front axle 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

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil
and filter change.
Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case shift
linkage and parking brake cable guides. Ball joints
should not be lubricated unless their temperature is 10°F
(-12°C) or higher or they could be damaged.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change and chassis lubrication. After the services are
performed, record the date, odometer reading and
who performed the service on the maintenance record
pages in Part E of this schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerfilter change indicator.
If necessary, replace thefilter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspectfilter change
indicator at every engine oil change. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerfilter change indicator.
If necessary, replace thefilter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspectfilter change
indicator at every engine oil change. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
6-6
2003 - Sierra Denali

❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace fuelfilter.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote†.)
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerfilter change indicator.
If necessary, replace thefilter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspectfilter change
indicator at every engine oil change. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
❑Change automatic transmissionfluid andfilter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axle uid level and add uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-7
2003 - Sierra Denali

60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerlter change indicator.
If necessary, replace thelter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspectlter change
indicator at every engine oil change. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace fuellter.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote†.)
❑Inspect Evaporative Control System. Check all fuel
and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing and condition. Check that the purge valve
works properly, if equipped. Replace as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerlter change indicator.
If necessary, replace thelter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspectlter change
indicator at every engine oil change. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Inspect engine air cleanerlter change indicator.
If necessary, replace thelter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspectlter change
indicator at every engine oil change. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
6-8
2003 - Sierra Denali

❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Replace fuellter.An Emission Control Service.
(See Footnote†.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transmissionuid, change
both theuid andlter.
❑Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain,ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occursrst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-9
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

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) 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 equivalent) 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) or
equivalent meeting GM Specication
9986115.
Rear Axle
(Steerable)Synthetic Axle Lubricant; use only
GM Part No. 12378557 (in Canada
88901362). Do not add friction
modier.
Transfer CaseDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Rear Driveline
Center SplineChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Front Axle
Propshaft
SplineSpline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879, in
Canada 10953511) or lubricant
meeting requirements of GM
9985830.
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Body Door
Hinge Pins,
Tailgate Hinge
and Linkage,
Folding Seats
and Fuel Door
HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Tailgate Handle
Pivot Points,
Hinges, Latch
Bolt and
LinkageMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
10953014, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with Teon,
Superlube (GM Part No. U.S.
12371287, in Canada 10953437, or
equivalent).
6-16
2003 - Sierra Denali

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XM™) .............3-61
Finding a Station............................................3-59
Finish Care....................................................5-85
Finish Damage...............................................5-87
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-78
Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-64
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-65
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
FM Stereo.....................................................3-76
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-14
Folding the Rear Seat....................................... 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-58
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-47
Front Reading Lamps
......................................3-15
Fuel
............................................................... 5-4
Additives
...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel
.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank
........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries
.............................. 5-6
Gage
.........................................................3-41Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-41
System Inspection.......................................6-14
Fuel Information Button....................................3-44
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-54
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-36
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-40
Speedometer..............................................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Transmission Temperature.............................3-36
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-33
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-35
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-37
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-20
Glove Box.....................................................2-39
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6
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
7
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
9
2003 - Sierra Denali