2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 Engine Oil and Fluids 

In the 2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500, the way the engine oil and fluids are managed shows how dedicated the company is to precise engineering, strong performance, and extreme dependability. At the heart of this tough but stylish truck is a carefully thought-out engine oil system that was made to meet the needs of its powerful powertrain choices and provide the best lubrication, temperature control, and overall performance. The specially made engine oil in the Sierra LD 1500 ensures that it will not only have great power and towing capacity but also be mechanically perfect. The Sierra LD 1500 has a lot of advanced fluids, not just engine oil. These include transmission, brake, and coolant fluids, all of which are finely tuned to keep the vehicle running at its best, whether it’s on rough ground or the open road. Management of engine oil and fluids in the 2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 shows the brand’s unwavering commitment to making cars better. This makes it a strong and reliable workhorse that combines high-performance features with unwavering dependability for picky truck fans.

Engine Compartment Overview

1. Remote Negative (–) Location. See Jump Starting – North America.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting – North America.
3. Battery – North America.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” under Washer Fluid.

5.3L V8 Engine (L84) Shown, 6.2L V8 Engine (L87) Similar

1. Remote Negative (–) Location. See Jump Starting – North America.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting – North America.
3. Battery – North America.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System .
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” under Washer Fluid.

Engine Oil
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:

• 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.
  Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What to Do with Used Oil” in this section.

Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview for the location.

Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or glove to touch the dipstick handle.

If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC) message displays, check the oil level.

Follow these guidelines:

• To get an accurate reading, park the vehicle on level ground. Check the engine oil level after the engine has been off for at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after engine shutoff can result in incorrect readings. Accuracy improves when checking a cold engine prior to starting. Remove the dipstick and check the level.
• If unable to wait two hours, the engine must be off for at least 15 minutes if the engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if the engine is not warm. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.

When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick and the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil and then recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications.

Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above or below the acceptable operating range shown on the dipstick are harmful to the engine. If the oil level is above the operating range (i.e., the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper no operating range), the engine could be damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit driving of the vehicle, and seek a service professional to remove the excess oil.

See Engine Compartment Overview 0 338 for the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexos1 specification are marked with the dexos1-approved logo.

Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine oil or equivalent can result in engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty

Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil for the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines.
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil for the 2.7L L4 engine. Cold Temperature

Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below −29 °C (−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it is recommended to select an oil of the correct specification. See “Specification” earlier in this section.

Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils meeting the dexos1 specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection. Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products. Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash or pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.

Engine Oil Life System
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 a combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles driven. 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 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might indicate that an oil change is not necessary for up to a year. 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 REMAINING OIL LIFE percentage is near 0%. Your dealer has trained service people who will perform this work and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly over the course of an oil drain interval 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 mi) 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
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed so that the system can calculate the next engine oil change. Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after every oil change. It will not reset itself. To reset the engine oil life system:

1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level)  or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
2. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip odometer reset stem if the vehicle does not have DIC controls, for several seconds. When the confirmation message displays, select YES. The oil life will change to 100%.

The oil life system can also be reset as follows:

1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level)  or
   Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) .
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
3. If the display changes to 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 percentage is near 0%, the engine oil life system has not been reset. Repeat the procedure.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

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.

Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic transmission fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damage may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use the correct automatic transmission fluid. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled maintenance intervals listed in the Maintenance Schedule. Be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine air filter’s remaining life and best timing for a change. The timing to change an engine air filter depends on driving and environmental conditions.

When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays a message to replace the engine air filter at the next oil change, follow this timing.

When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine air filter at your earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the engine air filter system, see your dealer.

How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life System
To reset:

1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See
   Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) or
   Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) .
3. Press T on the steering wheel, or press
   the trip odometer reset stem if the vehicle does not have DIC controls, to move to the Reset/Disable display area.
   Select Reset then press the thumbwheel or press the reset stem for several seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel or the reset stem to confirm the reset.

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview.

When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/ Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air filter life system see Maintenance Schedule for intervals on inspecting and replacing the engine air cleaner filter.

How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Do not start or run the engine with the engine air cleaner/filter housing open.
Before removing the engine air cleaner/ filter, clear any dirt and debris away from the engine air cleaner/filter housing and nearby components. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter (away from the vehicle), to release loose dust and dirt.

Inspect the engine air cleaner/filter for damage; replace if damaged. Do not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ filter:

5.3L V8 Engine (L84) Shown, 2.7L L4 Engine (L3B), and 6.2L V8 Engine (L87) Similar.

1. Air Duct Clamp
2. Screws
3. Locate the air cleaner/filter assembly. See Engine Compartment Overview
4. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct clamp (1).
5. Remove the three screws on top of the cover of the housing, then slide and lift the cover.
6. Lift and remove the engine air cleaner/filter.
   Warning|
   If part replacement is necessary, the part must be replaced with one of the same part number or with an equivalent part. Use of a replacement part without the same fit, form, and function may result in personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
7. Lightly tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter, away from the vehicle, to release loose dust and dirt. Replace the engine air filter if damaged.
   Reverse Steps 2–5 to reinstall the engine air cleaner/filter cover housing.
8. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after replacing the engine air filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System .

Warning
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. Use caution when working on the engine. Do not start the engine or drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/filter off, as flames may be present if the engine backfires.

Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can easily get into the engine, which could damage it. Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when driving.

Cooling System
If the vehicle has a Duramax diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the correct working temperature.

2.7L L4 Engine (L3B)

5.3L V8 Engine (L84) Shown, 6.2L V8 Engine (L87) Similar

1. Engine Electric Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap

Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

Warning
Do not touch heater, radiator, a/c pipes or hoses, or other engine parts. They can be very hot and can burn you. Do not run the engine if there is a leak; all coolant could leak out. That could cause an engine fire and can burn you. Fix any leak before driving the vehicle.

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever occurs first.

The following explains the cooling system and how to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating .

Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but there would not be an overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned.

Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:

• Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C (−34 °F), outside temperature.
  Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C (265 °F), engine temperature.
• Protects against rust and corrosion.
• Will not damage aluminum parts.
• Helps keep the proper engine temperature.

Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable water. Anything else can cause damage to the engine cooling system and the vehicle, which would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Never dispose of engine coolant by putting it in the trash, or by pouring it on the ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water. Have the coolant changed by an authorized service center, familiar with legal requirements regarding used coolant disposal. This will help protect the environment and your health.

Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.

All Engines

Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, wait until it cools down. The coolant level should be at or above the indicated mark. If it is not, there may be a leak in the cooling system.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above the indicated mark, see the following sections on how to add coolant to the coolant surge tank following.

Automatic Coolant Service Fill
Instructions (L3B Engine)
This feature assists in filling and removing air from the cooling system after service of components or when coolant is added after being too low.

1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap; slowly counterclockwise about one full turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for that to stop.
   A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the indicated mark.

To access the coolant reservoir under the hood, the right-side access cover needs to be removed.

1. Park on a level surface and turn the vehicle off.
2. Open the hood. See Hood
3. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger. Set the ignition to service mode, see Ignition Positions.
4. Turn off the air conditioning.
5. Set the parking brake.
6. At the same time, press the accelerator and the brake for automatic vehicles for two seconds, then release.
7. Listen for pump activation and movement of the control valves while watching the level of the coolant in the surge tank. Add fluid as the level drops below the indicated mark on the surge tank. Allow 15 minutes for the fill and air removal process to complete.
8. Reinstall the surge tank cap.
   If the tank empties, turn the ignition off, allow the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to go to sleep, for about two minutes, refill to the indicated mark, and repeat Steps 5–9.

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank for Gasoline Engines Except L3B
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Cooling System” in the Duramax diesel supplement for the proper coolant fill procedure.

Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can burn you. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.

Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but there would not be an overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned.

Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little, can cause them to come out at high speed and you could be burned. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and pressure cap to cool.

Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill procedure could cause the engine to overheat and could cause system damage. If coolant is not visible in the surge tank, contact your dealer.

If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant.

1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise about one full turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for that to stop.
   A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the full cold mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates approximately 90 °C (195 °F). By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the indicated mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the coolant is cold.
   If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure Steps 1–6.

Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed, coolant loss and engine damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.

Engine Overheating
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.

Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak in the engine cooling system. This can cause a loss of all coolant and can damage the system and vehicle. Have any leaks fixed right away.

The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gauge in the vehicle’s instrument cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
In addition, there are ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE, ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE, and ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED messages in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the hood when this warning appears, get service help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program.
If the decision is made to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.

2.7L L4, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 Engines
Check to see if the engine cooling fans are running. If the engine is overheating, the fans should be running. If they are not, do not continue to run the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
If the engine or transmission detects an impending hot fluid condition, then the transmission may force upshifts to limit temperatures. Downshifts may also be prevented in this instance. Normal operation may continue unless the display indicates there is a hot condition and engine should be idled.

If Steam is Coming from the Engine Compartment
Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system are under pressure. Turning the pressure cap, even a little, can cause them to come out at high speed and you could be burned. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and pressure cap to cool.

If No Steam is Coming from the Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message, along with a low coolant condition, can indicate a serious problem.
The 2.7L L4 engine will shut down automatically if the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE message displays.
If there is an engine overheat warning, but no steam is seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle:

1. Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
2. Stops after high-speed driving.

Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer; see Trailer Towing.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message appears with no sign of steam, try
this for a minute or so:

1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.

If the temperature overheat gauge is no longer in the overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance from the vehicle in front. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally and have the cooling system checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and the vehicle is equipped with an engine-driven cooling fan, push down the accelerator until the engine speed is about twice as fast as normal idle speed for at least five minutes while the vehicle is parked. If the warning is still there, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for five minutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message displays, an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders helps to prevent engine damage. In this mode, a loss in power and engine performance will be noticed. This operating mode allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving extended distances and/ or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
If the engine or transmission detects impending hot fluid conditions, then the transmission may force upshifts to limit temperatures. Downshifts may also be prevented in this instance. Normal operation may continue unless the display indicates there is a hot condition and engine should be idled.

Caution
After driving in the overheated engine protection operating mode, the engine oil will be severely degraded. Any repairs performed before the engine is cool may cause engine damage. Allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil, and reset the oil life system. See Engine Oil .

Engine Fan
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
The vehicle has electric cooling fan(s). The fans may be heard spinning at low speed during most everyday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is required. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, high outside temperatures, or operation of the air conditioning system, the fans may change to high speed and an increase in fan noise may be heard. This is normal and indicates that the cooling system is functioning properly. The fans will change to low speed when additional cooling is no longer required.
The electric engine cooling fans may run after the engine has been turned off. This is normal and no service is required.

Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs to be added, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing.

Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid message on the DIC that comes on when the washer fluid is low. The message is displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle.
When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message displays, washer fluid will need to be added to the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See Engine Compartment Overview for reservoir location.

• Do not use a washer fluid that contains any type of water-repellent coating.
  This can cause the wiper blades to chatter or skip.
• 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.
• When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s 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.

FAQs

View Full PDF:  GMC Sierra LD 1500 2023 User Guide| Auto User Guide
All Wheel Drive (AWD): 2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 All Wheel Drive (AWD) Guide