low oil pressure GMC SIERRA 1500 2011 User Guide

Black plate (7,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-7
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑19.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10‑20.
C. Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump
Starting on page 10‑98.
D. Battery on page 10‑34.
E. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting on page 10‑98.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
on page 10‑13 orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑16.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑7. H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of
View). See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil on
page 10‑7.
I. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑20.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑29.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on
page 10‑32.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑50.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑29.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax Diesel Supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax Diesel
Supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine
oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and
of the proper viscosity grade.
See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine
Oil Life System on page 10‑11.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.

Black plate (109,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-109
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 inches) to
the surface of the vehicle. Use of
power washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under“Washing
the Vehicle”.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint finish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from your
dealer. If the vehicle has a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish, the clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to
the colored basecoat. Always
use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish.
Notice:
Machine compounding
or aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting
agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter. Exterior painted surfaces are
subject to aging, weather and
chemical fallout that can take
their toll over a period of years.
To help keep the paint finish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Parts
Bright metal parts should be
cleaned regularly to keep their
luster. Washing with water is all that
is usually needed. However, chrome
polish may be used on chrome or
stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum
trim. To avoid damaging protective
trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap to
clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright metal
parts.

Black plate (113,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-113
Your dealer has products for
cleaning the interior. When cleaning
the interior, only use cleaners
specifically designed for the
surfaces that are being cleaned.
Permanent damage can result
from using cleaners on surfaces
for which they were not intended.
Apply the cleaner directly to the
cleaning cloth to prevent over-spray.
Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately.
Notice:Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces on
the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to
the rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass
cleaner. Cleaners can contain solvents that
can become concentrated in the
interior. Before using cleaners,
read and adhere to all safety
instructions on the label. While
cleaning the interior, maintain
adequate ventilation by opening
the doors and windows.
Do not clean the interior using the
following cleaners or techniques:
.Never use a knife or any other
sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
.Never use a stiff brush. It can
cause damage to the interior
surfaces.
.Never apply heavy pressure or
rub aggressively with a cleaning
cloth. Use of heavy pressure can
damage the interior and does
not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
.Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Avoid laundry detergents
or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. Using too much
soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts
dirt. For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per 3.78 L (1 gal) of
water is a good guide.
.Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery while cleaning.
.Cleaners that contain solvents
can damage the interior.

Black plate (6,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
11-6 Service and Maintenance
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (extreme duty
service) for vehicles 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. Check vent hose
at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During
any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody,
care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case
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 should be
replaced.First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑19.
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (severe service) for
vehicles with Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) over
3 901 kg (8,600 lbs) or mainly
driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi,
police, or delivery service.
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) on
page 10‑13 orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑16.
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly
driven when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. Check
vent hose at transfer case for
kinks and proper installation.
Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of
debris. During any maintenance,
if a power washer is used to
clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer
case 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 should be
replaced.

Black plate (5,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-5
Engine (cont.)Cooling System Messages . . . 5-44
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-6
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Overheated Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-45
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Engine Oil
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 9-112
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-17
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 6-3F
Fan Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-5
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-116
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . 10-13, 10-16
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29 Fog Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . 10-34, 9-54
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . 5-29
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Front Fog Lamps Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-84 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-86
E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-87
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-90
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-88
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . 9-86
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . 9-85
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 5-31

Black plate (6,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
i-6 INDEX
Fuel (cont.)Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-84
Requirements, California . . . . . 9-85
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Fuel Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 10-97
Fuses Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . 5-61Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-61
Gasoline
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-85 Gauges
Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-90
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-5
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-3
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Heater Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1, 8-4

Black plate (8,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
i-8 INDEX
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
LATCH SystemReplacing Parts After aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-66
Latch, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Lights Airbag On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 5-27
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Front Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32 Lights (cont.)
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-3
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-19
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
StabiliTrak
®Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-73
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-31
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children
(LATCH SYSTEM) . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12
Maintenance Schedule Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . 5-25
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Messages Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-48
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . . 5-48
Battery Voltage andCharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-42
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . 5-44
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45