oil GMC SIERRA DENALI 2020 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: GMC, Model Year: 2020, Model line: SIERRA DENALI, Model: GMC SIERRA DENALI 2020Pages: 501, PDF Size: 7.61 MB
Page 214 of 501

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Driving and Operating 213
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. For Key Access vehicles, turnthe ignition key to Start. When
the engine starts, let go of the
key. For Keyless Access
vehicles, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The driver may observe a
minor, and temporary, brake
pedal kickback when starting
the vehicle. This is normal.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light
is on and the FUEL LEVEL
LOW message is displayed in
the Driver Information Center
(DIC), hold the ignition switch
in the START position to
continue engine cranking.Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there
while holding the key in START
or ENGINE START/STOP for
up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key or
button and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race
the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start system
will shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components
designed for the increased number
of starts.
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
222 Driving and Operating
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, seeIf
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0199.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Also, use N (Neutral) when the
vehicle is being towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission or engine oil hot
message may display if the
automatic transmission fluid or
engine oil is too hot. Driving
under this condition can damage
the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the engine oil or
automatic transmission fluid.
These messages will clear when
the engine oil or transmission
fluid has cooled sufficiently. D :
This position is for normal
driving. It provides the best fuel
economy. If more power is needed
for passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
. When going less than about
55 km/h (35 mph), push the
accelerator pedal about
halfway down.
. When going about 55 km/h
(35 mph) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts
down to the next gear and has
more power.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode
when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control 0190.
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
282 Driving and Operating
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15 000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel sticker
on the fuel door can use either
unleaded gasoline or fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). All other
vehicles should use only the
unleaded gasoline as described in
Recommended Fuel (Except 6.2L
V8 Engine) 0280 or
Recommended Fuel (6.2L
V8 Engine) 0281. The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an
alternative fuel website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use
the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.
The starting characteristics of E85
or FlexFuel make it unsuitable for
use when temperatures fall below
−18 °C (0 °F). Use gasoline or add
gasoline to the E85 or FlexFuel.
Because E85 or FlexFuel has less
energy per liter (gallon) than
gasoline, the vehicle will need to be refilled more often. See
Filling the
Tank (Pickup Model) 0283 or
Filling the Tank (Chassis Cab
Model) 0285.
The only GM approved aftermarket
additive is ACDelco Fuel System
Treatment Plus-FlexFuel. Follow the
instructions on the bottle for proper
use. This product is available at
your GM dealer.
Caution
Some additives are not
compatible with E85 or FlexFuel
and can harm the vehicle's fuel
system. Use only additives
approved by GM for E85 or
FlexFuel vehicles. Damage
caused by unapproved additives
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Page 288 of 501

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Driving and Operating 287
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read the
entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0424. To tow
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0424.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
a trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not
driven properly. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy or the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.
. It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
290 Driving and Operating
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 Overheating0351.
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 0255.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to
absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving
a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out
of the vehicle before
backing onto the sloped part
of the ramp. Lower the
driver and passenger side
windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will
(Continued)
Page 293 of 501

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
292 Driving and Operating
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 Schedule0441. 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
0 351.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how frequently the vehicle is used to
tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle
contents, trailer, and trailer contents
Page 328 of 501

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Vehicle Care 327
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 328
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 329
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 341
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 344
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 351
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353 Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 354
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 356
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Battery - North America . . . . . . 358
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 362
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 363
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 364
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 364
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 365
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 366
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 369
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 370
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 370
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 381
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 333
1. Remote Negative (–) Location.See Jump Starting - North
America 0419.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting -
North America 0419.
3. Battery - North America 0358.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0371.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 346.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0346.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0344.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0357. 11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 354.
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 335
1. Remote Negative (–) Location.See Jump Starting - North
America 0419.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting -
North America 0419.
3. Battery - North America 0358.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0371.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 346.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0346.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0344.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0357. 11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 354.
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GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 8/27/19
Vehicle Care 337
1. Remote Negative (–) Location.See Jump Starting - North
America 0419.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting -
North America 0419.
3. Battery - North America 0358.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0371.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 346.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0346.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0344.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0357. 11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 354.