coolant temperature GMC SIERRA 2020 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly
P: Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
H:Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R: Fuse Block Cover Lock
Location
+: Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped with the remote start
feature, the climate control system
will come on when the vehicle is
started remotely, depending on the
outside temperature.
The rear defog and heated and
ventilated seats, if equipped, may
also come on. SeeHeated and
Ventilated Front Seats 061 and
Vehicle Personalization 0157.
If equipped, the automatic heated
steering wheel may also come on.
See Heated Steering Wheel 0120.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of
vehicles.
Do not use remote start if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle
may run out of fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote
started if:
. The RKE transmitter is inside
the vehicle or if the key is in the
ignition. .
The hood is not closed.
. There is an emission control
system malfunction and the lamp
is on.
. The ignition is in any mode other
than off.
. The hazard warning flashers
are on.
. Two remote starts or a remote
start with an extension have
been used.
. The vehicle is not in P (Park).
The engine will turn off during a
remote vehicle start if:
. The coolant temperature gets
too high.
. The oil pressure gets low.
The RKE transmitter range may be
reduced while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 013. Starting the Engine Using Remote
Start
1. Press and releaseQ.
2. Immediately press and hold
/
until the turn signal lamps flash
or for at least four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on. The
doors will be locked and the
climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run
for 15 minutes. After
30 seconds, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 for a 15-minute
time extension.
Turn the ignition on to operate the
vehicle.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be
extended by 15 minutes, for a total
of 30 minutes, if during the first
15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are
repeated while the engine is still
running. An extension can be
requested 30 seconds after starting.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
118 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 119
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 120
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 120
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 120
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 136
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 136
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 138
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 138
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . 142
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 142
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . 142
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light (2500/3500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 143
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . 143
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Traction Control System (TCS)/ Electronic Stability Control
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . 145
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Engine Oil Pressure Light
(Uplevel Cluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 146
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 147
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 147
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 147
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel) . . . . . . 149
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . 152
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 156
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 156
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 157

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
134 Instruments and Controls
Uplevel English Shown, BaseLevel and Midlevel Similar
The engine oil pressure gauge
shows the engine oil pressure
in kPa (kilopascals) or psi (pounds
per square inch) when the engine is
running.
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, coolant
temperature, and oil viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will
vary engine oil pressure according
to engine needs. Oil pressure may
change quickly as the engine speed
or load varies. This is normal. If the
oil pressure warning light or Driver Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the
normal operating range, check the
vehicle's oil as soon as possible.
See
Engine Oil 0339.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Uplevel Metric Shown, Base Level and Midlevel Similar

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Instruments and Controls 135
Uplevel English Shown, BaseLevel and Midlevel Similar
This gauge measures the
temperature of the vehicle's engine
coolant.
While driving under normal
operating conditions, if the needle
moves into the red warning area,
the engine is too hot. Pull off the
road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
Voltmeter Gauge
Uplevel Shown, Base Level and Midlevel Similar
When the ignition is on, this gauge
indicates the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, this
gauge shows the condition of the
charging system. The gauge can
transition from a higher to lower or a
lower to higher reading. This is
normal. If the vehicle is operating
outside the normal operating range,
the charging system light comes on.
See Charging System Light 0138. The voltmeter gauge may also read
lower when in fuel economy mode.
This is normal.
Readings outside the normal
operating range can also occur
when a large number of electrical
accessories are operating in the
vehicle and the engine is left idling
for an extended period. This
condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to
provide full power at engine idle. As
engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as
higher engine speeds allow the
charging system to create maximum
power.
The vehicle can only be driven for a
short time with the readings outside
the normal operating range. If the
vehicle must be driven, turn off all
accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner.
Readings outside the normal
operating range indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
Have the vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Instruments and Controls 145
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving
with this light on can damage the
engine and it may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating0351. The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
See
Engine Overheating 0351.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport
Mode is selected (1500 Series).
This light comes on when Snow/Ice
Mode is selected.
This light comes on when Terrain
Mode is selected (1500 Series).
This light comes on when Off-Road
Mode is selected.
Tire Pressure Light

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
290 Driving and Operating
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0351.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on
the vehicle can improve visibility
while hitching, backing, and driving
with a trailer. See Driver Assistance
Systems 0256.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to
absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving
a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out
of the vehicle before
backing onto the sloped part
of the ramp. Lower the
driver and passenger side
windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Driving and Operating 323
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, follow these guidelines:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, RPO
VYU, adding a plow can damage
the vehicle, and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Unless the vehicle was
built to carry a snow plow, do not
add one to the vehicle. If the
vehicle has RPO VYU, then the
payload the vehicle can carry will
be reduced when a snow plow is (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
installed. The vehicle can be
damaged if either the front or rear
axle ratings or the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) are
exceeded.
The plow the vehicle can carry
depends on many things, such as:
. The options the vehicle came
with, and the weight of those
options.
. The weight and number of
passengers to be carried.
. The weight of items added to the
vehicle, like a tool box or
truck cap.
. The total weight of any
additional cargo to be carried.
For example, if the snow plow
weighs 318 kg (700 lb), the total
weight of all occupants and cargo
inside the cab should not exceed
135 kg (300 lb). This means that you
may only be able to carry one
passenger. Even this may be too much if there is other equipment
already adding to the weight of the
vehicle.
To safely carry a snow plow on the
vehicle:
.
Follow all aftermarket snow plow
manufacturer ’s instructions for
the operation and transportation
of the snow plow.
. With a snow plow attached, the
engine coolant temperature
gauge may show a higher
temperature than while driving
without one. The snow plow
could block the airflow to the
radiator. This could be more
noticeable as vehicle speed
increases. At speeds above
72 km (45 mph), this may cause
the engine coolant to overheat.
. To increase the airflow, move the
snow plow blade postion.
. If driving more than 24 km
(15 mi), angle the plow blade
position.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
346 Vehicle Care
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
If the vehicle has the Duramax
diesel engine, see the Duramax
diesel supplement.
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
2.7L L4 Engine (L3B)
4.3L V6 Engine (LV3)
5.3L V8 Engine (L84) Shown, 5.3LV8 Engine (L82) and 6.2LV8 Engine (L87) Similar
1. Engine Electric Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 347
6.6L V8 Engine (L8T)
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
Do not touch heater, radiator, a/c
pipes or hoses, or other engine
parts. They can be very hot and
can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all
coolant could leak out. That could
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cause an engine fire and can
burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
seeEngine Overheating 0351.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.