check oil GMC SIERRA 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
20 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. See
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats052 and
Vehicle Personalization 0131.
If equipped, the automatic heated steering
wheel may also come on. See Heated
Steering Wheel 0100.
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 010.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Q.
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.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
single start with an extension, is allowed
between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be turned on and
then back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Instruments and Controls 99
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 112
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 114
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 118
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Uplevel Cluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 138

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
106 Instruments and Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair
or replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could prevent
injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when
the engine is started to indicate they are
working. When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while driving,
or when one of the gauges shows there
may be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs
can be costly and even dangerous.
Instrument Cluster
Base Cluster English Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 0110
2. Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 0111
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0112
4. Fuel Gauge 0110
5. Voltmeter Gauge 0113 6.
Speedometer 0110
7. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0125

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
112 Instruments and Controls
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's oil as
soon as possible.
SeeEngine Oil 0330.
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
Metric Uplevel Shown, Midlevel and Base Level Similar
English Uplevel Shown, Midlevel and Base Level 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
122 Instruments and Controls
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the engine is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 367.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 369.
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Uplevel
Cluster)
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.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes
on briefly when the ignition is turned on as
a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is low
on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is
added. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced.
Security Light

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
124 Instruments and Controls
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)
The DIC displays are shown in the center of
the instrument cluster. The displays show
the status of many vehicle systems. The trip
odometer reset stem in the instrument
cluster is used to access the DIC menu
items.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement for more
information.
DIC Menu Items
Turn the trip odometer reset stem to scroll
through the following menu items:
.Digital Speedometer
.Trip 1/2
.Fuel Range
.Tire Pressure
.Remaining Oil Life
.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 0368 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0369.
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 Oil
0 330. In addition to the engine oil life

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
292 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle. 5. Gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer out of the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0409. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0338.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Vehicle Care 321
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 322
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 323
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 323
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 325
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 333
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 347
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 350
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 353
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . 357
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . 358
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 365
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 368
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 369
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 375
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 377
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 377
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 378
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
326 Vehicle Care
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0391.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0391.
3. Battery - North America 0343.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0353.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0335.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0330.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0330.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0335.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0334.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 343.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0340.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
328 Vehicle Care
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0391.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0391.
3. Battery - North America 0343.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0353.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0335.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0330.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0330.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0335.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0334.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 343.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0340.