8 vehicle care – GMC 2011 Sierra User Manual

Page 432

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GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011

10-8

Vehicle Care

Checking Engine Oil

It is a good idea to check the
engine oil level at each fuel fill.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6
for the location
of the engine oil dipstick.

Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:

1. If the engine has been running

recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.

2. Pull out the dipstick and clean

it with a 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, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended
oil and then recheck the level.
See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section for an explanation of
what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2
.

Notice: 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 you find that
you have an oil level 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
operating range, the engine
could be damaged. You should
drain out the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle and seek a
service professional to remove
the excess amount of oil.

See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6
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.

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