GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 211
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition Positions 0198.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0212.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m. Transfer
case shifts out of N (Neutral) can only be
made into 2
m. When the shift to 2mis
complete, the graphic in the instrument
cluster will stop flashing. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift, the graphic
will return to the previously selected
setting. Single Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls are
used to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the desired
button. The graphic in the instrument
cluster will flash while a shift is in progress.
The graphic displayed will change to indicate
the setting requested.
When the shift is complete the graphic will
stop flashing. The DIC message turns off
once the shift is complete. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting. The settings are:
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :
Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Use when road surface conditions are
variable. When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's power is
sent to the front and rear wheels
automatically based on driving conditions.
This setting provides slightly lower fuel
economy than 2
m.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
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.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
212 Driving and Operating
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
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. Once the 4x4 shift
has completed, the DIC message disappears,
the 4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0116.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can be
applied when the vehicle is off. If there is
not enough electrical power, the EPB cannot
be applied or released. To prevent draining
the battery, avoid unnecessary repeated
cycles of the EPB.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 213
The system has a red EPB status light and
an amber service EPB warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake Light0115 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0115.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red EPB
status light to ensure that the EPB is
applied.
If a message displays on the DIC indicating
the transmission is unable to shift soon, the
service electric parking brake is on, and the
EPB light flashes at the same time, the
system must be reset. Start the vehicle,
apply the EPB, and then release it. The
message and the light should turn off. See
Electric Parking Brake Light 0115 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0115.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch.
The red EPB status light will flash and then
stay on once the EPB is fully applied. If the
red EPB status light flashes continuously,
then the EPB is only partially applied or
there is a problem with the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release the EPB and
try to apply it again. If the light does not
come on, or keeps flashing, have the vehicle
serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if the red
EPB light is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service EPB warning light is on,
press the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red EPB status light remains
on. If the amber service EPB warning light is
on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or as required by other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to accessory mode. 2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red EPB status
light is off.
If the amber service EPB warning light is on,
release the EPB by pressing and holding the
EPB switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the red EPB status light is off. If either
light stays on after release is attempted, see
your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0277.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB automatically releases if the vehicle
is running, placed into gear, and an attempt
is made to drive. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied to preserve parking
brake lining life.
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
216 Driving and Operating
For vehicles without four corner air
suspension StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically
turn on if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h
(35 mph). Traction control will remain off.
For vehicles with four corner air suspension
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if
the vehicle exceeds 32 km/h (20 mph).
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
feature and a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature.
SeeTrailer Sway Control (TSC) 0294 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0214.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0308.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
If equipped, Hill Descent Control (HDC) sets
and maintains vehicle speed while driving
down steep grades in a forward or reverse
gear. The HDC switch is on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
Press5to enable or disable HDC. Vehicle
speed must be below 60 km/h (37 mph).
When enabled, the HDC light displays on
the instrument cluster.
A blinking HDC light indicates the system is
actively applying the brakes to maintain
vehicle speed. HDC can maintain vehicle
speeds between 1 and 30 km/h (1 and
19 mph) on grades greater than or equal
to 5%. If HDC is to be used for more than
three minutes or on grades steeper than
25%, the transfer case should be put into
Four-Wheel Drive Low (4
n) to reduce the
possibility of brake overheating.
Noise from the hydraulic brake control
module is normal when HDC is active.
When HDC is activated, the initial HDC
speed is set to the current driving speed.
It can be increased or decreased by pressing
+RES or SET- on the steering wheel, or by
applying the accelerator or brake pedal. This
adjusted speed becomes the new set speed.
HDC will remain enabled between 30 and
60 km/h (19 and 37 mph); however, vehicle
speed cannot be set or maintained in this
range. HDC will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h (50 mph) or
above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least
30 seconds.
5must be pressed again to re-enable HDC.
HDC may disable after an extended period
of use. If this happens, HDC will require
time to cool down. The length of time HDC
remains active depends on road conditions,
grade, set speed, vehicle loading, and
outside temperature.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 217
When enabled, if the vehicle speed is above
30 km/h (19 mph) and below 60 km/h
(37 mph), a DIC message will display.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving experience to
better suit preference by adjusting multiple
subsystems simultaneously. Drive Mode
availability and affected vehicle subsystems
are dependent upon vehicle trim level,
region, and optional features.
Normal Mode is the default mode every
time the vehicle is started. A unique and
persistent indicator is displayed in the
instrument cluster for each mode.
Depending on trim level, Normal, Sport,
Snow/Ice, Off-Road, Tow/Haul, and Terrain
modes may be available.
To activate each mode, turn the Mode knob
on the instrument cluster to the left of the
steering wheel.
To activate Terrain Mode, press the Terrain
Mode button located next to the
Mode knob.
Normal Mode :Use this mode for normal
city and highway driving to provide a
smooth ride. This setting provides balance
between comfort and handling. This is the
standard/default mode. There is no
persistent indicator in the instrument cluster
for this mode.
8Sport Mode : Use this mode where road
conditions or personal preference demand a
more controlled response. When in Sport
Mode the vehicle automatically down shifts.
In this mode, the vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors and automatically enables
Performance Shift Features when spirited
driving is detected. These features maintain
lower transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle resumes
normal operation after a short period when
no spirited driving is detected. The steering
changes to provide precise control.
6Snow/Ice Mode : Use this mode to
improve vehicle acceleration on snow and
ice covered roads. When active, Snow/Ice
Mode adjusts acceleration to optimize
traction on slippery surfaces. This can
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
220 Driving and Operating
Terrain Mode is only available on vehicles
equipped with the single speed
transfer case.
Terrain Mode can only be active when:
.Vehicle speed is less than 80 km/h
(50 mph).
.The transfer case is in 4m.
Frequent use of this mode may cause brake
wear due to the light braking.
The vehicle automatically exits the mode if
the brakes get too hot. Terrain Mode can be
turned back on after the brakes have cooled.
When Terrain Mode is selected:
.Auto Engine Start/Stop is disabled.
.The Terrain Mode indicator displays on
the instrument cluster.
Magnetic Ride Control
This vehicle may have a semi-active damping
system called Magnetic Ride Control. With
this feature, improved vehicle ride and
handling is provided under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give
more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, this
feature will allow the rear wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle.
Four Corner Air Suspension
System
The Four Corner Air Suspension feature
provides full time load leveling capability
along with the benefit of adjusting ride
height for increased convenience and
capability.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury or death,
make sure the area underneath the
vehicle and inside the wheel wells is clear
when lowering the vehicle.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury or death,
always select the lowest ride height for
the current driving conditions. Higher ride
heights raise the vehicle's center of
gravity, increasing the chance of a
rollover during extreme maneuvers.
{Warning
Heavy loads on the roof rack will make
the vehicle's center of gravity higher,
increasing the possibility of a rollover. To
avoid losing control of the vehicle, always
select the normal height setting and
avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp
turns, sudden braking, or abrupt
maneuvers when carrying cargo on the
roof rack.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 223
To enable Alignment Mode, ensure the
vehicle is at Normal Height and shift the
vehicle to Neutral. Alignment Mode
automatically disables when vehicle speed
exceeds 16 km/h (10 mph).
Air Suspension Operation with Door(s) or
Hood Open
The air suspension will temporarily suspend
all height changes while the hood or any
door is open. The air suspension resumes
height changes once the hood and all doors
are closed. An open rear liftgate does not
suspend the air suspension operation.
System Over-Temperature
If the air suspension is under heavy use, the
system may temporarily suspend all height
changes to allow compressor cooldown.
When this occurs and a height change is
requested, a‘Leveling System Unavailable’
message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Suspension Lowered for Stability
In the event of a loss of Electronic Stability
Control, the air suspension will lower the
vehicle at higher speeds to provide increased
stability. This will be accompanied by a
‘Vehicle Lowering for Stability’ message in
the instrument cluster. Excessive Vehicle Loading
If the air suspension detects excessive
vehicle loading, it will not raise above
Normal Height.
Air Suspension Service
If a
‘Service Leveling System’ message is
displayed in the instrument cluster, see your
authorized dealer immediately.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads. If equipped with cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the cruise control is being used and the
Traction Control System (TCS) or StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0214. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0264.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC
system will disengage the cruise control.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.