brake fluid GMC SIERRA DENALI 2015 User Guide

Black plate (6,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-6 Vehicle Care 1. Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump
Starting on page 10-87 .
2. Battery on page 10-29 .
3. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10-17 .
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-15 .
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
(If Equipped). See “ How to
Check the Automatic
Transmission Fluid ” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6
Speed Transmission) on
page 10-12 or Automatic
Transmission Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) on page 10-15 . 6. Remote Negative (-) Location.
See Jump Starting on
page 10-87 .
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of
View). See Cooling System on
page 10-17 .
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When
to Add Engine Oil ” under Engine
Oil on page 10-8 .
9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“ Checking Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil on page 10-8 . 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “ Adding Washer
Fluid ” under Washer Fluid on
page 10-25 .
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid on page 10-27 .
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10-41 .

Black plate (8,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-8 Vehicle Care 1. Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump
Starting on page 10-87 .
2. Battery on page 10-29 .
3. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10-17 .
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-15 .
5. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick. See “ How to Check the
Automatic Transmission Fluid ”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) on
page 10-12 or Automatic
Transmission Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) on page 10-15 .
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“ Checking Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil on page 10-8 .
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When
to Add Engine Oil ” under Engine
Oil on page 10-8 .
8. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). See Cooling System on
page 10-17 . 9. Remote Negative ( – ) Location.
See Jump Starting on
page 10-87 .
10. Power Steering Fluid
Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid (1500 Series) on
page 10-24 or Power Steering
Fluid (2500/3500 Series) on
page 10-24 .
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “ Adding Washer
Fluid ” under Washer Fluid on
page 10-25 .
12. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid on page 10-27 .
13. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped).
See Battery on page 10-29 .
14. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10-41 .
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, 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: .
Always 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. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10-11 . .
Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “ What to Do with
Used Oil ” in this section.

Black plate (13,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-13Caution (Continued)system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,
prepare the vehicle:
1. Start the engine and park the
vehicle on a level surface. Keep
the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and
place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake
pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, move the
shift lever back to P (Park).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500 –
800 rpm) for at least one minute.
Slowly release the brake pedal. 5. Keep the engine running and
check the transmission fluid
temperature on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5-27 .
6. Using the transmission fluid
temperature reading, determine
and perform the appropriate
check procedure. If the
transmission fluid temperature
reading is not within the required
temperature ranges, allow the
vehicle to cool, or operate the
vehicle until the appropriate
transmission fluid temperature is
reached.
Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as a
reference to determine if the
transmission has enough fluid to be
operated safely until a hot check
procedure can be made. The hot
check procedure is the most
accurate method to check the fluid
level. Perform the hot check
procedure at the first opportunity. Use this cold check procedure to
check fluid level when the
transmission temperature is
between 27°C and 32°C (80°F and
90°F).
1. Locate the transmission dipstick
at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10-5 .
2. Flip the handle up, then pull out
the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it
back in all the way; wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again.

Black plate (26,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-26 Vehicle Care
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5 for reservoir location.
{ Caution.
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint. .
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
(Continued) Caution (Continued) .
When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water. .
Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is completely full.
Brakes This vehicle has front and rear disc
brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly. { WarningThe brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
{ CautionContinuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the

Black plate (27,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-27proper sequence to torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications on page 12-2 .
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front and
rear brakes — for the worse. The
braking performance expected can
change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-5 for the location of the
reservoir. There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down: .
The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.

Black plate (28,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-28 Vehicle Care
{ WarningIf too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. See “ Checking Brake
Fluid ” in this section.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5-21 .
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3 .
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5 . 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 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
Lubricants on page 11-12 . Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{ WarningWith 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.
{ Caution .
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
(Continued)

Black plate (29,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-29Caution (Continued) 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.
Battery Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-5 for battery location. { WarningBattery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{ WarningBatteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10-87 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down. Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 to determine when to
check the lubricant.
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug

Black plate (96,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-96 Vehicle Care 2. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9-47 .
3. Put the transmission in P (Park).
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Use a clamping device designed
for towing to ensure that the
front wheels are locked into the
straight position.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
{ Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral). To dolly tow a four-wheel-drive
vehicle from the rear:
1. Drive the rear wheels onto the
dolly.
2. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9-47 .
3. Put the transmission in P (Park).
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Use a clamping device designed
for towing to ensure that the
front wheels are locked into the
straight position.
6. Shift the transfer case to
N (Neutral). See “ Shifting into
Neutral ” under Four-Wheel Drive
on page 9-40 for the proper
procedure.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Appearance Care Exterior Care Locks Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 .
Washing the Vehicle To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
{ Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
(Continued)

Black plate (1,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Service and Maintenance 11-1
Service and
Maintenance General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3
Special Application Services Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Additional Maintenance
and Care Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Maintenance Replacement
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-16 General Information This maintenance section applies to
vehicles with a gasoline engine. For
diesel engine vehicles, see the
maintenance schedule section in
the Duramax diesel supplement.
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
{ CautionDamage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.

Black plate (4,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
11-4 Service and Maintenance .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care on page 10-96 . Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10-35 ..
Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10-59 ..
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection on page 10-65 ..
Visually check for fluid leaks. .
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-15 ..
Inspect brake system. .
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear
at least once a year. See
Exterior Care on page 10-96 .
Lubricate the suspension and steering components at least
every other oil change.
(If equipped with grease fittings) .
Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check on page 3-16 . .
Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks. .
Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts. .
Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care on page 10-96 ..
Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check on page 10-33 ..
Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check on
page 10-34 . .
Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10-34 . .
Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10-34 . .
Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed. .
Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required. .
Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2-22 . .
Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing on
page 10-76 .