GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13566587) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
Driving and Operating 207
to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
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.
Starting Procedure (Keyless
Access)
1. With the Keyless Accesssystem, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will
display a message.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by trying to start
the engine 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
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Driving and Operating 255
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or
FlexFuel. Do not use gasoline with
ethanol levels greater than 15% by
volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:. For vehicles that are not
FlexFuel, fuel labeled
greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level
ethanol blends (16–50%
ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
. Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal,
ferrocene, and aniline.
These fuels can corrode
metal fuel system parts or
damage plastic and rubber
parts.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel containing metals such
as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which can damage
the emissions control
system and spark plugs.
. Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel
economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of
the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see Prohibited
Fuels 0255.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’ s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15 000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel sticker
on the fuel door can use either
unleaded gasoline or fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). All other
vehicles should use only the
unleaded gasoline as described in
Recommended Fuel (L83 5.3L
V8 Engine) 0254 or
Recommended Fuel (L86 6.2L
V8 Engine) 0254.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13566587) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
260 Driving and Operating
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.
. It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle. .
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Tow/Haul Mode is recommended
for heavier trailers. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0218. If the
transmission downshifts too
often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode.
See Manual Mode 0216.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
. Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) .
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer: (Continued)
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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262 Driving and Operating
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle 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 at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, 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
0300.Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible. When parking your vehicle and your
trailer 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, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
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.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13566587) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
264 Driving and Operating
2. Start the engine and shift intoa gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the
sloped part of the boat ramp,
the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into
the drive mode that is
appropriate for the road
conditions.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin
and the vehicle begins to slide
toward the water, remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0379. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 300.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature,
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Vehicle Care 281
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 282
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 283
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 291
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 292
Automatic Transmission Fluid (10-Speed Transmission) . . . 295
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 296
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 300
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Battery - North America . . . . . . 305
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 306
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 308
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 309
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 309
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 310
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 310
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 314
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 314
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 315
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 329
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
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Vehicle Care 287
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0360.
2. Battery - North America 0305.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0297.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0296.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “How to Check
Automatic Transmission Fluid”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed Transmission)
0 292 or
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(10-Speed Transmission)
0 295.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0360.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 297.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0289. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0289.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 302.
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0304.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0315.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Vehicle Care 289
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0360.
2. Battery - North America 0305.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0297.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0296.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0360.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 297.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0289.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0289.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 302.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0304. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0315.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0291.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
If equipped, the ENGINE OIL LOW
ADD OIL message displays when
the engine oil level may be too low.
Check the oil level before filling to
the recommended level. If the oil is
not low and this message remains
on, see your dealer.
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0286 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the