GMC SIERRA 2021 User Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Warning (Continued)
children or others could be seriously
injured or killed. They could operate the
power window or other controls or make
the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the key in the ignition or
with the RKE transmitter in the vehicle,
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 or an RKE transmitter.
If the vehicle has the Keyless Access system,
the transmitter has a button on the side of
the transmitter 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
0 440. If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside
Assistance Program 0431.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating
positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory
Seats 049.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0436.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access)
The RKE transmitter functions may work up
to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 010.
/:Press and releaseQ, then immediately
press and hold
/until the turn signal
lamps flash or for at least four seconds. The
engine may be started from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start 020.
Q:Press to lock all doors.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps may flash
and/or the horn may sound on the second
press to indicate locking has occurred. If enabled, the horn chirps when
Qis
pressed again within three seconds. See
Vehicle Personalization 0131.
Pressing
Qarms the alarm system. See
Vehicle Alarm System 031.
If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Qfor one second will
fold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
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 0131.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms
the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 31.
If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Kfor one second will
unfold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131. Press and hold
Kto remotely open the
windows, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
x:Press twice quickly to release the
tailgate, if equipped.
7: Press and release to initiate the vehicle
locator. 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.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to this
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer for
transmitter programming.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
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 RKE transmitter
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 transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
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.
Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). To replace the battery:
1. Separate and remove the back cover of
the transmitter with a flat, thin object,
such as a coin.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
2. Press and slide the battery down towardthe pocket of the transmitter in the
direction of the key ring. Do not use a
metal object
3. Remove the battery.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Push together the transmitter back cover top side first, and then the bottom
toward the key ring.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Keyless Access)
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the transmitter is within 1 m
(3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later
in this section.
The RKE transmitter functions may work up
to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 010.
The key that is part of the RKE transmitter
can be used for all locks.
Remove the key by pressing the button on
the side of the RKE transmitter near the
bottom and pull the key out. Never pull the
key out without pressing the button.
See your dealer if a new transmitter is
needed./: Press and releaseQ, then immediately
press and hold
/until the turn signal
lamps flash or for at least four seconds. The
engine may be started from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start 020.
Q:Press to lock all doors and the tailgate,
if equipped.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash and/
or the horn may sound on the second press
to indicate locking has occurred. If enabled,
the horn chirps when
Qis pressed again
within three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If the driver door is open whenQis
pressed, all doors will lock and then the
driver door will immediately unlock,
if enabled. See Vehicle Personalization 0131.
If the passenger door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qarms the alarm system. See
Vehicle Alarm System 031.
If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Qfor one second will
fold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
K:Press once to unlock only the driver
door. If
Kis pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors and the
tailgate 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 0131.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms
the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 31. If equipped with remote mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Kfor one second will
unfold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
Press and hold
Kuntil the windows fully
open, if remote window operation is
enabled. See Vehicle Personalization 0131.
x:Press twice quickly to release the
tailgate, if equipped.
7: Press and release to initiate vehicle
locator. 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.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for doors
and the tailgate to be accessed without
pressing the RKE transmitter button. The RKE
transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the tailgate 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. Keyless
Unlocking can also be turned off. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating
positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory
Seats 049.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter 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 tailgate will unlock.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
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 RKE
transmitter 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 Tailgate
If equipped, keyless unlocking of the exterior
door handles and tailgate can be disabled
and enabled.
Disabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
Qand
Kon the RKE transmitter 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 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 RKE transmitter 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 RKE
transmitter has been removed from the
interior, or none remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere with the
RKE transmitter signal, the vehicle may not
detect the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the doors may
lock with the RKE transmitter inside the
vehicle. Do not leave the RKE transmitter in
an unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to automatically lock
when exiting the vehicle, see “Remote Lock,
Unlock, Start” underVehicle Personalization
0 131.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
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 RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To turn on or off see Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
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 RKE transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter 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 0131.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead transmitter
battery, see Door Locks021.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off and all
transmitters, both currently recognized and
new, must be with you.
1. Remove the key from a recognized transmitter.
2. Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder or on the passenger seat.
3. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle. Then
turn the key counterclockwise, to the
unlock position, five times within
10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, 5 ETC.
Transmitter Pocket without Bucket Seats
(Lower Compartment)
Transmitter Pocket with Bucket Seats

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
4. Place the new transmitter in thetransmitter pocket/insert.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
KorQon
the transmitter.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for approximately
12 seconds to exit programming mode.
7. Return the key back into the transmitter.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized transmitters are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight transmitters. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all transmitters to be
programmed must be with you. 1. Remove the vehicle key from the
transmitter.
2. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle; then
turn the key counterclockwise, to the
unlock position, five times within
10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP.
The DIC will again display REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 3 two additional times. After the third time all previously known
transmitters will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be
relearned during the next steps.
The DIC should now display READY FOR
REMOTE # 1.
Transmitter Pocket without Bucket Seats
(Lower Compartment)
Transmitter Pocket with Bucket Seats

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
5. Place the new transmitter in thetransmitter pocket/insert.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket/insert and press
Kor
Qon the transmitter.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 5–7.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for approximately
12 seconds to exit programming mode.
8. Return the key back into the transmitter.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak or if there
is interference with the signal, the DIC may
display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO
REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE when starting the vehicle. To start the vehicle:
Transmitter Pocket without Bucket Seats
(Lower Compartment)
Transmitter Pocket with Bucket Seats 1. Place the transmitter 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 transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
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 RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C
(138 °F).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
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.
Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY. To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the RKE transmitter
to remove the key. Never pull the key
out without pressing the button.
2. Insert a flat, thin object in the center ofthe transmitter to separate and remove
the back cover.
3. Lift the battery with a flat object.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Insert the new battery, positive sidetoward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the transmitter.
7. Insert the key back into the RKE transmitter.