A. Dome Lamp Override Button
B. Lamp Controls
C. Air Outlets
D. Automatic Transfer Case/Stabilitrak
®Mode Button
(AWD Vehicles)/Traction Assist System (TAS)
E. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
F. Instrument Panel Cluster
G. Shift Lever
H. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped)
I. Audio System
J. Comfort Control SystemK. Instrument Panel Fuse Block
L. Hood Release
M. Steering Wheel Control Buttons (If Equipped)
N. Center Instrument Panel Utility Block
O. Tilt Wheel Lever
P. Parking Brake Release
Q. Lighter and Accessory Power Outlets
R. Storage Area (If Equipped)
S. Ashtray
T. Glovebox
3-5
2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL
Q:Am I likely to stall when going downhill?
A:It’s much more likely to happen going uphill. But if
it happens going downhill, here’s what to do.
Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes.
Apply the parking brake.
Shift to PARK (P) and, while still braking, restart the
engine.
Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,
and drive straight down.
If the engine won’t start, get out and get help.
Driving Across an Incline
Sooner or later, an off-road trail will probably go across
the incline of a hill. If this happens, you have to
decide whether to try to drive across the incline. Here
are some things to consider:
A hill that can be driven straight up or down may be
too steep to drive across. When you go straight up
or down a hill, the length of the wheel base (thedistance from the front wheels to the rear wheels)
reduces the likelihood the vehicle will tumble
end over end. But when you drive across an incline,
the much more narrow track width (the distance
between the left and right wheels) may not prevent
the vehicle from tilting and rolling over. Also,
driving across an incline puts more weight on the
downhill wheels. This could cause a downhill
slide or a rollover.
Surface conditions can be a problem when you drive
across a hill. Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet
grass can cause your tires to slip sideways, downhill.
If the vehicle slips sideways, it can hit something that
will trip it (a rock, a rut, etc.) and roll over.
Hidden obstacles can make the steepness of the
incline even worse. If you drive across a rock with the
uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels drop into a rut
or depression, your vehicle can tilt even more.
4-33
2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL
Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-4
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-5
Fuel E-85 (85% Ethanol).................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-29Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-32
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-49
Rear Axle.......................................................5-50
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-53
Headlamps..................................................5-53
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-54
Side Identification Marker Lamps.....................5-55
Roof Marker Lamps......................................5-55
Taillamps.....................................................5-57
Replacement Bulbs
.......................................5-59
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1
2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL
Hood Release
To open the hood do the following:
1. Pull the handle inside
the vehicle located
under and to the left of
the steering wheel.
2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on
the secondary hood release located near the
center of the grill.
3. Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure allfiller caps are
on properly. Pull down the hood and close itfirmly.
5-11
2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-92.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in ated to
the correct tire in ation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench/ratchet to tighten the cable. SeeChanging a Flat
Tire on page 5-69.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-17.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission uid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-23.A uid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
speci ed in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assembly, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear compartment
hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot points, rear door
detent link, roller mechanism, liftgate handle pivot points,
latch bolt, fuel door hinge, cargo door hinge, locks
and folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
6-12
2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-9
Headlamps....................................................5-53
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-54
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-53
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-55
Side Identification Marker Lamps...................5-55
Headphones.................................................3-117
Heated Seats................................................... 1-5
Heating.........................................................3-30
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-44
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-45
Hitches..........................................................4-67
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming..................2-51
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-50
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank......5-34
How to Add Fluid
............................................5-25
How to Check
........................................5-23, 5-61
How to Check Lubricant
...................................5-50How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-39
How to Inspect...............................................5-21
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-27
Hydroplaning..................................................4-40
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-31
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-30
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-49
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-49
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-52
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-62
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-50
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-14
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-46
Inflation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-61
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-16
Engine Cooling System................................6-16
Exhaust System..........................................6-15
Fuel System...............................................6-15
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-15
Steering and Suspension..............................6-15
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(Four-Wheel Drive)...................................6-16
8
2003 - Yukon/Yukon XL