2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 Keys and Smart Key
The 2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 has a strong and flexible frame. The keys and smart key technology are more than just a way to get in and out; they represent how modern ease and tough capability can work together seamlessly. Not only are these keys useful for getting into and starting a car, but they are also symbolic gateways to a driving experience where digital sophistication lives alongside raw power and usefulness. In this in-depth look, we explore the Sierra LD 1500’s keys and smart key system, revealing their many useful functions and figuring out how to use their easy-to-understand features. We also celebrate their key role in revolutionizing the driver-truck relationship in this modern example of strength and versatility, where technology and toughness seamlessly combine to set new standards for the 21st-century driving experience.
Keys and Locks
Keys
Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a remote 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 remote key 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 a remote key.
If the vehicle has the Keyless Access system, the remote key has a button on the side of the remote key 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
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside
Assistance Program
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys 1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats.
Remote Key
See Radio Frequency Statement
If there is a decrease in the remote key operating range:
- Check the distance. The remote key may be too far from the vehicle.
- Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
- Check the remote key’s battery. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section.
If the remote key is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.
Remote Key Operation
- The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle entry when the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later in this section.
- The remote key functions may work up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance of the remote key.
The key that is part of the remote key can be used for all locks.
Remove the key by pressing the button on the side of the remote key near the bottom and pull the key out. Never pull the key out without pressing the button.
See your dealer if a new remote key is needed.
Press and release 
then immediately press and hold S until the turn signal lamps flash or for at least four seconds. The lamps flash or for at least four seconds. The vehicle uses the remote key. See Remote- Press to lock all doors and the tailgate, if equipped.
- Pressing arms the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System.
- With power folding mirrors, double pressing
- 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 is pressed again within three seconds. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
- If the driver door is open when is pressed, all doors will lock and then the driver door will immediately unlock, if enabled. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
If the passenger door is open whenis pressed, all doors lock. - Pressing arms the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System.
- If equipped with remote mirror folding, double pressing and holding for one second will fold the mirrors, if enabled. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Comfort and Convenience.+
Press once to unlock only the driver’s door. If is 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. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Pressing K on the remote key disarms the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System
If equipped with remote mirror folding, double pressing and holding for one second will unfold the mirrors,
if enabled. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Comfort and Convenience.
Double press and hold K until the windows fully open, if remote window operation is enabled. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Press twice quickly to release the tailgate, if equipped. locator. The turn signal lamps flash and the horn sounds three times.
Press and hold 7 for 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 7 is pressed again. The ignition must be off for the panic alarm to work.
- Keyless Access Operation
- The Keyless Access system allows for doors, tailgates, and hood to be accessed without removing the remote key or digital key from your pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The remote key or digital key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the tailgate, hood, 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. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
- If equipped with memory seats, remote keys 1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the Driver’s Door
When the doors are locked and the remote key or digital key 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, the doors, tailgate, and hood will unlock.
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 remote key or digital key 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, Tailgate, and Hood
Keyless unlocking of the exterior door handles, tailgate, and hood can be disabled and enabled.
Disabling Keyless Unlocking
With the vehicle off, press and hold Q and K on the remote key 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, open the tailgate, or open the hood 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 holdandon the remote key at the same time for approximately three seconds. The turn signal lamps will flash twice quickly to indicate access is enabled.
- To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
- Passive Locking
- The Keyless Access system will lock the vehicle several seconds after all doors are closed if the vehicle is off and at least one remote key or digital key has been removed from the interior, or none remains in the interior.
- If other electronic devices interfere with the remote key or digital key signal, the vehicle may not detect the remote key or digital key inside the vehicle. If passive locking is enabled, the doors may lock with the remote key or digital key inside the vehicle. Do not leave the remote key or digital key in an unattended vehicle.
- If the vehicle is locked with a remote key inside the vehicle, that remote key will be disabled from starting the vehicle and other keyless access operations. To reenable the remote key, press any button on the remote key. The remote key will also be reenabled when the vehicle is started with another known remote key, or when the vehicle is unlocked.
- To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
- If equipped with remote folding mirrors, passive locking may fold and unfold the mirrors see Folding Mirrors 0 25.
Temporary Disable of Passive Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking by pressing and holding on 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 on the interior door is pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and a remote key or digital key is left in the vehicle, the horn will chirp three times after all doors are closed. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Remote Removed From Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and then all doors are closed, the vehicle will check for remote keys and digital keys inside. If a remote key or digital key is not detected, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display NO KEY FOUND and the horn will chirp three times. This occurs only once each time the vehicle is driven. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Keyless Tailgate Opening
Press the touchpad on the tailgate to open the tailgate when all doors are unlocked, or when the remote key or digital key is within 1m (3 ft).
Keyless Hood Opening
Press the touchpad in the center of the front fascia once to open the hood when all doors are unlocked, or when the remote key or digital key is within 1m (3 ft).
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak remote key battery.
Programming Remote Keys to the Vehicle
Only remote keys programmed to the vehicle will work. If a remote key is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer. The vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or stolen remote keys no longer work. Each vehicle can have up to eight remote keys programmed to it.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote
Key Battery
For improved vehicle security, the remote key is equipped with a motion sensor. When starting the vehicle, if the remote key has been idle for an extended period of time, the DIC may display KEY IN SLEEP MODE, MOVE KEY, THEN START. Move the remote key slightly and try starting the vehicle.
If the remote key battery is weak or if there is interference with the signal, the DIC may display NO KEY FOUND, REPLACE BATTERY IN KEY or NO REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN KEY POCKET THEN START YOUR VEHICLE when starting the vehicle.
To start the vehicle
Remote Key Pocket without Bucket Seats (Lower Compartment)
Remote Key Pocket with Bucket Seats
- Place the remote key in the rear cupholder.
- With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral) press the brake pedal and POWER. Replace the remote key battery and charge the digital key battery as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Warning
Never allow children to play with the remote key. The remote key 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 remote key 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 remote key. Static from your body could damage the remote key.
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.
Caution
If the remote key is not reassembled properly, liquids could enter the housing and damage the circuitry, resulting in a remote key malfunction and/or failure. To prevent damage, always follow the steps for remote key reassembly in this manual to ensure the remote key is sealed properly whenever the remote key is opened.
Replace the battery in the remote key soon if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To replace the battery
- Press the button on the side of the remote key near the bottom and pull the mechanical key out. Never pull the mechanical key out without pressing the button.
- Use the mechanical key blade in the slot to remove the battery cover by hand.
- Remove the battery cover.
- Pull the seal by pulling on the tab to access the battery.
- Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
- Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2450 or equivalent battery.
- Place the seal back into the groove around the battery compartment.
- Replace the battery cover by snapping it back into the remote key.
- Reinsert the mechanical key.
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 Seats . To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Comfort and Convenience.
If equipped, the automatic heated steering wheel may also come on. See Heated Steering Wheel 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 remotely started if:
The remote key 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.
The 30 minutes of engine run time have been used.
The vehicle is not in P (Park).
vehicle start if:
- The coolant temperature gets too high.
- The oil pressure gets low.
- The remote key range may be reduced while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance of the remote key. See Remote Key .
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
Press S twice on the remote key. The turn signal lamps will flash. The lamps flash to confirm the request to remote start the vehicle has been received. During the remote start the parking lamps will remain on as long as the engine is running.
The engine will shut off after 15 minutes or after the remainder of the 30 minute total running time is used unless you stop the remote start before the engine running has completed or the vehicle is turned on.
Press the brake pedal and turn the ignition on to drive the vehicle.
Total Engine Run Time
Remote start can be used for up to 30 minutes of total engine run time.
After two remote starts of 15 minutes, or multiple shorter time starts totaling 30 minutes have been used, the vehicle must be started and then turned off before the remote start can be used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the following:
- Press. The parking lamps will turn off.
- Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Turn the ignition on and then off.
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.
To lock or unlock the doors from outside the vehicle
- Press or on the remote key. See Remote Key Operation 0 7.
- Use the mechanical key in the driver’s door.
To lock or unlock the doors from inside the vehicle
- Pressor on the power door lock switch.
- Pulling an interior door handle will unlock the door. Pulling the door handle again unlatches it.
Keyless Access
The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the eTrunk™ or door being opened or locked. Press the button on the door handle to open. See “Keyless Access Operation” in Remote Key Operation 0 7.
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 cylinder from being forced open. To reset the lock cylinder, ensure the correct key is fully inserted into the lock cylinder. Rotate the key until you feel the lock cylinder click back into place. Remove the key and reinsert fully, rotate the key to unlock the vehicle.
Power Door Locks
- Press or on the Remote Key.
- : Press to lock the doors. The indicator light in the switch will illuminate when locked.
- : Press to unlock the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the locking of the doors until five seconds after all doors are closed.
When is pressed on the power door lock switch while the door is open, a chime will sound three times indicating delayed locking is active.
The doors will lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are closed. If a door is reopened before that time, the five-second timer will reset when all doors are closed again.
Press on the door lock switch again or press on the remote key to lock the doors immediately.
This feature can be programmed. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Power Door Locks.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all doors are closed, the vehicle is on, and the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park). If a vehicle door is unlocked, and then opened and closed, the doors will lock either when your foot is removed from the brake or the vehicle speed becomes faster than 13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors
- Press on the power door lock switch.
- Shift the vehicle into P (Park).
- Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
- Automatic door unlocking can be programmed. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Power Door Locks.
Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from locking remote keys in the vehicle. When the driver’s door is open, the lock button is pressed, and the vehicle is on, all of the doors will lock and then the driver door will unlock. If the vehicle is off and locking is requested while a door is open, when all doors are closed the vehicle will check for remote keys inside. If a remote key is detected and the number of remote keys inside has not reduced, the driver door will unlock and the horn will sound three times.
This can be manually overridden by pressing and holding on the power door lock switch.
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:
- Move the lever down to the lock position.
- Close the door.
- Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock is on:
- Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door unlock switch, or by using the remote key.
- 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:
- Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
- Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
FAQs
The 2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 features an intelligent key system with keyless entry and ignition.
The 2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 will likely include a conventional key as a fallback in the event that the smart key malfunctions.
To start the engine, press the brake pedal and then select “Start” while the smart key is inside the vehicle.
Yes, the smart key may enable remote vehicle starting, typically by tapping a specific button combination on the key fob.
If the smart key’s battery is depleted, you can typically access the vehicle with the traditional key. When necessary, the smart key battery can be replaced.
Programming smart keys is typically performed by authorized service centers. Contact your local GMC dealership for programming assistance.
The smart key system is designed with advanced security features to prevent malware or unauthorized access, but it is essential to take standard precautions, such as securing your smart key.
Some smart key systems permit the configuration of multiple driver profiles and keys, making it simple to share access with family members and other authorized individuals.
The loss of a smart key can be problematic and costly. Contact your GMC dealership about programming a replacement key.
Yes, many smart key systems permit customization of driver settings, such as seat and mirror positions, based on the ignition key.
Some smart key systems have a “find my key” function that enables you to locate a misplaced key transponder, although not on all vehicles.
Store your smart key in a purse or container that blocks signals to prevent theft via signal amplification attacks.
If you prefer to use a conventional key, you can disable the smart key functionality on the majority of vehicles with smart key systems.
In the event of a system failure, the traditional backup key can be used to activate and start the vehicle.
The procedure for replacing the battery varies depending on the type of key fob, but is typically straightforward. The frequency of battery replacement is dependent on utilization, but batteries can last for a number of years. Refer to the owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: GMC Sierra LD 1500 2023 User Guide| Auto User Guide
Alarm System: 2023 GMC Sierra LD 1500 Alarm System Guidelines