GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Introduction 5
1. Tow/Haul Mode (On Some Models). SeeDriver Mode Control 0251.
Automatic Transfer Case Control (If
Equipped). See Four-Wheel Drive 0242.
Driver Mode Control 0251 (If Equipped).
2. Air Vents 0209.
3. Head-Up Display (HUD) 0128 (If
Equipped).
4. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0143.
Windshield Wiper/Washer 0101.
5. Instrument Cluster 0106.
6. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 239.
Range Selection Mode. See Manual Mode
0 241.
7. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0142.
8. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 149.
9. Climate Control Systems 0204 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 206 (If Equipped).
10. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 052
(If Equipped). 11.ALane Keep Assist (LKA)
0281 (If
Equipped).
XPark Assist Switch (If Equipped). See
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0 266.
hAuto Stop Disable Switch (If
Equipped). See Stop/Start System 0233.
5Power Release Tailgate (If
Equipped). See Tailgate023.
|Hazard Warning Flashers 0142.
gTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0248.
ADC/AC Switch. See Power Outlets
0 102.
5Hill Descent Control Switch (If
Equipped). See Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 250.
jPower Assist Steps 030 (If
Equipped).
LExpress Window Down Button (If
Equipped). See Power Windows 041.
Tow/Haul Mode 0242 (On Some
Models).
Exhaust Brake (If Equipped). See Duramax
Diesel Supplement. Power Take-Off (PTO) (If Equipped). See
Duramax Diesel Supplement.
12. Power Outlet (Alternating Current) (If Equipped). See Power Outlets0102.
13. Power Outlet (Direct Current) Power
Outlets 0102.
14. USB Port 0158.
15. Wireless Charging 0103 (If Equipped).
16. Trailer Brake Control Panel (If Equipped). See“Integrated Trailer Brake Control
System” underTowing Equipment 0296.
17. ENGINE START/STOP. See Ignition
Positions (Keyless Access) 0230 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access) 0229.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 0100 (If
Equipped).
Driver Information Center (DIC) Controls.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0125.
19. Horn 0101.
20. Hood Release. See Hood0323.
21. Steering Wheel Adjustment 0100 (Out
of View).
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
6 Introduction
22.Cruise Control 0254.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0256
(If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 275 (If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 0100 (If
Equipped).
23. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0115.
24. Electric Parking Brake 0247.
25. Fog Lamps 0143 (If Equipped).
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0 145.
Exterior Cargo Lamps 0144.
Exterior Lamp Controls 0139.
Task Lighting 0144 (If Equipped).
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . 10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Doors
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Steering Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 38
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Keys and Locks
Keys (Key Access)
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous and children or
others could be seriously injured or killed.
They could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the vehicle
move. The windows will function with
the keys in the ignition, 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.
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
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped with the remote start feature,
the climate control system will come on
when the vehicle is started remotely,
depending on the outside temperature.
The rear defog and heated and ventilated
seats, if equipped, may also come on. See
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats052 and
Vehicle Personalization 0131.
If equipped, the automatic heated steering
wheel may also come on. See Heated
Steering Wheel 0100.
Laws in some communities may restrict the
use of remote starters. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote
starting of vehicles.
Do not use remote start if the vehicle is low
on fuel. The vehicle may run out of fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote started if:
.The RKE transmitter is inside the vehicle
or if the key is in the ignition.
.The hood is not closed.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction and the lamp is on.
.The ignition is in any mode other
than off.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.Two remote starts or a remote start with
an extension have been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
The engine will turn off during a remote
vehicle start if:
.The coolant temperature gets too high.
.The oil pressure gets low.
The RKE transmitter range may be reduced
while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 010.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately press and hold
/until the
turn signal lamps flash or for at least
four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on. The doors will be
locked and the climate control system
may come on. The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 for a 15-minute time
extension.
Turn the ignition on to operate the vehicle.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be extended by
15 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes,
if during the first 15 minutes Steps 1 and 2
are repeated while the engine is still
running. An extension can be requested
30 seconds after starting.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
single start with an extension, is allowed
between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be turned on and
then back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by mistake:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
exited.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key
will not disarm the system or turn off the
alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE transmitter 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.
To keep the steering column from binding,
straighten the front wheels before turning
off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0436.
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 system is automatically disarmed when
the ignition is turned from off to on.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Seats and Restraints 53
Remote Start Heated and Ventilated Seats
If equipped, the heated seats will turn on
automatically during a remote start if it is
cold outside and the ventilated seats will
turn on automatically if it is hot outside.
If equipped, the heated steering wheel will
turn on automatically during a remote start
if it is cold outside. The heated and
ventilated seat indicators and heated
steering wheel indicator may not come on
during this operation.
The heated and ventilated seats and heated
steering wheel may cancel when the vehicle
is started. These features can be manually
selected after the ignition is turned on.
The temperature performance of an
unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is
normal.
The heated or ventilated seats will not turn
on during a remote start unless they are
enabled in vehicle personalization. See
Remote Vehicle Start020 and
Vehicle Personalization 0131.Rear Seats
Rear Seat Reminder
If equipped, the message REAR SEAT
REMINDER LOOK IN REAR SEAT displays
under certain conditions indicating there
may be an item or passenger in the rear
seat. Check before exiting the vehicle.
This feature will activate when a second row
door is opened while the vehicle is on or up
to 10 minutes before the vehicle is turned
on. There will be an alert when the vehicle
is turned off. The alert does not directly
detect objects in the rear seat; instead,
under certain conditions, it detects when a
rear door is opened and closed, indicating
that there may be something in the
rear seat.
The feature is active only once each time
the vehicle is turned on and off, and will
require reactivation by opening and closing
the second row doors. There may be an
alert even when there is nothing in the rear
seat; for example, if a child entered the
vehicle through the rear door and left the
vehicle without the vehicle being shut off.
The feature can be turned on or off. See
Vehicle Personalization 0131.
Folding the Rear Seat Cushion
Either side of the rear seat cushion can be
folded up for added cargo space.
Caution
Folding a rear seat with the seat belts
still fastened may cause damage to the
seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle
the seat belts and return them to their
normal stowed position before folding a
rear seat.
Make sure that nothing is on the seat
cushion.
To fold the seat, slowly pull the seat
cushion up.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Seats and Restraints 61
New parts and repairs may be necessary
even if the seat belt system was not being
used at the time of the crash.
Have the seat belt pretensioners checked if
the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the
airbag readiness light stays on after you
start the vehicle or while you are driving.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light 0114.
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following airbags:
.A frontal airbag for the driver
.A frontal airbag for the front outboard
passenger
.A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
driver
.A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
front outboard passenger
.A roof-rail airbag for the driver and the
passenger seated directly behind the
driver
.A roof-rail airbag for the front outboard
passenger and the passenger seated
directly behind the front outboard
passenger All vehicle airbags have the word AIRBAG on
the trim or on a label near the deployment
opening.
For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the center of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel for the
front outboard passenger.
For seat-mounted side impact airbags, the
word AIRBAG is on the side of the seatback
or side of the seat closest to the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement the
protection provided by seat belts. Even
though today's airbags are also designed to
help reduce the risk of injury from the force
of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things to know
about the airbag system:{Warning
You can be severely injured or killed in a
crash if you are not wearing your seat
belt, even with airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with seat belts, not
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
replace them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash. In
some crashes seat belts are the only
restraint. SeeWhen Should an Airbag
Inflate? 063.
Wearing your seat belt during a crash
helps reduce your chance of hitting
things inside the vehicle or being ejected
from it. Airbags are “supplemental
restraints” to the seat belts. Everyone in
the vehicle should wear a seat belt
properly, whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.
{Warning
Because airbags inflate with great force
and faster than the blink of an eye,
anyone who is up against, or very close
to, any airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not sit
unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you
would be if sitting on the edge of the
seat or leaning forward. Seat belts help
keep you in position before and during a
(Continued)