GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 199
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
ignition is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Hold the brake pedal down and shift to P (Park). The
vehicle must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
4. Continue to hold the brake pedal down. 5. Set the parking brake. See
Electric
Parking Brake 0212.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the ignition off.
7. Release the brake pedal.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
Accessory Mode (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows some electrical accessories
to be used when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in
accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from accessory
mode to off after five minutes to prevent
battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) : This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will turn the
ignition on. Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine starts. See Starting
the Engine 0199. Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the button for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do when the ignition is
on, but the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The engine will not start in Service
Mode. Press the button again to turn the
ignition off.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment 0305.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
200 Driving and Operating
Shift the vehicle into P (Park) or N (Neutral).
To restart the engine when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. The remote key 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.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), press the ENGINE
START/STOP position to continue engine
cranking.
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 while
pressing 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 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.
Stop/Start System
If equipped and enabled, the Stop/Start
system will shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components designed
for the increased number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer0108. When
the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
210 Driving and Operating
for the shift to occur. After this time, a
graphic in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition on. It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. The actual 4x4
shift request is only made after the
button is released. The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays
to indicate the state of the request.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing, and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message displays.
Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, DIC messages will
display. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for
this shift to occur. After this time, a graphic
in the instrument cluster will indicate that
the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster. With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral):
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds until
the N (Neutral) graphic starts flashing in
the instrument cluster. When the shift is
complete, the graphic stops flashing.
If the parking brake and/or brake pedal
is not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the original
state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed
to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds,
the transfer case will remain in its
original state. This will be indicated in
the instrument cluster.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 215
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0193 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
When the transfer case (if equipped) is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low, the TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC are automatically disabled,
g
comes on, and the appropriate message will
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
See Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
Light 0118.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the DIC, and
dcomes on and stays on to indicate that
the system is inactive and is not assisting the driver in maintaining control. Without
the assistance of properly functioning
StabiliTrak/ESC the possibility of rollover is
increased. Adjust driving accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC is on
the instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster. The appropriate message
will display in the DIC. To turn TCS on again,
press and release
g. The traction off light
idisplayed in the instrument cluster will
turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the traction off light
iand the StabiliTrak OFF lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster, then
release. The appropriate message will
display in the DIC.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The traction off light
iand the StabiliTrak OFF lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
218 Driving and Operating
compromise the acceleration on dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, seeIf
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0193.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode for
off-road recreational driving. Off-Road Mode
should be used to improve driving at
moderate speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. The
accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road use.
This mode modifies pedal mapping, ride
height, and Traction Control System (TCS)
performance. For more information on
off-road driving, see Off-Road Driving0187.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when hauling heavy loads to provide
increased performance and vehicle control.
Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the transmission
shift pattern, steering, and Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) performance.
If the vehicle is turned off while in Tow/
Haul Mode and then restarted within four
hours or less, it will remain active.
Otherwise, the vehicle will start in
Normal Mode. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, exhaust
braking is automatically activated when
Tow/Haul Mode is selected. It maintains
vehicle speed by automatically
implementing a shift pattern that uses the
engine and the transmission to slow the
vehicle. The system will command
downshifts and use the turbo charger on the
engine to reduce vehicle speed when the
brake is applied. The normal Tow/Haul shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
For more information, see
Towing
Equipment 0285 or
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0373.
If equipped, select Terrain Mode by pressing
the
gbelow the 4mtransfer case
button.
gTerrain Mode : Use this mode when
traveling on very rough roads at very low
speeds, such as a two-track or heavily rutted
road. This mode can also be used for pulling
a boat out of the water on a trailer. When
in Terrain Mode, the vehicle shifts
automatically, but will hold a lower gear
longer to maximize engine torque. This
mode has a unique pedal map and
transmission shift pattern for better control
at lower speeds and over rough terrain. This
mode modifies accelerator pedal mapping,
transmission shift pattern, ride height, and
electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD).
When the vehicle comes to a stop on an
upward grade, automatic vehicle hold is
engaged until the driver presses the
accelerator pedal. Stop/Start and cruise
control are disabled in Terrain Mode.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
260 Driving and Operating
APA cannot park in all empty parking spots.
The parking spot must:
.Be sufficiently large to fit the vehicle
comfortably.
.Have an adjacent vehicle, wall, or pillar
for the system to align to.
After completely passing an eligible parking
spot, a beep sounds and a red stop symbol
is displayed in the driver information center.
Generally, APA selects the nearest empty
parking spot behind the vehicle, but under
some conditions may select a space that is
further back. Slow down and bring the
vehicle to a complete stop to begin.
Follow the displayed instructions. When
instructed to drive in reverse, shift to
R (Reverse) while holding the brakes. The
steering wheel will vibrate briefly as a
reminder to remove hands from the steering
wheel. Release the brakes slowly when thevibration stops to begin automatic parking.
As the vehicle automatically steers, brakes,
accelerates, and shifts gears into the parking
spot, check surroundings. Be prepared to
stop to avoid vehicles, pedestrians,
or objects.
A progress arrow displays the status of the
parking maneuver. Once automatic parking
is finished and the vehicle has come to a full
stop, FINAL POSITION - PRESS BRAKES
message will be displayed. Press and hold
the brakes, and APA will beep and display a
PARKING COMPLETE message. Shift the
vehicle to P (Park) and apply the parking
brake.
How to Activate Automatic Parallel Spot
Unparking Assist
To activate parallel spot unparking assist,
press the soft-touch button or hard switch
Oafter turning on the vehicle while
leaving it in P (Park) and the parking brake
is off. If the system is able to determine a
path out of the parking spot, a screen will
be displayed for unparking options. Similar
to automatic parking, follow the displayed
instructions and check surroundings as the
vehicle unparks.
Once automatic unparking is finished and
the vehicle has come to a full stop, FINAL
POSITION - PRESS BRAKES message will be
displayed. Press and hold the brakes, and
APA will beep and display a TAKE CONTROL
message. The vehicle is now positioned such
that the path to exit the parking spot is free
of obstructions. Shift into D (Drive) to start
driving away.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
Vehicle Care 349
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0349.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0407.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 194.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. If the vehicle has DIC
buttons, tire pressure levels can be viewed.
For additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0123. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 194, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0346.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 352, Tire Rotation 0353, and Tires0340.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.