oil dipstick GMC SIERRA 2003 Owner's Manual

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Air Cleaner/Filter Restriction Indicator
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
G. Fan
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND)
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Underhood Fuse Block
M. Battery
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away. For more information,
see“CHECK OIL LEVEL”underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-51.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick has a yellow looped handle and
is located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the cross-hatched area at the dip
of the dipstick, then you’ll need to add at least one
quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part
explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and Specifications on
page 5-99.
Notice:Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating
range, your engine could be damaged.The engine oilfill cap is
located on the passenger’s
side valve cover.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Be sure tofill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmissionfluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both thefluid andfilter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) 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 thefluid andfilter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too littlefluid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of thefluid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting afire.
Too littlefluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmissionfluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmissionfluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic–especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, thefluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°Fto200°F
(82°Cto93°C).
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