2003 GMC YUKON coolant temperature

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel willash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will alsoash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel willash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See“Tow/Haul Mode”
for more information.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle isfilled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occursfirst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F(−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.Notice:When adding coolant, it is important that
you use only DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL®is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner—at 30,000 miles
(50,000 km) or 24 months, whichever occursrst.
Damage caused by the use of coolant other
than DEX-COOL
®is not covered by your new vehicle
warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which won’t damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
more information on
location.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank.
Notice:Your pressure cap is a pressure-type cap
and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss
and possible engine damage from overheating.
See“Capacities and Specications”for more
information.
Engine Overheating
You willfind a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-46. In addition, you will
find a LOW COOLANT LEVEL, ENGINE OVERHEATED
and a REDUCED ENGINE POWER message in the
DIC on the instrument panel. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-53.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternatesfiring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. See“Engine Oil”in the Index.
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at thefluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enoughfluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind offluid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-17.
Always use the properfluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washerfluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use afluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for reservoir location.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washerfluid until the
tank is full.
Notice:
When using concentrated washeruid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washeruid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washeruid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t
clean as well as washeruid.
Fill your washeruid tank only three-quarters
full when it’s very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your
washer system and paint.
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL

97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-61for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter if
the vehicle’s GVWR is over 8,600 lbs or if the vehicle
is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transmissionuid, change
both theuid andlter.
❑Change transfer caseuid.
❑Except 8.1L V8 Engine: Inspect Positive Crankcase
Ventilation (PCV) valve.An Emission Control
Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain,ush and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occursrst).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-26for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL

Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-94
Video Screen............................................3-125
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-93
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-92
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-89
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-91
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-91
Cleaning Leather............................................5-90
Cleaning the Mirror.........................................2-43
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-91
Cleaning the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper
Blades.......................................................5-93
Cleaning Tires................................................5-94
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-90
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Dual ..........................................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-26
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-33
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System,
Electronic................................................3-35
Rear Air Conditioning System........................3-32
Compact Disc Messages................3-84, 3-97, 3-110
Compass Calibration...............................2-42, 2-44
Compass Operation.........................................2-44
Compass Variance..................................2-41, 2-44Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-16
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-56
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-46
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-52
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-54
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-11
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government.............................................. 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-10
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL

E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-60
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-97
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-97
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-97
Electrochromic Mirror Operation................2-41, 2-43
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-50
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-43
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-48
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Cooling System Inspection............................6-16
Exhaust.....................................................2-38
Fan Noise..................................................5-37
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting
......................................................2-20
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
.................................3-64
Engine Coolant Level Check
.............................6-11
Engine Hour Meter Display
...............................3-39Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-11
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-65
Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats.............. 1-8
Entertainment System
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-125
DVD Distortion..........................................3-123
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Environmental Concerns..................................4-26
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-53
Exit Lighting...................................................3-18
Express-Down Windows...................................2-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-43
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finding a PTY Station
(RDS and XM™) .......................3-78, 3-88, 3-101
Finding a Station....................3-73, 3-76, 3-86, 3-99
Finish Care....................................................5-92
Finish Damage...............................................5-94
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-125
Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-69
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL

Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
FM Stereo....................................................3-123
Fog Lamps
....................................................3-17
Folding the Seatback
.......................................1-16
Folding the Seatbacks
.......................1-9, 1-11, 1-20
Following Distance
..........................................4-69
Footnotes
........................................................ 6-5
Four-Wheel Drive
....................................2-26, 5-51
Front Axle
......................................................5-52
Front Axle Locking Feature
...............................2-26
Front Reading Lamps
......................................3-19
Front Storage Area
.........................................2-54
Frontal Air Bags
.............................................1-76
Fuel
............................................................... 5-4
Additives
...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel
.............................................. 5-5
E-85 (85% Ethanol)
....................................... 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
....................5-10
Filling Your Tank
........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries
.............................. 5-7
Gage
.........................................................3-52
Gasoline Octane
........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications
.................................. 5-4Fuel (cont.)
Low Warning Light.......................................3-53
System Inspection.......................................6-15
Fuel Information Button....................................3-56
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-67
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-97
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-46
Fuel..........................................................3-52
Oil Pressure...............................................3-51
Speedometer..............................................3-39
Tachometer.................................................3-39
Transmission Temperature.............................3-46
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-43
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-50
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-4
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-53
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-26
Glove Box.....................................................2-54
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
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2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL