GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Keys, Doors, and Windows 41
1. With the key removed, insert aflat, thin object in the center of
the transmitter to separate and
remove the back cover.
2. Lift the battery with a flat
object.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side toward the back cover.
Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Push together the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The climate control system will
come on when the vehicle is started
remotely depending on the outside
temperature.
The rear defog and heated and
ventilated seats may also come on.
See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 069 and Vehicle
Personalization 0162.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of
vehicles.
Do not use remote start if the
vehicle is low on fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote
started if:
. The key is in the ignition (Key
Access) or the RKE transmitter
is in the vehicle (Keyless
Access).
. The hood is not closed. .
There is an emission control
system malfunction and the
malfunction indicator lamp is on.
The engine will turn off during a
remote vehicle start if:
. The coolant temperature gets
too high.
. The oil pressure gets low.
The RKE transmitter range may be
reduced while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 032 orVehicle
Personalization 0162.
Starting the Engine Using Remote
Start
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately press and hold
/
until the turn signal lamps flash
or for at least four seconds.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Instruments and Controls 125
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 126
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 126
Heated Steering Wheel (IfEquipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 126
Rear Window Wiper/ Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Transmission Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 143
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 144
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 145
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 146
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . 149
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 149
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 150
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 150
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 152
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 152
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 153
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 153
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 153
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 154
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . 157
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 161
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 162
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 162
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . 170
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Instruments and Controls 141
English Standard Theme
The engine oil pressure gauge
shows the engine oil pressure
in kPa (kilopascals) or psi (pounds
per square inch) when the engine is
running.
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity.
A reading outside the normal
operating range can be caused by a
dangerously low oil level or some
other problem causing low oil
pressure. Check the vehicle's oil as soon as possible. An oil pressure
message may display. See
Engine
Oil 0287.
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.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric Standard Theme
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Driving and Operating 215
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you press ENGINE START/
STOP, for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the 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
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine 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
heater operation at temperatures
above
−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine 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.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Driving and Operating 265
tires, and mirrors. Get familiar with
the handling and braking of the rig.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start
the combination moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance. If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing, use the Tow/Haul
Mode to prevent damage to the
engine or transmission. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0225.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Vehicle Care 289
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, a
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes on to indicate that
an oil change is necessary. Change
the oil as soon as possible within
the next 1 000 km (600 mi). It is
possible that, if driving under the
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
296 Vehicle Care
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature
. Protects against rust and
corrosion
. Will not damage aluminum parts .
Helps keep the proper engine
temperatureCaution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 284.
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, wait until it cools down. The
coolant level should be at or above
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Vehicle Care 369
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
For 1500 Series vehicles, at least
every other oil change lubricate the
outer tie rod ends.
Control arm ball joints on 1500
Series vehicles are
maintenance-free.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, steel
fuel door hinge and power assist
step hinges, unless the components
are plastic. Applying silicone grease
on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect. If equipped
with power assist steps, extend
them and then use a high pressure
wash to clean all joints and gaps.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See
“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.