transmission fluid GMC SIERRA 1500 2017 User Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
352 Vehicle Care
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine
oil life system has not been reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6 Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0447.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 438. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0447.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,
prepare the vehicle: 1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a level surface.
Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about
three seconds in each range.
Then, move the shift lever back
to P (Park).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Vehicle Care 353
4. Allow the engine to idle (500–800 rpm) for at least
one minute. Slowly release the
brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and check the transmission fluid
temperature on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center
(DIC) 0141.
6. Using the transmission fluid temperature reading, determine
and perform the appropriate
check procedure. If the
transmission fluid temperature
reading is not within the
required temperature ranges,
allow the vehicle to cool,
or operate the vehicle until the
appropriate transmission fluid
temperature is reached.
Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as a
reference to determine if the
transmission has enough fluid to be
operated safely until a hot check
procedure can be made. The hot
check procedure is the most
accurate method to check the fluid level. Perform the hot check
procedure at the first opportunity.
Use this cold check procedure to
check fluid level when the
transmission temperature is
between 27 °C and 32 °C (80 °F and
90 °F).
1. Locate the transmission
dipstick at the rear of the
engine compartment, on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview 0343.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way; wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again. 4. Check both sides of the
dipstick and read the lower
level. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
5. If the fluid level is below the
COLD check band, add only
enough fluid as necessary to
bring the level into the COLD
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 L
(1 pt). Do not overfill.
6. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the
transmission reaches a normal
operating temperature between
71 °C to 93 °C (160 °F to
200 °F).
7. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way,
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
354 Vehicle Care
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the
transmission fluid level when the
transmission fluid temperature is
between 71 °C and 93 °C (160 °F
and 200 °F).
The hot check is the most accurate
method to check the fluid level. The
hot check should be performed at
the first opportunity in order to verify
the cold check. The fluid level rises
as fluid temperature increases, so it
is important to ensure the
transmission temperature is within
range.
1. Locate the transmissiondipstick at the rear of the
engine compartment, on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview 0343. 2. Flip the handle up, then pull out
the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way; wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
5. Safe operating level is within
the HOT cross hatch band on
the dipstick. If the fluid level is
not within the HOT band, and
the transmission temperature is
between 71 °C and 93 °C
(160 °F and 200 °F), add or
drain fluid as necessary to
bring the level into the HOT
band. If the fluid level is low,
add only enough fluid to bring the level into the HOT band.
It does not take much fluid,
generally less than 0.5 L (1 pt).
Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way,
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. This vehicle is not

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Vehicle Care 355
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. SeeService
Publications Ordering
Information 0466.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0447.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 438. Be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0447.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see “8-Cylinder Pickup Models”
under “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in
the Duramax diesel supplement for
the correct inspection and
replacement procedures.
The engine air cleaner/filter is on
the passenger side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0343.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0438.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connectors

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Vehicle Care 427
5. Use a clamping devicedesigned for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
To dolly tow a four-wheel-drive
vehicle from the rear: 1. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
2. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0282.
3. Put the transmission in P (Park). 4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Use a clamping device designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
6. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0274 for the proper
procedure.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0447.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Service and Maintenance 443
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
For GVW under 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)@@@
For GVW over 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)@@@@@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services —Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, poor air quality, areas with
high dust levels or are sensitive to
environmental allergens. Filter
replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GMService location can help you
determine when it is the right time to
replace your filter.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Service and Maintenance 447
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine and/or an
Allison Transmission, see“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (6-Speed Transmission) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (8-Speed Transmission) DEXRON
®-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19331925, in
Canada 19300537).
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0357.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine
Oil 0348.
Floor Shift Linkage Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category LB or GC-LB.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
448 Service and Maintenance
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Front Axle Driveshaft Splines (All
1500/2500/3500 Series) and Rear
Axle Driveshaft Splines (All 1500 Series) Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant (GM Part No. 19257121, in
Canada 19257122).
Front Axle –Four-Wheel Drive SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 88900401, in
Canada 89021678).
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Hydraulic Power Steering System (2500/3500 Series Only) GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 19329450, in Canada 19329451).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges, Body Door Hinge Pins, Tailgate
Hinge and Linkage, Fuel Door Hinge,
Tailgate Handle Pivot Points, Hinges, Latch Bolt, and Linkage Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Rear Axle (1500 Series) SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 19300457, in Canada 19300458).
Rear Axle (2500/3500 Series) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 88900401, in Canada 89021678).
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 10953481).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
482 Index
Antilock Brake System(ABS) (cont'd)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 291
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 177
Audio Players
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 352, 354
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Automatic Transmission (cont'd)
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Auxiliary
Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 171
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
B
Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Battery - North America . . . . 366, 418
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 372
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . 210, 212, 216, 220
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Brake
Pedal and AdjustableThrottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 134
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Brakes (cont'd)
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 301

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Index 485
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 469
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 166
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 168
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 170
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 110
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 352, 354
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Fluid (cont'd)
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 295
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 274, 367
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 136
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Front Seats
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 55
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 139 Fuel (cont'd)
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 266
Requirements, California . . . . . 301
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379, 381
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 162Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 126
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Transmission Temperature . . . . 128
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 437