2021 GMC SIERRA Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
{Warning
If the key is unintentionally rotated while
the vehicle is running, the ignition could
be moved out of the RUN position. This
could be caused by heavy items hanging
from the key ring, or by large or long
items attached to the key ring that could
be contacted by the driver or steering
wheel. If the ignition moves out of the
RUN position, the engine will shut off,
braking and steering power assist may be
impacted, and airbags may not deploy.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
rotation of the ignition key, do not
change the way the ignition key and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if equipped, are connected to the
provided key rings.
The ignition key and key rings, and RKE
transmitter, if equipped, are designed to
work together as a system to reduce the
risk of unintentionally moving the key out
of the RUN position. The ignition key has a
small hole to allow attachment of the
provided key ring. It is important that any replacement ignition keys have a small hole.
See your dealer if a replacement key is
required.
The combination and size of the rings that
came with your keys were specifically
selected for your vehicle. The rings are
connected to the key like two links of a
chain to reduce the risk of unintentionally
moving the key out of the RUN position. Do
not add any additional items to the ring
attached to the ignition key. Attach
additional items only to the second ring,
and limit added items to a few essential
keys or small, light items no larger than an
RKE transmitter.
Interference from radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tags may prevent the
key from starting the vehicle. Keep RFID
tags away from the key when starting the
vehicle.
The key is used for the ignition, all door
locks, and the glove box.
If equipped with memory seats, keys 1 and 2
are linked to seating positions of memory 1
or 2. See
Memory Seats 049.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
Programming Keys
Follow these procedures to program up to
eight keys to the vehicle.
Programming with Two Recognized Keys
To program a new key:1. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition and turn the
ignition on.
2. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
3. Quickly, within five seconds, insert the second original already programmed key
in the ignition and turn the ignition on.
4. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
5. Insert the key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within five seconds.
6. After a few seconds, the security light will turn off once the key has been
programmed.
7. Repeat Steps 1–5 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If a key is lost or damaged, see your dealer
to have a new key made. Programming without Recognized Keys
Program a new key to the vehicle when a
recognized key is not available. Canadian
regulations require that owners see their
dealer.
If two currently recognized keys are not
available, follow this procedure to program
the first key.
This procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete for the first key.
The vehicle must be off and all of the keys
you wish to program must be with you.
1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition on. The security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn the ignition on; the
key is learned and all previously known
keys will no longer work with the
vehicle.
6. To learn a second key, turn the ignition off, insert the second key to be learned,
and turn the ignition on. After two keys are learned, the remaining
keys can be learned by following the
procedure in
“Programming with Two
Recognized Keys.”
The key has 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.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside
Assistance Program 0431.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 440.
Keys (Keyless Access)
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with an
ignition key or Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter is dangerous and
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Warning (Continued)
children or others could be seriously
injured or killed. They could operate the
power window or other controls or make
the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the key in the ignition or
with the RKE transmitter in the vehicle,
and children or others could be caught in
the path of a closing window. Do not
leave children in a vehicle with the
ignition key or an RKE transmitter.
If the vehicle has the Keyless Access system,
the transmitter has a button on the side of
the transmitter used to remove the key.This key is used for the driver door and
glove box.
Press the button to remove the key. Never
pull the key out without pressing the
button.
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
0 440. If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside
Assistance Program 0431.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating
positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory
Seats 049.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0436.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access)
The RKE transmitter functions may work up
to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 010.
/:Press and releaseQ, then immediately
press and hold
/until the turn signal
lamps flash or for at least four seconds. The
engine may be started from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start 020.
Q:Press to lock all doors.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps may flash
and/or the horn may sound on the second
press to indicate locking has occurred. If enabled, the horn chirps when
Qis
pressed again within three seconds. See
Vehicle Personalization 0131.
Pressing
Qarms the alarm system. See
Vehicle Alarm System 031.
If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Qfor one second will
fold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
K:Press once to unlock only the driver
door. If
Kis pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors unlock.
The interior lamps may come on and stay
on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash twice
to indicate unlocking has occurred.
If enabled, the exterior lamps may turn on.
See Vehicle Personalization 0131.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms
the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 31.
If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Kfor one second will
unfold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131. Press and hold
Kto remotely open the
windows, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
x:Press twice quickly to release the
tailgate, if equipped.
7: Press and release to initiate the vehicle
locator. The turn signal lamps flash and the
horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
7for more than
three seconds to activate the panic alarm.
The turn signal lamps flash and the horn
sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm
turns off when the ignition is turned on or
7is pressed again. The ignition must be off
for the panic alarm to work.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to this
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer for
transmitter programming.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C
(138 °F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). To replace the battery:
1. Separate and remove the back cover of
the transmitter with a flat, thin object,
such as a coin.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
2. Press and slide the battery down towardthe pocket of the transmitter in the
direction of the key ring. Do not use a
metal object
3. Remove the battery.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Push together the transmitter back cover top side first, and then the bottom
toward the key ring.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Keyless Access)
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the transmitter is within 1 m
(3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later
in this section.
The RKE transmitter functions may work up
to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 010.
The key that is part of the RKE transmitter
can be used for all locks.
Remove the key by pressing the button on
the side of the RKE transmitter near the
bottom and pull the key out. Never pull the
key out without pressing the button.
See your dealer if a new transmitter is
needed./: Press and releaseQ, then immediately
press and hold
/until the turn signal
lamps flash or for at least four seconds. The
engine may be started from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start 020.
Q:Press to lock all doors and the tailgate,
if equipped.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash and/
or the horn may sound on the second press
to indicate locking has occurred. If enabled,
the horn chirps when
Qis pressed again
within three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If the driver door is open whenQis
pressed, all doors will lock and then the
driver door will immediately unlock,
if enabled. See Vehicle Personalization 0131.
If the passenger door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qarms the alarm system. See
Vehicle Alarm System 031.
If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Qfor one second will
fold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
K:Press once to unlock only the driver
door. If
Kis pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors and the
tailgate unlock. The interior lamps may
come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until
the ignition is turned on.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash twice
to indicate unlocking has occurred.
If enabled, the exterior lamps may turn on.
See Vehicle Personalization 0131.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms
the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 31. If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Kfor one second will
unfold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
Press and hold
Kuntil the windows fully
open, if remote window operation is
enabled. See Vehicle Personalization 0131.
x:Press twice quickly to release the
tailgate, if equipped.
7: Press and release to initiate vehicle
locator. The turn signal lamps flash and the
horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
7for more than
three seconds to activate the panic alarm.
The turn signal lamps flash and the horn
sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm
turns off when the ignition is turned on or
7is pressed again. The ignition must be off
for the panic alarm to work.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for doors
and the tailgate to be accessed without
pressing the RKE transmitter button. The RKE
transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the tailgate or door being opened. If the vehicle
has this feature, there will be a button on
the outside door handles.
Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock
press from the driver door. Keyless
Unlocking can also be turned off. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating
positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory
Seats 049.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door
handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on
the driver door handle will unlock the driver
door. If the lock/unlock button is pressed
again within five seconds, all passenger
doors and the tailgate will unlock.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
all doors to lock if any of the following
occur:
.It has been more than five seconds since
the first lock/unlock button press.
.Two lock/unlock button presses were
used to unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has been opened and all
doors are now closed.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Passenger Doors
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door
handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on a
passenger door handle will unlock all doors. Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
all doors to lock if any of the following
occur:
.The lock/unlock button was used to
unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has been opened and all
doors are now closed.
Disable/Enable Keyless Unlocking of Exterior
Door Handles and Tailgate
If equipped, keyless unlocking of the exterior
door handles and tailgate can be disabled
and enabled.
Disabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
Qand
Kon the RKE transmitter at the same time
for approximately three seconds. The turn
signal lamps will flash four times quickly to
indicate access is disabled. Using any
exterior handle to unlock the doors or open
the tailgate will cause the turn signal lamps
to flash four times quickly, indicating access
is disabled. If disabled, disarm the alarm
system before starting the vehicle. Enabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
Qand
Kon the RKE transmitter at the same time
for approximately three seconds. The turn
signal lamps will flash twice quickly to
indicate access is enabled.
Passive Locking
This feature will lock the vehicle several
seconds after all doors are closed, if the
vehicle is off and at least one RKE
transmitter has been removed from the
interior, or none remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere with the
RKE transmitter signal, the vehicle may not
detect the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the doors may
lock with the RKE transmitter inside the
vehicle. Do not leave the RKE transmitter in
an unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to automatically lock
when exiting the vehicle, see “Remote Lock,
Unlock, Start” underVehicle Personalization
0 131.