General Information: Other GMC Sierra 3500

Arrows and Symbols

This service manual uses various symbols in order to describe different service operations.

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Dealers

All U.S. Dealers participating in the GM Common Training Program can enroll through the GM Common Training System Website at https://www.gmcommontraining.com. Within the website, there are individual training paths that are designed to assist in planning the training needs for each individual. Technicians should advise their Service Manager of their training needs including course names and course numbers. Dealers who have questions about GM Common Training should contact the GM Common Training help desk at 1-888-748-2686. The help desk is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-8:00pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays. For GM Access support, contact the GM Access Help Desk at 1-888-337-1010.

Fleets

GM Fleet customers with GM Warranty In-Shop agreements are able to participate in service technical training through GM Common Training/GM Service Technical College (STC).

Assistance for all GM fleet customers using GM STC products and services is provided on the Internet via www.gmcommontraining.com using the "Contact Us" button on the site and/or the GM Common Training Help Desk at 1-888-748-2687. To order GM STC Training Materials, please contact the GM Training Materials Headquarters at 1-800-393-4831.

Most GM STC course materials have associated charges.

To purchase authentic GM STC Training Materials, contact the GM Training Materials Headquarters at 1-800-393-4831.

Non-GM Dealer Technicians

Technicians training for non-GM dealers is available through ACDelco. This training is for ACDelco customers employed in the automotive or truck service industry.

ACDelco courses are available at all approved GM Training Centers. Availability and schedules can be obtained by calling 1-800-825-5886 or contact us via the web at www.acdelcotechconnect.com and select the training button. Clinics are also offered through ACDelco Warehouse Distributors. Contract your dealer directly for more information.

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The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is the legal identifier of the vehicle. The VIN plate is located on the upper LH corner of the instrument panel. The VIN number can be seen through the windshield from the outside of the vehicle

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) System

VIN Derivative

All engines and transaxles are stamped with a partial Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The following table identifies the different VIN derivative characters, character positions, and their respective descriptions

VIN Derivative Table

Scheme 24

The vehicle certification label displays the following assessments

1. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
2. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - Front and Rear
3. The vehicle's payload rating
4. The original equipment tire sizes and the recommended tire pressures

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight of the vehicle and everything it carries. Include the following items when figuring the GVW

1. The base vehicle weight (factory weight)
2. The weight of all vehicle accessories, like the winches or the plows
3. The weight of the driver and the passengers
4. The weight of the cargo

The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

The front gross axle weight rating (GAWR FRT) is the weight exerted on the front axle. The rear gross axle weight rating (GAW RR) is the weight exerted on the rear axle. The front and rear gross axle weights must not exceed the front and rear gross axle weight ratings.

The payload rating defines the vehicle's maximum allowable cargo load. The cargo load includes the driver and the passengers. The payload rating is based on the vehicle's factory installed equipment. Deduct from the payload rating the weight of accessories added to the vehicle after the final date of manufacture.

The vehicle may have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The Gross Combination Weight Rating refers to the total maximum weight of the loaded tow vehicle (including driver and passengers) and a loaded trailer.

The vehicle's tires must be the proper size and properly inflated for the load the vehicle is carrying.

Scheme 25

The vehicle certification label displays the following assessments

1. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
2. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - Front and Rear
3. The vehicle's payload rating
4. The original equipment tire sizes and the recommended tire pressures

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight of the vehicle and everything it carries. Include the following items when figuring the GVW

1. The base vehicle weight (factory weight)
2. The weight of all vehicle accessories, like the winches or the plows
3. The weight of the driver and the passengers
4. The weight of the cargo

The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

The front gross axle weight rating (GAWR FRT) is the weight exerted on the front axle. The rear gross axle weight rating (GAW RR) is the weight exerted on the rear axle. The front and rear gross axle weights must not exceed the front and rear gross axle weight ratings.

Scheme 26

The vehicle certification label displays the following assessments

1. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
2. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - Front and Rear
3. The vehicle's payload rating
4. The original equipment tire sizes and the recommended tire pressures

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight of the vehicle and everything it carries. Include the following items when figuring the GVW

1. The base vehicle weight (factory weight)
2. The weight of all vehicle accessories, like the winches or the plows
3. The weight of the driver and the passengers
4. The weight of the cargo

The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

The front gross axle weight rating (GAWR FRT) is the weight exerted on the front axle. The rear gross axle weight rating (GAW RR) is the weight exerted on the rear axle. The front and rear gross axle weights must not exceed the front and rear gross axle weight ratings.

The payload rating defines the vehicle's maximum allowable cargo load. The cargo load includes the driver and the passengers. The payload rating is based on the vehicle's factory installed equipment. Deduct from the payload rating the weight of accessories added to the vehicle after the final date of manufacture.

The vehicle may have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The Gross Combination Weight Rating refers to the total maximum weight of the loaded tow vehicle (including driver and passengers) and a loaded trailer.

The vehicle's tires must be the proper size and properly inflated for the load the vehicle is carrying.

Scheme 27

The vehicle certification label displays the following assessments

1. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
2. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - Front and Rear
3. The vehicle's payload rating
4. The original equipment tire sizes and the recommended tire pressures

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight of the vehicle and everything it carries. Include the following items when figuring the GVW

1. The base vehicle weight (factory weight)
2. The weight of all vehicle accessories, like the winches or the plows
3. The weight of the driver and the passengers
4. The weight of the cargo

The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

The front gross axle weight rating (GAWR FRT) is the weight exerted on the front axle. The rear gross axle weight rating (GAW RR) is the weight exerted on the rear axle. The front and rear gross axle weights must not exceed the front and rear gross axle weight ratings.

RPO Code List

RPO Code Table

Metric Fasteners

This vehicle provides fastener dimensions using the metric system. Most metric fasteners are approximate in diameter to equivalent English fasteners. Make replacements using fasteners of the same nominal diameter, thread pitch, and strength.

A number marking identifies the OE metric fasteners except cross-recess head screws. The number also indicates the strength of the fastener material. A Posidrive® or Type 1A cross-recess identifies a metric cross-recess screw. For best results, use a Type 1A cross-recess screwdriver, or equivalent, in Posidrive® recess head screws.

GM Engineering Standards and North American Industries have adopted a portion of the ISO-defined standard metric fastener sizes. The purpose was to reduce the number of fastener sizes used while retaining the best thread qualities in each thread size. For example, the metric M6.0 X 1 screw, with nearly the same diameter and 25.4 threads per inch replaced the English 1/4-20 and 1/4-28 screws. The thread pitch is midway between the English coarse and fine thread pitches.

Scheme 28

The most commonly used metric fastener strength property classes are 9.8 and 10.9. The class identification is embossed on the head of each bolt. The English, inch strength classes range from grade 2 to grade 8. Radial lines are embossed on the head of each bolt in order to identify the strength class. The number of lines on the head of the bolt is 2 lines less than the actual grade. For example, a grade 8 bolt will have 6 radial lines on the bolt head. Some metric nuts are marked with a single digit strength identification number on the nut face.

The correct fasteners are available through GM SPO. Many metric fasteners available in the aftermarket parts channels are designed to metric standards of countries other than the United States, and may exhibit the following

1. Lower strength
2. No numbered head marking system
3. Wrong thread pitch

The metric fasteners on GM products are designed to new, international standards. The following are the common sizes and pitches, except for special applications

1. M6.0 X 1
2. M8 X 1.25
3. M10 X 1.5
4. M12 X 1.75
5. M14 X 2.00
6. M16 X 2.00

Adhesive Coated Fasteners

These fasteners accomplish the thread interface by the presence of a thread-locking compound on the fastener threads. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure in order to determine if the fastener may be reused and the applicable thread-locking compound to apply to the fastener.

Scheme 29

A prevailing torque fastener may be reused ONLY if

1. The fastener and the fastener counterpart are clean and not damaged
2. There is no rust on the fastener
3. The fastener develops the specified minimum torque against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating

Metric Prevailing Torque Fastener Minimum Torque Development

English Prevailing Torque Fastener Minimum Torque Development

Thread Inserts

General purpose thread repair kits. These kits are available commercially.

Repair Procedure

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Scheme 31

1. Determine the size, the pitch, and the depth of the damaged thread. If necessary, adjust the stop collars on the cutting tool and tap to the required depth.
2. Drill out the damaged threads. Clean out any chips.
3. Lubricate the tap with light engine oil. Tap the hole. Clean the threads.
4. Thread the thread insert onto the mandrel of the installer. Engage the tang of the insert onto the end of the mandrel.
5. Lubricate the insert with light engine oil, except when installing in aluminum and install the insert.
6. If the tang of the insert does not break off when backing out the installer, break the tang off with a drift.

Registered and Non-Registered Trademarks

Listed below are Registered Trademarks (®) or Non-Registered Trademarks (™) which may appear in this service manual.

Registered and Non-Registered Trademarks

Cutting Keys

You can obtain the key code from the 4-digit number on the key tag that accompanies the original master and valet keys. The 4-digit key code cross references to the cut and tumbler sequence. The keys have 10 key cut positions (1) and 4 key cut depths (2). Key cut positions are numbered 1-10, counting from the head of the key to the tip. The key cut depths are 1 through 4, cut depth number 1 is the deepest cut. The key transponder (3) in the master and valet key must be programmed to the vehicle. Refer to appropriate service procedure for programing the keys to the vehicle.

1. Cut a blank key to the proper depth and sequence of each of the tumbler positions.
2. Inspect the mechanical operation of the key in the lock cylinders, in the doors, the ignition switch, the rear compartment lid and any storage compartments: With each side of the key pointing up inside the lock, inspect the operation of the lock in both directions. Turn the key both directions in each lock cylinder. Turn the key with each side of the key pointing upward in each lock cylinder.
3. If replacing a master or valet key, program the key transponder to the vehicle.

Console Key

The console key is available only on luxury vehicles. Use the console key in order to access or lock the center console. There is a number stamped on the key and the lock cylinder for cutting or for ordering a new key. The key information described does not refer to the console key. Contact the Presto Lock Company at 248-594-9500 and supply Presto Lock Company with the cylinder code. Presto Lock Company will supply the key cut information or provide a copy of the key.

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Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle

Note. Perform the following steps before beginning any vehicle lifting or jacking procedure: Remove or secure all of the vehicle's contents in order to avoid any shifting or any movement that may occur during the vehicle lifting or jacking procedure. The lifting equipment or the jacking equipment weight rating must meet or exceed the weight of the vehicle and any vehicle contents. The lifting equipment or the jacking equipment must meet the operational standards of the lifting equipment or jacking equipment's manufacturer. Perform the vehicle lifting or jacking procedure on a clean, hard, dry, level surface. Perform the vehicle lifting or jacking procedure only at the identified lift points. DO NOT allow the lifting equipment or jacking equipment to contact any other vehicle components. Failure to perform the previous steps could result in damage to the lifting equipment or the jacking equipment, the vehicle, and/or the vehicle's contents.

For lifting the vehicle, various lift points are recommended. Before you begin any lifting procedure, place the vehicle on a clean, hard, level surface. Verify that all the lifting equipment meets weight standards and is in good working order. Verify that all of the vehicle loads are equally distributed and secure. If you are only supporting the vehicle at the frame side rails, verify that the lifting equipment does not put too much stress on, or weaken, the frame side rails.

During hoisting, do NOT damage the fuel tanks, the exhaust system, or the underbody.

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Scheme 34

Position the front hoist pads under the front frame between the lower control arm and the frame pad.

Scheme 35

Position the rear hoist pads under the rear spring, just behind the hanger

Scheme 36

Position the front lift under the outer edge of the front suspension lower control arms.

Scheme 37

Position the rear lift under the axle housing tubes on each side of the differential.

Do not damage the stabilizer bar.

Jacking

When you are lifting a vehicle with a vehicle jack or a floor jack, block the wheels at the opposite end from which you are lifting. Use jack stands to provide additional support.

Scheme 38

Position the floor jack pad under the frame rail pad.

Scheme 39

Position the floor jack pad under the center of the rear axle differential.

Do not damage the establisher bar.

Scheme 40

Position the jack under the rear spring hanger.

Jack Stands

When you support the vehicle with jack stands, place the jack stands under the frame, the front suspension crossmember, or the rear axle.