Contents Section: Lubrication System All sections

Maintenance and Lubrication GMC Sierra 2500

Lubrication System ~647 words

Approximate Fluid Capacities

See Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations for more information. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

ApplicationSpecifications
MetricUS English
Axle Capacities
Front Axle 1000 Series (8.25")1.43 liters1.51 quarts
Front Axle 2000 Series (9.25")1.73 liters1.83 quarts
Rear Axle 1000 Series without RPO AXN (8.6")2.03 liters2.15 quarts
Rear Axle 1000 Series with RPO AXN (9.5" LD)2.6 liters2.75 quarts
Rear Axle 2000 Series (9.5" HD)2.6 liters2.75 quarts
Rear Axle 2000 Series with RPO LY6 (10.5")2.6 liters2.75 quarts
Rear Axle 2000 Series with RPO LMM (11.5")3.0 liters3.17 quarts
Rear Axle 3000 Series (11.5")3.0 liters3.17 quarts
Cooling System
4.3L V615.6 liters16.5 quarts
4.8L V816.0 liters16.9 quarts
5.3L V816.0 liters16.9 quarts
6.0L V8 - 2500, 3500 Series (except 2 Mode Hybrid)15.5 liters16.4 quarts
6.0L V8 - 2 Mode Hybrid16.3 liters17.2 quarts
6.2L V8 - 1500 Series15.9 liters16.8 quarts
6.6L Diesel V820.4 liters21.6 quarts
2 Mode Hybrid Drive Motor Generator Control Module2.7 liters2.9 quarts
Engine Oil with Filter
4.3L V64.3 liters4.5 quarts
4.8L V8, 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8, and 6.2L V85.7 liters6.0 quarts
6.6L V8 Diesel9.5 liters10.0 quarts
Fuel Tank
1500 Series Standard and Short Box98.4 liters26.0 gallons
1500 Series Long Box128.7 liters34.0 gallons
2500 Series Standard Box136.3 liters36.0 gallons
2500 and 3500 Series Long Box136.3 liters36.0 gallons
3500 Series Chassis Cab240.4 liters63.5 gallons
3500 Series Chassis Cab - Front Tank89.0 liters23.5 gallons
3500 Series Chassis Cab - Rear Tank (if equipped)151.4 liters40.0 gallons
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank20.1 liters5.3 gallons
Automatic Transmission Fluid - 4L60-E/4L65-E/4L70-E
Pan Removal and Filter Replacement4.7 liters5.0 quarts
Overhaul10.6 liters11.0 quarts
300 mm Torque Converter Approximate Fluid Capacity Dry Fill11.50 liters12.1 quarts
Automatic Transmission Fluid - 6L80-E/6L90-E
Pan Removal and Filter Replacement - Approximate Capacity 6L80/6L905.7 liters6.0 quarts
Overhaul - Approximate Capacity 6L80/6L909.9 liters10.5 quarts
Complete Trans System - Approximate Capacity 6L8011.5 liters12.2 quarts
Complete Trans System (Heavy Duty Cooling) - Approximate Capacity 6L80/6L9011.7 liters12.4 quarts
Automatic Transmission Fluid - Allison
Initial Fill12 liters12.7 quarts
Refill7.0 liters7.4 quarts
Automatic Transmission Fluid - 2ML70
Drain Plug Only - Approximate Capacity9.93 liters10.5 quarts
Drop Pan and Filter - Approximate Capacity10.9 liters11.5 quarts
Dry Transmission (Empty) - Approximate Capacity12.30 liters13 quarts
Manual Transmission (Drain and Refill)
Tremec 5 Speed MQ73.5 liters3.7 quarts
Tremec 5 Speed TZ04.4 liters4.6 quarts
Transfer Case Fluid1.5 liters1.6 quarts

Approximate Fluid Capacities

Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations

UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil - GasolineThe engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos™ specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos™ certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos™ certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 GM P/N 19293000 (Canadian P/N 19286321) is the best viscosity grade for the Vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50.
Engine Oil - DieselEngine oils with the letters CJ-4 are required for this vehicle. The CJ-4 designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American Petroleum Institute (API) designations, such a API CJ-4/SL. These letters show API levels of quality. SAE 15W-40 is best for the vehicle. When it is very cold, below -18°C (0°F), use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, or SAE 20W-50.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant GM P/N 12346290 (Canadian P/N 10953464).
Hydraulic Brake SystemDOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 89021320)
Hydraulic Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid GM P/N 12345347 (Canadian P/N 10953517)
Windshield WasherOptikleen® Washer Solvent
Automatic Transmission - 2ML70DEXRON®-VI GM P/N 88861003 (Canadian P/N 88861004)
Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E/4L70-EDEXRON®-VI GM P/N 88861003 (Canadian P/N 88861004)
Automatic Transmission - AllisonDEXRON®-VI GM P/N 88861003 (Canadian P/N 88861004)
Manual TransmissionSynchromesh Transmission Fluid GM P/N 12345349 (Canadian P/N 10953465)
Key Lock CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube GM P/N 12346241 (Canadian P/N 10953474)
Front Axle - 1500 Series Vehicles with Four-Wheel DriveSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant GM P/N 89021671 (Canadian P/N 89021672)
Front Axle - 1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD SeriesSynthetic Gear Oil GM P/N 89021677 (Canadian P/N 89021678)
Rear AxleSynthetic Gear Oil GM P/N 89021677 (Canadian P/N 89021678)
Transfer Case - Four-Wheel DriveDEXRON®-VI GM P/N 88861003 (Canadian P/N 88861004)
Front Axle Propshaft Spline or One-Piece Propshaft Spline - Two-Wheel Drive with Automatic TransmissionSpline Lubricant, Special Lubricant GM P/N 19257121 (Canadian P/N 19257122)
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube GM P/N 12346241 (Canadian P/N 10953474)
Body Door Hinge Pins, Tailgate Hinge and Linkage, Folding Seats, and Fuel Door HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube GM P/N 12346241 (Canadian P/N 10953474)
Tailgate Handle Pivot Points, Hinges, Latch Bolt, and LinkageMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube GM P/N 12346241 (Canadian P/N 10953474)
Weatherstrip ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant GM P/N 3634770 (Canadian P/N 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease GM P/N 12345579 (Canadian P/N 10953481)
Weatherstrip SqueaksSynthetic Grease with Teflon, Superlube GM P/N 12371287 (Canadian P/N 10953437)

Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations

Maintenance Items

The Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts information will only be found in the Owner's Manual. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule subsection of the Owner's Manual.

You may be able to use the Search information function using the words Replacement Parts.

Maintenance Schedule (North American Emissions)

The Maintenance Schedule information will only be found in the Owner's Manual.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule subsection of the Owner's Manual, or you may be able to use the Search information function using the words Scheduled Maintenance.

When to Change Engine Oil

This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.

On some vehicles, when the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on to indicate that an oil change is necessary. Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. For vehicles without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message, an oil change is needed when the OIL LIFE REMAINING percentage is near 0 percent. Your dealer has trained service people who will perform this work using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3, 000 miles) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System

The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where the oil is changed prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message coming on, reset the system.

Always reset the engine oil life to 100 percent after every oil change. It will not reset itself. To reset the Engine Oil Life System on most vehicles

  1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, the vehicle must be in P (Park) to access this display.
  2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC, or the trip odometer reset stem if the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, for more than five seconds. The oil life will change to 100 percent.

On all vehicles, the Engine Oil Life System can 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 percent, 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 percent, the Engine Oil Life System has not reset. Repeat the procedure.