Complete Fluid Specifications: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

As an ASE-certified master technician, I frequently see trucks rolling into the shop with premature wear caused by one simple mistake: using the wrong fluids. The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 is an incredibly capable truck, but keeping its 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, or 6.2L V8 running like a top requires strict adherence to General Motors’ exact fluid specifications.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the factory-spec fluids for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. Whether you are changing your own oil or just want to make sure your mechanic is using the right gear lube, this guide has you covered.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (4.3L V6)	5W-30 Full Synthetic (GM dexos1™ Gen 3)	6.0 Quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil (5.3L / 6.2L V8)	0W-20 Full Synthetic (GM dexos1™ Gen 3)	8.0 Quarts (with filter)
Engine Coolant	DEX-COOL® (OAT, Orange, 50/50 Mix)	15.6 – 17.6 Quarts (verify in owner's manual)
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed)	DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid	~6.0 Quarts (pan drop); ~12 Quarts (total)
Transmission Fluid (8-Speed)	DEXRON®-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid	~7.4 Quarts (pan drop); ~11.8 Quarts (total)
Transfer Case (4WD)	DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid	1.6 Quarts
Front Differential	SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil (GM Part No. 89021671)	1.5 Quarts
Rear Differential	SAE 75W-85 Synthetic (GM Part No. 19300457)	2.7 – 2.8 Quarts
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Washer Fluid	Optikleen® or generic equivalent	~1 Gallon
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)	N/A (No diesel option for 2017 1500s)	N/A

Note: Always verify exact capacities in your owner's manual or OEM service info, as variations based on towing packages and specific axle setups exist.

Engine Oil

For the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, oil viscosity depends entirely on the engine under your hood. The 4.3L V6 requires 5W-30, while the 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 engines require 0W-20.

The Specification: General Motors requires oil that meets the dexos1™ specification. While the truck originally called for dexos1 Gen 2, GM has superseded this with dexos1™ Gen 3 (and API SP). Always look for the green dexos1 logo on the bottle. Intervals & Pitfalls: Follow the truck's Oil Life Monitor (OLM), but as a master tech, I recommend never exceeding 5,000 to 7,500 miles. These direct-injected engines (especially those with Active Fuel Management / AFM) are highly susceptible to lifter failure if the oil is not kept clean. Do not use standard conventional oil; full synthetic is highly recommended to meet the stringent dexos1 standard.

Engine Coolant

The Specification: The 2017 Sierra requires DEX-COOL® coolant, which is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) antifreeze. It is distinctively orange. Intervals & Pitfalls: GM states DEX-COOL is good for 5 years or 150,000 miles. Never mix DEX-COOL with green conventional coolant or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolants. Mixing incompatible coolants will cause the chemicals to react and form a thick sludge that will clog your heater core and radiator, leading to catastrophic engine overheating. Always use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and distilled water (or buy 50/50 prediluted).

Automatic Transmission Fluid

The Specification: Your transmission fluid specification depends on the transmission equipped in your Sierra:

• 6-Speed Automatic (6L80): Requires DEXRON®-VI.
• 8-Speed Automatic (8L90): Requires DEXRON®-HP. GM updated the fluid for the 8-speed to address common torque converter shudder issues (Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP with the blue label is the current OEM fix).

Intervals & Pitfalls: Avoid "universal" or multi-vehicle ATFs. The 8-speed transmission is particularly sensitive to fluid friction modifiers. If you have the 8-speed and experience a rumble strip sensation or shuddering, a complete fluid flush with the latest formulation of DEXRON-HP is the factory-prescribed fix. Standard service intervals are every 45,000 miles under severe duty (towing, stop-and-go).

Transfer Case (4WD Models)

The Specification: The transfer case in 4WD models uses DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Intervals & Pitfalls: It might seem strange to put transmission fluid in a transfer case, but it is the factory spec. Change the transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles (severe service). A common pitfall is using standard gear oil in the transfer case, which will quickly destroy the internal chain and clutch packs.

Front and Rear Differentials

The Specification:

• Front Differential: Requires SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
• Rear Differential: Requires SAE 75W-85 Full Synthetic axle lubricant.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Change both differential fluids every 45,000 miles under severe duty. Many people mistakenly put 75W-90 or 75W-140 in the rear axle. While a slight viscosity bump isn't always catastrophic, GM specifically engineered the rear axle for 75W-85 synthetic. Furthermore, the G80 automatic locking rear differential used in these trucks does not require a limited-slip friction modifier additive. Adding friction modifier to the G80 locker can actually prevent the locking mechanism from engaging properly.

Brake Fluid

The Specification: DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid. Intervals & Pitfalls: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. Moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid and causes internal corrosion in the ABS module and brake calipers. I recommend flushing the brake fluid every 2 to 3 years. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid in this system, as it will destroy the seals and the ABS system. You can upgrade to DOT 4 for a higher boiling point if you tow heavy loads, but factory spec DOT 3 is perfectly sufficient for 99% of drivers.

Power Steering

The Specification: N/A. Notes: The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 utilizes an Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack. There is no power steering pump, no power steering reservoir, and therefore, no power steering fluid to check or replace.

Washer Fluid

The Specification: Standard Optikleen® or any high-quality windshield washer solvent. Intervals & Pitfalls: Just top it off as needed. In freezing climates, be sure to use a winter-blend washer fluid (rated for -20°F or lower). Summer bug-wash fluids will freeze in the reservoir, potentially cracking the plastic tank or the washer fluid pump.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The Specification: N/A. Notes: The 1500-series Sierra did not offer a diesel engine option for the 2017 model year (the 3.0L Duramax was introduced in a later generation). Therefore, there is no DEF requirement for the half-ton 2017 trucks.

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Routine maintenance is the key to pushing your 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 past the 200,000-mile mark. If you aren't comfortable performing these fluid exchanges yourself, don't leave your truck's longevity to chance. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.