2019 GMC SIERRA DENALI Owners Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
336 Vehicle Care turned on after new pads and wear
sensors are installed, a message
will display. Follow the prompts to
reset the system.
The brake pad life system can also
be manually reset:
1. Display Brake Pad Life on the
DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
0 160 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 159 .
2. Press the thumbwheel or the
trip odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons. Select front or rear
pads as appropriate.
3. Select YES on the confirmation
message, or press the trip
odometer reset stem on a base
level DIC. Repeat for pads on
the other axle if they were also
replaced. How to Disable the Brake Pad
Life System The brake pad life system can be
turned off. This may be necessary if
aftermarket brake pads without wear
sensors are installed. When the
system is turned off, the front and
rear brake pad life percentages will
not display. However, the built-in
wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when
the brake pads are worn can still
determine when the pads should be
replaced. See Brakes 0 335 .
To turn off the brake pad life system:
1. Display Brake Pad Life on the
DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
0 160 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 159 .
2. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system
back on, follow the above steps but
select ENABLE in Step 2. Brake Fluid The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 316 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.

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
338 Vehicle Care Vehicles with the Stop/Start system
have an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
12-volt battery. Installation of a
standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life. When
using a 12-volt battery charger on
the 12-volt AGM battery, some
chargers have an AGM battery
setting on the charger. If available,
use the AGM setting on the charger
to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
Follow the charger manufacturer ’ s
instructions.
{ WarningWARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle. See California Proposition
65 Warning 0 313 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{ WarningBatteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0 395 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger. Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection
{ WarningBefore disconnecting the negative
battery cable, turn off all features,
turn the ignition off, and remove
the key, if equipped, from the
vehicle. If this is not done, you or
others could be injured, and the
vehicle could be damaged.
CautionIf the battery is disconnected with
the ignition on or the vehicle in
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP), the OnStar back-up
battery will be permanently
discharged and will need to be
replaced.
1. Make sure the lamps, features,
and accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the ignition off and
remove the key, if equipped.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 339For vehicles equipped with the Stop/
Start system:
1. Loosen and remove the
negative battery cable nut (1)
at the battery sensor
connection.
2. Remove the negative battery
cable (2) from the battery
sensor stud.
3. Cover the negative battery
cable terminal, battery sensor
stud, and negative battery post
with a non-conductive material
to prevent any contact with the
negative battery cable. For vehicles not equipped with the
Stop/Start system:
1. Loosen the negative battery
cable nut (1).
2. Remove the negative battery
cable clamp (2) from the
negative battery post.
3. Cover the negative battery
cable clamp, and negative
battery post with a
non-conductive material to
prevent any contact with the
negative battery cable. Negative Battery Cable
Reconnection
CautionWhen reconnecting the battery:
.
Use the original nut from the
vehicle to secure the
negative battery cable. Do
not use a different nut.
If you need a replacement
nut, see your dealer.
.
Tighten the nut with a hand
tool. Do not use an impact
wrench or power tools to
tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if
these guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants,
or corrosion inhibitors on the nut
that secures the negative battery
cable to the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.

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
Vehicle Care 341
.
When the differential is cold, add
enough lubricant to raise the
level from 0 mm (0 in) to 3.2 mm
(1/8 in) below the fill plug hole.
.
When the differential is at
operating temperature (warm),
add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of the fill
plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 425 to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. Rear Axle When to Check Lubricant It is not necessary to regularly
check rear 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.
All axle assemblies are filled by
volume of fluid during production.
They are not filled to reach a certain
level. When checking the fluid level
on any axle, variations in the
readings can be caused by factory
fill differences between the minimum
and the maximum fluid volume.
Also, if a vehicle has just been
driven before checking the fluid
level, it may appear lower than
normal because fluid has traveled
out along the axle tubes and has
not drained back to the sump area.
Therefore, a reading taken
five minutes after the vehicle has
been driven will appear to have a
lower fluid level than a vehicle that
has been stationary for an hour or two. The rear axle assembly must
be supported on a flat, level surface
to get a true reading.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
.
For the 2.7L, 4.3L, and 5.3L
engines, the proper level is
1.0 mm to 19.0 mm (0.04 in to
0.7 in) below the bottom of the
fill hole, located on the rear axle.
Add only enough fluid to reach
the proper level.

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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 343Insulation:
Removal of the noise shields or any
underhood insulation.
Engine:
Removal or rendering the engine
speed governor, if equipped,
inoperative so as to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
Fan and Drive:
.
Removal of the fan clutch,
if equipped, or rendering the
clutch inoperative.
.
Removal of the fan shroud,
if equipped.
Air Intake:
.
Removal of the air cleaner
silencer.
.
Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.
Removal of the muffler and/or
resonator.
.
Removal of the exhaust pipes
and exhaust pipe clamps. Starter Switch Check
{ WarningWhen you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake
and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service. Ignition Transmission
Lock Check If equipped with Key Access
ignition, while parked, and with the
parking brake set, try to turn the
ignition off in each shift lever
position. The ignition should turn to
off only when the shift lever is in
P (Park).
The ignition key should come out
only when the ignition is off. Contact
your dealer if service is required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{ Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.