service GMC SIERRA 2021 Owner's Guide

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.

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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.

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Infotainment System 153
Availability of apps and connectivity varies
by vehicle, conditions, and location. Data
plan rates apply. Features are subject to
change. For more information, see
www.my.gmc.com/learn.
OnStar Services
If equipped, touch the OnStar Services icon
to display the OnStar Services and Account
pages. SeeOnStar Overview 0440 and
OnStar System 0162.
Camera
If equipped, touch the Camera icon to access
the camera application. See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0266.
Shortcut Tray
The shortcut tray is near the bottom of the
display. It shows up to four applications.
Infotainment Display Features
Infotainment display features show on the
display when available. When a feature is
unavailable, it may gray out. When a
feature is touched, it may highlight.
Haptic Feedback
If equipped, haptic feedback is a pulse that
occurs when an icon or option is touched on
the display or when controls on the center
stack are pressed.
Infotainment Gestures
Use the following finger gestures to control
the infotainment system.
Touch/Tap
Touch/tap is used to select an icon or
option, activate an application, or change
the location inside a map. Touch and Hold
Touch and hold can be used to start another
gesture, or to move or delete an application.
Drag
Drag is used to move applications on the
Home Page, or to pan the map. To drag the
item, it must be held and moved along the
display to the new location. This can be

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156 Infotainment System
The keypad will gray out entries that do not
contribute to a valid frequency and will
automatically place a decimal point within
the frequency number.
Touch (X) to delete one number at a time.
Touch and hold (X) to delete all numbers.
A valid AM or FM station will automatically
tune to the new frequency but not close the
Direct Tune display. When listening to SXM
(if equipped), touch Go after entering the
channel. Touch the Back icon on the
infotainment display or touch
zto exit out
of Direct Tune.
The tune arrows on the right side of the
Direct Tune display will tune through the
complete station or channel list one station
step at a time per touch. A touch and hold
advances through stations or channels
quickly.
If equipped, HD Radio multicast stations
cannot be tuned directly through the Direct
Tune feature. Only the analog or
HD1 station can use that feature. Use the
display arrows to adjust to the multicast
stations.
AM, FM, and SXM Categories
From the AM stations, if equipped with HD
Radio, FM, or SXM (if equipped) display,
touch Categories at the top of the Browse
menu to access the categories list. The list
contains names associated with the AM or
FM stations, or SXM channels. Touch a
category name to display a list of stations
or channels for that category. Touching a
station or channel from the list will tune the
radio to that station or channel.
Storing Radio Station Presets
Favorites show in the area at the top of the
display.
AM, FM, SXM (if equipped), and HD Radio
Stations (if equipped) : Press and hold a
preset to store the current station or
channel as a favorite. Touch a saved favorite
to recall a favorite station or channel. Favorites can also be stored by touching
H
in a station or channel list. This will
highlight indicating that it is now saved as a
favorite.
The number of favorites displayed is
automatically adjusted by default, but can
be manually adjusted in Settings in the
System tab under Favorites and then Set
Number of Audio Favorites. It can also be
adjusted in Settings in the Apps tab under
Audio and then Set Number of Audio
Favorites.
HD Radio Technology
If equipped, HD Radio is a free service with
features such as digital quality sound, more
stations available on a single frequency such
as HD2 and HD3, and display information
such as artist and song title.
From the Now Playing display, touch the HD
Radio icon to turn HD on or off.
Station Access
To access HD Radio stations:
1. Tune the radio to the station. If HD Radio is turned on and the station is
broadcasting in HD Radio, the radio will
automatically tune to the HD version of
the current channel (HD1) after several

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Infotainment System 157
seconds. The radio will also display
icons representing additional channels
(HD2, ...HD8), that may be available.
When the radio successfully tunes to a
HD station, the HD logo will display and
digital audio will play.
2. Touch the display arrows to tune to the previous or next HD Radio station.
There may be a delay before the station
starts playing.
The HD Radio station number is indicated
next to the HD logo.
HD Radio stations can be saved as favorites.
For a list of all stations, see
www.hdradio.com.
HD Radio Troubleshooting
Digital Audio Delay : Wait for the signal to
process. This can take several seconds.
Volume Change, Audio Skip, Echo, Digital
Audio Lost : Station signal strength may be
weak, the station is out of range, or the
station may be out of alignment. Verify
proper reception on another station.
If the HD Radio signal weakens while
listening to HD1, the radio will automatically
switch to the analog version of the radio
station. If the HD Radio signal loses reception while
listening to stations HD2 to HD8, the radio
mutes until the signal can be recovered or
until the station is changed.
HD Radio can be disabled if driving in a
weak signal area. Touch HD Radio On/Off to
toggle HD Radio reception on and off.
Radio Data System (RDS)
If equipped, RDS features are available for
use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS
information. With RDS, the radio can:
.Group stations by Category (i.e., Program
Type) such as Rock, Jazz, Classical, etc.
.Display messages from radio stations.
This system relies on receiving specific
information from these stations and only
works when the information is available.
It is possible that a radio station could
broadcast incorrect information that causes
the radio features to work improperly. If this
happens, contact the radio station.
When information is broadcast from a RDS
station, the station name or call letters
display on the audio screen. Radio text
supporting the currently playing broadcast
may also appear.
Satellite Radio
SiriusXM Radio Service
If equipped, vehicles with a valid SiriusXM
radio subscription can receive SiriusXM
programming.
SiriusXM radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free music,
coast to coast, in digital-quality sound. In
the U.S., see www.siriusxm.com or call
1-888-601-6296. In Canada, see
www.siriusxm.ca or call 1-877-438-9677.
When SiriusXM is active, the channel name,
number, song title, and artist appear on the
display.
SiriusXM with 360L
SiriusXM with 360L interface has enhanced
in-vehicle listening experience for
subscribers. The experience now offers more
categories and system learned
recommendations toward discovering more
personalized content.
To use the full SiriusXM 360L program,
including streaming content and listening
recommendations, OnStar Connected Access
is required. Connected vehicle services vary

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158 Infotainment System
by model and require a complete working
electrical system, cell reception, and GPS
signal. An active connected plan is required.
Reference the SiriusXM user guide for use
and subscription information.
Radio Reception
Unplug electronic devices from the accessory
power outlets if there is interference or
static in the radio.
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to 65 km (10
to 40 mi). Although the radio has a built-in
electronic circuit that automatically works to
reduce interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The longer
range can cause station frequencies to
interfere with each other. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power
lines interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble on the
radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
provides digital radio reception. Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in
and out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the SiriusXM
signal for a period of time. Some cellular
services may interfere with SXM reception
causing loss of signal.
Mobile Device Usage
Mobile device usage, such as making or
receiving calls, charging, or just having the
mobile device on may cause static
interference in the radio. Unplug the mobile
device or turn it off if this happens.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna will go through
most car washes as long as it is securely
attached. If the antenna becomes slightly
bent, straighten it out by hand. If it is badly
bent, replace it.
Occasionally check that the antenna is tight
at the base. If tightening is required, protect
the paint from damage.
Multi-Band Antenna
The roof antenna is for SiriusXM Satellite
Radio, OnStar, and GPS (Global Positioning
System), depending on the equipped
options. Keep clear of obstructions for clear
reception. If the vehicle has a sunroof, and it
is open, reception can also be affected.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices
When using media devices such as SD cards,
USB devices, and mobile devices, consider
the source. Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system operation or
performance. Avoid use if the content or
origin cannot be trusted.
USB Port
This vehicle is equipped with two USB ports
in the center console under the armrest and
another two in the center stack. These ports
are for data and charging.
There may also be two USB ports for
charging only at the rear of the center
console.

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Caution
To avoid vehicle damage, unplug all
accessories and disconnect all accessory
cables from the vehicle when not in use.
Accessory cables left plugged into the
vehicle, unconnected to a device, could be
damaged or cause an electrical short if
the unconnected end comes in contact
with liquids or another power source such
as the accessory power outlet.
Playing from a USB
A USB mass storage device can be connected
to the USB port.
Gracenote
When plugging in a USB device, Gracenote
service builds voice tags for music. Voice
tags allow artists, albums with hard to
pronounce names, and nicknames to be used
to play music through voice recognition.
While indexing, infotainment features are
available.My Media Library
MyMedia is only available when more than
one indexed device is connected. It allows
access to content from all indexed media
sources. MyMedia will show as an available
source in the Source page.
USB MP3 Player and USB Devices
The USB MP3 players and USB devices
connected must comply with the USB Mass
Storage Class specification (USB MSC).
to play a USB device:
1. Connect the USB.
2. Press MEDIA on the center stack until the connected device is shown.
Use the following when playing an active
USB source:
r: Touch to play the current media source.
j: Touch to pause playback of the current
media source.
g:
.Press to seek to the beginning of the
current or previous track.
.Press and hold to reverse quickly through
playback. Release to return to playing
speed. Elapsed time displays.
d:
.Press to seek to the next track.
.Press and hold to advance quickly
through playback. Release to return to
playing speed. Elapsed time displays.
Shuffle : Touch the shuffle icon to play
music in random order.
USB Menu
Touch the Menu icon to display the USB
menu. The following may be available:
Shuffle : Touch to play the tracks randomly.
Touch again to stop shuffle.
Tone : Touch + or –to adjust the tone
settings. See AM-FM Radio 0155.
Auto Volume (If Equipped) : This feature
adjusts the volume based on the vehicle
speed. See AM-FM Radio 0155.
Bose AudioPilot Noise Compensation
Technology (If Equipped : This feature
adjusts the volume based on the noise in
the vehicle and speed. See AM-FM Radio
0 155.
USB Browse Menu
When a list of songs, albums, artists,
or other types of media displays, the up and
down arrows and A-Z appear on the left

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Infotainment System 163
details, and system limitations. Service and
connectivity may vary by make, model,
year, carrier, availability, and conditions.
4G LTE service is available in select markets.
4G LTE performance is based on industry
averages and vehicle systems design. Some
services require a data plan.
The OnStar App
If equipped, the infotainment system has
OnStar controls in the embedded OnStar app
on the Home Page. Most OnStar functions
that can be performed with the buttons can
be done using the app. To open the app,
touch the OnStar icon on the Home Page.
App updates require a corresponding service
plan. Features vary by region and model.
Features are subject to change. For more
information, see my.gmc.com/learn or
press
Q.
Services
The Services tab displays the default view
for the app. Use this page to launch the
available OnStar services. Touch a service to
open its display. Touch Wi-Fi to launch the
connections manager. Turn-by-Turn and
Advisor Call are the other tiled options. Account
The Account tab displays a snapshot of the
account linked with the vehicle. If there is
no such account, this tab will show all
values as
——. The advisor call icon will be
active even if there is no active account.
Advisor Call
Selecting Advisor Call is the same as
pressing
Qor calling 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827). The X option in the upper
right corner of the screen does not end the
call, but returns to the previous screen.
Turn-by-Turn Directions
With a connected plan, an OnStar Advisor
can download a destination to the vehicle or
its embedded navigation system,
if equipped. Select Turn-by-Turn Directions
from the Services tab of the OnStar app to
call an Advisor or select a recent or favorite
destination. Touch the navigation icons to
select home, address or place. A destination
transfer from OnStar will show the detail
view of the destination when it is
transferred from OnStar to the Navigation
application. See www.onstar.com for a
coverage map. Services vary by model. Map
coverage is available in the United States,
Puerto Rico, and Canada. Wi-Fi Hotspot
Touch to display the Settings page, which
shows the configurations for the vehicle
hotspot and allows them to be changed.
For more information, see www.onstar.com.
Navigation
Using the Navigation System
If equipped, launch the Nav application by
touching the Nav icon on the Home Page or
on the shortcut tray near the bottom of the
infotainment display.
When the Nav application is launched for
the first time, a product walkthrough is
available. Use of the feature requires the
Terms and Conditions and the Privacy
statement to be confirmed. If available and
signed into a profile, it is also suggested to
enable and confirm Predictive Navigation.
Predictive Navigation (If Equipped)
If Predictive Navigation is available and
confirmed, this feature learns preferences by
remembering where the vehicle has been.
It uses the locations and navigation history
to personalize routes and results.

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.About
To exit a list, touch
zin the top right
corner to return to the main map view.
Make sure to set up preferences before
setting a destination and starting active
guidance.
Map Preferences
Touch to choose between basic map feature
configurations:
Map Colors
.Auto –Touch to automatically change
modes based on lighting conditions.
.Day (Light)
.Night (Dark)
3D Landmark (Default is On) : Touch On or
Off. When turned on, the system will
display all 3D Landmarks on the map
depending on the zoom level.
3D Building (Default is Off) : Touch On or
Off. When turned on, the system will
display all of the possible 3D building shapes
on the map depending on the zoom level.
Show Terrain in 3D (Default is Off) :
If equipped, touch On or Off. When turned
on, the system will display terrain
information on the map in 3D view. Auto-Zoom (Default is On) :
Touch On or
Off. When turned on, the system will
automatically adjust the zoom level when
the vehicle is approaching a turn. After the
turn is completed, the system automatically
brings the zoom back to the originally set
level. If the vehicle is approaching a turn
with the next turn occurring shortly after,
the Auto-Zoom will remain on until both
turns are completed.
Route Preferences
Touch to access the Route Preferences. The
choices are:
.Preferred Route –Choose from two
different route options: Fastest or
Eco-Friendly.
‐ Fastest would be the route with the
shortest drive time.
‐ Eco-Friendly would be the most
fuel-efficient route.
.Avoid on Current Route –Choose any of
the road features to avoid while on route:
‐ Highways
‐ Unpaved Roads
‐ Ferries
‐ Carpool Lanes
‐ Toll Roads ‐
Tunnels
‐ Country Borders
Navigation Voice Control
Touch to access the voice control setting
display.
.Navigation Volume –To adjust the
volume level, touch the up and down
arrows. If the voice guidance prompt is
being heard, volume can also be adjusted
using the knob on the center stack or the
volume switch on the steering wheel.
.Navigation Voice Prompt Level during a
Call. Options available are:
‐ Full Prompt (Selected by default)
‐ Tone Only
‐ None
Traffic Events (If Equipped)
This feature provides a list of events that
are on the route or nearby. Touch
Aand
then select Traffic Events. An OnStar
connected Navigation service plan is
required.

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Infotainment System 167
This indicates the vehicle’s current location
and direction on the map.
This is the vehicle’s current location icon
during inactive guidance mode. Once a user
profile is created, the current location icon
can be customized.
This icon indicates the vehicle’s current
location and direction on the map.
The destination pin marks the location of
the final destination. Touch the pin to view
the destination address or to add it or
remove it from the Favorites list. Hide the
information by touching the pin one more
time. It will automatically time out if no
action is taken.
If equipped, smart Points of Interest (POIs)
are places of interest for parking and gas
stations.
The progress bar provides an overview of
the route progress and may show traffic and
incidents along the way. As the route
proceeds, the vehicle icon moves up the bar.Touch the icon to zoom out on the map and
view the entire route. Touch it again to
return to the previous view.
View the drive time by touching the
estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Current Location
When the vehicle is parked and not in a
Navigation session, the user icon is centered
on the map view, highlighting the current
location.
Destination
Receiving Destination Directions from
Different Sources
Destinations can be received or transferred
from different sources to the Nav application
for route guidance. If equipped, some of
these sources may include:
.Navigation from search results.
.OnStar Advisor destination download.
.An address from the Contacts list.
.An application on the smartphone that
can send destinations to the vehicle.
.An application downloaded to the vehicle
such as OnStar Services that can send
destinations to the navigation system.