
this vehicle as manufactured by
General Motors, was designed, built
and equipped to conform at the time
it left General Motors ’ s control with
all applicable U.S. EPA Noise
Control Regulations. This warranty
covers this vehicle as designed,
built and equipped by General
Motors, and is not limited to any
particular part, component or system of the vehicle manufactured
by General Motors. Defects in
design, assembly or in any part,
component or system of the vehicle
as manufactured by General
Motors, which, at the time it left
General Motors ’ s control, caused
noise emissions to exceed Federal
standards, are covered by this
warranty for the life of the vehicle.
The following information relates to
compliance with federal noise
emission standards for vehicles with
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of more than 4 536 kg
(10,000 lb). The Maintenance
Schedule provides information on
maintaining the noise control system
to minimize degradation of the noise
emission control system during the
life of the vehicle. The noise control
system warranty is given in the
warranty manual.
These standards apply only to
vehicles sold in the United States. TAMPERING WITH NOISE
CONTROL SYSTEM
PROHIBITED Federal law prohibits the following
acts or the causing thereof:
1. The removal or rendering
inoperative by any person,
other than for purposes of
maintenance, repair,
or replacement, of any device
or element of design
incorporated into any new
vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or
delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in
use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after
such device or element of
design has been removed or
rendered inoperative by any
person.
Among those acts presumed to
constitute tampering are the acts
listed below.