The main 12-volt battery in a 2019 GMC Sierra is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Details vary by powertrain. Gasoline models generally have a single battery in the engine bay on the passenger side, while Duramax diesel variants commonly use two 12-volt batteries, one on each side of the engine bay.
Battery location by powertrain
Gasoline engines (e.g., 5.3L, 6.2L)
In most gasoline Sierra 1500s, the primary 12-volt battery is mounted in the engine compartment on the passenger side, toward the front-right corner, housed in a plastic battery box.
- Location: engine bay, passenger side, front-right corner
- Enclosure: secured in a plastic battery box with a removable cover
- Access: terminals are typically accessible from above, often with a red protective cover over the positive post
Gasoline Sierra models typically use a single battery in the passenger-side engine bay. Always verify by checking under the hood or consulting the owner's manual for your exact trim and configuration.
Duramax diesel models
On Sierra 1500s equipped with a Duramax diesel, GM often uses two 12-volt batteries, one on each side of the engine bay, each in its own tray at the front corners. This dual-battery setup helps meet the higher electrical demands of the diesel engine.
- Left side battery: near the front-left corner of the engine bay
- Right side battery: near the front-right corner of the engine bay
- Each battery has its own tray and protective cover; terminals are accessible from above
Because configurations can vary by cab style and trim, check your owner’s manual or physically inspect under the hood if you’re unsure whether your truck has one or two batteries.
Accessing or replacing the battery: safety and steps
When you need to service, replace, or jump-start the battery, follow these general safety steps to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle.
- Park on level ground, apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine and all accessories.
- Open the hood and locate the battery/batteries in the engine bay; wear eye protection and gloves as a precaution.
- Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal to avoid short circuits.
- For jump-starting, connect the donor vehicle’s positive cable to the battery’s positive post, then attach the donor’s negative to a solid ground on the Sierra (not directly to the dead battery).
- Install the new or reconnected cables in reverse order, tighten clamps securely, and replace any covers or shields.
If you’re replacing the battery, ensure you use the correct size and rating (CCA) as specified in the owner’s manual, and recycle the old battery appropriately.
Summary
In the 2019 GMC Sierra, the battery location depends on the powertrain: gasoline models typically host a single 12-volt battery in the engine bay on the passenger side, while Duramax diesel variants may use two batteries on opposite sides of the engine bay. Always consult the owner’s manual for your specific configuration and follow proper safety guidelines when inspecting or replacing the battery.