GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Instruments and Controls 151
The Air Filter Life display must be
reset after the engine air filter
replacement. To reset, seeEngine
Air Filter Life System 0343.
Brake Pad Life : This displays an
estimate of the remaining life of the
front and rear brake pads.
Messages will display based on
brake pad wear and the state of the
system. Reset the Brake Pad Life
display after replacing the brake
pads. See Brake Pad Life System
0 356.
Fuel Economy : Displays average
fuel economy, the best fuel
economy over the selected
distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy.
Press the thumbwheel to change
the selected distance. Press and
hold the thumbwheel while this
display is active to reset the best
fuel economy and average fuel
economy. This display can also be
reset by selecting reset in the menu. Engine Hours (Hourmeter) :
Shows the total number of hours the
engine has run. This display also
shows the engine idle hours.
Transmission Fluid
Temperature :
Shows the
temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid in either degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Trailer Brake : On vehicles with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, the trailer brake
display appears in the DIC.
TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer
gain setting. This setting can be
adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either
a trailer connected or disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT shows the
power output to the trailer any time
a trailer with electric brakes is
connected. Output is displayed as a
bar graph. Dotted lines may appear
in the OUTPUT display if a trailer is
not connected. Off Road :
Displays vehicle pitch
and roll information, road wheel
angle, and four-wheel drive (4WD)
status.
Follow Distance : If equipped, the
current follow time to the vehicle
ahead is displayed as a time value
on this page.
Driver Assistance : If equipped,
shows information for Lane Keep
Assist (LKA) and Forward Collision
Alert (FCA).
Info Page Options : Scroll to
choose which info pages appear on
the DIC. Press the thumbwheel to
select or deselect.
Blank Page : Shows no
information.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
222 Driving and Operating
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, seeIf
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0199.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Also, use N (Neutral) when the
vehicle is being towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission or engine oil hot
message may display if the
automatic transmission fluid or
engine oil is too hot. Driving
under this condition can damage
the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the engine oil or
automatic transmission fluid.
These messages will clear when
the engine oil or transmission
fluid has cooled sufficiently. D :
This position is for normal
driving. It provides the best fuel
economy. If more power is needed
for passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
. When going less than about
55 km/h (35 mph), push the
accelerator pedal about
halfway down.
. When going about 55 km/h
(35 mph) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts
down to the next gear and has
more power.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode
when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control 0190.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Vehicle Care 327
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 328
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 329
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 341
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 344
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 351
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353 Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 354
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 356
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Battery - North America . . . . . . 358
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 362
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 363
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 364
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 364
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 365
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 366
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 369
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 370
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 370
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 381
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Vehicle Care 343
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 0471.
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
Lubricants0452.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 441. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0452.
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) (Base Level)
0 147 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0148.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Service and Maintenance 447
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed. Check
engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air
filter life system, replace engine air cleaner
filter. (2)@ @@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(Except 2.7L L4 Turbo Engine)@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(2.7L L4 Turbo Engine Only)@ @
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
For GVW under 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)@@@
For GVW over 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)@@@@@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood gas struts and tailgate
dampener. (9)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
452 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (6-Speed Transmission) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (8-Speed Transmission) DEXRON-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (10-Speed Transmission) DEXRON ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL coolant. SeeCooling System 0346.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 339.
Front and Rear Axle Driveshaft Splines Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant (GM Part No. 19257121, in
Canada 19257122).
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Service and Maintenance 453
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive) and Rear Axle See your dealer.
Hydraulic Brake System (Vehicles with DOT 3 brake fluid) DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in
Canada 19353127). See
Brake Fluid0357.
Hydraulic Brake System (Vehicles with DOT 4 brake fluid) DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299570, in
Canada 19299571). See
Brake Fluid0357.
Hydraulic Power Steering System (2500/3500 Series Only) GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 19329450, in Canada 19329451).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges, Body Door Hinge Pins, Tailgate
Hinge and Linkage, Fuel Door Hinge, Tailgate Handle Pivot Points, Hinges, Latch Bolt, and Linkage Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant. See your dealer.Weatherstrip Squeaks Synthetic Grease with Teflon, Superlube (GM Part No. 12371287).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
488 Index
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 257
Auto Stop
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . 270
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Battery (cont'd)
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Battery - North America . . . . 358, 419
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 364
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Brake Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 139
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . 356
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 AutomaticEmergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 272
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 208
Bulb Replacement Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 369
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .329, 358, 419, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115