2016 GMC YUKON DENALI overheating

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Instruments and Controls 125
Transmission
Temperature Gauge
Metric, Standard Theme Shown
English, Standard Theme Shown
This gauge appears when the
vehicle is in Tow/Haul Mode and
shows the transmission fluid
temperature. If the gauge is reading
in the red area and/or a message
appears in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), the vehicle must be
stopped and the cause checked.
One possible cause is a low fluid
level in the transmission.
See Transmission Messages 0152.
Caution
Do not drive the vehicle while the
transmission fluid is overheating,
or the transmission can be
damaged. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty.
Voltmeter Gauge
Standard Theme Shown
When the ignition is on, this gauge
indicates the battery voltage.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
134 Instruments and Controls
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving
with this light on can damage the
engine and it may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating0273.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating 0273.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. See Tire Messages 0152.
Stop as soon as possible, and
inflate the tires to the pressure value
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire Pressure
0 303. When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0306.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Instruments and Controls 147
and allow the vehicle to idle until it
cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0124.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil 0265.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
may sound when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating 0273 for more
information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
Key and Lock Messages
NO REMOTE KEY WAS
DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE
This message displays when trying
to start the vehicle if an RKE
transmitter is not detected. The
transmitter battery may be weak.
See
“Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 027.
NO REMOTE DETECTED
This message displays when the
transmitter battery may be weak.
See “Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 027.
NO REMOTE DETECTED
PRESS BRAKE TO RESTART
This message displays when
attempting to turn off the vehicle
and the RKE transmitter is no longer
detected. Restarting is allowed
without the RKE transmitter for
five minutes. Press the brake pedal
to restart the vehicle.
NUMBER OF KEYS
PROGRAMMED
This message displays when
programming new keys to the
vehicle.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Instruments and Controls 151
STABILITRAK OFF may also
display when the stability control
has been automatically disabled.
Several conditions can cause this
message to appear:
.If the system is overheating,
which could occur if StabiliTrak
activates continuously for an
extended period of time.
. If the brake system warning light
is on. See Brake System
Warning Light 0130.
. If the stability system takes
longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving
conditions.
. If an engine or vehicle-related
problem has been detected and
the vehicle needs service. See
your dealer.
. If the transfer case is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low.
The message turns off as soon as
the conditions that caused the
message to be displayed are no
longer present.Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
Security Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart, so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation 043.
Steering System
Messages
STEERING ASSIST IS
REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE
This message may display if a
problem occurs with the electric
power steering system. If this
message appears, steering effort may be slightly higher than normal.
The vehicle is still safe to drive. Use
caution while in reduced assist
mode. If this message is persistent
or appears repeatedly, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See
Steering 0184.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when there
is a problem with electric power
steering. If this message displays
and a reduction in steering
performance or loss of power
steering assistance is noticed, see
your dealer. See Steering0184.
Starting the Vehicle
Messages
PRESS BRAKE TO START
This message is displayed when
attempting to start the vehicle
without first pressing the brake
pedal.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Driving and Operating 191
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0218.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0216.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
202 Driving and Operating
engine starts, let go of the
button, and the accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, do the same
thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do
not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below−18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be
plugged in at least four hours before
starting. There may be an internal
thermostat in the plug end of the
cord, which will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The cord is by
the left front fender, next to the
engine compartment fuse
block.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
(Continued)

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
248 Driving and Operating
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, seeEngine Overheating 0273.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface. If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0344.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0198.
Before towing a trailer, see
"Hands-Free Operation" under
Liftgate 036.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
260 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 261
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 261
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 267
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 269
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 273
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Battery - North America . . . . . . 278 Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 280
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 281
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 282
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 282
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 283
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 284Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 286
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 287
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313