GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
316 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 317
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 318
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 328
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 331
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 336
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 340
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Battery - North America . . . . . . 342
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 347
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 348
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 348
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 349
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 350
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 351
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 354
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 354
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 355
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 365
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
318 Vehicle Care
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0342
and
Jump Starting - North America
0 400 and the back cover.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 098.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 319
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner’s manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
0 447.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 097. If equipped with remote vehicle
start, open the hood before
performing any service work to
prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle
Start 044.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0433.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
Turn the vehicle off before
opening the hood. If the vehicle is
on, the engine will start when the
hood is opened. You or others
could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can
get hot from running the engine.
To help avoid the risk of burning
unprotected skin, never touch
these components until they have
cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood
before opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary
release lever under the front
center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever
to the right to release.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
320 Vehicle Care
3. After you have partially liftedthe hood, the gas strut system
will automatically lift the hood
and hold it in the fully open
position.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on
properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer
holding up the hood.
3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched
completely. Repeat this
process with additional force if
necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the
hood is not latched completely.
The hood could open fully, block
your vision, and cause a crash.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely
before driving.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display a message if the hood is
not fully closed, and the vehicle is
moving. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the hood for
obstructions, and close the hood
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
326 Vehicle Care
1. Remote Negative (–) Location.See Jump Starting - North
America 0400.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting -
North America 0400.
3. Battery - North America 0342.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0355.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0326.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 332.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0326.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0332.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0331.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0341. 11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 339.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section. .
Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0328.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0321 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
328 Vehicle Care
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil for the 5.3L and 6.2L
V8 engines. Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil for the 2.7L L4 and 4.3L
V6 engines. Cold Temperature
Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls
below
−29 °C (−20 °F), use SAE
0W-30 oil in the 2.7L or 4.3L engine.
An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the
engine at extremely low
temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
332 Vehicle Care
2. Disconnect the outlet duct byloosening the air duct
clamp (1).
3. Disconnect the electrical harness connector (2) from the
cover.
4. Remove the three screws on top of the cover of the housing,
then slide and lift the cover.
5. Lift and remove the engine air cleaner/filter.
6. Lightly tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter, away
from the vehicle, to release
loose dust and dirt. Replace
the engine air filter if damaged.
7. Reverse Steps 2–5 to reinstall the engine air cleaner/filter
cover housing.
8. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after
replacing the engine air filter.
See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0330.{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. Use caution
when working on the engine. Do
not start the engine or drive the
vehicle with the air cleaner/filter
off, as flames may be present if
the engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
If the vehicle has the Duramax
diesel engine, see the Duramax
diesel supplement.
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
2.7L L4 Engine (L3B)
4.3L V6 Engine (LV3)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 333
5.3L V8 Engine (L84) Shown, 5.3LV8 Engine (L82) and 6.2LV8 Engine (L87) Similar
1. Engine Electric Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater, radiator, a/c
pipes or hoses, or other engine
parts. They can be very hot and
can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all
coolant could leak out. That could
cause an engine fire and can
burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0336.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.