Start a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a GMC with a Dead Key Fob

This page holds all of the emergency start or back-up start procedures needed for GMC vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the fob.

Starting Your GMC

• First, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
• Second, for video help, click here!
• Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.

Hummer

To start a GMC model with a dead key fob, a pocket to place the transmitter will need to be identified. Once the fob is properly placed, the vehicle will recognize the fob and the vehicle can be started as normal. In the new Hummer EV, the pocket is the rear cup holder, as shown to the right. Place the key fob in the cup holder with the buttons facing up and start the car as normal, pressing  the brake pedal and the POWER button while in park or neutral.

Yukon

The large SUV’s from GM, including the GMC Yukon, feature a transmitter pocket located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console, as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out, buttons forward (in a Chevrolet Suburban we had on hand, the engine started with the buttons facing either way). It is a loose fit, but don’t be concerned. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Check out the video here.

Sierra, Yukon, 2021 and later

In an all to common inability to leave well enough alone, this is changed in the Yukon with bucket seats for the 2021 model year. Its changed again in 2023 (below). This will also cover the 2020 and newer GMC Sierra. There are now three back up locations for the transmitter. Again if the vehicle has bucket seats, the transmitter is dropped between the two cup holders (right). In the Sierra in 2022, the cup holders are one in front of the other (far right). In this case, drop the transmitter in the space between the cup holders and the shifter.

Without bucket seats

In both the Sierra and Yukon models in 2021 and beyond without bucket seats, the back up transmitter pocket is a slot at the back of the lowest storage bin (there are two of them) in the center area of, and beneath, the front seat. In all cases, once the transmitter is in place, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop button together, starting the vehicle as normal.

Sierra 2500/3500 2025 and later

The 2500 and 3500 heavy duty models beginning in 2025 add a third transmitter pocket. The trucks use two of the locations shown above: the spot alongside the cup holders in Denali models (far right above) and the spot at the back of the center console (directly above right).

However, in models with a floor console, the transmitter pocket is moved to the left side cup holder (right).

Sierra EV models

The Sierra EV also uses the left side cup holder, but the console arrangement is much different. The console storage area is in front of the cup holders (right).

GMC should really choose a single spot and use it across their line up.

Terrain

The Terrain small crossover SUV got its first taste of keyless ignition in the 2018 model. It has bucket seats and the back up location is in a cup holder, nearly identical to the Yukon above, and exactly what the Yukon with bucket seats uses beginning in 2023. The cup holders are side by side (right) and the left side cup holder is used. As always, face the buttons up and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.

2025 and later

A change in the 2025 Terrain sees the transmitter pocket moved to the part of the center console directly in front of the cup holders, rather than using one of the cup holders themselves. The spot, which in the very center of the space (right), appears to have a small mark.

Acadia

In the Acadia crossover, the pocket for the transmitter is located in the face of the rear of the inside of the center console. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out, and the buttons up (or however it will fit!). With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. And we have a video of the process here.

2020 through 2023

The location is changed in the Acadia for the 2020 model year, though 2023. For those years, the back up slot is at the bottom of the center console, as shown to the right. The console liner must be lifted away to expose what is a fob-shaped depression. Once again, with the transmitter in place, press the Start / Stop button and the brake pedal together to start the vehicle.

2024 and later

In 2024 Acadia, the back up pocket pocket is moved to the driver’s side cup holder. See the Terrain, above.

Canyon

In 2023, the Canyon gets its first look at keyless start. In this case however, the back up spot is in the right cup holder (right image). Evidently, just to be different. And again, with the transmitter or key fob in place, press the Start / Stop button and the brake pedal together to start the vehicle as normal.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

Models examined include Acadia, Canyon, Hummer, Savana, Sierra, Sierra EV, Terrain, and Yukon. Model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

… Return to Part I, Getting In

——————————————————————-

The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Disclaimer and Privacy Policy