GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - CRC - 5/18/21
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, YUKON, and DENALI are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC wherever it appears in
this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement
for additional and specific information on
this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84266976 C Third Printing©2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - CRC - 5/18/21
2 Introduction
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution 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.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints
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
56 Seats and Restraints
Never wear the shoulder belt under both
arms or behind your back.
Always use the correct buckle for your
seating position.
Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an
armrest.
{Warning
The seat belt can be pinched if it is
routed under plastic trim on the seat,
such as trim around the rear seatback
folding handle or side airbag. In a crash,
pinched seat belts might not be able to
provide adequate protection. Never allow
seat belts to be routed under plastic trim
pieces.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle have a
lap-shoulder belt.If you are using a rear seating position with
a detachable seat belt and the seat belt is
not attached, see
Third Row Seats050 for
instructions on reconnecting the seat belt to
the mini-buckle.
The following instructions explain how to
wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how,
see “Seats” in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt
across you. Do not let it get twisted.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Seats and Restraints 69
Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Seat belts help keep the passenger in
position on the seat during vehicle
maneuvers and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See“Seat Belts”
and “Child Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the importance
of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material, such as
a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket
equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters,
and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific vehicle.
See Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 069 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired,
remove the object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and 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 Publication Ordering
Information 0406.
{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 are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, airbag wiring, or front
center console
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Instruments and Controls 105
.Info App. This is where the selected Driver
Information Center (DIC) displays can be
viewed. See“Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel)” in the Index.
.Audio
.Navigation
.Phone
.Options
Home
Information displayed here can be
customized from the Options menu.
Speedometer : Displays how fast the vehicle
is moving in either kilometers per hour
(km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Speed Sign : Shows sign information, which
comes from a roadway database in the
onboard navigation, if equipped.
Temperature : Displays the outside air
temperature.
Time : Displays the current time.
Fuel Range : Displays the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven without
refueling. The fuel range estimate is based
on an average of the vehicle’s fuel economy
over recent driving history and the amount
of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel
range cannot be reset. Audio
In the Audio menu, use the thumbwheel to
scroll through options, browse for music,
select from favorites, or change the audio
source. In the main view, scroll to change
the station or go to the next or previous
track.
Navigation
In the Navigation menu, if there is no active
route, a compass will be displayed. If there
is an active route, press the thumbwheel to
cancel or resume route guidance, mute or
unmute voice guidance, or access Recents or
Favorites.
Phone
In the Phone menu, if there is no active
phone call, view recent calls, scroll through
contacts, select from the favorites, or change
the phone source. If there is an active call,
mute the phone or switch to handset
operation.
Options
Use the thumbwheel to scroll through items
in the Options menu.
Head-up Display (HUD) :
If equipped, this
feature allows for adjusting the angle of the
HUD image and changing or turning off the
Speed Limit Sign.
HUD Rotation: Press the thumbwheel while
Adjust Rotation is highlighted to enter
Adjust Mode. Scroll to adjust the angle of
the HUD display. Press the thumbwheel to
confirm and save the setting. This feature
may only be available in P (Park).
Speed Limit Style: Press the thumbwheel
while Speed Limit Style is highlighted to
change the speed sign style or to turn it off.
Units : Press the thumbwheel while Units is
displayed to enter the Units menu. Choose
US or metric units by pressing the
thumbwheel while the desired item is
highlighted. A selected mark will be
displayed next to the selected item.
Info Page Options : Press the thumbwheel
while Info Page Options is displayed to
enter and select the items to be displayed
in the Info app. A selected mark will be
displayed next to the selected item.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
152 Infotainment System
USB Port
The vehicle may be equipped with two USB
ports in the center console under the
armrest and another two on the center
stack. These ports are for data and charging.
There may also be two USB ports at the
rear of the center console and a USB port on
each side of the third row seats for
charging only.
Caution
To avoid vehicle damage, unplug all
accessories and disconnect all accessory
cables from the vehicle when not in use.
Accessory cables left plugged into the
vehicle, unconnected to a device, could be
damaged or cause an electrical short if
the unconnected end comes in contact
with liquids or another power source such
as the accessory power outlet.
Playing from a USB
A USB mass storage device can be connected
to the USB port.
Audio extensions supported by the USB may
include:
.MP3
.AAC
.OGG
.3GP
Gracenote
When plugging in a USB device, Gracenote
service builds voice tags for music. Voice
tags allow artists, albums with hard to
pronounce names, and nicknames to be used
to play music through voice recognition,
if equipped.
While indexing, infotainment features may
be available.
My Media Library
MyMedia is only available when more than
one indexed device is connected. It allows
access to content from all indexed media
sources. MyMedia will show as an available
source in the Source page.
USB MP3 Player and USB Devices
The USB MP3 players and USB devices
connected must comply with the USB Mass
Storage Class specification (USB MSC).
To play a USB device: 1. Connect the USB.
2. Touch Audio from the Home Page.
3. Touch the More option and then touch the USB device. Use the following when playing an active
USB source:
p:
Touch to play the current media source.
j: Touch to pause playback of the current
media source.
7:
.Touch to seek the beginning of the
current or previous track.
.Touch and hold to reverse quickly
through playback. Release to return to
playing speed. Elapsed time displays.
6:
.Touch to seek the next track.
.Touch and hold to advance quickly
through playback. Release to return to
playing speed. Elapsed time displays.
Shuffle : Touch the shuffle icon to play
music in random order.
USB Sound Menu
See “Infotainment System Sound Menu”
under AM-FM Radio 0148.
USB Browse Menu
When a list of songs, albums, artists,
or other types of media displays, the up and
down arrows and A-Z appear on the left
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Infotainment System 169
4. Choose the desired waypoint and touchAdd to Trip or replace the current
destination by touching New Destination.
Route options are not available for
waypoints.
Arriving at a Waypoint
When approaching a waypoint, the system
will display a Destination Arrival view. To
continue on to the next destination touch
the Drive to message on the infotainment
display.
If the vehicle passes the waypoint or gets
out of the current route, the system will
automatically reroute back to this waypoint.
At the same time, it will show a Drive to
icon along with the next waypoint address
so the current waypoint can be skipped and
guidance can resume to the next waypoint
or destination.
Editing a Waypoint
When waypoints are added during active
guidance, the system allows a stop to be
deleted or the order to be changed. To edit
a waypoint:
1. Touch
A. 2. Touch Edit Destinations.
.Modify destination order by touching
and holding the arrow until it is
highlighted. Drag to move the
waypoint up or down the list.
.Delete a waypoint by touchingY.
A pop-up will appear to confirm
waypoint removal. Once the request
is confirmed, the system will remove
the address from the destinations list.
Touch
zon the top right corner so
the system can recalculate the route.
If there is only one address in the
destinations list, the system will
disable the move and delete
functions. The system will not allow
the final destination to be deleted.
Map Information
Road network attributes are contained in the
map database for map information.
Attributes include information such as street
names, street addresses, and turn
restrictions. A detailed area includes all
major highways, service roads, and
residential roads. The detailed areas include
Places of Interest (POIs) such as restaurants, airports, banks, hospitals, police stations, gas
stations, tourist attractions, and historical
monuments.
If the vehicle does not have an applicable
service plan, the map database may not
include data for newly constructed areas or
map database corrections that are
completed after production. The navigation
system provides full route guidance in the
detailed map areas.
Zoom Control
The zoom control display is shown on the
map view. A few ways to zoom in or
out are:
.Touch + or
–to zoom in or out on
the map.
.Double tap with one finger to zoom in or
single tap with two fingers to zoom out
on the map.
.Use the index finger and thumb to zoom
out by pinching and then zoom in by
spreading those two fingers on the map.
Map Gestures and Map Scale
Use the following gestures on the
infotainment display to adjust the map scale
and display options.
.Pinch to zoom in or out.