
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If two currently recognized keys are
not available, follow this procedure
to program the first key.
This procedure will take
approximately 30 minutes to
complete for the first key. The
vehicle must be off and all of the
keys must be with you.1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition on without starting the engine. The
security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn
the ignition on; the key is
learned and all previously
known keys will no longer work
with the vehicle.
6. To learn the second key, turn the ignition off, insert the
second key to be learned, and
turn the ignition on without
starting the engine. After the two keys are learned,
remaining keys can be learned by
following the procedure in
“Programming with Two Recognized
Keys (Key Vehicles Only).”
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
If it becomes difficult to turn a key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
0
396.
With an active OnStar service plan,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview 0406.Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 402.
If there is a decrease in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) operating
range:
. Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
. Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
. Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
. If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
34 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Press and hold7for more than
three seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for
30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is turned on or
7
is pressed again. The ignition must
be off for the panic alarm to work.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
Each vehicle can have up to
eight transmitters programmed to it.
See your dealer for transmitter
programming.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery in the
transmitter soon if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
displays in the DIC.
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate and remove the back cover of the transmitter with a
flat, thin object, such as a coin.
2. Press and slide the batterydown toward the pocket of the
transmitter in the direction of
the key ring. Do not use a
metal object
3. Remove the battery.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Push together the transmitter back cover top side first, and
then the bottom toward the
key ring.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
38 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keyless Liftglass Opening
Press the exterior liftglass button to
open the liftglass when all doors are
unlocked, or when the transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft).
SeeLiftgate 045.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead
transmitter battery, see Door Locks
0 42.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters no
longer work. Each vehicle can have
up to eight transmitters matched
to it. Programming with Two
Recognized Transmitters (Keyless
Access Vehicles Only)
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there are two recognized
transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off
and all transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Remove the key from the recognized transmitter.
2. Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder or
on the passenger seat.
3. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder on the driver
door handle. Then turn the key
counterclockwise, to the unlock
position, five times within
10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays READY FOR
REMOTE#2, 3, 4, ETC.
4. Place the new transmitter inthe transmitter pocket/insert.
Open the center console
storage area and the storage
tray. The transmitter pocket/
insert is in front of the storage
area next to the center console
storage area between the
driver and front passenger
seats.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC display will
show that it is ready to program
the next transmitter.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
40 Keys, Doors, and Windows
7. Remove the transmitter fromthe transmitter pocket/insert
and press
KorQon the
transmitter.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 5–7.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
approximately 12 seconds to
exit programming mode.
8. Return the key back into the transmitter.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak or if
there is interference with the signal,
the DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY
WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE when
starting the vehicle. To start the vehicle:
1. Open the center console storage area and the
storage tray.2. Place the transmitter in thetransmitter pocket/insert.
3. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral) press the brake
pedal and ENGINE
START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery in the
transmitter soon if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
To replace the battery:

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
98 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information0401.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing
any parts of the front seats, seat
belts, airbag sensing and diagnostic
module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, inner door seals including the
speakers, any of the airbag
modules, ceiling or pillar garnish
trim, overhead console, front sensors, side impact sensors,
airbag wiring, or front center
console.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger's seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
Instruments and Controls 131
.One on the rear of the center
storage console
. One in the third row seat on the
driver side
. One in the rear cargo area on
the passenger side
Vehicles with Bench Seats
. One on the center stack below
the climate control system
. One in the storage area on the
bench seat
. One on the rear of the center
armrest storage
. One in the third row seat area on
the driver side
. One in the rear cargo area on
the passenger side
Lift the cover to access and replace
when not in use.
The accessory power outlets are
powered as follows:
. The power outlet near the
cupholders for vehicles with a
center console or on the center
stack for vehicles with bench seats, can be configured to
operate using Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) or
battery power modes. If these
power outlets are used while in
the battery power mode, this
could cause interference
between the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter and the
vehicle, and the vehicle may not
start. See
Ignition Positions (Key
Access) 0212 orIgnition
Positions (Keyless Access)
0 210.
. The power outlets in the third
row seat area or in the rear
cargo area are powered at all
times. The power outlets inside
the storage area, on the rear of
the console, or on the bench
seat are only powered when the
ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or when RAP is
active.{Warning
Power is always supplied to the
outlet, if configured accordingly.
Do not leave electrical equipment
plugged in when the vehicle is not
in use because the vehicle could
catch fire and cause injury or
death.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment
plugged in for an extended period
of time while the ignition is off will
drain the battery. Always unplug
electrical equipment when not in
use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum
15 amp rating.
Certain power accessory plugs may
not be compatible with the
accessory power outlet and could
overload vehicle or adapter fuses.
If a problem is experienced, see
your dealer.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - CRC - 11/3/17
146 Instruments and Controls
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a
message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions (Key Access) 0212 or
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
0 210.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0282.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.