2021 GMC Sierra Owner's Manual

2021 GMC Sierra owners manual
Year:
2021
Make:
GMC
Model:
Sierra
Rating:
(7)

Online manual

Size:
9.95 MB

Table of Contents

Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
3
Danger, Warning, and Caution
3
Symbols
3
Keys (Key Access)
8
Keys (Keyless Access)
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
11
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access)
11
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access)
14
Remote Vehicle Start
21
Door Locks
22
Power Door Locks
23
Delayed Locking
23
Automatic Door Locks
23
Lockout Protection
23
Tailgate
24
Vehicle Alarm System
32
Steering Column Lock
33
Immobilizer
33
Convex Mirrors
34
Manual Mirrors
35
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
35
Power Mirrors
36
Folding Mirrors
37
Heated Mirrors
38
Automatic Dimming Mirror
38
Blind Spot Mirrors
38
Interior Rearview Mirrors
39
Manual Rearview Mirror
39
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
39
Manual Windows
42
Power Windows
42
Rear Windows
44
Seat Adjustment
47
Center Seat
48
Power Seat Adjustment
48
Lumbar Adjustment
49
Reclining Seatbacks
49
Memory Seats
50
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly
56
Lap-Shoulder Belt
58
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy
60
Seat Belt Extender
60
Safety System Check
61
Seat Belt Care
61
Where Are the Airbags?
63
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
64
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
65
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
65
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
66
Passenger Sensing System
67
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
70
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
70
Airbag System Check
71
Older Children
72
Infants and Young Children
73
Child Restraint Systems
75
Where to Put the Restraint
77
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
78
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
89
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat)
89
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Center Front Seat)
93
Glove Box
96
Cupholders
96
Underseat Storage
97
Rear Storage
97
Center Console Storage
97
Steering Wheel Adjustment
101
Steering Wheel Controls
101
Heated Steering Wheel
101
Horn
102
Windshield Wiper/Washer
102
Compass
103
Clock
103
Power Outlets
103
Instrument Cluster
107
Speedometer
111
Odometer
111
Trip Odometer
111
Tachometer
111
Fuel Gauge
111
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
112
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
113
Voltmeter Gauge
114
Seat Belt Reminders
114
Airbag Readiness Light
115
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
115
Charging System Light
116
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
116
Brake System Warning Light
118
Electric Parking Brake Light
118
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
119
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
119
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
119
Tow/Haul Mode Light
120
Hill Descent Control Light
120
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
120
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
120
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
120
Traction Off Light
121
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light
121
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light
121
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
122
Driver Mode Control Light
122
Tire Pressure Light
123
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Uplevel Cluster)
123
Low Fuel Warning Light
123
Security Light
123
High-Beam On Light
124
Front Fog Lamp Light
124
Lamps On Reminder
124
Cruise Control Light
124
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
125
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
126
Engine Power Messages
132
Vehicle Speed Messages
132
Universal Remote System Programming
137
Exterior Lamp Controls
140
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
142
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
142
Flash-to-Pass
142
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
142
Automatic Headlamp System
143
Hazard Warning Flashers
143
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
144
Fog Lamps
144
Task Lighting
145
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp
145
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
146
Dome Lamps
146
Entry Lighting
147
Exit Lighting
147
Battery Load Management
147
Battery Power Protection
148
Overview
150
Steering Wheel Controls
152
Using the System
153
AM-FM Radio
156
HD Radio Technology
157
Radio Data System (RDS)
158
Satellite Radio
158
Radio Reception
159
Fixed Mast Antenna
159
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices
159
USB Port
159
Auxiliary Jack
162
Bluetooth Audio
163
Using the Navigation System
164
Maps
167
Navigation Symbols
167
Destination
168
OnStar System
174
Global Positioning System (GPS)
174
Vehicle Positioning
175
Problems with Route Guidance
175
If the System Needs Service
176
Map Data Updates
176
Database Coverage Explanations
176
Bluetooth (Overview)
181
Bluetooth (Pairing and Using a Phone)
182
Teen Driver
193
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
207
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
210
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
213
Distracted Driving
213
Defensive Driving
214
Impaired Driving
214
Control of a Vehicle
214
Braking
214
Steering
215
Off-Road Recovery
215
Loss of Control
216
Off-Road Driving
216
Driving on Wet Roads
220
Hill and Mountain Roads
220
Winter Driving
221
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
222
Vehicle Load Limits
223
New Vehicle Break-In
229
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
230
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
231
Starting the Engine
233
Stop/Start System
234
Engine Heater
235
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
237
Shifting Into Park
237
Shifting out of Park
238
Parking over Things That Burn
238
Active Fuel Management
238
Manual Mode
242
Electric Brake Boost
247
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
247
Electric Parking Brake
248
Brake Assist
249
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
249
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
251
Driver Mode Control
252
Limited-Slip Differential
255
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
267
Assistance Systems for Driving
275
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
276
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
278
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
279
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
281
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
281
Top Tier Fuel
284
Recommended Fuel (Except 6.2L V8 Engine)
284
Recommended Fuel (6.2L V8 Engine)
285
Prohibited Fuels
285
Fuels in Foreign Countries
285
Fuel Additives
285
E85 or FlexFuel
285
Filling the Tank (Pickup Model)
286
Filling the Tank (Chassis Cab Model)
288
General Towing Information
289
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
289
Trailer Towing
294
Towing Equipment
297
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
307
Add-On Electrical Equipment
319
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
319
California Proposition 65 Warning
323
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
323
Doing Your Own Service Work
324
Hood
324
Engine Compartment Overview
326
Engine Oil
331
Engine Oil Life System
333
Automatic Transmission Fluid
334
Engine Air Filter Life System
334
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
335
Cooling System
336
Engine Overheating
339
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
341
Engine Fan
341
Washer Fluid
341
Brakes
342
Brake Pad Life System
343
Brake Fluid
344
Battery - North America
344
Four-Wheel Drive
347
Front Axle
347
Rear Axle
347
Starter Switch Check
348
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
348
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
348
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
348
Wiper Blade Replacement
349
Glass Replacement
349
Windshield Replacement
349
Halogen Bulbs
351
LED Lighting
351
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
351
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
352
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp
353
Electrical System Overload
353
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
354
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
354
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left)
358
Tires
361
All-Season Tires
362
Winter Tires
362
All-Terrain Tires
363
Tire Sidewall Labeling
363
Tire Designations
365
Tire Terminology and Definitions
366
Tire Pressure
368
Tire Pressure Monitor System
369
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
370
Tire Inspection
374
Tire Rotation
375
When It Is Time for New Tires
376
Buying New Tires
377
Different Size Tires and Wheels
378
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
378
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
379
Wheel Replacement
379
Tire Chains
380
If a Tire Goes Flat
381
Tire Changing
382
Exterior Care
399
Interior Care
404
General Information
409
Maintenance Schedule
410
Special Application Services
416
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
419
Maintenance Replacement Parts
420
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
424
Capacities and Specifications
425
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
429
Customer Assistance Offices
431
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
431
Online Owner Center
431
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
432
Roadside Assistance Program
432
Scheduling Service Appointments
434
Courtesy Transportation Program
434
Collision Damage Repair
435
Publication Ordering Information
436
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
437
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
438
Cybersecurity
439
Event Data Recorders
439
OnStar
440
Emergency
442
Security
442
Navigation
446
Connections
447
Index_A
449
Index_B
450
Index_C
450
Index_D
451
Index_E
452
Index_F
453
Index_G
453
Index_H
454
Index_I
454
Index_J
454
Index_K
454
Index_L
454
Index_M
455
Index_N
456
Index_O
456
Index_P
456
Index_R
457
Index_S
458
Index_T
459
Index_U
460
Index_V
460
Index_W
460

2021 GMC Sierra Overview

Introduction

The 2021 GMC Sierra stands as a beacon of rugged sophistication in the pickup truck segment, combining robust capabilities with premium features that cater to both work and leisure needs. With its brawny stance and bold styling, the Sierra is designed to stand out on and off the road, making it an ideal choice for truck enthusiasts looking for performance, luxury, and innovative technology.

Powertrains

The 2021 Sierra offers a versatile lineup of powertrains to suit a range of driving preferences and requirements. The standard engine is a 4.3-liter V6 that delivers a respectable 285 horsepower, while an available 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces an impressive 310 horsepower for enhanced performance and efficiency. For those seeking more power, the robust 5.3-liter V8 engine delivers 355 horsepower, and the top-tier 6.2-liter V8 provides a commanding 420 horsepower. Each engine option is paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring seamless power delivery and exceptional towing capabilities.

Trims

The 2021 Sierra boasts an extensive range of trims, catering to diverse lifestyles and preferences. From the base Sierra trim to the more luxurious Denali, each variant is packed with features designed to elevate the driving experience. The Elevation and AT4 trims emphasize sportiness and off-road prowess, respectively, while the Denali trim stands at the pinnacle of luxury with its upscale materials and advanced technology.

Features

Incorporating cutting-edge technology, the 2021 GMC Sierra is equipped with features such as a user-friendly infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety options. It offers a spacious interior with comfort-focused amenities, such as heated and ventilated seats, premium audio systems, and innovative cargo solutions, including the MultiPro tailgate that enhances versatility.

Owner's Manual

The owner’s manual for the 2021 GMC Sierra serves as an essential guide for new truck owners, covering everything from maintenance schedules, and safety tips to understanding the myriad of features. This comprehensive resource ensures that owners can maximize their vehicle’s capabilities while adhering to best practices for longevity and performance.

User manual download

The GMC Sierra owner manual for the 2021 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2021 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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