Smart Key Entry on 2015 Sierra Denali 1500

jasbains · March 30, 2017

Hi, I have a 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 and I wanted to know if anyone has figured out a way to add smart key functionalities to this model. I still don't understand how GM made such a high-priced truck in 2015 without having smart key unlocking functions.

I basically want the truck to unlock when you get close to it which is standard on most cars since 2010 in other makes and models. Please let me know if anyone has tried to do this or if it can be done. Thanks in advance.

jhbrennan · March 30, 2017

Hi, I have a 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 and I wanted to know if anyone has figured out a way to add smart key functionalities to this model. I still don't understand how GM made such a high-priced truck in 2015 without having smart key unlocking functions.

I basically want the truck to unlock when you get close to it which is standard on most cars since 2010 in other makes and models. Please let me know if anyone has tried to do this or if it can be done. Thanks in advance.

Even with the factory "smart key" on the 2017 models, you still have to push a button on the door handle to unlock. The door does not unlock as you approach it. So the GM smart key isn't all that smart.

Bikemobile · March 30, 2017

Funny, my 2012 dodge charger police car had proximity unlock and keyless start. So its not like its an expensive option.

I was kinda pissed/annoyed my 2017 didnt have it...

jasbains · March 31, 2017

Even with the factory "smart key" on the 2017 models, you still have to push a button on the door handle to unlock. The door does not unlock as you approach it. So the GM smart key isn't all that smart.

That's pretty damn useless then. I guess it doesn't make a difference since these trucks don't even have push button start so essentially you still need to pull out the key once you're inside but it would be easier when you're just unlocking to grab something from inside.

Funny, my 2012 dodge charger police car had proximity unlock and keyless start. So its not like its an expensive option.

I was kinda pissed/annoyed my 2017 didnt have it...

Yeah I have a 2011 Audi which has proximity unlock and keyless start as well and I've seen it on many other American cars as well so I was disappointed when we didn't get it on this truck. You'd think it would at least be there on the SLT and Denali's if anything.

jhbrennan · March 31, 2017

That's pretty damn useless then. I guess it doesn't make a difference since these trucks don't even have push button start so essentially you still need to pull out the key once you're inside but it would be easier when you're just unlocking to grab something from inside.

Yeah I have a 2011 Audi which has proximity unlock and keyless start as well and I've seen it on many other American cars as well so I was disappointed when we didn't get it on this truck. You'd think it would at least be there on the SLT and Denali's if anything.

Well it does have keyless entry/start - 2017 Yukon Denali with push button start but as I said previously, the unlocking requires you to push a button on the door handle.

Thomcat · March 31, 2017

It's a misnomer....not a smart key, more like a stupid key or another way for automakers to save bucks.Have it on my '16 Malibu and hate it....only smart thin g GM did was eliminate it on my '17 Impala.

It is smart enough to start the vehicle without the key but it is stupid enough to stop it without the key. Here's how this scenario works out. You start the car with your keys containing the fob in your pocket, wife arrives and thinks she forgot to lock the door and you give her your keys. She locks the door and throws your keys containing the fob in her pocket book and hops into the car which remains running. You drop her off and take car to get gas. Hit the biutton t turn it off for a fill up. Hop back in and you are f_ked, 3 miles away with no way to restart the vehicle!

gmissed · March 31, 2017

It's a misnomer....not a smart key, more like a stupid key or another way for automakers to save bucks.Have it on my '16 Malibu and hate it....only smart thin g GM did was eliminate it on my '17 Impala.

It is smart enough to start the vehicle without the key but it is stupid enough to stop it without the key. Here's how this scenario works out. You start the car with your keys containing the fob in your pocket, wife arrives and thinks she forgot to lock the door and you give her your keys. She locks the door and throws your keys containing the fob in her pocket book and hops into the car which remains running. You drop her off and take car to get gas. Hit the biutton t turn it off for a fill up. Hop back in and you are f_ked, 3 miles away with no way to restart the vehicle!

When she gets out of the car with the FOB you should have heard a really loud annoying BEEP BEEP. Consider this BEEP BEEP an early warning. Loud enough to wake the neighbors at 4 AM in the morning. Ask me how I know. (Hint it was a Ford F150 with keyless entry/start).

Edited March 31, 2017 by gmissed

Annhl8rX · April 6, 2017

This annoys me as well. My wife has a 2015 Durango that is just one step above the base model, and it has passive entry and push button start. She's jealous of my leather, navigation, and remote start, but I'd trade all of those for that one feature (okay...maybe it's two) from hers.

Truck916 · April 6, 2017

Definitely annoying not having it. My wife has a 2013 Prius and she was like wtf when she found out about my Denali.

phabejhmoob · April 6, 2017

my wife's new 2017 Subaru Impreza has that and I like it! key in pocket and it automatically opens when you put your hand to the handle. Push start to boot!