coolant level GMC SIERRA 2023 Owners Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
104 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 117
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 119
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 122
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Uplevel Cluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Universal Remote System
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 137

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Instruments and Controls 111
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
English Base Cluster Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 0115
2. Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 0116
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0117
4. Fuel Gauge 0115
5. Voltmeter Gauge 0118 6.
Speedometer 0115
7. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0128 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0130

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
112 Instruments and Controls
English Midlevel Cluster Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 0115
2. Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 0116
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0117
4. Fuel Gauge 0115 5.
Voltmeter Gauge 0118
6. Speedometer 0115
7. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0128 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0130

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Instruments and Controls 113
English Uplevel Cluster Standard Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 0115
2. Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 0116
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0117
4. Fuel Gauge 0115 5.
Voltmeter Gauge 0118
6. Speedometer 0115
7. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0128 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0130
Cluster Menu (Midlevel and Uplevel)
There is an interactive display area in the
center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open
and scroll through the different items and
displays.
Press
SorTto access the cluster
applications. Use the thumbwheel to scroll
through the list of available features. Press
the thumbwheel to select. Not all
applications will be available on all vehicles.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
116 Instruments and Controls
English Uplevel Fuel Gauge Shown, BaseLevel and Midlevel Fuel Gauge Similar
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates the approximate amount of fuel
left in the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
The fuel gauge may:
.Take a little more, or less fuel to fill up
than it indicates. For example, the gauge
may have indicated the tank is half full, but it actually takes a little more, or less
than half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
.Moves a little while turning a corner,
speeding up, or braking.
.Takes a few seconds to stabilize after the
ignition is turned on and goes back to
empty when the ignition is turned off.
These are normal conditions, none of which
indicate a problem with the fuel gauge.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Metric Uplevel Shown, Base Level and Midlevel Similar
English Uplevel Shown, Base Level 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

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Instruments and Controls 117
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the engine oil as
soon as possible.
SeeEngine Oil 0306.
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, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and
let the engine idle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Instruments and Controls 125
Trailer Sway Control Light (Uplevel
Cluster)
This light will flash when Trailer Sway
Control is active. SeeTrailer Sway Control
(TSC) 0285.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Off Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on to show that the light is
working. If it does not come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem. This light comes on when the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off.
If ESC is off, the Traction Control System
(TCS) is also off. To turn ESC off and on, see
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
241.
If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do not
assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust
driving accordingly.
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 Overheating 0313.
The engine coolant temperature warning
light comes on when the engine has
overheated.
If this happens, pull over and let the engine
idle. See Engine Overheating 0313.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Snow Mode is
selected.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
270 Driving and Operating
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check that the trailer
brakes work. During the trip, occasionally
check that the cargo and trailer are secure
and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency. 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
Overheating 0313.
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 0246.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/18/22
306 Vehicle Care
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0367.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0367.
3. Battery - North America 0319.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0310.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0306.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0311.
7. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid 0315.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0306.
9. Auxiliary Battery. Battery - North
America 0319.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 318.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0329.
12. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System 0311.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0316.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil”
in the Duramax diesel supplement.
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0308.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0305 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/18/22
312 Vehicle Care
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, or by pouring it on the
ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of
water. Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the engine
compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 305. The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, wait until it
cools down. The coolant level should be at
or above the indicated mark. If it is not,
there may be a leak in the cooling system.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at or above the indicated mark, see the
following sections on how to add coolant to
the coolant surge tank following.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
“Cooling System”
in the Duramax diesel
supplement for the proper coolant fill
procedure.
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With 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.