2022 GMC SIERRA check engine light

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
338 Driving and Operating
if the setting is on for the active Trailer
Profile, the vehicle has an OnStar or
connected service plan and the smartphone
number has been added to the account for
this notification.
If the setting is turned off for a given Trailer
Profile, the smartphone will not receive this
security notification even if the Trailer
Profile is active.
Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
This is a reminder to turn on the Tow/Haul
Mode when towing a trailer. SeeDriver
Mode Control 0249.
Touch Tow/Haul Mode Reminder to turn on/
off Tow/Haul Mode reminders for the
selected profile. These alerts are based on
the Trailer Profile, so the settings for each
Trailer Profile must be turned on or off.
This setting will default to OFF for each
Trailer Profile, including the Guest Trailer
Profile.
If Tow/Haul Mode is off and this setting is
on for a Trailer Profile, each time the vehicle
is turned on, a reminder will appear to turn
on Tow/Haul Mode when the Trailer Profile
is active. If Tow/Haul Mode is on and this setting is
on for a Trailer Profile, the reminder will not
appear when the Trailer Profile is active.
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0119.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment. Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 070 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 070.
For information on wiring auxiliary switches,
see www.gmupfitter.com or contact your
dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar
Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) with a
snow plow mounted to the vehicle. The
vehicle could overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the vehicle,
follow these guidelines:

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Vehicle Care 341
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 342
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 343
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 345
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 350
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363 Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check (Mechanical
Shifter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 370
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . 373
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . 375
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 382
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 385
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 385
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 391
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 392
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 393
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 394
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 407
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 411

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Vehicle Care 351
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 0449.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0434.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0425. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0434.
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) 0128 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 130.
3. Press
Ton the steering wheel, or press
the trip odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC controls, to
move to the Reset/Disable display area. Select Reset then press the thumbwheel
or press the reset stem for several
seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel or the reset stem to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is on the driver
side of the engine compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0345.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system see Maintenance
Schedule 0425 for intervals on inspecting
and replacing the engine air cleaner filter.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start or run the engine with the
engine air cleaner/filter housing open.
Before removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, clear any dirt and debris away from
the engine air cleaner/filter housing and
nearby components. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake the
engine air cleaner/filter (away from the
vehicle), to release loose dust and dirt.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
360 Vehicle Care
3. Select YES on the confirmation message,or press the trip odometer reset stem on
a base level DIC. Repeat for pads on the
other axle if they were also replaced.
How to Disable the Brake Pad Life
System
The brake pad life system can be turned off.
This may be necessary if aftermarket brake
pads without wear sensors are installed.
When the system is turned off, the front
and rear brake pad life percentages will not
display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn can
still determine when the pads should be
replaced. See Brakes0358.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0128 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 130.
2. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back on,
follow the above steps but select ENABLE in
Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0345 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0121.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0425.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
408 Vehicle Care
The discharged battery positive (+) terminal
is under a cover. Open the cover to expose
the terminal.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine with two batteries, you should
know before you begin that, especially in
cold weather, you may not be able to
get enough power from a single battery
in another vehicle to start your diesel
engine. If your vehicle has more than
one battery, using the battery that is
closer to the starter will reduce electrical
resistance. This is located on the
passenger side, in the rear of the engine
compartment.
3. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the
vehicles are not touching each other. If they are, it could cause an unwanted
ground connection. You would not be
able to start your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the electrical
systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles
rolling, set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles involved in the jump start
procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) before setting
the parking brake. If you have a
four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear, not in
N (Neutral).
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged
into the accessory power outlets. Turn
off the radio and all the lamps that are not needed. This will avoid sparks and
help save both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that vehicle.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Vehicle Care 413
10. Disconnect the negative (–) batterycable. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” inBattery - North
America 0361.
Caution
If the steering column is locked, vehicle
damage may occur.
11. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is unlocked.
12. For column shift transmissions, verify the transmission is in P (Park). Failing to put
the transmission into Park before flat
towing can damage the transmission.
13. 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 Locks021.
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 0361. 3. Turn on the ignition without starting the
engine. With your foot off the brake
pedal, press and hold ENGINE START/
STOP for five seconds until the green
light comes on the button is illuminated.
See Ignition Positions 0222.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0245.
5. Disconnect from the tow vehicle.
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
8. Shift the transfer case to 2
m(Two-Wheel
Drive High). When the shift to 2
m
(Two-Wheel Drive High) is complete, the
light in the instrument cluster will stop
flashing and stay lit. See
Four-Wheel-Drive Light 0122.
9. 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.
10. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the ignition.
11. Release the parking brake and remove the wheel blocks. 12. Reset any lost presets.
The outside temperature display will
default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage.
Dolly Towing

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Vehicle Care 417
Lamp covers are made of plastic, and some
have a UV protective coating. Do not clean
or wipe them while they are dry.
Do not use any of the following on lamp
covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other cleaning agents
in higher concentrations than suggested
by the manufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other harsh
cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps or covers
while the lamps are illuminated, due to
excessive heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly can cause
damage to the lamp cover that would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level and
create a non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes, between
the hood and windshield, when washing the
vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter system
designed to help improve fuel economy.
Keep the shutter system clear of debris,
snow and ice. If the check engine light is
activated, please check to see if the shutter
system is clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent application. Black
marks from rubber material on painted
surfaces can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0434.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
432 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 0434 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.