keyless access CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The mechanical key inside the remote key is
used for the driver door and glove box.
To remove the mechanical key, 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.
The mechanical key may have a bar-coded
key tag that the dealer or qualified
locksmith can use to make new keys. store
this information in a safe place, not in the
vehicle.
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
0 412.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside
Assistance Program 0404.
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys
1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of
memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats040.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0409.
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 Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 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 Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
Q:Press to lock all doors.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash once
on the second press to indicate locking has
occurred. If enabled, the horn chirps when
Qis pressed again within three seconds. See
Vehicle Personalization 0124.
Pressing
Qarms the alarm system. See
Vehicle Alarm System 025.
If equipped with auto mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Qfor one second will
fold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0124.
K:Press once to unlock only the driver
door. If
Kis pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors unlock.
The interior lamps may come on and stay
on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash twice
to indicate unlocking has occurred.
If enabled, the exterior lamps may turn on.
See Vehicle Personalization 0124.
Pressing
Kon the remote key disarms the
alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 25. If equipped with auto mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Kfor one second will
unfold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0124.
Press and hold
Kuntil the windows fully
open, if remote window operation is
enabled. See Vehicle Personalization 0124.
b:Press twice to open or close the
liftgate. Press once to stop the liftgate from
moving.
c: Press twice to open the liftglass.
7:Press and release to initiate vehicle
locate. The turn signal lamps flash and the
horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
7for more than
three seconds to activate the panic alarm.
The turn signal lamps flash and the horn
sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm
turns off when the ignition is turned on or
7is pressed again. The ignition must be off
for the panic alarm to work.
/: To remote start the vehicle, double
press
/from outside the vehicle using the
remote key. The vehicle cannot be started if
a remote key is left inside the vehicle. See
Remote Vehicle Start 014.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for doors
and the liftgate to be accessed without
removing the remote key from your pocket,
purse, briefcase, etc. The remote key must
be within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door
being opened. If the vehicle has this feature,
there will be a button on the outside door
handles.
Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock
press from the driver door. See Vehicle
Personalization 0124.
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys
1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of
memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats040.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the remote
key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door handle,
pressing the lock/unlock button on the
driver door handle will unlock the driver
door. If the lock/unlock button is pressed
again within five seconds, all passenger
doors and the liftgate will unlock.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
all doors to lock if any of the following
occur:
.It has been more than five seconds since
the first lock/unlock button press.
.Two lock/unlock button presses were
used to unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has been opened and all
doors are now closed.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Passenger Doors
When the doors are locked and the remote
key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door handle,
pressing the lock/unlock button on a
passenger door handle will unlock all doors. Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
all doors to lock if any of the following
occur:
.The lock/unlock button was used to
unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has been opened and all
doors are now closed.
Disable/Enable Keyless Unlocking of Exterior
Door Handles and Liftgate
If equipped, keyless unlocking of the exterior
door handles and liftgate can be disabled
and enabled.
Disabling 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 four times quickly to
indicate access is disabled. Using any
exterior handle to unlock the doors or open
the liftgate 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.
Disabling Keyless Unlocking may also be
configured under Vehicle Personalization
0 124. 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.
Enabling Keyless Unlocking may also be
configured under Vehicle Personalization
0 124.
Passive Locking
The Keyless Access system 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 customize the doors to automatically lock
when exiting the vehicle, see “Remote Lock,
Unlock, Start” underVehicle Personalization
0 124.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
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 a remote
key is left in the vehicle, the horn will chirp
three times after all doors are closed. To
turn on or off see Vehicle Personalization
0 124.
Remote Removed From 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 a 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 turn on or off see
Vehicle Personalization 0124. Keyless Liftgate Opening
Press the touch pad on the underside of the
liftgate handle to open the liftgate when all
doors are unlocked, or when the remote key
is within 1 m (3 ft).
Keyless Liftglass Opening
Press the exterior liftglass button to open
the liftglass when all doors are unlocked,
or when the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft).
See
Liftgate 018.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak remote key
battery, see Door Locks015.
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
programmed to it.
Programming with Recognized Remote Keys
A new key can be programmed to the
vehicle when there are two recognized keys. To program, the vehicle must be in RUN and
all remote keys, both currently recognized
and new, must be with you.
Vehicles with Front Bench Seat
1. Place the two recognized remote keys on the passenger seat.
2. Scroll to the DIC menu to "Remote Key Learn" menu and select.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, 5, ETC.
3. Place the new remote key into thebackup pocket in the lower console bin.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.PressQorKon the power door lock
switch.
.Pulling an interior door handle will unlock
the door. Pulling the door handle again
unlatches it.
Keyless Access
The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of
the trunk or door being opened or locked.
Press the button on the door handle to
open. See “Keyless Access Operation” in
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 08. Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when
either the wrong key is used, or the correct
key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from
being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it
to the vertical position with the correct key
fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it
again. If this does not reset the lock, turn
the key halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.
Power Door Locks
PressQorKon the Remote Key. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 08.
Q:Press to lock the doors. The indicator
light in the switch will illuminate when
locked.
K: Press to unlock the doors.
Security Status indicator
A light on the upper surface of the driver's
door trim is used to indicate vehicle security
status.
This light will be OFF any time the ignition
is ON, except momentarily when vehicle
doors are locking.
Solid : Indicates securing with doors closed.
Fast Flash : Indicates securing with
doors open.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
.The transmission is not in P (Park).
.Hands Free Liftgate Control is set to off in
vehicle personalization. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0124.
.Power liftgate is turned off.
.The vehicle remains parked for 72 hours
or more, with no remote key use or
Keyless Access operation. To re-enable,
press any button on the remote key or
open and close a vehicle door.
The projected logo will not work for a single
remote key when a remote key:
.Has been left within approximately 5 m
(15 ft) of the liftgate for several minutes.
.Has been left inside the vehicle and all
vehicle doors are closed.
.Has approached the area outside of the
liftgate five times within 10 minutes. Lens Cleaning
If equipped, use a cotton swab to clean
the lens.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Power Assist Steps
{Warning
To avoid personal injury or property
damage, before entering or exiting the
vehicle, be sure the power assist step is
fully extended. Do not step on the power
assist step while it is moving. Never place
hands or other body parts between the
extended power assist step and the
vehicle.
If equipped, the power assist steps will
deploy when the door is opened and
automatically retract three seconds after the
door is closed. The power assist steps will
retract immediately if the vehicle starts
moving.
Disable the power assist steps before jacking
or placing any object under the vehicle. Too
much ice buildup may prevent deployment
of the power assist steps. Check the step
position before exiting the vehicle. If this
happens, disable the power assist steps,
clear the ice, then enable the assist steps
and confirm normal function prior to use. Keep hands, children, pets, objects, and
clothing clear of the power assist steps
when in motion. The steps will reverse
direction if they encounter an obstruction
when opening or closing. Remove the
obstruction, then open and close the door
on the same side to complete the motion of
the assist steps. If the obstruction is not
cleared, the assist steps remain extended
while driving.
To extend or retract both power assist steps
for cleaning, see
Vehicle Personalization
0 124.
Enable/Disable
To enable or disable the power assist steps,
see Vehicle Personalization 0124.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
The indicator light, on the driver door near
the window, indicates the status of the
system. See Power Door Locks 016
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the remote key.
.Use the Keyless Access system.
.With a door open, pressQon the
interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash. Pressing
Qon the remote

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
key a second time will bypass the
30-second delay and immediately arm
the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the mechanical key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the remote key, the horn will
chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started,
or the door is not unlocked by pressing
K
on the remote key during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the liftgate, or the hood is
opened without first disarming the system.
When the alarm is activated, the turn
signals flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will then
re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized
event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the remote key.
.Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless
Access system.
.Start the vehicle. To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
exited.
.Always unlock a door with the remote
key, or use the Keyless Access system.
Unlocking the driver door with the
mechanical key will not disarm the
system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the remote key 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.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
To keep the steering column from binding,
straighten the front wheels before turning
off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0409.
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 immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is turned on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid remote key is
present in the vehicle.
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 remote keys
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
the vehicle. Only a correctly matched
remote key will start the vehicle. If the
remote key 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.
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 remote
key appears to be undamaged, try another
remote key. Or, you may try placing the
remote key in the backup location. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation
08.
If the ignition modes will not change with
the other remote key or in the backup
location, the vehicle needs service. If the
ignition does change modes, the first
remote key may be faulty. See your dealer.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement remote keys. Up
to eight remote keys can be programmed
for the vehicle. To program additional remote keys, see
“Programming Remote
Keys to the Vehicle” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 08.
Do not leave the remote key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
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.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Seats and Restraints 41
2, orB(Exit) until two beeps sound. To
manually recall these positions, press and
hold 1, 2, or
Buntil the saved position is
reached. Follow the instructions under
“Saving Memory Positions.”
The vehicle identifies the current driver’s
remote key number (1–8). See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 08.
Only remote keys 1 and 2 can be used for
automatic memory recalls. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) welcome message
indicating the remote key number may
display for the first few ignition cycles
following a remote key change. For Seat
Entry Memory to work properly, save the
positions to the memory button (1 or 2)
matching the remote key number displayed
in the DIC welcome message. Carry the
linked remote key when entering the
vehicle.
Vehicle Personalization Settings
.To have the Seat Entry Memory
movement begin when the vehicle is
started, select the Settings menu, then
Vehicle, then Seating Position, and then
Seat Entry Memory. Select On or Off. See
“Seat Entry Memory” later in this section.
.To begin Seat Exit Memory movement
when the vehicle is turned off and the
driver door is opened, or when the vehicle
is turned off with the driver door already
opened, select the Settings menu, then
Vehicle, then Seating Position, and then
Seat Exit Memory. Select On or Off. See
“Seat Exit Memory”later in this section.
.SeeVehicle Personalization 0124 for
additional setting information.
Identifying Driver Number
To identify the driver number: 1. Move your remote key away from the vehicle.
2. Start the vehicle with another remote key. The DIC should display the driver
number for the other remote key. Turn
the vehicle off and remove the remote
key from the vehicle.
3. Start the vehicle with the initial remote key. The DIC should display the driver
number of your remote key.
Saving Memory Positions
Read these instructions completely before
saving memory positions.
To save preferred driving positions 1 and 2: 1. Turn the vehicle on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY with remote key 1 or 2.
A DIC welcome message may indicate
driver number 1 or 2.
2. Adjust all available memory features to the desired driving position.
3. Press and release SET; a beep will sound.
4. Immediately press and hold the 1 or 2 memory button matching the above
DIC welcome message until two beeps
sound.
If too much time passes between
releasing SET and pressing 1, the
memory position will not be saved and
two beeps will not sound. Repeat
Steps 3 and 4.
1 or 2 corresponds to the driver number.
See “Identifying Driver Number”
previously in this section.
5. Repeat Steps 1–4 for a second driver using 1 or 2. Remote keys 3–8 will not
save memory positions.
To save the position for
Band Seat Exit
Memory features, repeat Steps 1–4 using
B. This saves the position for getting out
of the vehicle.