keyless entry GMC SIERRA 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . 10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Doors
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Steering Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 38
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Keys and Locks
Keys (Key Access)
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous and children or
others could be seriously injured or killed.
They could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the vehicle
move. The windows will function with
the keys in the ignition, 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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
{Warning
If the key is unintentionally rotated while
the vehicle is running, the ignition could
be moved out of the RUN position. This
could be caused by heavy items hanging
from the key ring, or by large or long
items attached to the key ring that could
be contacted by the driver or steering
wheel. If the ignition moves out of the
RUN position, the engine will shut off,
braking and steering power assist may be
impacted, and airbags may not deploy.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
rotation of the ignition key, do not
change the way the ignition key and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if equipped, are connected to the
provided key rings.
The ignition key and key rings, and RKE
transmitter, if equipped, are designed to
work together as a system to reduce the
risk of unintentionally moving the key out
of the RUN position. The ignition key has a
small hole to allow attachment of the
provided key ring. It is important that any replacement ignition keys have a small hole.
See your dealer if a replacement key is
required.
The combination and size of the rings that
came with your keys were specifically
selected for your vehicle. The rings are
connected to the key like two links of a
chain to reduce the risk of unintentionally
moving the key out of the RUN position. Do
not add any additional items to the ring
attached to the ignition key. Attach
additional items only to the second ring,
and limit added items to a few essential
keys or small, light items no larger than an
RKE transmitter.
Interference from radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tags may prevent the
key from starting the vehicle. Keep RFID
tags away from the key when starting the
vehicle.
The key is used for the ignition, all door
locks, and the glove box.
If equipped with memory seats, keys 1 and 2
are linked to seating positions of memory 1
or 2. See
Memory Seats 049.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
Programming Keys
Follow these procedures to program up to
eight keys to the vehicle.
Programming with Two Recognized Keys
To program a new key:1. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition and turn the
ignition on.
2. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
3. Quickly, within five seconds, insert the second original already programmed key
in the ignition and turn the ignition on.
4. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
5. Insert the key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within five seconds.
6. After a few seconds, the security light will turn off once the key has been
programmed.
7. Repeat Steps 1–5 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If a key is lost or damaged, see your dealer
to have a new key made. Programming without Recognized Keys
Program a new key to the vehicle when a
recognized key is not available. Canadian
regulations require that owners see their
dealer.
If two currently recognized keys are not
available, follow this procedure to program
the first key.
This procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete for the first key.
The vehicle must be off and all of the keys
you wish to program must be with you.
1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition on. The security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn the ignition on; the
key is learned and all previously known
keys will no longer work with the
vehicle.
6. To learn a second key, turn the ignition off, insert the second key to be learned,
and turn the ignition on. After two keys are learned, the remaining
keys can be learned by following the
procedure in
“Programming with Two
Recognized Keys.”
The key has 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.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside
Assistance Program 0431.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 440.
Keys (Keyless Access)
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with an
ignition key or Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter is dangerous and
(Continued)

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
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
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
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 Seats052 and
Vehicle Personalization 0131.
If equipped, the automatic heated steering
wheel may also come on. See Heated
Steering Wheel 0100.
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 RKE transmitter 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.
.Two remote starts or a remote start with
an extension 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 RKE transmitter range may be reduced
while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 010.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately press and hold
/until the
turn signal lamps flash or for at least
four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on. The doors will be
locked and the climate control system
may come on. The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 for a 15-minute time
extension.
Turn the ignition on to operate the vehicle.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be extended by
15 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes,
if during the first 15 minutes Steps 1 and 2
are repeated while the engine is still
running. An extension can be requested
30 seconds after starting.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
single start with an extension, is allowed
between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be turned on and
then back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 21
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.There are several ways to lock and unlock
the vehicle.
From outside:
.Use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
.Use Keyless Access, if equipped.
.Use the key in the driver door or the
passenger door, if equipped.
From inside, use the power door locks or the
manual door locks. To lock the door with
the manual door locks, push down on the
manual lock knob.
From inside, pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pull the handle again to
open the door.
See Vehicle Alarm System 031. Keyless Access
If equipped, the remote key must be within
1 m (3 ft) of the tailgate or door being
opened or locked. Press the button on the
door handle to open. See
“Keyless Access
Operation” inRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access) 010 or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 013.
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

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden with the driver door open by
pressing and holding
Qon the power door
lock switch.
Open Door Anti-Lockout
If equipped, the Open Door Anti-Lockout is
turned on and the vehicle is off, the driver
door is open, and locking is requested, all
the doors will lock and the driver door will
unlock. The Open Door Anti-Lockout feature
can be turned on or off. See Vehicle
Personalization 0131.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
The safety lock is on the inside edge of the
rear doors. To use the safety lock:
1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door
unlock switch, or by using the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside. When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.Doors
Tailgate
Manual Tailgate
{Warning
It is extremely dangerous to ride on the
tailgate, even when the vehicle is
operated at low speeds. People riding on
the tailgate can easily lose their balance
and fall in response to vehicle maneuvers.
Falling from a moving vehicle may result
in serious injuries or death. Do not allow
people to ride on the tailgate. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Use the key to unlock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle
while pulling the tailgate down.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward
until it latches.
After closing the tailgate, pull it back to be
sure it is latched securely.
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 RKE transmitter or the key. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Key Access) 010 or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 013.
The vehicle must be in P (Park).
To open the tailgate:
.Pressxtwice quickly on the RKE
transmitter 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