recommended oil GMC SIERRA 2019 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
In Brief 29
Fuel (Gasoline - L87 6.2L
Engine)
Premium Recommended
Use premium 93 octane—(R+M)/2
— unleaded gasoline in your
vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline is recommended.
Unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating as low as 87 may be used,
but it will reduce performance and
fuel economy. See Recommended
Fuel (Except 6.2L V8 Engine) 0276
or
Recommended Fuel (6.2L
V8 Engine) 0277.
Fuel (Diesel)
For diesel vehicles, do not use
gasoline. See “Fuel for Diesel
Engines” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
E85 or FlexFuel
FlexFuel Possible
Certain models are compatible with
E85 fuel. See E85 or FlexFuel
0 278.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and, on most vehicles, displays a
DIC message when it is necessary
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change. Resetting the Oil Life System
To reset the engine oil life system:
1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
2. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip
odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
controls, for several seconds.
When the confirmation
message displays, select YES.
The oil life will change
to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows: 1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
30 In Brief
2. Fully press the acceleratorpedal slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset.
See Engine Oil Life System 0328.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible:
.
Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them
off when not required.
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control. .
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
. Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
. Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-888-881-3302
TTY Users (U.S. Only):
1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
New GMC owners are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance
Program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
0 442.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
162 Instruments and Controls
.Air Filter Life
. Brake Pad Life
Digital Speedometer
The speedometer shows how fast
the vehicle is moving in either
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles
per hour (mph). The speedometer
cannot be reset.
Trip 1 or 2 and Average Fuel
Economy
Turn the trip odometer reset stem
until TRIP 1 or TRIP 2 displays. The
current distance traveled, in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since
the last reset for the trip odometer is
shown, as well as the average fuel
economy. The trip odometer and the
average fuel economy can be reset
by pressing and holding the trip
odometer reset stem.
Fuel Range
This display shows the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven
without refueling. The fuel range
estimate is based on an average of
the vehicle's fuel economy over recent driving history and the
amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank. Fuel range cannot be reset.
Tire Pressure
Turn the trip odometer reset stem
until a vehicle with the approximate
pressures of all four tires displays.
Tire pressure is displayed in either
kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).
See
Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 374 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 375.
Remaining Oil Life
Turn the trip odometer reset stem
until REMAINING OIL LIFE
displays. An estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life is shown.
REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% means
99% of the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
The oil should be changed as soon
as possible. See Engine Oil0326.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended. See
Maintenance
Schedule 0420.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Do not reset the Oil Life
display at any time other than when
the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, see Engine
Oil Life System 0328.
Air Filter Life
Turn the trip odometer reset stem
until AIR FILTER LIFE displays.
This displays an estimate of the
engine air filter ’s remaining useful
life and the state of the system.
Engine Air Filter Life 95% means
95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display
based on the engine air filter life and
the state of the system.
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the time of the next oil change.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
164 Instruments and Controls
odometer is also shown on this
page. If equipped, press the
thumbwheel to open the menu and
select to display speed limit signs.
Trip 1 or Trip 2, and Average Fuel
Economy :Shows the current
distance traveled, in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since
the trip odometer was last reset.
The Average Fuel Economy display
shows the approximate average
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)
or miles per gallon (mpg). This
number is calculated based on the
number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded
since the last time this menu item
was reset. This number reflects only
the approximate average fuel
economy that the vehicle has right
now, and will change as driving
conditions change.
Press the thumbwheel while this
display is active to reset the trip
odometer and the average fuel
economy.
Fuel Range : Shows the
approximate distance the vehicle
can be driven without refueling. LOW will be displayed when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The fuel
range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
Timer :
This display can be used as
a timer. To start the timer, press the
thumbwheel while this display is
active. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed
since the timer was last reset. To
stop the timer, press the
thumbwheel briefly while this display
is active and the timer is running.
Press the thumbwheel while this
display is active to reset the timer.
Oil Life : Shows an estimate of the
oil's remaining useful life.
If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% is
displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
The oil should be changed as soon
as possible. See Engine Oil0326. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended. See
Maintenance
Schedule 0420.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Do not reset the Oil Life
display at any time other than when
the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, press the
thumbwheel while the Oil Life
display is active. See Engine Oil
Life System 0328.
Tire Pressure : Shows the
approximate pressures of all four
tires. Tire pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds
per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is
shown in amber. See Tire Pressure
Monitor System 0374 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 375.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
278 Driving and Operating
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15 000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel sticker
on the fuel door can use either
unleaded gasoline or fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). All other
vehicles should use only the
unleaded gasoline as described in
Recommended Fuel (Except 6.2L
V8 Engine) 0276 or
Recommended Fuel (6.2L
V8 Engine) 0277.
The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an alternative fuel website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use
the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.
The starting characteristics of E85
or FlexFuel make it unsuitable for
use when temperatures fall below
−18 °C (0 °F). Use gasoline or add
gasoline to the E85 or FlexFuel.
Because E85 or FlexFuel has less
energy per liter (gallon) than
gasoline, the vehicle will need to be
refilled more often. See
Filling the
Tank 0278.
The only GM approved aftermarket
additive is ACDelco Fuel System
Treatment Plus-FlexFuel. Follow the
instructions on the bottle for proper
use. This product is available at
your GM dealer.
Caution
Some additives are not
compatible with E85 or FlexFuel
and can harm the vehicle's fuel
system. Use only additives
approved by GM for E85 or
FlexFuel vehicles. Damage
caused by unapproved additives
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Filling the Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 281
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read the
entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0403. To tow
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0404.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
a trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not
driven properly. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy or the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.
. It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 327
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
. If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out
the dipstick, wipe it with a clean
paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and
check the level.When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and
the engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for
an explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, see Capacities and
Specifications 0435.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If the oil level is
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
above the operating range (i.e.,
the engine has so much oil that
the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows
the proper operating range), the
engine could be damaged. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of
the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 321 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0430.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
328 Vehicle Care
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil for the 5.3L and 6.2L
V8 engines. Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil for the 2.7L L4 and 4.3L
V6 engines. Cold Temperature
Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls
below
−29 °C (−20 °F), use SAE
0W-30 oil in the 2.7L or 4.3L engine.
An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the
engine at extremely low
temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
330 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
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. SeePublication
Ordering Information 0447.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0430.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 420. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0430.
Engine Air Filter Life
System
If equipped, this feature provides
the engine air filter ’s remaining life
and best timing for a change. The
timing to change an engine air filter
depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine
Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays a message to replace
the engine air filter at the next oil
change, follow this timing.
When the DIC displays a message
to replace the engine air filter soon,
replace the engine air filter at the
earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the
engine air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to
check the engine air filter system,
see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air
Filter Life System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 409
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow with the car wash
instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped,
must be turned off. Remove any
accessories that may be damaged
or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
See Power Assist Steps 054 for
cleaning information.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See
your dealer for approved cleaning
products.Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber,
decals, simulated wood, or flat paint
as damage can occur.Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.