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GMC Sierra: lost key, dead fob or locked out?

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Which key your Sierra takes by year, how to get in and start it when the fob dies, and the tailgate and ignition recalls to check.

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The GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra was Canada's third best-selling vehicle in 2025, with 59,962 sold (Car Guide). This page covers the Sierra 1500 and 2500HD/3500HD pickups, not the Sierra EV.[1][2][18][19]

Its key type changed over the years: a plain key with the Passlock immobilizer in the ignition cylinder (2006 and 2007 Classic manuals), PASS-Key III+ transponder keys (2008–2012), an optional Keyless Access proximity fob in the 2019 1500 manual (none in the 2018 manual), and push-button-only remote keys in the 2023, 2024 and 2026 1500 and the 2024 and 2026 HD manuals.[2][3][4][5][7][9][10][15][16][17][18][19]

Two points are specific to Canada. GM's manuals for turn-key and Key Access trucks (2014 to the 2023 HD) say that with no recognized key, "Canadian regulations require that owners see their dealer". And in Canada the tailgate switch recall covers 2020–2024 Sierra 1500s, while the U.S. recall covers HD trucks only.[6][7][8][9][10][12][14][32][36][33]

Which key does your GMC Sierra use?

Model yearsKeyStartWorth knowing
2006 and 2007 Classic manualsMetal key; separate remote if equippedTurn keyPasslock in the ignition cylinder; no transponder in the key. CR2032 remote.[2][3]
2008–2012 manualsPASS-Key III+ transponder key, separate remoteTurn keyUp to 10 keys; one programmed key can add another. CR2032.[4][5]
2014 body (2014, 2018, 2019 Limited and HD manuals)Key programmed to the immobilizer, separate remoteTurn keyUp to 8 keys; adding one takes one recognized key (2014) or two (2018–2019). CR2032.[6][7][8]
2019–2023 (2019–2020 1500, 2022 1500 Limited, 2021–2023 HD)Key and remote, or Keyless Access proximity fob with a metal key insideTurn key, or ENGINE START/STOPThe 2019 1500 manual offers a proximity fob; the 2018 manual has none. CR2032.[7][9][10][11][12][13][14]
2023, 2024, 2026 1500; 2024, 2026 HDProximity remote key with a metal key insidePush-button onlyCR2450. New keys "through your dealer".[15][16][17][18][19]

Not sure which generation you have? The model year is on your ownership (vehicle permit).

Dead fob, locked out or trunk stuck: what the owner's manual says

Metal key in the fob (2020 and 2026 manuals)

Press the button on the side of the fob near the bottom and pull the key out; never pull it without pressing the button. Use it in the driver door, or the passenger door if equipped. In the 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2026 manuals (1500 and HD), a cylinder turned with the wrong key or a key not fully inserted spins freely; the manual gives a reset.[10][15][16][17][18][19]

Starting with a dead fob (2020 and 2026 manuals)

The dash may show NO REMOTE DETECTED (2020) or NO KEY FOUND (2026). Put the fob in the transmitter pocket in the centre console, or the lower compartment on trucks without bucket seats; shift to P or N, press the brake and ENGINE START/STOP. If a 2026 truck still won't change modes, try another remote key or the backup location; if neither works, the truck needs service.[10][18]

Tailgate: key, buttons, dead battery (2008–2026)

The key locks and unlocks a manual tailgate in the 2008 and 2014 manuals; the 2026 manual says to use it to unlock the tailgate. Power-release and MultiPro tailgates (2020, 2026) open in P with a double press of the fob's tailgate button, the centre-stack button, or the handle touch pad once unlocked. An electric latch will not open on a low or disconnected battery; the 2019, 2020, 2022 Limited, 2023 and 2026 manuals say it "can be opened manually" and to contact a dealer or Roadside Assistance.[4][6][18][10][9][12][15][19]

Fob locked inside (2020, 2023, 2024, 2026 manuals)

With interference, a keyless truck may not detect the fob and may lock with it inside, so the 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2026 manuals (1500 and HD) say not to leave it in an unattended truck. On 2026 trucks, if a remote key is still inside, the driver door unlocks and the horn chirps three times.[10][15][16][17][18][19]

Door handles won't unlock (2019–2021 Keyless Access)

Per the 2020 manual, holding lock and unlock on the fob for about 3 seconds disables handle unlocking; the turn signals then flash four times when a handle button is pressed. GM bulletin 18-NA-279 gives dealers this procedure when owners of 2019 1500 "New Model" and 2020–2021 Sierras report passive unlocking not working.[10][39]

All keys lost: the Canadian wording (2008–2026)

The 2008 and 2012 manuals name a dealer or "a locksmith who can service PASS-Key III+". In the manuals from 2014 to the 2023 HD, a turn-key or Key Access truck with no recognized key goes to the dealer under "Canadian regulations", and on Keyless Access trucks (2019 to the 2023 HD) the no-transmitter self-learn "is not available in Canada". The push-button manuals (2023, 2024 and 2026 1500; 2024 and 2026 HD) say a lost key's replacement "can be purchased and programmed through your dealer".[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

Recalls involving locks, latches or keys

RecallModel yearsWhat it covers
Transport Canada 2024-061 / NHTSA 24V-060Canada: 2020–2023 1500, 2020–2024 HD. U.S.: 2020–2024 HD onlyWater in the exterior switch can let the power-locking tailgate unlatch while parked. Fix: new switch.[32][33]
Transport Canada 2024-720, 2025-350 / NHTSA 24V-8942024 HD (2024-720 / 24V-894); 2023–2024 1500 (2025-350, Canada)Expansions of the same tailgate switch recall.[34][35][36]
Transport Canada 2020-097 / NHTSA 20V-1422020 HDHood-latch striker wires were not heat-treated; the hood may open while driving. Fix: new hood.[30][31]
Transport Canada 2014-216, 2016-068 / NHTSA 14V-301, 16V-0842014–2016The base radio fails, so the key-in-ignition chime does not sound; Transport Canada notes a higher theft risk. Fix: radio software.[26][27][28][29]
Transport Canada 2015-002, 2015-458 / NHTSA 14V-827, 15V-6402011–2012; 2014–2015The key can stick in START, then drop to ACC and cut power. Fix for 2014–2015: new ignition lock housing. For 2011–2012, Transport Canada lists a steering-column inspection and replacement if needed; NHTSA lists a new ignition lock housing as needed.[22][23][24][25]
Transport Canada 2013-001 / NHTSA 13V-0012013 (1500 and HD)A fractured park-lock cable or faulty steering lock module can let the truck leave Park with the key off or removed. Fix: inspection and a new steering column.[20][21]
None listed2005–2010As of September 29, 2026, the Transport Canada and NHTSA databases list no lock- or key-related recall for these model years.[37]

To check whether your own vehicle has an open recall, enter its VIN on the manufacturer's recall page — Transport Canada lists them here. To browse recalls by make, model and year, use the Transport Canada recalls database.

Known problems and what owners report

No crank, or a fob that won't learn (GM bulletins)

PIT5860B (2024): 2019–2021 Sierras, the 2022 1500 Limited and 2022–2023 HDs with keyless start may not crank, showing "Remote Learn Pending" or "Ready For FOB", from a false signal on the driver-door cylinder unlock circuit. 22-NA-236 (2022): fobs cannot be learned on the 2022 "new" and 2023 1500, even after a BCM replacement; the fix is BCM software, and the bulletin's regions include Canada.[40][41]

Dead fob buttons or a false low-battery warning (GM bulletins)

PIT6456A (2026): on 2023–2026 1500s and 2024–2026 HDs, one fob's buttons can stop working while passive entry and start still work. The fob is out of sync with the body control module, resyncing can take up to 255 presses, and the bulletin says "Do not replace Key fobs". PIT6511 (2026): on 2022–2026 1500s and 2024–2026 HDs, a new battery can still trigger the low-battery message.[42][43]

Tailgate opening by itself or draining the battery (2019 on)

Of 35 NHTSA latch and lock complaints for 2019–2026 Sierras, 30 mention the tailgate, some opening by itself (U.S. data as of September 30, 2026). PIT6435 (2025): on 2023–2025 Sierras, water in the external tailgate switch wakes the truck and drains the battery. GM program N232426401 (2024) restores exterior tailgate switches that the recall repair had disabled; it lists 2020–2023 Sierra 1500s as Canada-only.[49][50][44][45]

Door locks and stiff keys (2007–2017)

Of 47 NHTSA latch and lock complaints for 2007–2013 Sierras, 31 mention door or power locks and 14 say "actuator" (U.S. data); a moderator on a Chevrolet Forum thread about 2007–2013 trucks calls the door-lock actuators "notoriously bad" (owner forum). PI0091B: 2008–2016 GM "side mill" keys may not insert or turn in door or ignition cylinders because of debris in the groove. PIT5233C: on 2014–2017 turn-key Sierras, a stiff key from OFF is "normal", caused by the column lock.[48][51][46][47]

Theft and key security

Équité Association groups the Silverado and Sierra. Canada: #3 in 2020 (model year 2005 most stolen), #7 in the undated "2021" list (1999–2006 1500), then the 2006 1500 at #9 in 2022, #10 in 2023 and #7 in 2024 (1,192 thefts). Ontario: #5 in 2020 (model year 2017 most stolen), #8 in "2021", and outside the top 10 in 2022, 2023 and 2024.[52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61]

Équité's Bryan Gast told Global News (November 18, 2025) that in Alberta older models are taken for use in other crimes, while Ontario and Quebec thieves favour newer vehicles for export. A 2012 GM bulletin for Canada (10-00-89-010B) has dealers ask for photo ID plus registration or proof of ownership before giving out a key code. A 2025 U.S. lawsuit (Burkett v. General Motors; allegations only) claims 2010-to-present GM trucks and SUVs, the Sierra included, have fob signals that can be cloned and OBD-II ports that let thieves program a new fob.[62][38][63]

GMC Sierra keys — questions

Where is the hidden key in a GMC Sierra fob?

On the Keyless Access fob (2020 manual) and the remote key (2026 manual), press the button on the side near the bottom and pull the key out; never pull it without pressing the button. Use it in the driver door, or the passenger door if equipped.

How do I start a GMC Sierra with a dead fob?

For a keyless-start truck, the 2020 and 2026 manuals say: get in with the metal key, put the fob in the transmitter pocket (centre console, or the lower compartment on trucks without bucket seats), shift to P or N, press the brake and ENGINE START/STOP. The 2023 1500 and the 2024 and 2026 remote keys take a CR2450; the fobs and remotes in the 2006–2008, 2012, 2014 and 2018–2020 manuals, the 2021–2023 HD manuals and the 2022 1500 Limited manual take a CR2032.

Does the tailgate recall cover a Canadian Sierra 1500?

It can. In Canada, recalls 2024-061 and 2025-350 cover 2020–2024 Sierra 1500s as well as 2020–2024 HDs: water in the exterior switch can let the power-locking tailgate unlatch while parked, and the fix is a new switch. The U.S. recall, 24V-060, covers HD trucks only.

Falcon Locksmith is an independent locksmith, not affiliated with or authorised by GMC. Vehicle and product names belong to their respective owners and are used only to identify the vehicle.

Related help

Car LockoutKey Fob ProgrammingSmart KeysAll Keys LostSpare Car KeysIgnition Repair All GMC keys →

Sources

  1. Car Guide — Top 10 best-selling vehicles in Canada in 2025 (2026)
  2. GM — GMC Sierra Owner Manual (2006)
  3. GM — GMC Sierra Classic Owner Manual (2007)
  4. GM — GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (2008)
  5. GM — GMC Sierra Owner Manual (2012)
  6. GM — GMC Sierra Owner Manual, U.S./Canada/Mexico (2014)
  7. GM Canada — Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner's Manual (2018)
  8. GM Canada — Sierra Limited 1500 and Sierra 2500/3500 Owner's Manual (2019)
  9. GM — Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual, Canadian path (2019)
  10. GM Canada — Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (2020)
  11. GM Canada — Sierra 2500HD/3500HD Owner's Manual (2021)
  12. GMC Canada — Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Limited Owner Manual (2022)
  13. GM — Sierra 2500HD/3500HD Owner Manual, Canadian path (2022)
  14. GM — Sierra 2500HD/3500HD Owner Manual, Canadian path (2023)
  15. GM — Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (2023)
  16. GM — Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner's Manual (2024)
  17. GM — Sierra 2500HD/3500HD Owner Manual, Canadian path (2024)
  18. GM — Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual, Canadian path (2026)
  19. GM — Sierra 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual, Canadian path (2026)
  20. Transport Canada — Recall 2013-001 (2013)
  21. NHTSA — Recall 13V-001 (2013)
  22. Transport Canada — Recall 2015-002 (2015)
  23. NHTSA — Recall 14V-827 (2014)
  24. Transport Canada — Recall 2015-458 (2015)
  25. NHTSA — Recall 15V-640 (2015)
  26. Transport Canada — Recall 2014-216 (2014)
  27. NHTSA — Recall 14V-301 (2014)
  28. Transport Canada — Recall 2016-068 (2016)
  29. NHTSA — Recall 16V-084 (2016)
  30. Transport Canada — Recall 2020-097 (2020)
  31. NHTSA — Recall 20V-142 (2020)
  32. Transport Canada — Recall 2024-061 (2024)
  33. NHTSA — Recall 24V-060 (2024)
  34. Transport Canada — Recall 2024-720 (2024)
  35. NHTSA — Recall 24V-894 (2024)
  36. Transport Canada — Recall 2025-350 (2025)
  37. Transport Canada — Recall database API, GMC Sierra by model year (as of September 29, 2026)
  38. GM via NHTSA — Bulletin 10-00-89-010B, key-code security, Canada only (2012)
  39. GM via NHTSA — Bulletin 18-NA-279, passive door unlocking inoperative (2021)
  40. GM via NHTSA — PIT5860B, Remote Learn Pending and no crank (2024)
  41. GM via NHTSA — Bulletin 22-NA-236, unable to learn fob (2022)
  42. GM via NHTSA — PIT6456A, fob buttons inoperative (2026)
  43. GM via NHTSA — PIT6511, low fob battery message (2026)
  44. GM via NHTSA — PIT6435, dead battery from tailgate switch (2025)
  45. GM via NHTSA — Customer Satisfaction Program N232426401, disabled tailgate switch replacement (2024)
  46. GM via NHTSA — PI0091B, side-mill key (2015)
  47. GM via NHTSA — PIT5233C, hard-to-turn ignition key (2017)
  48. NHTSA — Complaints API, 2008 GMC Sierra (as of September 30, 2026)
  49. NHTSA — Complaints API, 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 (as of September 30, 2026)
  50. NHTSA — Complaints API, 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 (as of September 30, 2026)
  51. Chevrolet Forum (owner forum) — 2007–2013 GMT900 door lock issues thread
  52. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2020, Canada (2020)
  53. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2020, Ontario (2020)
  54. Équité Association — Top 10 stolen vehicles, Canada, undated "2021" list
  55. Équité Association — Top 10 stolen vehicles, Ontario, undated "2021" list
  56. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles, Canada, number of thefts (2022)
  57. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles, Canada, number of thefts (2023)
  58. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles, Canada, number of thefts (2024)
  59. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles, Ontario, number of thefts (2022)
  60. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles, Ontario, number of thefts (2023)
  61. Équité Association — Top 10 most stolen vehicles, Ontario, number of thefts (2024)
  62. Global News — Auto theft claims in 2025 and the top models, with Équité's Bryan Gast (2025)
  63. Burkett v. General Motors Co., E.D. Tex. No. 4:25-cv-00584 — complaint, hosted by ClassAction.org (2025)

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