2021 GMC SIERRA ECU

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 33
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 RKE
transmitters matched to an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly
matched RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter 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 when the
ignition is turned on. 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 RKE
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try
another transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the transmitter pocket
located in the center console. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key
Access) 010 or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 013.
If the ignition mode will not change with
the other transmitter or with the
transmitter in the transmitter pocket, your
vehicle needs service. If the ignition does change modes, the first transmitter may be
faulty. See your dealer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a new RKE
transmitter programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement RKE transmitters.
Up to eight transmitters can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program
additional transmitters, see "Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle" under
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key
Access) 010 or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 013
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the vehicle theft
system in the vehicle.
When equipped with a key, if the engine
still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key.
It may be necessary to check the fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 0353. If the
engine still does not start with the other
key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the first key may be faulty. See
your dealer. It is possible for the
immobilizer system to learn new or
replacement keys. Up to eight keys can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program additional keys, see
Keys (Key Access)07or
Keys (Keyless Access) 09. Do not leave the
key or device that disarms or deactivates
the vehicle theft system in the vehicle.
See your dealer to get a new key blank cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the
system.
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.
Standard Mirrors
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Seats and Restraints 45
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . 52
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 55
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 59
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 63
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 64
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . 64
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Center Front Seat) . . . . . . . . 92
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Passenger Seat) . . . . . 92
Head Restraints
{
Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.
Front Seats
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard seating
positions.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
58 Seats and Restraints
position on the seat, move the seat
rearward or recline the seat until the
shoulder belt retractor lock releases.
Engaging the child restraint locking
feature in the front outboard seating
position may affect the passenger
sensing system, if equipped. See
Passenger Sensing System066.
If the webbing locks in the latch plate
before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch
plate flat to unlock.
3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until
it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure
it is secure. If the belt is not long
enough, see Seat Belt Extender 059.
Position the release button on the buckle
so that the seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.4. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
60 Seats and Restraints
But if a seat belt is not long enough, your
dealer will order you an extender. When
you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat
you will wear, so the extender will be long
enough for you. To help avoid personal
injury, do not let someone else use it, and
use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The
extender has been designed for adults.
Never use it for securing child restraints. For
more information on the proper use and fit
of seat belt extenders see the instruction
sheet that comes with the extender.
Safety System Check
Periodically check the seat belt reminder,
seat belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors,
shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped),
and seat belt anchorages to make sure they
are all in working order. Look for any other
loose or damaged seat belt system parts
that might keep a seat belt system from
performing properly. See your dealer to
have it repaired. Torn, frayed, or twisted
seat belts may not protect you in a crash.
Torn or frayed seat belts can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed,
have it replaced immediately. If a belt is
twisted, it may be possible to untwist byreversing the latch plate on the webbing.
If the twist cannot be corrected, ask your
dealer to fix it.
Make sure the seat belt reminder light is
working. See
Seat Belt Reminders 0113.
Keep seat belts clean and dry. See Seat Belt
Care 060.
Seat Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
Seat belts should be properly cared for and
maintained.
Seat belt hardware should be kept dry and
free of dust or debris. As necessary, exterior
hard surfaces and seat belt webbing may be
lightly cleaned with mild soap and water.
Ensure there is not excessive dust or debris
in the mechanism. If dust or debris exists in
the system please see the dealer. Parts may
need to be replaced to ensure proper
functionality of the system.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing.
It may severely weaken the webbing. In
a crash, they might not be able to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
provide adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with mild
soap and lukewarm water. Allow the
webbing to dry.
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the seat belt system
in the vehicle. A damaged seat belt
system may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in serious injury
or even death in a crash. To help make
sure the seat belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of seat
belts may not be necessary. But the seat
belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the seat belt
assemblies inspected or replaced.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
62 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
crash. Always wear a seat belt, even with
airbags. The driver should sit as far back
as possible while still maintaining control
of the vehicle. The seat belts and the
front outboard passenger airbags are
most effective when you are sitting well
back and upright in the seat with both
feet on the floor.
Occupants should not lean on or sleep
against the door or side windows in
seating positions with seat-mounted side
impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.
{Warning
Children who are up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it inflates can
be seriously injured or killed. Always
secure children properly in the vehicle. To
read how, seeOlder Children 071 or
Infants and Young Children 072.
There is an airbag readiness light on the
instrument cluster, which shows the airbag
symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical
system for malfunctions. The light tells you
if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light 0114.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the center of
the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger frontal airbag
is in the passenger side instrument panel.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Seats and Restraints 63
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
The driver and front outboard passenger
seat-mounted side impact airbags are in the
side of the seatbacks closest to the door.Driver Side Crew Cab Shown, Passenger Side Double and Regular Cabs Similar
The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front
outboard passenger, and second row
outboard passengers are in the ceiling above
the side windows.
{Warning
If something is between an occupant and
an airbag, the airbag might not inflate
properly or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inflating airbag
must be kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an airbag, and (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any
other airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that block the
inflation path of a seat-mounted side
impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof of a
vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a
rope or tie‐down through any door or
window opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See
Airbag System061. Airbags are designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds the specific
airbag system's deployment threshold.
Deployment thresholds are used to predict
how severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants. The vehicle has electronic
sensors that help the airbag system
determine the severity of the impact.
Deployment thresholds can vary with
specific vehicle design.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
66 Seats and Restraints
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. SeeVehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0437 and
Event Data Recorders 0438.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system
for the front outboard passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will
light on the overhead console when the
vehicle is started.
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the symbols for
on and off, will be visible during the system
check. When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 0114.
The passenger sensing system turns off the
front outboard passenger frontal airbag
under certain conditions. No other airbag is
affected by the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with
sensors that are part of the front outboard
passenger seat and seat belt. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a
properly seated occupant and determine if
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
should be allowed to inflate or not.
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly secured in a rear seat
in the correct child restraint for their weight
and size. Whenever possible, children aged 12 and
under should be secured in a rear seating
position.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag
inflates.
{Warning
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
passenger frontal airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the passenger
frontal airbag inflates and the passenger
seat is in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the passenger frontal airbag,
no system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual circumstance, even
though the airbag is turned off.
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Seats and Restraints 67
Warning (Continued)
Never put a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat, even if the airbag is off.
If securing a forward-facing child restraint
in the front outboard passenger seat,
always move the seat as far back as it
will go. It is better to secure child
restraints in the rear seat. Consider using
another vehicle to transport the child
when a rear seat is not available.
If the vehicle does not have a rear seat that
will accommodate a rear-facing child
restraint, a rear-facing child restraint should
not be installed in the vehicle, even if the
airbag is off.
The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag if:
.The front outboard passenger seat is
unoccupied.
.The system determines an infant is
present in a child restraint.
.A front outboard passenger takes his/her
weight off of the seat for a period
of time.
.There is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag, the OFF indicator will light
and stay lit as a reminder that the airbag is
off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
0 114.
The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn on the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting properly in the
front outboard passenger seat.
When the passenger sensing system has
allowed the airbag to be enabled, the ON
indicator will light and stay lit as a reminder
that the airbag is active.
For some children, including children in child
restraints, and for very small adults, the
passenger sensing system may or may not
turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag, depending upon the person's
seating posture and body build. Everyone in
the vehicle who has outgrown child
restraints should wear a seat belt
properly —whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0114
for more information, including important
safety information.
If the On Indicator Is Lit for a Child
Restraint
The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag if the system determines that
an infant is present in a child restraint. If a
child restraint has been installed and the ON
indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.