GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 331
3. PressTon the steering wheel,
or press the trip odometer reset
stem if the vehicle does not
have DIC controls, to move to
the Reset/Disable display area.
Select Reset, then press the
thumbwheel or press the reset
stem for several seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel or the reset stem to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0321.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with
the engine air filter life system, see
Maintenance Schedule 0420 for
intervals on inspecting and
replacing changing the engine air
cleaner/filter.
How to Inspect/Replace 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. 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 0321.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 337
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperature
gauge in the vehicle's instrument
cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0147.
In addition, there are ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE, and ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED messages in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 442.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
2.7L L4, 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L
V8 Engines
Check to see if the engine cooling
fans are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam 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.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message, along with a low coolant
condition, can indicate a serious
problem.The 2.7L engine will shut down
automatically if the ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
message displays.
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
0 286.
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
338 Vehicle Care
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe 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
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
See
Engine Oil 0326.
Engine Fan
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
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 339
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.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid
message on the DIC that comes on
when the washer fluid is low. The
message is displayed for
15 seconds at the start of each
ignition cycle. When the WASHER
FLUID LOW ADD FLUID messagedisplays, washer fluid will need to
be added to the windshield washer
fluid reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0321 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
340 Vehicle Care
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications 0435.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Pad Life System
When to Change Brake Pads
This vehicle has a system that
estimates the remaining life of the
front and rear brake pads. Brake
pad life is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), along with
a percentage for each axle. The
system must be reset every time the
brake pads are changed.
When the system has determined
that the brake pads need to be
replaced, a message will display,
which may include mileage
remaining.
Brake pads should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
How to Reset the Brake Pad
Life System
The system will automatically detect
when significantly worn brake pads
are replaced. When the ignition is
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 341
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) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
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 Brakes0340.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
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 0321 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 - 5/14/19
350 Vehicle Care
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
The windshield is part of the HUD
system. If the windshield must be
replaced, get one that is designed
for HUD or the HUD image may
look out of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be
replaced and the vehicle is
equipped with a front camera sensor
for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in
lifting and holding open the hood/
trunk/liftgate system in full open
position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open
the hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail,
you or others could be seriously
injured. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service immediately.
Visually inspect the gas struts for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to
make sure the hood/trunk/liftgate
is held open with enough force.
If struts are failing to hold the
hood/trunk/liftgate, do not
operate. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do
not push down or pull on gas
struts. This may cause damage to
the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0420.
Hood
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 375
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire
and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the tires and transmit the tire
pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument cluster.
If the warning light comes on, stop
as soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressureshown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load
Limits 0212.
A message to check the pressure in
a specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low
tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on at
each ignition cycle until the tires are
inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. If the vehicle has DIC
buttons, tire pressure levels can be
viewed. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays, see Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
0 163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
could be an early indicator that the
air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper
pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of the original
equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when
they are cold. See
Vehicle Load
Limits 0212, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information label
and its location. Also see Tire
Pressure 0372.
The TPMS can warn about a low
tire pressure condition but it does
not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 380, Tire Rotation 0381 and
Tires 0363.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all
the same. A non-approved tire
sealant could damage the TPMS
sensors. TPMS sensor damage
caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only
the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.