GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 309
Maintenance Reminders
Touch to view a list of maintenance
reminders for the Trailer Profile.
Touch a reminder to view, reset,
delete, or edit it.
Reset Reminder
Touch Maintenance Complete in the
reminder view to reset the reminder.
On the pop-up, touch Reset to reset
the time and mileage values for the
reminder. Touch Cancel to return to
the previous view and nothing will
change.
Edit Reminder
Touch to edit the mileage or time
settings for the reminder. Touch
Save to save the new settings to the
Trailer Profile.
Delete Reminder
Touch to delete the maintenance
reminder. On the pop-up, touch
Delete to delete the reminder or
touch Cancel to return to the
previous view and nothing will
change.New Maintenance Reminder
Touch + New Maintenance
Reminder to set up a new reminder.
Suggested reminders that were
previously set will have checkmarks
next to them. Suggested reminders
that have not been set will have
empty boxes next to them. The
maximum number of reminders
is 10.
Mileage
Touch to edit the Trailer Profile’s
mileage.
Effect on Maintenance Reminders
If the mileage is reset or changed,
and mileage has already
accumulated, any maintenance
reminders that have been set up will
be adjusted accordingly.
Average Fuel Economy
Touch to reset the average fuel
economy for the Trailer Profile.
Touch Reset to change, or touch
Cancel to go back to the
previous view.
Reverse Lights Alert
Turn on to receive failure messages
about the reverse lights. Turn off to
not receive failure messages about
the reverse lights, unless they are
later detected. This setting cannot
be edited when the Trailer Profile is
inactive or when the trailer is
disconnected.
Electric Brakes Alert
Turn on to receive failure messages
about the electric trailer brakes.
Turn off to not receive failure
messages about the electric trailer
brakes, unless they are later
detected. This setting cannot be
edited when the Trailer Profile is
inactive or when the trailer is
disconnected.
Delete Trailer
Touch to delete the Trailer Profile
and all of its settings.
On the pop-up, touch Delete to
delete the Trailer Profile. Touch
Cancel to dismiss the pop-up and
return to the previous view.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 329
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system
has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on to
indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving
under the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. For vehicles without the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed
when the REMAINING OIL LIFE
percentage is near 0%. Your dealer
has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to checkthe oil regularly over the course of
an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the engine oil life system:
1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
2. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip
odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC controls, for several seconds.
When the confirmation
message displays, select YES.
The oil life will change
to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the oil life percentage
is near 0%, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
330 Vehicle Care
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. SeePublication
Ordering Information 0447.
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
Lubricants0430.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 420. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0430.
Engine Air Filter Life
System
If equipped, this feature provides
the engine air filter ’s remaining life
and best timing for a change. The
timing to change an engine air filter
depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine
Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays a message to replace
the engine air filter at the next oil
change, follow this timing.
When the DIC displays a message
to replace the engine air filter soon,
replace the engine air filter at the
earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the
engine air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to
check the engine air filter system,
see your dealer.
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) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
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
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
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
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.