maintenance GMC SIERRA DENALI 2015 Owner's Manual

Black plate (4,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-4 Vehicle Care This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3-28 .
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records on
page 11-16 .
{ CautionEven small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks. Hood To open the hood:
1. Pull the handle with this symbol
on it. It is inside the vehicle
under the steering wheel. 2. Go to the front of the vehicle to
find the secondary hood release.
The handle is under the front
edge of the hood near the
center. Push the handle to the
right and at the same time raise
the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all
the filler caps are on properly. Then
bring the hood from full open to
within 15 cm (6 in) from the closed
position, pause, and push the front
center of the hood with a swift, firm
motion to fully close the hood.

Black plate (12,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-12 Vehicle Care The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal
slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC. If the
display shows 100%, the system
is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine
oil life system has not been reset.
Repeat the procedure. Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6 Speed
Transmission) When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
{ Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
(Continued) Caution (Continued) not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 .
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 . Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 .
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
{ Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
(Continued)

Black plate (15,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-155. Safe operating level is within the
HOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 71°C and 93°C (160°F
and 200°F), add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level is
low, add only enough fluid to
bring the level into the HOT
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 L
(1 pt). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer. Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. See Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13-11 .{ CautionUse of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 .
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 . Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 .
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see “ Pickup Models ” under “ Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter ” in the Duramax
diesel supplement for the correct
inspection and replacement
procedures.

Black plate (16,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-16 Vehicle Care See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10-5 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. See Maintenance Schedule
on page 11-3 . If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the engine air cleaner/filter
from the vehicle by following
Steps 1 − 8. When the engine air
cleaner/filter is removed, lightly
shake it to release loose dust and
dirt. If the engine air cleaner/filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required. Never use
compressed air to clean the filter. Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connectors
3. Air Duct Clamp
1. Locate the air cleaner/filter
assembly. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5 .
2. Disconnect the outlet duct by
loosening the air duct clamp (3). 3. Disconnect the electrical
connectors (2) and the
connector harness from the
cover.
4. Remove the four screws (1) on
top of the cover of the housing
and lift up the cover.
5. Remove the engine air cleaner/
filter from the housing. Take care
to dislodge as little dirt as
possible.
6. Clean the engine air cleaner/
filter sealing surfaces and the
housing.
7. Inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter.
8. Reverse Steps 2 – 4 to reinstall
the filter cover housing.
{ Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
(Continued)

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 (30,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-30 Vehicle Care To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug (1) hole, located on the
transfer case, some lubricant will
need to be added. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (1) hole. Use
care not to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3 to determine how often to
change the lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use. Front Axle When to Check and Change
Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check front axle fluid unless a leak
is suspected, or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface. 1500 Series
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug

Black plate (32,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
10-32 Vehicle Care How to Check Lubricant
2500HD with 6.0L
All Other Series and Engines To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface. .
For 6.2L 1500 Series
applications, the proper level is
from 15 mm to 40 mm (0.6 in to
1.6 in) below the bottom of the
fill plug hole, located on the rear
axle. Add only enough fluid to
reach the proper level. .
For all 6.0L 2500HD Series
applications, the proper level is
from 0 mm to 13 mm (0 to 0.5 in)
below the bottom of the fill plug
hole, located on the rear axle.
Add only enough fluid to reach
the proper level. .
For all 6.6L Duramax Diesel
2500HD Series applications and
all 3500 Series applications, the
proper level is from 17 mm to
21 mm (0.6 in to 0.8 in) below
the bottom of the fill plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add
only enough fluid to reach the
proper level. What to Use Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Noise Control System The following information relates to
compliance with federal noise
emission standards for vehicles with
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of more than 4 536 kg
(10,000 lb). The noise control
system warranty is given in your
warranty manual.
These standards apply only to
vehicles sold in the United States.
Federal law prohibits the following
acts or the causing thereof:
1. The removal or rendering
inoperative by any person, other
than for purposes of
maintenance, repair or
replacement, of any device or
element of design incorporated
into any new vehicle for the

Black plate (35,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-35.
To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and
type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11-14 .
{ Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
(Continued) Caution (Continued) occurs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not allow the
wiper arm to touch the windshield.
To replace the windshield wiper
blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper
assembly away from the
windshield. 2. Press the button (2) in the
middle of the wiper arm
connector, and pull the wiper
blade away from the arm
connector (1).
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1 – 3 for wiper
blade replacement.
Glass Replacement If the windshield or front side glass
must be replaced, see your dealer
to determine the correct
replacement glass.

Black plate (61,1)GMC 2015i Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431500) - 2015 - crc - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-61Return the tires to the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure when high-speed driving
has ended. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9-15 and Tire Pressure on
page 10-59 .
Tire Pressure Monitor
System The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to