coolant GMC SIERRA DENALI 2005 Owner's Manual

{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
1. You can remove the
coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the
cooling system,
including the coolant
surge tank pressure
cap and upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
(left) about one full turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
5-32

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture,
to the FULL COLD mark.4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
5-33

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, 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 a uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer uid message that
comes on when the washer uid is low. The message is
displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition
cycle. When the CHECK WASHER FLUID message is
displayed, you will need to add washer uid to the
windshield washer uid reservoir.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-36

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kiloPascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-62.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identication Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-42.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-42.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-42.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
KiloPascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-60

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-17.An Emission Control
Service.••
Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,
replace lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.An Emission Control
Service. See footnotes † and (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-56.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
6-5

(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer perform this
service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist
you with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-24for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are inated
to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check your
spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-56for further details.
Check to make sure the spare tire is stored securely.
Push, pull and then try to turn the spare tire. If it moves,
tighten it. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-72.
6-9

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 which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM
Goodwrench
®oil meets all the
requirements for your vehicle. To
determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, seeEngine
Oil on page 5-14.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-24.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12378261, in
Canada 10953455) meeting
GM Specication 9986115.
Rear Axle
(Steerable)Synthetic Axle Lubricant; use only
GM Part No. U. S. 12378557, in
Canada 88901362.Do not add
friction modier.
6-12

Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-99
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-45
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-94
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-98
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-96
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-92
Finish Care.................................................5-96
Glass Surfaces............................................5-95
Instrument Panel.........................................5-94
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-95
Leather......................................................5-94Cleaning (cont.)
Tires..........................................................5-98
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-99
Vinyl..........................................................5-94
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-96
Weatherstrips..............................................5-95
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-97
Wood Panels..............................................5-95
Climate Control System
Dual Automatic............................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-24
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-34
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-40
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-41
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
3

Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-34
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-27
Fan Noise..................................................5-34
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-28
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-18
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage...............................................5-99
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-94
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9Flat Tire........................................................5-71
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-72
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-87
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-41
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-106
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-102
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-103
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-107
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-102
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-34
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-39
Speedometer..............................................3-28
Tachometer.................................................3-28
Transmission Temperature.............................3-34
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-31
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-36
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-41
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamps............................................3-13, 5-49
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-15
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-49
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-50Headlamps (cont.)
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heater...........................................................3-20
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-40
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-33
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-34
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-36
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-37
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-29
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-62
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-27
Overview..................................................... 3-4
6