Black plate (1,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Third Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-15
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-21
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-21
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-23
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Universal Remote System . . . 1-24
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Performance and Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-25
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-26
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-26
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Black plate (3,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑13.
B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑6.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5.
C. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑12.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑5 (Out of View).
E. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑31.
F. Manual Mode on page 9‑35
(If Equipped).
Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑36
(If Equipped).
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑29.
H. Infotainment on page 7‑1. I.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
J. Dome Lamps on page 6‑8.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑8.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑6
(If Equipped).
K. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑5.
L. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
See Towing Equipment on
page 9‑76.
M. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑21.
N. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed
Automatic Transfer Case) on
page 9‑37 orFour-Wheel Drive
(Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case) on page 9‑42. O.
Cruise Control on page 9‑51.
P. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
Q. Horn on page 5‑4.
R. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
S. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1 (If Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑4
(If Equipped).
T. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
U. StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑46 (If Equipped).
Pedal Adjust Button (If
Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 9‑22.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑53 (If Equipped).
Power Assist Steps on
page 2‑13 (If Equipped).
Black plate (23,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-23
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If available, this feature will alert you
to vehicles located in the vehicle's
side blind zone. When the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind
zone, the SBZA display will light up
in the corresponding outside side
mirror.
The system is enabled at every
vehicle startup. It can be disabled
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the message SIDE BLIND ZONE
SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE appears
on the DIC, the system has been
disabled because the sensor is
blocked and cannot detect vehicles
in the blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, or even heavy rainstorms.
This message may also activate
during heavy rain or due to road
spray. The vehicle does not need
service.See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9‑54 for more information.Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If available, the RVC displays a view
of the area behind the vehicle when
the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse). The display will appear
on either the inside rearview mirror
or navigation screen, if equipped.
To clean the camera lens, located
above the license plate, rinse it with
water and wipe it with a soft cloth.
SeeRear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9‑57.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system uses sensors
on the rear bumper to assist with
parking and avoiding objects while
in R (Reverse). It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audible beeps to
provide distance and system
information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
See
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑53 for more information.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are two under the climate
controls, one inside the center floor
console, one on the rear of the
center floor console and one
accessory power outlet in the rear
cargo area on the passenger side.
The accessory power outlets are
powered, even with the ignition off.
Continuing to use accessory power
outlets while the ignition is in LOCK/
OFF may cause the vehicle's
battery to run down.
SeePower Outlets on page 5‑9.
Black plate (1,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Doors
Liftgate (Manual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Liftgate (Power) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-14
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-15
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . 2-19
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-20
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Black plate (23,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-23
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some local governments may have
programs to inspect the on-vehicle
emission control equipment. For the
inspection, the emission system test
equipment is connected to the
vehicle’s Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. See your dealer if assistance
is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.The malfunction indicator lamp is
on with the engine running, or if
the light does not come on when
the ignition is turned to ON/RUNwhile the engine is off. See your
dealer for assistance in verifying
proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp.
.The OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics) system determines
that critical emission control
systems have not been
completely diagnosed. The
vehicle would be considered not
ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has
recently been replaced or run
down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer
can prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Brake System Warning
Light
With the ignition on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set. If the
vehicle is driven with the parking
brake engaged, a chime sounds
when the vehicle speed is greater
than 8 km/h (5 mph).
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on and a
chime sounds there could be a
brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
Black plate (42,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
5-42 Instruments and Controls
Lamp Messages
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime
sounds if a turn signal is left on for
1.2 km (0.75 mile). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off
position.
Object Detection System
Messages
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL
This message displays if there is
something interfering with the park
assist system. SeeUltrasonic
Parking Assist on page 9‑53 for
more information.
PARK ASSIST OFF
After the vehicle has been started,
this message displays to remind the
driver that the URPA system has
been turned off. Press the set/reset
button or the trip odometer reset
stem to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. To
turn the URPA system back on, see
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑53.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do
not use this system to help you
park. See
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
on page 9‑53 for more information.
See your dealer for service.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE
ALERT SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system and this
message displays, both SBZA
displays will remain on indicating
there is a problem with the SBZA
system. If these displays remain on
after continued driving, the system
needs service. See your dealer. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 9‑54 for more information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this
message displays when the SBZA
system has been turned off. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 9‑54andDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑29 for more
information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this
message displays when the SBZA
system is disabled because the
sensor is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in your blind zone. The
sensor may be blocked by mud, dirt,
snow, ice, or slush. This message
may also display during heavy rain
or due to road spray. It may also
come on when driving in isolated
areas with no guardrails, trees,
or road signs and light traffic.
Black plate (56,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
5-56 Instruments and Controls
This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.
Do not use this system with any
garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature.
This includes any garage door
opener model manufactured before
April 1, 1982.
Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
transmitter. Because of the steps
involved, it may be helpful to have
another person assist with
programming the transmitter.
Be sure to keep the original remote
control transmitter for use in other
vehicles, as well as for future
programming. Only the original
remote control transmitter is needed
for Fixed Code programming.The programmed buttons should be
erased when the vehicle is sold or
the lease ends. See
“Erasing
Universal Home Remote Buttons” in
this section.
Park the vehicle outside of the
garage when programming a garage
door. Be sure that people and
objects are clear of the garage door
or gate that is being programmed.
Programming Universal Home
Remote —Rolling Code
For questions or help programming
the Universal Home Remote
System, call 1-866-572-2728 or go
to www.learcar2u.com.
Most garage door openers sold
after 1996 are Rolling Code units.
Programming a garage door opener
involves time-sensitive actions, so
read the entire procedure before
starting. Otherwise, the device will
time out and the procedure will have
to be repeated.
To program up to three devices:
1. From inside the vehicle, press
the two outside buttons at the
same time for one to
two seconds, and immediately
release them.
2. In the garage, locate the garage
door opener receiver
(motor-head unit). Find the
“Learn” or“Smart” button. It can
usually be found where the
Black plate (1,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 9-11
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-13
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-15
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-21
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Active Fuel Management
®. . . 9-29
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-31
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive (Two SpeedAutomatic
Transfer Case) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-46
Ride Control Systems
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Continuous Damping Control (CDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Automatic Level Control . . . . . 9-50
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-53
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-61
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-62
Gasoline Specifications (U.S.and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . 9-62