GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
266 Driving and Operating
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 0298.
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 0376.
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 0209.
Before towing a trailer, see
"Hands-Free Operation" under
Liftgate 045.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
280 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 281
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 282
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 289
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 290
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 and 10 Speed
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 294
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 298
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Battery - North America . . . . . . 303
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 305
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 306
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 307
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 308
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 309
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 309
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 312
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 313
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 313
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 326
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Vehicle Care 295
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
1. Coolant Surge Tank
2. Coolant Surge TankPressure Cap
3. Engine Electric Cooling Fan(s)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0298.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
298 Vehicle Care
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the full
cold mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates approximately
90 °C (195 °F).
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
full cold mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly. 6. Verify coolant level after the
engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating. There is a coolant temperature
gauge in the vehicle's instrument
cluster. See
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0141.
In addition, there are ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE, and ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED messages in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 396.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Vehicle Care 323
RelaysUsage
52 Retained accessory power
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block
The rear compartment fuse block is
behind the access panel on the left
side of the compartment.
Pull the panel out by grabbing the
finger access slot at the rear edge.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown. Fuses Usage
2 –
3 Right heated second row seat
4 Heated mirrors
5 Liftgate
6 Glass breakage
7 Liftglass
8 Liftgate module logic
9 Rear wiper
10 Rear heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning blower
11 Second row seat
12 Liftgate module
13 Third row seat
14 Rear accessory power outlet
15 Rear window defogger
19 Rear fog lamp (if equipped)
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
324 Vehicle Care
RelaysUsage
1 Rear window defogger
16 Liftgate
17 Liftglass
18 Rear fog lamp
20 Heated mirrorWheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. See
the warranty manual for
information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get
service. For additional
information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can
cause overheating as a
result of too much
flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious
crash. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0204.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Underinflated tires pose
the same danger as
overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could
cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently
to maintain the
recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires
are cold.
.Overinflated tires are
more likely to be cut,
punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such
as when hitting a pothole.
Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can
cause a crash. If the
tread is badly worn,
replace them.
(Continued)
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Vehicle Care 331
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated
cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0204.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
:Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle
Load Limits 0204.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively. Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards. The Tire and Loading
Information label on the vehicle
indicates the original equipment
tires and the correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the
minimum air pressure needed to
support the vehicle's maximum
load carrying capacity.
For additional information
regarding how much weight the
vehicle can carry, and an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, see
Vehicle
Load Limits 0204. How the
vehicle is loaded affects vehicle
handling and ride comfort. Never
load the vehicle with more
weight than it was designed to
carry.
When to Check
Check the tires once a month
or more.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Index 421
Driving (cont'd)Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 27
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 202
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 203
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 313
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318, 321
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 284
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 140
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 220
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 404
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 174
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 176
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 178
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 290, 293
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179