Cluster Guide: 2021 GMC Sierra HD Dashboard Instructions
The dashboard of the 2021 GMC Sierra HD acts as the primary entry point for numerous vehicle functions and information, to provide drivers with intuitive control and important feedback. The dashboard provides a comprehensive interface for monitoring performance indicators and modifying settings, effectively integrating technology and convenience. With its user-friendly style and innovative capabilities, navigating the dashboard offers a seamless and efficient driving experience, allowing drivers to stay connected, informed, and in control while on the road.
2023 GMC SIERRA HEAVY DUTY Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)
Instrument Cluster
- Tachometer
- Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
- Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
- Fuel Gauge
- Voltmeter Gauge
- Speedometer
- Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
- Tachometer
- Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
- Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
- Fuel Gauge
- Voltmeter Gauge
- Speedometer
- Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
- Tachometer
- Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
- Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
- Fuel Gauge
- Voltmeter Gauge
- Speedometer
- Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
Cluster Menu (Midlevel and Uplevel)
There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open and scroll through the different items and displays. Press 
to access the cluster applications. Use the thumbwheel to scroll through the list of available features. Press the thumbwheel to select. Not all applications will be available on all vehicles.
- Home
- Info App. This is where the selected Driver Information Center (DIC) displays can be viewed. See “Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)” in the Index.
- Audio
- Navigation
- Phone
- Options
Home
The information displayed here can be customized from the Options menu.
Speedometer: Displays how fast the vehicle is moving in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Speed Sign: Shows sign information, which comes from a roadway database in the onboard navigation if equipped.
Time: Displays the current time.
Fuel Range: Displays the approximate distance the vehicle can be driven without refueling. The fuel range estimate is based on an average of the vehicle’s fuel economy over recent driving history and the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. The fuel range cannot be reset.
Audio
In the Audio menu, use the thumbwheel to scroll through options, browse for music, select from favorites, or change the audio source. In the main view, scroll to change the station or go to the next or previous track.
Navigation
In the Navigation menu, if there is no active route, a compass will be displayed. If there is an active route, press the thumbwheel to cancel or resume route guidance, mute or unmute voice guidance, or access Recents or Favorites.
Phone
In the Phone menu, if there is no active phone call, view recent calls, scroll through contacts, select from the favorites, or change the phone source. If there is an active call, mute the phone or switch to handset operation.
Options
Use the thumbwheel to scroll through items in the Options menu.
Head-up Display (HUD): If equipped, this feature allows for adjusting the angle of the HUD image and changing or turning off the Speed Limit Sign.
HUD Rotation: Press the thumbwheel while Adjust Rotation is highlighted to enter Adjust Mode. Scroll to adjust the angle of the HUD display. Press the thumbwheel to confirm and save the setting. This feature may only be available in P (Park).
Speed Limit Style: Press the thumbwheel while Speed Limit Style is highlighted to change the speed sign style or to turn it off.
Units: Press the thumbwheel while Units is displayed to enter the Units menu. Choose US or metric units by pressing the thumbwheel while the desired item is highlighted. A selected mark will be displayed next to the selected item.
Info Page Options: Press the thumbwheel while Info Page Options is displayed to enter and select the items to be displayed in the Info app. A selected mark will be displayed next to the selected item.
Home: Press the thumbwheel to select the available elements to display. Not all elements will be available on all vehicles: Speedometer, Speed Sign, Time, and Fuel Range.
Display (Uplevel): Press the thumbwheel to enter the Display menu. Select to turn on or off the compass or speed sign.
Speed Warning: The Speed Warning display allows the driver to set a speed that they do not want to exceed. To set the Speed Warning, press the thumbwheel when the Speed Warning is displayed, or press the thumbwheel on the main view to set the speed value. Scroll to adjust the value. Press the thumbwheel to set the speed. Once the speed is set, this feature can be turned off by pressing the thumbwheel while viewing this page. If the selected speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is displayed with a chime.
Software Information: Press the thumbwheel while Software Information is highlighted to display open-source software information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles. Trip Odometer The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel)
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). For vehicles with the Stop/Start system, when the ignition is on, the tachometer indicates the vehicle status. When pointing to AUTO STOP, the engine is off but the vehicle is on and can move. The engine could auto-start at any time. When the indicator points to OFF, the vehicle is off. When the engine is on, the tachometer will indicate the engine’s revolutions per minute (rpm). The tachometer may vary by several hundred rpm, during Auto Stop mode, when the engine is shutting off and restarting.
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates how much fuel is left in the tank. There is an arrow near the fuel gauge pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. When the indicator is empty, the low fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon. Here are three things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:
- It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more, or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank. The gauge moves a little while turning a corner, speeding up, or braking.
- The gauge takes a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
The engine oil pressure gauge shows the engine oil pressure in kPa (kilopascals) or psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine is running. Oil pressure can vary with engine speed, outside temperature, coolant temperature, and oil viscosity. On some models, the oil pump will vary engine oil pressure according to engine needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as the engine speed or load varies. This is normal. If the oil pressure warning light or Driver Information Center (DIC) message indicates oil pressure outside the normal operating range, check the vehicle’s oil as soon as possible.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge measures the temperature of the vehicle’s engine coolant. While driving under normal operating conditions, if the needle moves into the red warning area, the engine is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Voltmeter Gauge
When the ignition is on, this gauge indicates the battery voltage. When the engine is running, this gauge shows the condition of the charging system. The gauge can transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher reading. This is normal. If the vehicle is operating outside the normal operating range, the charging system light comes on. The voltmeter gauge may also read lower when in fuel economy mode. This is normal. Readings outside the normal operating range can also occur when a large number of electrical accessories are operating in the vehicle and the engine is left idling for an extended period. This condition is normal since the charging system is not able to provide full power at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds allow the charging system to create maximum power. The vehicle can only be driven for a short time with the readings outside the normal operating range. If the vehicle must be driven, turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. Readings outside the normal operating range indicate a possible problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
FAQs
The dashboard serves as the central control hub for accessing various vehicle functions and information in the 2021 GMC Sierra HD.
The dashboard provides access to performance metrics, vehicle settings, navigation, entertainment options, and more.
The dashboard interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for drivers to navigate and access essential features.
Yes, the dashboard allows for customization, letting drivers tailor the display and settings to their liking for a personalized experience.
Yes, the dashboard includes connectivity features such as smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Navigation features can be accessed through the dashboard’s touchscreen interface, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates.
Yes, the dashboard includes safety features such as collision alerts, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring to enhance driver awareness and safety.
Yes, the dashboard provides access to performance metrics such as fuel efficiency, tire pressure, and engine diagnostics.
Vehicle settings can be adjusted through the dashboard’s menu system, allowing drivers to customize features like climate control, lighting, and driver assistance systems.
Yes, the dashboard includes a voice command feature that enables hands-free control of various functions, enhancing convenience and safety.
Yes, the dashboard supports smartphone integration, allowing users to access apps, make calls, send messages, and stream music directly from their devices.
The dashboard provides towing-specific information and controls, such as trailer brake settings and trailer sway control, to assist drivers during towing tasks.
Yes, the dashboard offers driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assistance to improve driving comfort and safety.
Yes, the dashboard displays real-time fuel consumption data and provides insights to help drivers optimize their driving habits for improved efficiency.
Yes, the dashboard offers a night mode option that adjusts the display brightness and color scheme for improved visibility and reduced glare during nighttime driving.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: GMC Sierra HD 2021 User Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 GMC SIERRA 1500 Specs, Price, Features, and Mileage (Brochure)