GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - crc - 6/20/17
Introduction 3
{ DangerDanger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{ WarningWarning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
CautionCaution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage. A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “ Do
Not, ” “ Do not do this, ” or “ Do not let
this happen. ”
Symbols The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M : Shown when the owner ’ s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
* : Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0 : Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“ see page. ”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information. 9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
` : Do Not Puncture
^ : Do Not Service
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
_ : Flame/Fire Prohibited
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j : LATCH System Child Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
O : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Seat Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - crc - 6/20/17
40 Keys, Doors, and Windows The rear defog and heated and
ventilated seats may also come on.
See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 0 67 and Vehicle
Personalization 0 158 .
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 0 31 or Vehicle
Personalization 0 158 .
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.
When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on. The
doors will be locked and the
climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run
for 10 minutes. Repeat
Steps 1 and 2 for a 10-minute
time extension.
Turn the ignition on to operate the
vehicle. Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be
extended by 10 minutes, for a total
of 20 minutes, if during the first
10 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are
repeated while the engine is still
running. An extension can be
requested, 30 seconds after
starting.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a single start with an extension,
is allowed between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be
turned on and then back off to use
remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.
Press and hold
/ until the
parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the ignition on and then off.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - crc - 6/20/17
122 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls Controls Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 123
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 123
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 123
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 123
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Transmission Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 140
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 141
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 142
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 143
Brake System Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . 146
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 146
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 146
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 147
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 149
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 149
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 149
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 150
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 150
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 150
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Information Displays Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . 154
Vehicle Messages Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 158
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 158
Vehicle Personalization Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 158
Universal Remote System Universal Remote System . . . . 166
Universal Remote System
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Universal Remote System
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - crc - 6/20/17
138 Instruments and Controls
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 0 283 . CautionLack 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 - 6/21/17
Driving and Operating 261Driving 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 0 222 .
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
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, see Engine Overheating 0 294 .
Parking on Hills
{ WarningParking 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 0 370 .
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - crc - 6/20/17
Vehicle Care 285Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
CautionFailure 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
best conditions, the oil life system
may indicate that an oil change is
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-11349262) - 2018 - crc - 6/20/17
292 Vehicle Care What to Use
{ WarningPlain 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
temperature
CautionDo 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
0 280 .
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 - 6/20/17
364 Vehicle Care 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.
CautionLubrication 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.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove