2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN service driver

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The mechanical key inside the remote key is
used for the driver door and glove box.
To remove the mechanical key, press the
button on the side of the remote key near
the bottom, and pull the mechanical key
out. Never pull the mechanical key out
without pressing the button.
The mechanical key may have a bar-coded
key tag that the dealer or qualified
locksmith can use to make new keys. store
this information in a safe place, not in the
vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.If it becomes difficult to turn a key, inspect
the key blade for debris. Periodically clean
with a brush or pick.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See
OnStar Overview
0 412.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside
Assistance Program 0404.
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys
1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of
memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats040.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0409.
If there is a decrease in the remote key
operating range:
.Check the distance. The remote key may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the remote key’s battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the remote key is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the remote key is within 1 m
(3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later
in this section.
The remote key functions may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the remote key. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
Slow Flash :Indicates battery conserving
secured state.
No light : Indicates unsecured state.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the locking of the doors
until five seconds after all doors are closed.
When
Qis pressed on the power door lock
switch while the door is open, a chime will
sound three times indicating delayed locking
is active.
The doors will lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are closed. If a
door is reopened before that time, the
five-second timer will reset when all doors
are closed again.
Press
Qon the door lock switch again or
press
Qon the remote key to lock the
doors immediately.
This feature can be programmed. See
“Delayed Door Lock” underVehicle
Personalization 0124.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all
doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park). If a vehicle door is unlocked, and then
opened and closed, the doors will lock either
when your foot is removed from the brake
or the vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon the power door lock switch.
.Shift the transmission into P (Park).
Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. See Vehicle Personalization
0 124.
Lockout Protection
For the Police and Special Service Packages,
see the Police and Special Service Packages
Supplement.
When locking is requested with the driver
door open and the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, all the doors will lock and then
the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested
while a door is open, when all doors are
closed the vehicle will check for remote keys
inside. If a remote key is detected and the
number of remote keys inside has not
reduced, the driver door will unlock and the
horn will sound three times. This can be manually overridden by pressing
and holding
Qon the power door lock
switch.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
The safety lock is on the inside edge of the
rear doors. To use the safety lock:
1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.Presslon the bottom edge of the
liftgate next to the latch to close.
Press any liftgate button, the touch pad,
or
bon the remote key while the liftgate
is moving to stop it. Pressing any liftgate
button or pressing
btwice quickly on the
remote key restarts the operation in the
reverse direction. Pressing the touch pad on
the liftgate handle will restart the motion,
but only in the opening direction.
Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to open or
close during a power cycle can damage
the vehicle. Allow the power cycle to
complete. When stopping the gate at low heights it
may partially reopen.
The power liftgate may be temporarily
disabled in extremely low temperatures,
or after repeated power cycling over a short
period of time. If this occurs, the liftgate can
still be operated manually. Select OFF on the
liftgate switch.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while
the power function is in progress, the
liftgate will continue to completion. If the
vehicle is accelerated before the liftgate has
completed moving, the liftgate may stop or
reverse direction. Check for Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages and make
sure the liftgate is closed and latched before
driving.
Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically closes
after a power opening cycle, it indicates that
the system is reacting to excess weight on
the liftgate or a possible support strut
failure. Remove any excess weight.
A repetitive chime will sound while the
falling liftgate detection feature is operating.
If the liftgate continues to automatically
close after opening, see your dealer for
service before using the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate motion
or manually closing the liftgate too quickly
after power opening may resemble a
support strut failure. This could also activate
the falling liftgate detection feature. Allow
the liftgate to complete its operation and
wait a few seconds before manually closing
the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during
a power open or close cycle, the liftgate will
automatically reverse direction and move a
short distance away from the obstacle. After
removing the obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again. If the liftgate
encounters multiple obstacles on the same
power cycle, the power function will
deactivate. After removing the obstructions,
manually close the liftgate. This will allow
normal power operation functions to
resume.
If the vehicle is locked while the liftgate is
closing, and an obstacle is encountered that
prevents the liftgate from completely
closing, the horn will sound as an alert that
the liftgate did not close.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
key a second time will bypass the
30-second delay and immediately arm
the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the mechanical key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the remote key, the horn will
chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started,
or the door is not unlocked by pressing
K
on the remote key during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the liftgate, or the hood is
opened without first disarming the system.
When the alarm is activated, the turn
signals flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will then
re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized
event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the remote key.
.Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless
Access system.
.Start the vehicle. To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
exited.
.Always unlock a door with the remote
key, or use the Keyless Access system.
Unlocking the driver door with the
mechanical key will not disarm the
system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the remote key and the
horn chirps three times, an alarm occurred
previously while the alarm system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message
will appear on the DIC.
Steering Column Lock
If equipped, the steering column lock is a
theft-deterrent device. This feature locks the
steering column when the vehicle is turned
off and the driver door is opened, or when
the driver door is opened and then the
vehicle is turned off. The steering column
unlocks when the vehicle is turned on.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) may
display one of these messages:
.A message to service the steering column
lock indicates that an issue has been
detected with the column lock feature
and the vehicle should be serviced.
.A message that the steering column is
locked indicates that the engine is
running, but the steering column is still
locked. It is normal for the column to be
locked during a remote start, but the
column should unlock after the brake
pedal is pressed and the vehicle is started.
No message will display during a remote
start.
.A message that the steering wheel must
be turned and the vehicle must be started
again indicates that the column lock
mechanism is bound, the column locking
device was unable to unlock the steering
column, and the vehicle did not start.
If this happens, immediately turn the
steering wheel from side to side to
unbind the column lock. If this does not
unlock the steering column, turn the
vehicle off and open the driver door to
reset the system. Then turn the vehicle
on and immediately turn the steering
wheel side to side for about 15 seconds.
In some cases, it may take significant
force to unbind the column.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
To keep the steering column from binding,
straighten the front wheels before turning
off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0409.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is turned on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid remote key is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system. The system has one or more remote keys
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
the vehicle. Only a correctly matched
remote key will start the vehicle. If the
remote key is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the remote
key appears to be undamaged, try another
remote key. Or, you may try placing the
remote key in the backup location. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation
08.
If the ignition modes will not change with
the other remote key or in the backup
location, the vehicle needs service. If the
ignition does change modes, the first
remote key may be faulty. See your dealer.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement remote keys. Up
to eight remote keys can be programmed
for the vehicle. To program additional remote keys, see
“Programming Remote
Keys to the Vehicle” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 08.
Do not leave the remote key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
64 Seats and Restraints
least partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the airbag
module may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, seeWhere Are the
Airbags? 061.
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the
airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0410 and
Event Data Recorders 0411.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Instruments and Controls 93
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . 107
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . 109
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 112
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Four Corner Air Suspension Light . . . . . . 116
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Uplevel Cluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . 119
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 131

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
108 Instruments and Controls
normal. If the vehicle is operating outside
the normal operating range, the charging
system light comes on. SeeCharging System
Light 0110. The voltmeter gauge may also
read lower when in fuel economy mode.
This is normal.
Readings outside the normal operating
range can also occur when a large number
of electrical accessories are operating in the
vehicle and the engine is left idling for an
extended period. This condition is normal
since the charging system is not able to
provide full power at engine idle. As engine
speeds are increased, this condition should
correct itself as higher engine speeds allow
the charging system to create maximum
power.
The vehicle can only be driven for a short
time with the readings outside the normal
operating range. If the vehicle must be
driven, turn off all accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Readings outside the normal operating
range indicate a possible problem in the
electrical system. Have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on
the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to remind
the driver to fasten their seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is
buckled. This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the
light nor the chime comes on.
Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light
The vehicle may have a front passenger seat
belt reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See Passenger
Sensing System 065.
When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to remind
passengers to fasten their seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is
buckled. This cycle continues several times if
the front passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the front passenger seat belt is buckled,
neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt reminder light
and chime may come on if an object is put
on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the reminder light and/or
chime, remove the object from the seat or
buckle the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. The system
check includes the airbag sensor(s), the
passenger sensing system, the pretensioners,