2021 GMC SIERRA battery replacement

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Service and Maintenance 415
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) 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
0 334.
(2) 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.
(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 0335.
(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 0343.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0348.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0349.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0398.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
416 Service and Maintenance
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0418 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
432 Customer Information
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is
covered. In Canada, a person driving the
vehicle without permission from the owner
is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. General Motors
North America and GMC reserve the right to
make any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at any time
without notification.
General Motors North America and GMC
reserve the right to limit services or
payment to an owner or driver if they
decide the claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the
nearest service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest GMC dealer
for warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the vehicle
is stuck in the sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change:
Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws
.Legal fines
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery:
Reimbursement is up to 7 L.
Diesel fuel delivery may be restricted.
Propane and other fuels are not provided
through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service: If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Cana-
da/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Index 449
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 274
Assistance Systems for Parking andBacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Auto Stop
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 347
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . .158
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346B
Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 147
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . .343, 391
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180, 181
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Brake Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Bulb Replacement
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 350
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 322
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .322, 343, 391, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Cana-
da/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Index 453
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 141
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 350
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . .52
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204, 206
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . .55
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204, 206
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229, 230
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . 347
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Indicator
Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . .72
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 148
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 391
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 13
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 9
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Lamps Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . 144
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Exterior Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 147
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 88
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Cana-
da/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
456 Index
PowerDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . . . .174
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .322, 343, 391, Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 435
R
Radio HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346 Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rear Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Recognition Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283, 284
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . 418
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . 10, 13
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Replacement
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 236
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ride Control Systems Enhanced Traction System (ETS) . . . . . . . 254
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . 238