2021 GMC SIERRA ignition

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Instruments and Controls 115
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on
or off symbol, to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
{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. SeeAirbag Readiness Light 0114
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. See Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0230 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access) 0229.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Instruments and Controls 117
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
0 318. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is on while the engine is off.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start
up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. If equipped with
electric brake boost, vehicle speed may be
limited when the brake system warning
light comes on. The brake pedal might be
harder to push, or the brake pedal may go
closer to the floor. It could take longer to
stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle
0 394.
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Electric Parking Brake Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when the parking brake
is applied. If the light continues flashing
after the parking brake is released, or while
driving, there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on, or remains
flashing, see your dealer.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
122 Instruments and Controls
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the engine is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 367.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 369.
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Uplevel
Cluster)
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes
on briefly when the ignition is turned on as
a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is low
on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is
added. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced.
Security Light

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Instruments and Controls 131
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending on the
vehicle, some may not be available.
For System, Apps, and Personal features and
functions, see
Settings0186.
To access the vehicle personalization menu: 1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
2. Touch Vehicle to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting. 4. Touch
9orRto turn a feature off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level of the
Settings menu.
The menu may contain the following:
Rear Seat Reminder
This allows for a chime and a message when
the rear door has been opened before or
during operation of the vehicle.
Touch Off or On.
Climate and Air Quality
Touch and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed
.Auto Defog
.Auto Rear Defog
Auto Fan Speed
This setting specifies the amount of airflow
when the climate control fan setting is
Auto Fan.
Touch Low, Medium, or High.
Auto Defog
This setting automatically directs air to the
windshield to assist in defogging, based on
temperature and humidity conditions.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Instruments and Controls 135
Ride Height
Touch and the following may display:
.Automatic Entry/Egress
Automatic Entry/Egress
This feature specifies if the vehicle will
automatically lower to make it easier to
enter or exit the vehicle.
Touch Off or On.
Running Boards
Touch and the following may display:
.Automatic Running Boards
.Deploy Running Boards
Automatic Running Boards
This feature specifies the position and use of
the running boards.
Touch Off or On.
Deploy Running Boards
This feature moves the running boards to a
deployed position so they can be used with
the doors closed.
Touch Off or Deploy.
Seating Position
Touch and the following may display:
.Seat Entry Memory
.Seat Exit Memory
Seat Entry Memory
This feature automatically recalls the
previously stored 1 or 2 button positions
when the ignition is changed from off to on
or ACC/ACCESSORY. See Memory Seats049.
Touch Off or On.
Seat Exit Memory
This feature automatically recalls the
previously stored exit button position when
the ignition is changed from on or ACC/
ACCESSORY to off and the driver door is
open. See Memory Seats 049.
Touch Off or On.
Suspension
Touch and the following may display:
.Service Mode
.Alignment Mode Service Mode
This feature disables the air suspension
system and is used to prevent unintended
raising or lowering of the suspension.
Touch Off or On.
Alignment Mode
This feature will optimize the vehicle height
to provide the most accurate wheel
alignment.
Touch Off or On.
Trailering
Touch and the following may display:
.Side Trailer Camera
.Bed View Camera Lighting
Side Trailer Camera
This feature specifies if using the turn signal
during a lane change will also display an
applicable side view of the trailer and
vehicle. See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0266.
Touch Off or On.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Lighting 139
Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . 141
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 141
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . 142
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . 143
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Task Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . 144
Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel IlluminationControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Battery Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 147
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering
wheel.
O: Turns off the automatic headlamps and
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Turn the
headlamp control to
Oagain to turn the
automatic headlamps or DRL back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, off will only
work when the vehicle is in P (Park). AUTO :
Automatically turns on the
headlamps, parking lamps, taillamps,
instrument panel lights, roof marker lamps
(if equipped), front/rear sidemarker lamps,
and license plate lamps.
;: Turns on the parking lamps including
all lamps, except the headlamps and fog
lamps, if equipped.
For some trim levels and series of trucks
first sold in Canada, the headlamps may
turn on with the parking lamps.
2: Turns on the headlamps together with
the parking lamps, taillamps, instrument
panel lights, roof marker lamps (if
equipped), front/rear sidemarker lamps, and
license plate lamps.
When the headlamps are turned on while
the vehicle is on, the headlamps turn off
automatically 10 minutes after the ignition
is turned off. When the headlamps are
turned on while the vehicle is off, the
headlamps will stay on for 10 minutes
before turning off to prevent the battery
from being drained. Turn the headlamp
control off and then back to the headlamp
on position to make the headlamps stay on

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
140 Lighting
for an additional 10 minutes. To keep the
lamps on for more than 10 minutes, the
ignition must be on or in ACC/ACCESSORY.
K:If equipped, turns on the task
lighting. See Task Lighting 0144.
IntelliBeam System
If equipped, this system turns the vehicle's
high-beam headlamps on and off according
to surrounding traffic conditions.
The system turns the high-beam headlamps
on when it is dark enough and there is no
other traffic present.
This light
bcomes on in the instrument
cluster when the IntelliBeam system is
enabled.
Turning On and Enabling IntelliBeam
To enable the IntelliBeam system, press
bon the turn signal lever when it is
dark outside and the exterior lamp control is
in AUTO or
2.
Driving with IntelliBeam
The system only activates the high beams
when driving over 40 km/h (25 mph).
The blue high-beam on light appears on the
instrument cluster when the high beams
are on.
There is a sensor near the top center of the
windshield that automatically controls the
system. Keep this area of the windshield
clear of debris to allow for best system
performance.
The high-beam headlamps remain on, under
the automatic control, until one of the
following situations occurs:
.The system detects an approaching
vehicle's headlamps.
.The system detects a preceding vehicle's
taillamps.
.The outside light is bright enough that
high-beam headlamps are not required.
.The vehicle's speed drops below 20 km/h
(12 mph).
.The IntelliBeam system is disabled by the
button on the turn signal lever. If this
happens, press
bon the turn signal
lever when the exterior lamp control is in
the AUTO or
2position to reactivate the
IntelliBeam system. The instrument
cluster light will come on to indicate the
IntelliBeam system is reactivated.
The high beams may not turn off
automatically if the system cannot detect
another vehicle's lamps because of any of
the following:
.The other vehicle's lamps are missing,
damaged, obstructed from view,
or otherwise undetected.
.The other vehicle's lamps are covered
with dirt, snow, and/or road spray.
.The other vehicle's lamps cannot be
detected due to dense exhaust, smoke,
fog, snow, road spray, mist, or other
airborne obstructions.
.The vehicle's windshield is dirty, cracked,
or obstructed by something that blocks
the view of the light sensor.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Lighting 141
.The vehicle is loaded such that the front
end points upward, causing the light
sensor to aim high and not detect
headlamps and taillamps.
.Driving on winding or hilly roads.
The automatic high-beam headlamps may
need to be disabled if any of the above
conditions exist.
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
A reminder chime sounds when the
headlamps or parking lamps are manually
turned on, the ignition is off, and a door is
open. To disable the chime, turn the
lamps off.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
Push the turn signal lever toward the
instrument panel to change the headlamps
from low to high beam.
Pull or push the turn signal lever to return
to low-beam headlamps.
When the high-beam headlamps are on, this
indicator light on the instrument cluster will
also be on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the high-beam
headlamps to signal a driver in front of you
that you want to pass. It works even if the
headlamps are in the automatic position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward
you, then release it.
If the headlamps are in the automatic
position or on low beam, the high-beam
headlamps will turn on. Depending on the
type of headlamp, they will either turn off
after a short duration or stay on as long as
you hold the lever toward you. The
high-beam indicator on the instrument
cluster will come on. Release the lever to
return to normal operation.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of the vehicle during the day. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on when the
following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The transmission is not in P (Park).
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL system is on, only the DRL
are on. The taillamps, sidemarker lamps,
instrument panel lights, and other lamps
will not be on.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic
headlamp system switches from DRL to the
headlamps.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp
control to
Oand then release. For vehicles
first sold in Canada, off will only work when
the vehicle is parked.