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 435
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. Refer to“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior. Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation.
To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following
cleaners or techniques:
.
Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove soil from
any interior surface.
. Never use a brush with stiff
bristles. .
Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too much
pressure.
. Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will
create streaks and attract dirt.
Do not use solutions that contain
strong or caustic soap.
. Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.
. Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial
glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
442 Service and Maintenance
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work 0330.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0339.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures, including the spare.
See Tire Pressure 0387.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0396.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 354.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0341.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the next engine oil change. When
the REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER
SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the earliest convenience. Reset
the engine air filter life system after
the engine air filter is replaced. See
Engine Air Filter Life System 0343.
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Service and Maintenance 443
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
Inspect the passenger compartment
air filter every 36 000 km/
22,500 miles or two years,
whichever comes first. Replace if
necessary. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality,
or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if
there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
Power Take Off (PTO) and
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used with the
PTO equipment or used in a way
that requires extended idle time,
one hour of use shall be deemed
the same as 53 km (33 mi). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)0148 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0149 for
hourmeter, if equipped.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0396.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0339 and
Engine Oil Life System 0341.
. If equipped with the engine air
filter life system, check the air
filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine
air filter and reset the engine air filter life system. See
Engine Air
Filter Life System 0343. If the
vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system,
inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0344.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0346.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0354.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0387.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0396.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0429.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care
0 429. If equipped with grease
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Service and Maintenance 449
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, poor air quality, areas with
high dust levels or are sensitive to
environmental allergens. Filter
replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you
determine when it is the right time to
replace your filter.
(2) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0344.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(4) 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 drive axles and
should be replaced.
(5)
Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 346.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0357.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0364.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0365.
(10) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.Special Application
Services
. Vehicles with Dual Wheels:
Check dual wheel nut torque at
160, 1 600, and 10 000 km (100,
1,000, and 6,000 mi) of driving.
Repeat this service whenever a
tire/wheel is serviced or
removed.
. Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every oil change.
. Have underbody flushing service
performed. See “Underbody
Maintenance” inExterior Care
0 429.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Connected Services 487
vehicles, the SSID and
password can be changed in
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
After initial set-up, your vehicle’s
Wi-Fi hotspot will connect
automatically to your mobile
devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your
mobile device, using the myGMC
mobile app, or by contacting an
OnStar Advisor. On some vehicles,
Wi-Fi can also be managed from the
Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
MyGMC Mobile App (If Available)
Download the myGMC mobile app
to compatible Apple and Android
smartphones. GMC users can
access the following services from a
smartphone:
. Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
. Lock/unlock doors, if equipped
with automatic locks.
. Activate the horn and lamps. .
Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil
life, or tire pressure,
if factory-equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System.
. Send destinations to the vehicle.
. Locate the vehicle on a map
(U.S. market only).
. Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot
on/off, manage settings, and
monitor data consumption,
if equipped.
. Locate a dealer and schedule
service.
. Request roadside assistance.
. Set a parking reminder with pin
drop, take a photo, make a note,
and set a timer.
. Connect with GMC on social
media.
Features are subject to change. For
myGMC mobile app information and
compatibility, see my.gmc.com.
An active OnStar or connected
service plan may be required.
A compatible device,
factory-installed remote start, and power locks are required. Data rates
apply. See www.onstar.com for
details and system limitations.
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor to
unlock the doors or sound the horn
and flash the lamps.
Marketplace
OnStar Advisors can provide offers
from restaurants and retailers on
your route, help locate hotels,
or book a room. These services
vary by market.
Diagnostics
By monitoring and reporting on the
vehicle's key systems, OnStar
Advanced Diagnostics, if equipped,
provides a way to keep up on
maintenance. Capabilities vary by
model. See www.onstar.com for
details and system limitations.
Features are subject to change. For
updates on feature capabilities, see
my.gmc.com. Message and data
rates may apply.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Index 491
DiagnosticsConnected Services . . . . . . . . . . 487
Differential, Limited-Slip . . . . . . . . 242
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 462
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 256
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148, 149
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . 145
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 268
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 186
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 197
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 199
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Driving (cont'd)
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 233
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 141
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 370
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374, 376
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 Engine (cont'd)
Check Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 332
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 462
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 133
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 220
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 343
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 475
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
492 Index
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . 171
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 165
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 167
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 169
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
FlexFuel
E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 115
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 343
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Four-Wheel DriveTransfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 227, 361
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 142
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 61
Fuel
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Economy, Driving for Better . . . 186
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . 283, 285
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 146
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 219
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . 280, 281
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 370
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374, 376G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 440
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328