GMC SIERRA 2021 Owner's Manual

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./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
142 Lighting
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to
AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor,
otherwise the headlamps will come on when
they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. If it is light outside when the
vehicle leaves the garage, there is a slightdelay before the automatic headlamp
system changes to the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). During that delay, the
instrument cluster may not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the instrument panel
illumination control is in the full bright
position. See
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0145.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps will turn off or may change
to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system turns off
when the exterior lamp control is turned to
Oor the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in
daylight with the engine on, and the
exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and other
exterior lamps come on. The transition time
for the lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are not
operating, these lamps turn off. Move the
exterior lamp control to
Oor;to disable
this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|: Press this button to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.
Press again to turn the flashers off.
When the hazard warning flashers are on,
the vehicle's turn signals will not work.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
Lighting 143
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
An arrow on the instrument cluster flashes
in the direction of the turn or lane change.
Move the turn signal lever all the way up or
down to signal a turn.
Partially raise or lower the lever for less
than one second until the arrow starts to
flash to signal a lane change. This causes
the turn signals to automatically flash three
times. It will flash six times if Tow/Haul
Mode is active. Holding the turn signal lever
for more than one second will cause the
turn signals to flash until the lever is
released.The lever returns to its starting position
whenever it is released.
If after signaling a turn or a lane change the
arrows flash rapidly or do not come on, a
signal bulb could be burned out. If equipped
with LED turn signals, see your dealer.
Replace any burned out bulbs. If a bulb is
not burned out, check the fuse. See
Fuses
and Circuit Breakers 0353.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for more than
1.2 km (0.75 mi), a chime sounds at each
flash of the turn signal. A message may
appear in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See Vehicle Messages 0130. To turn
the chime and message off, move the turn
signal lever to the off position.
Fog Lamps
If equipped, the fog lamp control is near the
exterior lamp control to the left of the
steering column.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps
to come on.
#: Press to turn the fog lamps on or off.
A light will come on in the instrument
cluster.
When the fog lamps are turned on, the
parking lamps automatically turn on.
When the headlamps are changed to high
beam, the fog lamps also go off. When the
high-beam headlamps are turned off, the fog
lamps will come on again.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
144 Lighting
Some localities have laws that require the
headlamps to be on with the fog lamps.
Task Lighting
If equipped, task lighting projects light from
the outside mirrors away from the vehicle.
While the vehicle is parked, press
Kto
select one of the following options:
.Left and Right Task Lights Illuminated
.Left Task Light Illuminated
.Right Task Light Illuminated
.Left and Right Task Lights Off
If the vehicle leaves a parked position, the
lights will immediately turn off. If the vehicle is off, the lights will stay on
for approximately 10 minutes.
If any Task lights are on, if the button has
not been pressed after approximately
5 seconds, pressing it again will turn off all
Task Lights.
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp
If equipped, this button includes wiring
provisions for a dealer or a qualified service
center to install an auxiliary roof lamp.
For information on roof-mounted emergency
lamp installation, see www.gmupfitter.com
or contact your dealer.
If the vehicle has this button, the vehicle
may have the snow plow prep package. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
0318.
Exterior Cargo Lamps
The cargo lamps provide more light in the
cargo area or on the sides of the vehicle,
if needed. The lamps inside the pickup box,
in the tailgate handle, for the hitch, and/or
the cargo mirror lamps also turn on,
if equipped.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
Lighting 145
If the vehicle is in P (Park), R (Reverse),
or N (Neutral) the Cargo Lamp Switch causes
the lights to cycle through the following
states for each button press:
- Initial Press:
- CHMSL/Cargo Bed Lights - On
- Cargo Mirror Lights - On
- Cargo Switch Indicator (if equipped) - On
- Next Press: (if with in 5 seconds of the
previous button press):
- CHMSL/Cargo Bed Lights - On
- Cargo Mirror Lights - Off
- Cargo Switch Indicator (if equipped) - On
- Next Press:
- CHMSL/Cargo Bed Lights - Off
- Cargo Mirror Lights - Off
- Cargo Switch Indicator (if equipped) - Off
Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to cargo lamp
operation.Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control
This feature adjusts the brightness of all
illuminated controls. The instrument panel
illumination control is next to the exterior
lamp control.
D:PressD+ to brighten orD− to
dim the lights.
This feature is functional at night, or when
the headlamps or parking lamps are ON.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamp controls are in the overhead
console.
To operate, press the following buttons:
jOFF : Press to turn off the dome
lamps when a door is open. An indicator
light on the button will turn on when the
dome lamp override is activated. Press
j
OFF again to deactivate this feature and the
indicator light will turn off. The dome lamps
will come on when any door is opened,
K
on the remote key is pressed, or when the
ignition is switched off.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
146 Lighting
+ON/OFF :Press to turn the dome lamps
on manually. Press again to turn the dome
lamps off.
Reading Lamps
There are reading lamps on the overhead
console and over the rear seats. These lamps
come on when any door is opened.
To operate, the ignition must be on, or in
ACC/ACCESSORY, or using Retained Accessory
Power (RAP).
Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are in the overhead
console. Press the lamp lenses to turn the front
reading lamps on or off.
Rear Reading Lamps
The rear reading lamps are over the rear
seats.
Press the lamp lens to turn the rear reading
lamps on or off.
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
Some exterior lamps turn on briefly at
night, or in areas with limited lighting,
when
Kis pressed on the remote key. After
about 30 seconds the exterior lamps turn
off. When any door is opened or the remote
unlock is pressed, all interior lights turn on
and then interior lamps dim to off after
20 seconds. The entry lighting feature for exterior
lighting can be changed. See
“Vehicle
Locator Lights” underVehicle Personalization
0 131.
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps come on at night, or in
areas with limited lighting, when the driver
door is opened after the ignition is turned
off. The dome lamp comes on when any
door is opened or after the ignition is
turned off. The exterior lamps and dome
lamp remain on after the door is closed for
a set amount of time, then automatically
turn off.
The exterior lamps turn off immediately by
turning the exterior lamp control off.
The exit lighting for exterior lights can be
changed. See Vehicle Personalization 0131.
Battery Load Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management
(EPM), which estimates the battery's
temperature and state of charge. It then
adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/6/20
Lighting 147
When the battery's state of charge is low,
the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring
the charge back up. When the state of
charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. The
voltmeter gauge or the voltage display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC),
if equipped, may show the voltage moving
up or down. This is normal. If there is a
problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of
the following are on, such as: headlamps,
high beams, fog lamps, rear window
defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory
power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of
the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator's output and the vehicle's
electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power
demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or
levels, without being noticeable. In rare
cases at the highest levels of corrective
action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might be
displayed and it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as
possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the dome and reading
lamps, if they are left on for more than
10 minutes after the ignition is turned off.
The cargo lamp shuts off after 20 minutes.
This prevents the battery from
running down.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned off, if the parking
lamps or headlamps have been manually
left on. This protects against draining the
battery. To restart the 10-minute timer, turn
the exterior lamp control to the
Oposition
and then back to the
;or2position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
148 Infotainment System
Infotainment System
Introduction
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Radio
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . 158
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
OnStar System
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Navigation
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . 163
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Navigation Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . 173
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . 174
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . 175
Voice Recognition
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Phone
Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Bluetooth (Pairing and Using a
Phone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 185
Settings
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Trademarks and License Agreements
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Introduction
Read the following pages to become familiar
with the features.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for too
long or too often while using any
infotainment feature can cause a crash.
You or others could be injured or killed.
Do not give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving. Limit
your glances at the vehicle displays and
focus your attention on driving. Use voice
commands whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid distraction
by disabling some features when driving.
These features may gray out when they are
unavailable. Many infotainment features are
also available through the instrument cluster
and steering wheel controls.
Before driving:
.Become familiar with the operation,
center stack controls, steering wheel
controls, and infotainment display.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Infotainment System 149
.Set up the audio by presetting favorite
stations, setting the tone, and adjusting
the speakers.
.Set up phone numbers in advance so they
can be called easily by pressing a single
control or by using a single voice
command.
See Distracted Driving 0212.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
If equipped, ANC reduces engine noise in the
vehicle’s interior. ANC requires the
factory-installed audio system, radio,
speakers, amplifier (if equipped), induction
system, and exhaust system to work
properly. Deactivation is required by your
dealer if related aftermarket equipment is
installed.
Overview
Infotainment System
The infotainment system is controlled by
using the infotainment display, controls on
the center stack, steering wheel controls,
and voice recognition.
Uplevel Radio
1.O(Power)
.Press to turn the power on.
.Press and hold to turn the
power off.
.Press to mute/unmute the system
when on.
.When the power is on and the
system is not muted, a quick
status pane will display when
Ois
pressed. Pressing
Owill mute the
system and trigger this pane to
show a long press is required to
actually power down the system.
.Turn to decrease or increase the
volume.
2.7
.Radio: Press and release to go to
the previous station or channel.
Press and hold to fast seek the
next strongest previous station or
channel. See AM-FM Radio 0155.
.USB/Bluetooth: Press to seek to
the beginning of the current or
previous track. Press and hold to
quickly reverse through a track.
Release to return to playing speed.
See USB Port 0158 or
Bluetooth Audio 0162.