2023 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD Keys and Smart Key

The carefully designed key and smart key system in the 2023 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD is the pinnacle of progress in vehicle safety and ease. These keys, which were made to fit the best heavy-duty trucks from GMC, go beyond what most people expect and do more than just start the truck. They let you access a world of cutting-edge features and functions that combine traditional key functions with the newest smart key technology in a way that works like a charm. The 2023 Sierra Denali 3500 HD keys are a great example of how high-performance tech and advanced connectivity can work together to make a great experience for all users.

They set new standards for how modern vehicles can be accessed and controlled. These keys represent the Sierra Denali 3500 HD’s dedication to pushing the limits of heavy-duty capability while improving the driver’s sense of command and connectivity in this unmatched workhorse of a truck. They can be used to unleash the power of the strong engine, orchestrate a symphony of advanced driver-assistance systems, or ensure the highest level of security.

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.

• The mechanical key inside the remote key is used for the driver’s door and glove box.
• To remove the mechanical key, 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.
• The mechanical key may have a barcoded 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.
• 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 the 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
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” under Remote Key Operation 0 7.
• 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. 

• : Press to lock all doors.
• If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash once 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.
• Pressing arms the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System.
• With power folding mirrors, double-pressing
  and holding for one second will fold the mirrors if enabled. Double press and hold K for one second to unfold the mirrors. 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 unlock. The interior lamps may come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the vehicle is started.
• 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 on the remote key disarms the alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System .
• Double press and hold 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 to open the tailgate. The vehicle must be in P (park).
• : Press twice to open the hood. Press twice and hold to close the hood. In order to open or close remote key must be within 30m (100ft). The vehicle must be in P (park).
•  : Press and release to initiate vehicle locate. The turn signal lamps flash and the horn sounds three times.
• Press and hold 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 vehicle is turned on or is pressed again. The vehicle must be off for the panic alarm to work.
• : Press twice from outside the vehicle to remotely start the vehicle. The vehicle cannot be started if a remote key is left inside the vehicle. See Remote Vehicle Start 0 12.

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.
• Remote keys 1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of memory 1 or 2.
• Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the

Driver 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.

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 and 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 hold and on 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.

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

1. Place the remote key in the rear cupholder.
2. 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

1. Press the button on the side of the 1. Press the button on the side of the
   
2. Use the mechanical key blade in the slot to remove the battery cover by hand.
3. Remove the battery cover.
4. Pull the seal by pulling on the tab to access the battery.
5. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
6. Insert the new battery, the positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2450 or equivalent battery.
7. Place the seal back into the groove around the battery compartment.
8. Replace the battery cover by snapping it back into the remote key.
9. Reinsert the mechanical key.

Remote Vehicle Start
This feature starts the heating or air conditioning systems and the rear window defogger from outside the vehicle. Use remote start to heat or cool the interior when the vehicle is plugged in to maximize electric range by utilizing electricity from the electrical outlet. Normal system operation will return after the vehicle has been turned on.

This button is on the remote key.
The climate control system will use the previous settings during a remote start. The rear defog may come on during a remote start based on cold ambient conditions. The rear defog indicator light will not come on during a remote start.
Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view. Check local regulations for any requirements.

The vehicle cannot be remotely started if

• The remote key is in the vehicle. . The hood is open.
• The vehicle has been running for 60 minutes after a remote start. . The hazard flashers are on.
• The vehicle is not in P (Park).
• The vehicle is already started.

If the battery level is low, do not use the remote start feature. The battery may fully deplete.
The remote key range may be less while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions may affect the range and performance of the remote key. See Remote Key 0 7.

Starting the Vehicle Using Remote Start
Press twice on the remote key. The turn signal lamps will flash to confirm the remote start request was received. During the remote start, the parking lamps will remain on as long as the vehicle is on. The vehicle will turn off after 60 minutes unless you stop the remote start before the remote start cycle ha vehicle is turned on. Press the brake pedal and press POWER O to drive the vehicle.

Extending Remote Start Time
Remote start can be used for up to 60 minutes of total remote start time. After a remote start of 60 minutes, or multiple shorter time starts totaling 60 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 vehicle 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

• Press or 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 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. Press to activate the safety locks on the rear doors. The indicator light in the switch will illuminate when activated. The rear door power windows are also disabled. See Power Windows 0 29. Press again to deactivate the safety locks.
If an inside rear door handle is being pulled at the same time the safety lock is deactivated, only that door will remain locked and the indicator light may flash. Release the handle, then press the safety lock twice to deactivate the safety locks.

Digital Key
If equipped and enabled, the Digital Key feature allows you to access and operate the vehicle using a smartphone or other compatible device. Only certain smartphones and devices support Digital Key. Please see the myGMC mobile app to see determine if your device is compatible.
If the smartphone battery is out of charge, low, or not detected while trying to start the vehicle, the DIC may display NO KEY FOUND. Charge the smartphone battery as soon as possible. You can use the my GMC mobile app to pair, manage, or delete your Digital Key.

Setting up Digital Key

Digital Key is only available with an OnStar account associated with the vehicle. 1. Log in to your Digital Key account in the myGMC mobile app. See Connections.
2. Select the Digital Key menu option, and
follow the steps on your screen to pair your phone.

Using Your Digital Key

• Passively lock and unlock the vehicle’s doors, and access the front or rear compartments, without a remote key.
• Start the vehicle with your phone present inside the vehicle.

FAQs