Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-28
Child Restraints
.......................................1-49
Airbag System
.........................................1-75
Restraint System Check
............................1-92
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-19
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-21
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-25
Mirrors
....................................................2-40
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-44
OnStar
®System
......................................2-47
Universal Home Remote System
................2-50
Storage Areas
.........................................2-58
Sunroof
..................................................2-62
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-31
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-49
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-73Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-40
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-45
Rear Axle
...............................................5-46
Front Axle
...............................................5-47
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-48
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-53
Tires
......................................................5-55
Appearance Care
.....................................5-98
Vehicle Identi cation
...............................5-107
Electrical System
....................................5-108
Capacities and Speci cations
...................5-114
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-13
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-15
Index.................................................................1
2008 GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner ManualM
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the
vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or
air conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
Normal operation of the system will return after the key
is turned to the ON/RUN position.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system,
the climate control system will default to a heating or
cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures. If
your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
During a remote start, if your vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated seats, the heated
seats will turn on during colder outside temperatures and
will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN. If
your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, during remote start, you will need to manually
turn the heated seats on and off. SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-4for additional information.Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using the remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The RKE transmitter with the remote start button,
provides an increased range of operation. However, the
range may be less while the vehicle is running. As a
result, you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn
it off, than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
2-8
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
On vehicles with this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since the
pedals cannot move farther away from the standard
position, but can move toward the driver for better pedal
reach.
No adjustment to the pedals can be made when the
vehicle is in REVERSE (R) or while using the cruise
control.
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located on
the instrument panel below
the climate control
system.Press the arrow at the bottom of the switch to move the
pedals closer to your body. Press the arrow at the top of
the switch to move the pedals away from your body.
Before you start driving, fully press the brake pedal to
con rm the adjustment is right for you. While driving,
make only small adjustments.
Your vehicle may have a memory function which lets
pedal settings be saved and recalled. SeeMemory Seat,
Mirrors, and Pedals on page 1-4for more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment, near the power steering
uid reservoir.
2-29
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you
need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding” under
Loss of Control on page 4-12
When temperatures are very cold, the Hydra-Matic
®
Automatic Transmission’s gear shifting may be delayed
providing more stable shifts until the engine warms
up. Shifts may be more noticeable with a cold
transmission. This difference in shifting is normal.
MANUAL MODE (M):This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. See Range Selection Mode later in
this section.Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Your vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that adjusts
the transmission shifting to the current driving conditions
in order to reduce rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to determine, before
making an upshift, if the engine will be able to maintain
vehicle speed by analyzing things such as throttle
position, vehicle load, and hill grade. If the shift
stabilization feature determines that a current vehicle
speed cannot be maintained, the transmission does not
upshift and instead holds the current gear. In some
cases, this may appear to be a delayed shift, however the
transmission is operating normally.
Your vehicle’s transmission uses adaptive shift controls.
Adaptive shift controls continually compares key shift
parameters to pre programmed ideal shift conditions
stored in the transmissions computer. The transmission
constantly makes adjustments to improve vehicle
performance according to the way the vehicle is being
used, such as with a heavy load. During this adaptive
shift controls process, some shifts may feel different as
the transmission determines the best settings for a
particular shift.
2-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-42
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-45
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-46
Security Light...............................................3-46
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-47
Cruise Control Light......................................3-47
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-47
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-47
Fuel Gage...................................................3-48
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-48
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-49
DIC Operation and Displays
(Using DIC Buttons)...................................3-49
DIC Operation and Displays
(Using Trip Odometer Reset Stem)..............3-54DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-56
DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons). . . .3-64
Audio System(s).............................................3-73
Setting the Clock..........................................3-74
Radio(s) (MP3).............................................3-76
Using an MP3 (Radio with Six-Disc Player)......3-94
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD
Player).....................................................3-99
XM Radio Messages...................................3-104
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-105
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-105
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-115
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-116
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-117
Radio Reception.........................................3-118
Rear Side Window Antenna..........................3-119
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-119
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2
Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know how fast
you are going, about how much fuel you have and many other things you will need to know to drive safely and
economically.United States version shown, Canada similar
3-32
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of
the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine light
comes on to indicate that
there is an OBD II
problem and service is
required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. This can prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by your warranty.Notice:Modi cations made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modi cations to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light also comes on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A mis re condition has been
detected. A mis re increases vehicle emissions
and could damage the emission control system on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be
required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
3-42
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to your
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the ignition off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing,
follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-7. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be wet. The
condition is usually corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality causes
the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You
might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when
you put the vehicle into gear, mis ring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration — these
conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
This will be detected by the system and cause the light to
turn on.
3-43