GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
70 Seats and Restraints
.Front seats, including stitching, seams,
or zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or
with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System 066.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0377 for
additional important information.
If a snow plow is added to the vehicle, the
airbags should still work properly. The
airbag systems were designed to work
properly under a wide range of conditions,
including snow plowing with vehicles that
have the optional snow plow prep package
(RPO VYU). Do not change or defeat the
snow plow's “tripping mechanism.” If you
do, it can damage the snow plow and the
vehicle, and may cause an airbag
deployment.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0430.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 0114.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 062. See your dealer
for service.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
116 Instruments and Controls
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications0323.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless funnel adapter, make
sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable
Gas Can” underFilling the Tank (Pickup
Model) 0285 or
Filling the Tank (Chassis Cab Model) 0287. The diagnostic system can
detect if the adapter has been left
installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the adapter removed
may turn off the light.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel (Except 6.2L
V8 Engine) 0283 or
Recommended Fuel (6.2L V8 Engine)
0 284.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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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./
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124 Instruments and Controls
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)
The DIC displays are shown in the center of
the instrument cluster. The displays show
the status of many vehicle systems. The trip
odometer reset stem in the instrument
cluster is used to access the DIC menu
items.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement for more
information.
DIC Menu Items
Turn the trip odometer reset stem to scroll
through the following menu items:
.Digital Speedometer
.Trip 1/2
.Fuel Range
.Tire Pressure
.Remaining Oil Life
.Air Filter Life
.Brake Pad Life
Digital Speedometer
The speedometer shows how fast the
vehicle is moving in either kilometers per
hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). The
speedometer cannot be reset.
Trip 1 or 2 and Average Fuel Economy
Turn the trip odometer reset stem until TRIP
1 or TRIP 2 displays. The current distance
traveled, in either kilometers (km) or
miles (mi), since the last reset for the trip
odometer is shown, as well as the average
fuel economy. The trip odometer and the
average fuel economy can be reset by
pressing and holding the trip odometer
reset stem. Fuel Range
This display shows the approximate distance
the vehicle can be driven without refueling.
The fuel range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel economy over
recent driving history and the amount of
fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel range
cannot be reset.
Tire Pressure
Turn the trip odometer reset stem until a
vehicle with the approximate pressures of all
four tires displays. Tire pressure is displayed
in either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).
See
Tire Pressure Monitor System 0368 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0369.
Remaining Oil Life
Turn the trip odometer reset stem until
REMAINING OIL LIFE displays. An estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life is shown.
REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 330. In addition to the engine oil life
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Instruments and Controls 127
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, seeEngine Oil Life
System 0332.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 368 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0369.
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time of the
next oil change. When the REPLACE SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience.
The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see Engine Air Filter Life System 0333. Brake Pad Life :
This displays an estimate of
the remaining life of the front and rear
brake pads. Messages will display based on
brake pad wear and the state of the system.
Reset the Brake Pad Life display after
replacing the brake pads. See Brake Pad Life
System 0342.
Fuel Economy : Displays average fuel
economy, the best fuel economy over the
selected distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy.
Press the thumbwheel to change the
selected distance. Press and hold the
thumbwheel while this display is active to
reset the best fuel economy and average
fuel economy. This display can also be reset
by selecting reset in the menu.
Engine Hours (Hourmeter) : Shows the total
number of hours the engine has run. This
display also shows the engine idle hours.
Transmission Fluid Temperature : Shows the
temperature of the automatic transmission
fluid in either degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Trailer Brake : On vehicles with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC)
system, the trailer brake display appears in
the DIC. TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer gain setting.
This setting can be adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0
with either a trailer connected or
disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT shows the power output to
the trailer any time a trailer with electric
brakes is connected. Output is displayed as a
bar graph. Dotted lines may appear in the
OUTPUT display if a trailer is not connected.
Off Road :
Displays vehicle pitch and roll
information, road wheel angle, and
four-wheel drive (4WD) status.
Follow Distance : If equipped, the current
follow time to the vehicle ahead is displayed
as a time value on this page.
Driver Assistance : If equipped, shows
information for Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and
Forward Collision Alert (FCA).
Info Page Options : Scroll to choose which
info pages appear on the DIC. Press the
thumbwheel to select or deselect.
Blank Page : Shows no information.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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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./
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174 Infotainment System
This system might not be available or
interference can occur if any of the
following are true:
.Signals are obstructed by tall buildings,
trees, large trucks, or a tunnel.
.Satellites are being repaired or improved.
For more information if the GPS is not
functioning properly, see Problems with
Route Guidance 0174 and
If the System Needs Service 0175.
Vehicle Positioning
At times, the position of the vehicle on the
map could be inaccurate due to one or more
of the following reasons:
.The road system has changed.
.The vehicle is driving on slippery road
surfaces such as sand, gravel, or snow.
.The vehicle is traveling on winding roads
or long, straight roads.
.The vehicle is approaching a tall building
or a large vehicle.
.The surface streets run parallel to a
freeway.
.The vehicle has been transferred by a
vehicle carrier or a ferry.
.The current position calibration is set
incorrectly.
.The vehicle is traveling at high speed.
.The vehicle changes directions more than
once, or the vehicle is turning on a turn
table in a parking lot.
.The vehicle is entering and/or exiting a
parking lot, garage, or a lot with a roof.
.The GPS signal is not received.
.A roof carrier is installed on the vehicle.
.Tire chains are installed on the vehicle.
.The tires are replaced or worn.
.The tire pressure for the tires is incorrect.
.This is the first navigation use after the
map data is updated.
.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
for several days.
.The vehicle is driving in heavy traffic
where driving is at low speeds, and the
vehicle is stopped and started repeatedly.
Problems with Route Guidance
Inappropriate route guidance can occur
under one or more of the following
conditions:
.The turn was not made on the road
indicated.
.Route guidance might not be available
when using automatic rerouting for the
next right or left turn.
.The route might not be changed when
using automatic rerouting.
.There is no route guidance when turning
at an intersection.
.Plural names of places might be
announced occasionally.
.It could take a long time to operate
automatic rerouting during high-speed
driving.
.Automatic rerouting might display a route
returning to the set waypoint if heading
for a destination without passing through
a set waypoint.
.The route prohibits the entry of a vehicle
due to a regulation by time or season or
any other regulation which may be given.
.Some routes might not be searched.
.The route to the destination might not be
shown if there are new roads, if roads
have recently changed, or if certain roads
are not listed in the map data. See Maps
0 166.
To recalibrate the vehicle's position on the
map, park with the vehicle running for two
to five minutes, until the vehicle position
updates. Make sure the vehicle is parked in
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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212 Driving and Operating
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 288
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . 288
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Trailering App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab . . . . . 320
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.