automatic transmission fluid GMC SIERRA 2018 User Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Vehicle Care 357
1. Locate the transmissiondipstick at the rear of the
engine compartment, on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview 0345.
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 withinthe 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
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. See Service
Publications Ordering Information
0 474.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
358 Vehicle Care
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 0456.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 448. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0456.
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 0345.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0448.
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
3. Air Duct Clamp
1. Locate the air cleaner/filter
assembly. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0345.
2. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct
clamp (3).
3. Disconnect the electrical connectors (2) and the
connector harness from the
cover.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Service and Maintenance 449
.Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0397.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0404.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 358.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0435.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear
at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0435. Lubricate
the suspension and steering
components at least every other
oil change. (If equipped with
grease fittings)
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 075. .
Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0435.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0374.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0374.
. Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0374.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 375. .
Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open ability is low, service the
gas strut. See Gas Strut(s)
0 376.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof055.
. Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing
0 415.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
452 Service and Maintenance
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 GM
Service 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-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
456 Service and Maintenance
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. SeeCooling System 0359.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 is recommended. See Engine Oil0350.
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.
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).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Service and Maintenance 457
UsageFluid/Lubricant
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. 19353126, 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).
Weatherstrip Squeaks Synthetic Grease with Teflon, Superlube (GM Part No. 12371287, in Canada 10953437).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
492 Index
Antilock Brake System(ABS) (cont'd)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 289
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 187
Audio Players
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 354, 357
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Automatic Transmission (cont'd)
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Auxiliary
Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 182
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Battery - North America . . . . 369, 426
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 375
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211, 213
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Brake Pedal and AdjustableThrottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 152
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 Brakes (cont'd)
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 255
Bulb Replacement Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 300

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Index 495
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 178
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 180
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 126
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 354, 357
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Fluid (cont'd)
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 294
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 272, 370
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 153
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 65
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 156
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 264
Requirements, California . . . . . 300 Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 381
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385, 386
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 143
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Transmission Temperature . . . . 145
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 446
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
502 Index
Towing (cont'd)Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 334
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . 334
Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . 354, 357
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 145
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Truck-Camper Loading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 410
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 172Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Updates Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 460
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 154 Vehicle Care
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . 380
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 295
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . .411
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 98
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482