GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
If the vehicle has the Keyless Access system,
the remote key has a button on the side of
the remote key 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
0 417.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside
Assistance Program 0408.
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys
1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of
memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats051.
Remote Key
See Radio Frequency Statement 0413.
If there is a decrease in the remote key
operating range:
.Check the distance. The remote key may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the remote key's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the remote key is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Key Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the remote key is within 1 m
(3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later
in this section.
The remote key functions may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the remote key. See Remote Key015.
The key that is part of the remote key can
be used for all locks.
Remove the key by pressing the button on
the side of the remote key near the bottom
and pull the key out. Never pull the key out
without pressing the button.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
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 remote key 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 remote key
has been removed from the interior, or none
remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere with the
remote key signal, the vehicle may not
detect the remote key inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the doors may
lock with the remote key inside the vehicle.
Do not leave the remote key in an
unattended vehicle. To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Temporary Disable of Passive Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking by
pressing and holding
Kon the interior door
switch with a door open for at least
four seconds, or until three chimes are
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an
remote key is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for remote keys inside. If an remote
key is not detected, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE
DETECTED and the horn will chirp three times. This occurs only once each time the
vehicle is driven. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen, touch
Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock,
Start.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead remote key
battery, see
Door Locks022.Programming Remote Keys to the
Vehicle
Only remote keys programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a remote key is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen remote keys no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight remote keys
matched to it.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote
Key Battery
If the remote key battery is weak or if there
is interference with the signal, the DIC may
display NO KEY FOUND, REPLACE BATTERY IN
KEY or NO REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED
PLACE KEY IN KEY POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE when starting the vehicle.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
To start the vehicle:
Transmitter Pocket without Floor Console
Transmitter Pocket with Floor Console
Denali Transmitter Pocket
1. Place the remote key in the transmitter pocket/insert.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral) press the brake pedal and ENGINE
START/STOP.
Replace the remote key battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the
remote key. The remote key contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 remote key 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 remote key.
Static from your body could damage the
remote key.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Caution (Continued)
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.
Caution
If the remote key is not reassembled
properly, liquids could enter the housing
and damage the circuitry, resulting in a
remote key malfunction and/or failure. To
prevent damage, always follow the steps
for remote key reassembly in this manual
to ensure the remote key is sealed
properly whenever the remote key is
opened.
Replace the battery in the remote key soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY. To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the side of the
remote key near the bottom and pull the
mechanical key out. Never pull the
mechanical key out without pressing the
button.
2. Use the mechanical key blade in the slotto remove the battery cover by hand.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 21
3. Remove the battery cover.
4. Pull the seal by pulling on the tab toaccess the battery.
5. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
6. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2450 or
equivalent battery.
7. Place the seal back into the groove around the battery compartment.
8. Replace the battery cover by snapping it back into the remote key.
9. Reinsert the mechanical key.
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 Seats 054. To
view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Comfort and Convenience.
If equipped, the automatic heated steering
wheel may also come on. See Heated
Steering Wheel 0105.
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 remote key 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.
.The 30 minutes of engine run time 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 remote key range may be reduced
while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the remote key. See Remote Key015.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
Press
Stwice on the remote key. The turn
signal lamps will flash. The lamps flash to
confirm the request to remote start the
vehicle has been received. During the
remote start the parking lamps will remain
on as long as the engine is running.
The engine will shut off after 15 minutes or
after the remainder of the 30 minute total
running time is used, unless you stop the
remote start before engine running has
completed or the vehicle is turned on.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-16908340) - 2024 - CRC - 12/7/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Some tailgates have an electric latch. If the
battery is disconnected or has low voltage,
the tailgate will not open. The tailgate will
resume operation when the battery is
reconnected or recharged.
Power Release Tailgate
{Warning
Make sure there is no one in the way of
the power tailgate as it is opening and
closing, and keep hands away from the
tailgate hinges when in use. You or
others could be injured if caught in the
path of the power tailgate or tailgate
hinges.
Caution
To avoid damage to the tailgate, make
sure the area behind the tailgate is clear
before opening it.
In the case of a dead battery, the tailgate
can be opened manually. Contact your
dealer or Roadside Assistance. If equipped, to lock or unlock the tailgate,
use the remote key or the key. See
Remote
Key Operation 015.
The vehicle must be in P (Park).
To open the tailgate:
.Pressxtwice quickly on the remote
key until the tailgate moves.
.Press5on the center stack.
.Press the touch pad on the tailgate
handle after unlocking all doors. Use the
top of the tailgate to pull against if
assistance is required. If equipped with
Keyless Access, a locked tailgate can be
opened if the remote key is within
1 m (3 ft).
To close the tailgate, firmly push it upward
until it latches. Pull it back to be sure it is
latched securely.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 43
If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window.
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Express Window Down
L: If equipped, this button will be on the
center stack.
Press and hold
Lto open all windows.
Release
Lto stop all movement.
Use the power window switches to close
each window.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window: 1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to accessory mode. 3. Partially open the window to be
programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature allows the windows
to be opened remotely. If enabled in vehicle
settings, double press and hold
Kon the
remote key. To view available settings from
the infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Seats and Restraints 73
approved by GM for your specific vehicle.
SeeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 073 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired,
remove the object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0413.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal, may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.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