GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Vehicle Care 325
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applications. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0402.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Pad Life System
When to Change Brake Pads
This vehicle has a system that estimates the
remaining life of the front and rear brake
pads. Brake pad life is displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), along with
a percentage for each axle. The system must
be reset every time the brake pads are
changed.
When the system has determined that the
brake pads need to be replaced, a message
will display, which may include mileage
remaining.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 329
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer toMaintenance Schedule 0394 to
determine when to check the lubricant.
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the fill
plug (1) hole, located on the transfer case,
some lubricant will need to be added. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (1) hole. Use care not
to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to
Maintenance Schedule 0394 to
determine how often to change the
lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 398 to determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
front axle fluid unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
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.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
rear axle fluid unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
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.
Noise Control System
NOISE EMISSIONS WARRANTY
General Motors LLC, warrants to the first
person who purchases this vehicle for
purposes other than resale and to each
subsequent purchaser that this vehicle as
manufactured by General Motors LLC, was
designed, built and equipped to conform at
the time it left General Motors LLC’s control
with all applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control
Regulations. This warranty covers this
vehicle as designed, built and equipped by
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
346 Vehicle Care
provide adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they may not
offer the same level of traction or
performance as winter tires on snow or
ice-covered roads. SeeWinter Tires0346.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally equipped
with winter tires. Winter tires are designed
for increased traction on snow and
ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent driving on ice
or snow covered roads is expected. See your
dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also,
see Buying New Tires 0360.
With winter tires, there may be decreased
dry road traction, increased road noise, and
shorter tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread
type on all four wheel positions.
.Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the
original equipment tires. Winter tires with the same speed rating as
the original equipment tires may not be
available for H, V, W, Y, and ZR speed rated
tires. If winter tires with a lower speed
rating are chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
All-Terrain Tires
This vehicle may have all-terrain or
mud-terrain tires. These tires provide good
performance on most road surfaces, weather
conditions, and for off-road driving. See
Off-Road Driving
0203.
The tread pattern on these tires may wear
more unevenly than other tires. Consider
rotating the tires more frequently than at
12 000 km (7,500 mi) intervals if irregular
wear is noted when the tires are inspected.
See Tire Inspection 0356.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The example
shows a typical light truck tire sidewall.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
(1) Tire Size:The tire size code is a
combination of letters and numbers
used to define a particular tire's width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the “Tire
Size” illustration later in this section for
more detail.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Vehicle Care 359
Warning (Continued)
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
build-up.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See Tire Inspection 0356 and
Tire Rotation 0357.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends
that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow
aging. This area should be free of grease,
gasoline, or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause
flat spots on the tires that may result in
vibrations while driving. When storing a
vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Vehicle Care 365
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers 0146.
If your vehicle is loaded at or near
maximum cargo capacity, it may be difficult
to fit the jack under the vehicle due to the
environment (shoulder slope, road debris,
etc.). Removal of some weight may improve
the ability to fit the jack under the vehicle
at the correct jacking location.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Shift the vehicle to P (Park).
3. For vehicles with four-wheel drive with an N (Neutral) transfer case
position, be sure the transfer case is
in a drive gear —not in N (Neutral).
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
4. Turn off the engine and do notrestart while the vehicle is raised.
5. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
6. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
use the jack and change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
1. Jack
2. Jack Knob
3. Tool Kit
4. Wing Nut Retaining Tool Kit
5. Wheel Blocks
6. Wing Nut Retaining Wheel Blocks
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
396 Service and Maintenance
‐Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.
Additional Required Services –Severe
Service
Every 40 000 km (25,000 mi)
.Change transfer case fluid, if equipped
with 4WD. 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
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid.
Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant 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.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐ Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Service and Maintenance 397
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
.Fuel system
.Windshield washer fluid
Tire Inspection
.Tire pressure, tread depth, and wear
.Rotation, if applicable
.Alignment check, optional
.Reset tire pressure monitor
.Check tire sealant expiration date,
if equipped
.Check spare tire, if equipped
Brakes
.Check brake system
Visible and Functional Inspections
.Seat belt components
.Exhaust system
.Accelerator pedal
.Passenger compartment air filter,
if equipped
.Engine air filter
.Hoses
.Belts
.Shocks and struts
.Steering components
.Axle boots or driveshaft and u-joints
.Compartment lift struts, if equipped
.Floor mats secured, no interference with
pedals
.Horn
.Ignition lock, if equipped
.Starter switch
.Evaporative control system
Lubricate
.Chassis components
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”
in Exterior Care 0383.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
430 Index
General Information (cont'd)Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . 167
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 145
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 333
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Heated
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191, 193
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 58
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191, 193
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Indicator Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Indicators
Warning Lights and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 76 Information
Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Infotainment Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Inspection Multi-Point Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112, 113
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 153
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
LampsAuxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . 148
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Exterior Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143