engine oil GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 Owner's Guide

If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
ve minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” later in this section.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and
engine performance. This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.
Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-17.
5-38

What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake uid from a sealed container.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This helps
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake uid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they
will have to be replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake uid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-118.
5-43

Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2Electronic Suspension Control,
Automatic Level Control Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
Fuses Usage
4 Engine Controls
5Engine Control Module,
Throttle Control
6 Trailer Brake Controller
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensor
9 Antilock Brakes System 2
10 Trailer Back-up Lamps
11 Driver Side Low-Beam Headlamp
12 Engine Control Module (Battery)
13Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side)
14Transmission Control Module
(Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16Passenger Side Low-Beam
Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls (Ignition)
5-128

Fuses Usage
20 Fuel Pump
21 Fuel System Control Module
22 Not Used
23 Not Used
24Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Left Side)
25 Trailer Park Lamps
26 Driver Side Park Lamps
27 Passenger Side Park Lamps
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30Passenger Side High-Beam
Headlamp
31 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
32 Driver Side High-Beam Headlamp
33 Daytime Running Lights 2
34 Sunroof
35Key Ignition System,
Theft Deterrent System
36 Windshield Wiper
37 SEO B2 Uptter Usage (Battery)
38 Electric Adjustable PedalsFuses Usage
39 Climate Controls (Battery)
40 Airbag System (Ignition)
41 Amplier
42 Audio System
43Miscellaneous (Ignition),
Cruise Control
44 Not Used
45 Airbag System (Battery)
46 Instrument Panel Cluster
47 Power Take-Off
48 Auxiliary Climate Control (Ignition)
49Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)
50 Rear Defogger
51 Heated Mirrors
52 SEO B1 Uptter Usage (Battery)
53Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary
Power Outlet
54 SEO Uptter Usage
55 Climate Controls (Ignition)
56Engine Control Module, Secondary
Fuel Pump (Ignition)
5-129

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-15for more information.
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX
®Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer for more
information.
Cooling System
4.3L V6 1500 Series 16.5 qt 15.6 L
4.8L V8 1500 Series 16.9 qt 16.0 L
5.3L V8 1500 Series 16.9 qt 16.0 L
6.0L V8 1500 Series 16.8 qt 15.9 L
6.0L V8 2500 Series and 3500 Series 16.4 qt 15.5 L
6.2L V8 1500 Series 17.6 qt 16.7 L
Engine Oil with Filter
4.3L V6 4.5 qt 4.3 L
4.8L V8; 5.3L V8; 6.0L V8; 6.2L V8 6.0 qt 5.7 L
5-131

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. For diesel engine vehicles, see
the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX
Diesel manual.
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements the vehicle warranties. See the Warranty
and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer/retailer for
details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are
necessary to keep this vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition, but also helps
the environment. All recommended maintenance
is important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper
uid levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the
level of emissions from the vehicle. To help protect
the environment, and to keep the vehicle in good
condition, be sure to maintain the vehicle properly.
6-2

Owner Checks and Services on page 6-11tells what
should be checked, when to check it, and what can easily
be done to help keep the vehicle in good condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-15andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-17. When the vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine)
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. For diesel engine vehicles, see
the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX
®
Diesel manual.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
displays, service is required for the vehicle. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the
next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if drivingunder the best conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over
a year. However, the engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
technicians who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since
the last service. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
on page 5-20for information on the Engine Oil Life
System and resetting the system.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, certain services, checks, and inspections are
required. Required services are described in the
following for “MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.”
Generally, it is recommended that the rst service be
MaintenanceI, the second service be MaintenanceII,
and then alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceII
thereafter. However, in some cases, MaintenanceII
may be required more often.
6-4

MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message displays within 10 months
since the vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceII
was performed.MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the message displays
10 months or more since the last service or if the
message has not come on at all for one year.
Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-20.An Emission Control
Service.••
Allison Transmission
®only: Replace external transmission lter at the rst
maintenance service performed on the vehicle.
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 5-22.See footnote (p).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-84and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-12.••
6-5

(l)Extreme Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven off-road in four-wheel drive.
Vehicles used for farming, mining, forestry, Department
of Natural Resources (DNR), and snow plowing
occupations meet this definition.
(m)Severe Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
Frequent trailer towing.
Taxi, police, or delivery service.
(n)Vehicles with diesel engine or with GVWR above
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for damage or
looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a
Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles
sold in the United States and recommended for
vehicles sold in Canada.
(p)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter or change indicator (if equipped) at each engine
oil change.
(q)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
At the First 100, 1,000 and
6,000 Miles (160, 1 600 and
10 000 km)
For vehicles with dual wheels, check dual wheel nut
torque. For proper torque, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-131.
6-11

At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-32.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-76. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-94.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-84.
6-12