engine coolant GMC SIERRA 2003 Owner's Guide

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at thefluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enoughfluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind offluid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Always use the properfluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washerfluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use afluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washerfluid until the
tank is full.
Notice:
•When using concentrated washerfluid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
•Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washerfluid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washerfluid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as
well as washerfluid.
•Fill your washerfluid tank only three-quarters full
when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
•Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-35
2003 - Sierra Denali

❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Replace fuellter.An Emission Control Service.
(See Footnote†.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transmissionuid, change
both theuid andlter.
❑Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain,ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occursrst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-9
2003 - Sierra Denali

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals specied to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever anyuids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuelfill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washeruid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the properuid if necessary.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-35for further
details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inated to the correct pressures.
Don’t forget to check your spare tire. SeeTires on
page 5-56for further details.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-56for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
6-10
2003 - Sierra Denali

Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months, or at engine oil change intervals,
check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant
when necessary. Auid loss could indicate a problem.
Check and have it repaired, if needed. Check vent
hose at transfer case for kinks and proper installation.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brakeuid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent or
equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
6-15
2003 - Sierra Denali

Care of (cont.)
Your CD Player...........................................3-78
Your CDs ...................................................3-78
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-14
CARGO LAMP ON .........................................3-54
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-67
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-68
CD Changer...................................................3-73
CD Functions.................................................3-74
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-39
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.........................................5-52
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................5-94
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-21
Chains, Tires..................................................5-64
CHANGE ENGINE OIL ....................................3-52
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Check Engine Light.........................................3-37
CHECK OIL LEVEL .........................................3-54
CHECK WASHER FLUID .................................3-54
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-37
Checking Coolant............................................5-24
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood
......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems
......................1-71
Chemical Paint Spotting
...................................5-88
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
...............................1-35Child Restraints (cont.)
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-49
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-40
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-83
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-85
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-83
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-84
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
.................5-84
Cleaning Leather
............................................5-83
Cleaning the Mirror
.........................................2-30
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
...........5-84
3
2003 - Sierra Denali

Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.........5-86
Cleaning Tires................................................5-87
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-83
Cleaning Wood Panels....................................5-84
Climate Control System
Dual Automatic............................................3-18
Compact Disc Changer Errors..........................3-75
Compact Disc Messages..................................3-70
Compass Calibration.......................................2-30
Compass Variance..........................................2-29
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-13
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-36
Heater, Engine............................................2-18
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light........................................3-40
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-39
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-10
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation
.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users
....................................................... 7-3
Customer Assistance Offices
........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
...... 7-9Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government.............................................. 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information......... 7-9
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-22
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dome Lamps .................................................3-16
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-6
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-7
Rear Doors.................................................. 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
DRIVER DOOR AJAR.....................................3-56
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-42
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-42
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-51
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-30
City ...........................................................4-35
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
4
2003 - Sierra Denali

Driving (cont.)
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-36
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-38
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-32
Winter........................................................4-40
Driving Across an Incline..................................4-27
Driving Downhill..............................................4-25
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice....................4-28
Driving in Water..............................................4-29
Driving On Grades..........................................4-59
Driving on Off-Road Hills.................................4-23
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-40
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-34
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-34
Driving Uphill..................................................4-24
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-58
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-18
E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-42
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Electrochromic Mirror Operation........................2-28
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-39Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
.........................................5-18
Battery
.......................................................5-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light
............3-37
Compartment Overview
................................5-12
Coolant
......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater
............................................2-18
Coolant Temperature Gage
...........................3-36
Cooling System Inspection
............................6-14
Exhaust
.....................................................2-26
Fan Noise
..................................................5-34
Oil
.............................................................5-13
Overheating
................................................5-26
Starting
......................................................2-17
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
.................................3-52
Engine Coolant Level Check
.............................6-10
Engine Hour Meter Display
...............................3-26
Engine Oil Additives
........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check
...................................6-10
ENGINE OVERHEATED
..................................3-52
Entry Lighting
.................................................3-15
Environmental Concerns
..................................4-20
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons
..............................2-38
Exit Lighting
...................................................3-15
Express-Down Windows
...................................2-12
Extender, Safety Belt
.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps
...............................................3-11
5
2003 - Sierra Denali

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XM™) .............3-61
Finding a Station............................................3-59
Finish Care....................................................5-85
Finish Damage...............................................5-87
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-78
Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-64
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-65
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
FM Stereo.....................................................3-76
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-14
Folding the Rear Seat....................................... 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-58
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-47
Front Reading Lamps
......................................3-15
Fuel
............................................................... 5-4
Additives
...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel
.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank
........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries
.............................. 5-6
Gage
.........................................................3-41Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-41
System Inspection.......................................6-14
Fuel Information Button....................................3-44
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-54
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-36
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-40
Speedometer..............................................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Transmission Temperature.............................3-36
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-33
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-35
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-37
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-20
Glove Box.....................................................2-39
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6
2003 - Sierra Denali

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamps....................................................5-48
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-48
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Pickup Box Identification and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-54
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-51
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heating.........................................................3-22
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-38
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-38
Hitches..........................................................4-57
HomeLink
®Transmitter, Programming................2-35
HomeLink®Transmitter....................................2-35
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn ............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank......5-30
How to Add Fluid............................................5-22
How to Check........................................5-20, 5-57
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-46
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-35How to Inspect...............................................5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydroplaning..................................................4-33
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-38
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-38
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-44
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-53
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-42
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-13
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors.........................2-13
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
Inflation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-57
Inspection
Brake System
.............................................6-15
Engine Cooling System
................................6-14
Exhaust System
..........................................6-14
Fuel System
...............................................6-14
Part C - Periodic Maintenance
.......................6-14
Steering and Suspension
..............................6-14
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive)
......................................6-15
7
2003 - Sierra Denali

Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-25
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness Control..................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-92
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-40
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-11
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-11
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-13
Lap Belt........................................................1-22
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-12
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-42LATCH System (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-45
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running......2-24
Light
Air Bag Off .................................................3-28
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-35
Battery Warning..........................................3-33
Brake System Warning.................................3-34
Cruise Control.............................................3-40
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-37
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator................3-31
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-27
Tow/Haul Mode ...........................................3-41
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-47
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-19
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-10
Locks
Door ........................................................... 2-6
Power Door.................................................. 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-7
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
LOW COOLANT LEVEL..................................3-52
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-41
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
8
2003 - Sierra Denali