GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on:1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door
unlock switch, or by using the
remote key.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch
open, or with any objects that pass
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
through the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0231.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To open the liftgate, pressKon the power
door lock switch or press
Kon the remote
key twice to unlock all doors. Press the
touch pad (1) on the underside of the
liftgate handle and lift up.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
Intrusion and Inclination Sensors Disable
Switch
It is recommended that the intrusion and
inclination sensors be deactivated if pets are
left in the vehicle or the vehicle is being
transported.
With the vehicle off, press
oin the front
overhead console to turn off the feature.
The indicator light will come on
momentarily, indicating that these sensors
have been disabled until the next time the
alarm system is armed.
Steering Column Lock
If equipped, the steering column lock is a
theft-deterrent device. This feature locks the
steering column when the vehicle is turned
off and the driver door is opened, or when
the driver door is opened and then the
vehicle is turned off. The steering column
unlocks when the vehicle is turned on.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) may
display one of these messages:
.A message to service the steering column
lock indicates that an issue has been
detected with the column lock feature
and the vehicle should be serviced.
.A message that the steering column is
locked indicates that the engine is
running, but the steering column is still
locked. It is normal for the column to be
locked during a remote start, but the
column should unlock after the brake
pedal is pressed and the vehicle is started.
No message will display during a remote
start.
.A message that the steering wheel must
be turned and the vehicle must be started
again indicates that the column lock
mechanism is bound, the column locking
device was unable to unlock the steering column, and the vehicle did not start.
If this happens, immediately turn the
steering wheel from side to side to
unbind the column lock. If this does not
unlock the steering column, turn the
vehicle off and open the driver door to
reset the system. Then turn the vehicle
on and immediately turn the steering
wheel side to side for about 15 seconds.
In some cases, it may take significant
force to unbind the column.
To keep the steering column from binding,
straighten the front wheels before turning
off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0407.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is turned on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid remote key is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more remote keys
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
the vehicle. Only a correctly matched
remote key will start the vehicle. If the
remote key is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the remote
key appears to be undamaged, try another
remote key. Or, you may try placing theremote key in the backup location. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation
08.
If the ignition modes will not change with
the other remote key or in the backup
location, the vehicle needs service. If the
ignition does change modes, the first
remote key may be faulty. See your dealer.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement remote keys. Up
to eight remote keys can be programmed
for the vehicle. To program additional
remote keys, see “Programming Remote
Keys to the Vehicle” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 08.
Do not leave the remote key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust the mirrors: 1. Press
}or|to select the driver or
passenger side mirror. The indicator light
comes on.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
34 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear passenger
window switches from working.
With Folding Mirrors
Without Folding Mirrors
.Press2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
.Press2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express open the
window.
If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window. Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
44 Seats and Restraints
Obstructions
If something has blocked the driver seat
while recalling a memory position, the recall
may stop. Remove the obstruction and try
the recall again. If the memory position still
does not recall, see your dealer.
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats
{Warning
If temperature change or pain to the skin
cannot be felt, the seat heater may cause
burns. To reduce the risk of burns, use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of time. Do
not place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, cover, or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat. An
overheated seat heater may cause a burn
or may damage the seat.Heated and Ventilated Seat Buttons Shown,Heated Seat Buttons Similar
If equipped, the buttons are near the
climate controls on the center stack. To
operate, the engine must be on.
Press
Ior+to heat the driver or
passenger seatback.
Press
Jorzto heat the driver or
passenger seatback and cushion.
Press
Cor{, if available, to ventilate the
driver or passenger seat. A ventilated seat
has a fan that pulls or pushes air through
the seat. The air is not cooled. When this feature is off, the heated and
ventilated seat symbols on the buttons are
white. When a heated seat is turned on, the
symbol turns red. When a ventilated seat is
turned on, the symbol turns blue.
Press the button once for the highest
setting. With each press of the button, the
seat will change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The indicator
lights next to the buttons indicate three for
the highest setting and one for the lowest.
If the heated seats are on high, the level
may automatically be lowered after
approximately 30 minutes.
The passenger seat may take longer to
heat up.
Auto Heated and Ventilated Seats
When the vehicle is on, this feature will
automatically activate the heated or
ventilated seats at the level required by the
vehicle’s interior temperature.
The active high, medium, low, or off heated
or ventilated seat level will be indicated by
the manual heated or ventilated seat
buttons on the center stack. Use the manual
heated or ventilated seat buttons on the
center stack to turn auto heated or
ventilated seats off. If the passenger seat is
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
46 Seats and Restraints
With the engine running, pressMorLto
heat the left or right outboard seat cushion.
An indicator on the rear climate control
display appears when this feature is on.
Press the button once for the highest
setting. With each press of the button, the
seat will change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The indicator
lights next to the buttons indicate three for
the highest setting and one for the lowest.
If the heated seats are on high for an
extended time, their level may automatically
be lowered.Second Row Seats
Rear Seat Adjustment
To adjust the seat position:
1. Remove objects on the floor in front of or on the second row seat, or in the seat
tracks on the floor.
2. Lift the lever below the seat cushion and slide the seat forward or backward.
Reclining Seatbacks
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever on the outboard side ofthe seat.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to
lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright
position:
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Seats and Restraints 65
least partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the airbag
module may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, seeWhere Are the
Airbags? 062.
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the
airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0408 and
Event Data Recorders 0409.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Instruments and Controls 95
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . 108
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 110
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 113
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Four Corner Air Suspension Light . . . . . . . 117
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . 120
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 133