2021 GMC SIERRA oil temperature

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Instruments and Controls 127
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, seeEngine Oil Life
System 0332.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 368 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0369.
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time of the
next oil change. When the REPLACE SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience.
The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see Engine Air Filter Life System 0333. 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 0342.
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 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Driving and Operating 233
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), hold the ignition switch in
the START position to continue engine
cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there while
holding the key in START or ENGINE
START/STOP for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key or button and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the increased
number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer0110. When the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto
Starts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery charge is low.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle is in any gear other than
D (Drive).
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver modes
have been selected.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Driving and Operating 291
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, seeEngine
Overheating 0338.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on the
vehicle can improve visibility while hitching,
backing, and driving with a trailer. See
Driver Assistance Systems 0265.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Vehicle Care 331
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0424.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range), the engine could be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0325 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the
dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0418.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have
been approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked with the
dexos1 approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil for
the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines.
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil for
the 2.7L L4, and 4.3L V6 engines. Cold
Temperature Operation: In an area of
extreme cold, where the temperature falls
below −29 °C (−20 °F), use SAE 0W-30 oil. An
oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier
cold starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
332 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which 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 whowill perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the 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)
(Base Level) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0125.
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%.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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336 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Do not touch heater, radiator, a/c pipes
or hoses, or other engine parts. They can
be very hot and can burn you. Do not
run the engine if there is a leak; all
coolant could leak out. That could cause
an engine fire and can burn you. Fix any
leak before driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in the vehicle for
5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, seeEngine Overheating 0338.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, or by pouring it on the
ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of
water. Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the engine
compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 325.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
All Engines

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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340 Vehicle Care
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.If the engine or transmission detects an
impending hot fluid condition, then the
transmission may force upshifts to limit
temperatures. Downshifts may also be
prevented in this instance. Normal operation
may continue unless the display indicates
there is a hot condition and engine should
be idled.
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
0330.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
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 fans will change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been turned off. This is
normal and no service is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs to be
added, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. Use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall below
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid message
on the DIC that comes on when the washer
fluid is low. The message is displayed for
15 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle.
When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Cana-
da/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Index 451
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
DoorAjar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Driver
Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . 124, 125
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 288
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Dual Automatic Climate Control
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . .318
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 353
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . 357, 358
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 115
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . 121
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427 Engine (cont'd)
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Overheated Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . .147