engine oil GMC SIERRA DENALI 2010 Owner's Guide

What to Use
{WARNING:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but you would not get the 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.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant mixture is used, the
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle's cooling system, the vehicle could be
damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine
coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑11for more information.
6-30

Checking Coolant
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, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before this is done.
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑16for more
information on location.
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark. If it is not, you may have a leak in the
cooling system.
6-31

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which alternates firing
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows the vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See Engine Oil
on
page 6‑18.
Engine Fan Noise
The vehicle has electric cooling fans. You might hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans can turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, or if you are operating the air
conditioning system, the fans can change to high speed
and you might hear an increase in fan noise. This is
normal and indicates that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fans change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer required.
6-37

Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the brake fluid reservoir.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6‑16.
The fluid level should be
above MIN. If it is not,
have the brake hydraulic
system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed
container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricantson
page 7‑11. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt
from entering the reservoir.
{WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
.Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake hydraulic system parts. For example,
just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake hydraulic system
can damage brake hydraulic system parts so
badly that they will have to be replaced. Do
not let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on the vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See Washing Your Vehicle
on
page 6‑108
.
6-41

FusesUsage
1 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2Electronic Suspension Control,
Automatic Level Control Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
5 Engine Control Module, Throttle
Control
6 Trailer Brake Controller
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensor
9 Antilock Brakes System 2
10 Trailer Back-up Lamps 11 Driver Side Low-Beam Headlamp
12 Engine Control Module (Battery)
13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side)
14 Transmission Control Module
(Battery)
Fuses
Usage
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16 Passenger Side Low-Beam Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls (Ignition)
20 Fuel Pump
21 Fuel System Control Module
22 Not Used
23 Not Used
24Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Left Side)
25 Trailer Park Lamps
26 Driver Side Park Lamps
27 Passenger Side Park Lamps
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30 Passenger Side High-Beam
Headlamp
6-119

Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantson page 7‑11for more information.
Application Capacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located under
the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more information.
Cooling System 16.8 qt15.9 L
Engine Oil with Filter 6.0 qt†5.7 L†
Fuel Tank 26.0 gal98.4 L
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement) 6.0 qt5.7 L
Transfer Case Fluid 1.5 qt1.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lbft190Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual.
Recheck fluid after filling.
†Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
6.2L V8 2Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6-122

Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service for
new tires be performed when they have 8 000 to
13 000 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles). SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 6‑78.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil Soon
Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑18. An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,
service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible,
within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a
year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your
dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who will
perform this work and reset the system. If the engine oil
life system is reset accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last service. Reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑20. When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,
certain services, checks, and inspections are required.
The services described for Maintenance
Ishould be
performed at every engine oil change. The services
described for Maintenance IIshould be
performed when:
.Maintenance Iwas performed the last time the
engine oil was changed.
.It has been 10 months or more since the Change
Engine Oil Soon message has displayed or since
the last service.
Maintenance I
.Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑18. An Emission Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑29.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑39.
.Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑71.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑78.
.Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotationon
page 6‑78.
7-3

Additional Required Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. SeeEngine Oilon
page 6‑18.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑29.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑39.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑71.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑78.
Once a Year
.Starter switch check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑9.
.Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑9.
.Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. See Owner Checks and Serviceson
page 7‑9.
.Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7‑9.
.Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenser
outside cleaning. See Cooling System
on
page 6‑28.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat shields
inspection for loose or damaged components.
.Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort,
or binding. Replace if needed.
7-5

First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑22.
.Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy city
traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑24.
.Transfer case fluid change (severe service) for
vehicles mainly driven when frequently towing a
trailer, or used for taxi, police, or delivery service.
Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the underbody, care should be
taken to not directly spray the transfer case output
seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be replaced.
.Evaporative control system inspection. Check all
fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook‐up,
routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace as
needed.
An Emission Control Service. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not
nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the vehicle's useful life.
We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded.
7-6

First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluidon
page 6‑24.
.Transfer case fluid change (normal service). Check
vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the underbody, care should be
taken to not directly spray the transfer case output
seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be replaced.
.Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection. An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). SeeEngine Coolant
on page 6‑29.An
Emission Control Service.
.Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed. An Emission Control
Service.
7-7