6-15 GMC SIERRA 2003 User Guide

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-5
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month.................................6-10
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-10At Least Once a Year
...................................6-11
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.........6-14
Steering and Suspension Inspection
................6-14
Exhaust System Inspection
............................6-14
Fuel System Inspection
..................................6-14
Engine Cooling System Inspection
...................6-14
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel
Drive) Inspection
.......................................6-15
Brake System Inspection
................................6-15
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
. . . .6-15
Part E: Maintenance Record
...........................6-17
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1
2003 - Sierra Denali

Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) and 200,000 miles (332 000 km) should
be repeated at the same intervals after 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) and 200,000 miles (332 000 km) for the life
of this vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-14.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle ’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-15.
Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication
Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the GM
Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Reset the system.
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil andfilter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will
come on. Change your oil as soon as possible within
the next two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that,
if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system may not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has
GM-trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine GM parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep
it at the proper level.
6-5
2003 - Sierra Denali

Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-85.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly ination check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is inated to
the correct tire ination pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench/ratchet to tighten the cable. SeeChanging a Flat
Tire on page 5-65.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-15.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmissionuid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-20.Auid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specied in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, tailgate hinge, tailgate linkage, tailgate handle
pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, locks and folding
seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment.
6-11
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

Audio System(s) (cont.)
XM™Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-78
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-12
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-19
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-11
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-12
B
Backing Up....................................................4-58
Battery..........................................................5-39
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-52
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-5
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Battery Warning Light......................................3-33
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-37
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-18
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-11
Brake
Parking......................................................2-22
System Inspection.......................................6-15
System Warning Light..................................3-34
Brake Adjustment............................................5-38
Brake Fluid....................................................5-36
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-38
Brake Wear...................................................5-38
Brakes..........................................................5-36Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp......................................5-52
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Headlamps.................................................5-48
Pickup Box Identification and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-51
Taillamps....................................................5-54
Buying New Tires...........................................5-60
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada........................................................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Specifications............................5-99
Car Washes for QUADRASTEER™Equipped
Vehicles.....................................................4-14
Carbon Monoxide...................4-40, 4-53, 2-10, 2-26
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-84
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-77
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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
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2003 - Sierra Denali

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-100
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-10
Brake System Inspection..............................6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-14
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-14
Fuel System Inspection................................6-14
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-10
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-14
PartD-Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-15
PartE-Maintenance Record........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering and Suspension Inspection...............6-14
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-15
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-60Making Turns.................................................4-59
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-37
Manual Selectable Ride..................................... 4-9
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Memory Seat.................................................2-41
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-51
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands)....................................................... 7-4
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-28
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors...................2-32
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-32
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-31
MyGMLink.com
................................................ 7-3
N
Navigation/Radio System
..................................3-70
New Vehicle Break-In
......................................2-15
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
...........5-100
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2003 - Sierra Denali

O
Odometer......................................................3-26
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-15
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Gage............................................3-40
OIL LIFE RESET............................................3-52
OIL PRESSURE LOW .....................................3-52
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-34
OnStar®Services............................................2-33
OnStar®Steering Wheel Controls......................2-34
OnStar®System.............................................2-33
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-34
Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off
Paved Roads..............................................4-18
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-23
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-32
Convex Mirror
.............................................2-32
Curb View Assist Mirrors
..............................2-32
Heated Mirrors
............................................2-32
Power Foldaway Mirrors
...............................2-31
Power Mirrors
.............................................2-31
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
.....5-26
Owners, Canadian
............................................... ii
Owner’s Information
........................................7-10
P
Park (P)
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Parking
Brake........................................................2-22
Over Things That Burn.................................2-26
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-13
Parking on Hills..............................................4-60
Park(P)
Shifting Into................................................2-23
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-10
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-14
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-15
PartE-Maintenance Record...........................6-17
Passenger Air Bag Indicator.............................2-30
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator...................3-31
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR..............................3-56
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-66
Passing.................................................4-15, 4-58
Passlock
®......................................................2-15
Payload.........................................................4-49
Personalization Button.....................................3-46
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
....................4-52
Plan Ahead When Possible
................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape
..................................3-65
Playing a Compact Disc
...................................3-68
Playing the Radio
...........................................3-58
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2003 - Sierra Denali