2009 GMC YUKON warning lights

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-13
Safety Belts
.............................................1-32
Child Restraints
.......................................1-54
Airbag System
.........................................1-81
Restraint System Check
............................1-98
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-20
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-24
Mirrors
....................................................2-48
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-53
OnStar
®System
......................................2-64
Universal Home Remote System
................2-68
Storage Areas
.........................................2-74
Sunroof
..................................................2-78Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-34
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-51
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-83
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-44
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Rear Axle
...............................................5-50
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-52
Front Axle
...............................................5-53
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-54
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-57
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-60
Tires
......................................................5-62
2009 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL Owner ManualM

Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power
open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full
closed or open position. After removing the obstruction,
the power liftgate operation can be used again. If the
liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power
cycle, the power function will deactivate, and you
must manually open or close the liftgate. The REAR
ACCESS OPEN warning message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will indicate that the liftgate is
open. After removing the obstructions, manually
open the liftgate to the full open position or close the
liftgate to the fully closed and latched position. The
liftgate will now resume normal power operation.
Your vehicle has pinch sensors located on the side
edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the
liftgate and the body and presses against this sensor,
the liftgate will reverse direction and open fully.
The liftgate will remain open until it is activated again or
closed manually. Do not force the liftgate open or
closed during a power cycle.
Manual Operation of Power Liftgate
To change the liftgate to manual operation, press the
switch on the overhead console to the OFF position.
With the power liftgate disabled and all of the doors
unlocked, the liftgate can be manually opened and
closed.
To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on the handle
on the outside of the liftgate, and lift the gate open.
To close the liftgate, use the pull cup to lower the liftgate
and close. The liftgate latch will power close. Always
close the liftgate before driving.
If the RKE button or the power close button on the liftgate
is pressed while power operation is disabled, the lights
will ash three times, but the liftgate will not move.
2-16

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal
must be applied.
A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission on automatic transmission
vehicles. The key can be removed in LOCK/OFF.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift
lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch
to LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If
this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets things like the
radio and the windshield wipers operate while the
engine is off. Use this position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
C (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/
RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be
drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
2-25

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-16
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp.........................3-18
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-18
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-18
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-19
Entry Lighting...............................................3-19
Exit Lighting.................................................3-19
Reading Lamps............................................3-19
Electric Power Management...........................3-20Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Climate Control System.................................3-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-25
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
and Electronic Climate Controls
...................3-33
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-34
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-35
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-36
Trip Odometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-36
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-37
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-38
Charging System Light..................................3-39
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-40
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-40
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light........3-42
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-43
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-43
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-44
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Automatic Operation, If Equipped.
AUTO:Press the air delivery mode button until this
setting is selected to control the inside temperature, air
delivery, and fan speed. AUTO appears in the display
when automatic operation is active.
+/−(Increase/Decrease Temperature):Press
the+or−buttons to increase or decrease the cabin
temperature. The rear control temperature display will
show the temperature setting increasing or decreasing.
The display only indicates climate control functions when
the system is in rear independent mode.
Manual Operation
DC(Fan Control):Press these buttons on the rear
seat audio control panel to increase or decrease the
airow. Pressing the fan up button when the system is off
will turn the system on. The air delivery mode will remain
under automatic control.
+/−(Temperature Control):Press these buttons to
adjust the temperature of the air owing into the
passenger area. Press the + button for warmer air and
press the−button for cooler air.
N(Air Delivery Mode Control):Press the mode
button to change the direction of the airow in the
vehicle. Repeatedly press the button until the desired
mode appears on the display. Multiple presses will cycle
through the delivery selections.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-34

If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-37
for more information, including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-64for more
information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on,
turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
3-39

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-42.
Along with ABS, the vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights and
chime will come on each time the ignition is turned on
until the problem is repaired. See your dealer/retailer for
service.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving
updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
4-5

It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to
free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-31
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when the vehicle is started. It will activate and the
StabiliTrak light will ash if it senses that any of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while
driving. If traction control is turned off, only the
brake-traction control portion of traction control will
work. The engine speed management will be disabled.
In this mode, engine power is not reduced automatically
and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can
cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin
excessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brake
warning lights and any relevant DIC messages are
displayed, the transfer case could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s)
excessively while these lights and messages are
displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry or rough
roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration
while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
transmission. When this happens, a reduction in
acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration
may be heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the system activates,
the StabiliTrak light will ash and cruise control will
automatically disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruise
Control on page 3-12
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the system. If the problem does
not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, see your
dealer/retailer for service.
4-8