GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
426 Vehicle Care
Two-wheel-drive vehicles and
vehicles with a single-speed transfer
case should not be towed with all
four wheels on the ground.
Dinghy Towing (Vehicles with a
Two-Speed Transfer Case)
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two-speed transfer
case that have an N (Neutral) and a
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can allow the vehicle
to move even if the transmission
is in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
and use wheel blocks before
shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral).
To dinghy tow: 1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle,
facing forward and on a level
surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0227. 5. With the engine running,
release the parking brake and
verify that the transfer case is
in N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to D (Drive) and
then to R (Reverse). There
should be no movement while
shifting the transmission.
6. Shift the transmission to D (Drive).
7. If equipped with an ignition key, turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If equipped with
Keyless Access, turn the
engine off. Disregard the Shift
to P (Park) DIC message. See
Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0208 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0 210.
{Warning
To avoid death, serious injury,
or property damage, before
dinghy towing the vehicle, always
disconnect and secure the
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 427
Warning (Continued)
negative battery cable and cover
the negative battery post and
cable with a non-conductive
material. If the battery is left
connected or the battery cable
contacts the post, the Electric
Parking Brake may activate
during towing, which could cause
a crash.
8. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable. See “Negative
Battery Cable Disconnection”
in Battery - North America
0 358.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.
10. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column
is unlocked.
11. If the vehicle has an ignition key, keep it in the towed
vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY
to prevent the steering column
from locking. If the vehicle is
equipped with Keyless Access,
keep the RKE transmitter
outside of the vehicle and
manually lock the doors.
Access the vehicle by using
the key in the door lock. See
Door Locks 025.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting from the tow
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface. Secure the vehicle with wheel blocks. 2. Re-connect the negative (–)
battery. See Battery - North
America 0358.
3. Turn on the ignition with the engine off. For vehicles with a
key, turn the ignition to ON/
RUN with the engine off. If the
vehicle is equipped with
Keyless Access, with your foot
off the brake pedal, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
five seconds until the green
light comes on in the button.
See Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0208 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0 210.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0233.
5. Disconnect from the tow vehicle.
6. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to 2
m
(Two-Wheel Drive High). When
the shift to 2
m(Two-Wheel
Drive High) is complete, the
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
428 Vehicle Care
light in the instrument cluster
will stop flashing and stay lit.
SeeFour-Wheel-Drive Light
0 142.
8. Start the engine. Check that the vehicle is in 2
m
(Two-Wheel Drive High) by
starting the engine and shifting
the transmission to D (Drive)
and then to R (Reverse). There
should be movement of the
vehicle while shifting.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the
ignition.
10. Release the parking brake and remove the wheel blocks.
11. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature
display will default to 0 °C (32 °
F) but will reset with normal
usage.
Dolly TowingCaution
Do not tow this vehicle with two
wheels on the ground, or vehicle
damage could occur. This
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Dolly towing this vehicle is not
allowed with either the front or the
rear tires on the ground for
two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive,
regardless of transfer case.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 429
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0453.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
{Warning
Do not power wash any part of
the vehicle’s interior, including the
vinyl floor covering. This could
damage safety and other systems
in the vehicle, which would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Underhood Component Power
Washing
If power washing underhood
components, do not exceed these
limits:
. Fluid pressures of 110 bar
(1600 psi)
. Fluid temperatures of 25°C
(77°F)
. Nozzle must remain 30 cm
(12 in) or farther from
components.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
434 Vehicle Care
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
2500/3500 Series vehicles, at least
every engine oil change lubricate
the upper and lower control arm ball
joints. Control arm ball joints on
1500 series vehicles are
maintenance-free.2500/3500 Series vehicles equipped
with steering linkage, at least every
engine oil change lubricate the tie
rod ball joints, idler arm pivot shaft
bearings, idler arm socket, and
pitman arm socket.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect. If equipped
with power assist steps, extend
them and then use a high pressure
wash to clean all joints and gaps.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 439
Removing and Replacing the
Floor Mats
Pull up on the rear of the driver side
floor mat to unlock each retainer
and remove.
Reinstall by lining up the floor mat
retainer openings over the carpet
retainers and snapping into position.
Make sure the floor mat is properly
secured in place.
Verify the floor mat does not
interfere with the pedals.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
444 Service and Maintenance
fittings, lubricate the suspension
and steering components every
other oil change for normal
usage and every oil change for
severe usage.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect drive shafts for
excessive wear, lubricant leaks
or damage including: tube dents,
cracks, constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
missing or loose fasteners.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 071.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts. .
Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0429.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0363.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0363.
. Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0363.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 364.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0365. .
Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof051.
. Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing
0 407.
. Visually inspect the spare tire to
ensure that it is tightly stowed
under the vehicle. Push, pull,
and try to turn the tire. If the
spare tire moves, tighten as
necessary. See Tire Changing
0 407.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
454 Service and Maintenance
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.