GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
70 Seats and Restraints
{Warning
If the front outboard passenger airbag is
turned off for an adult-sized occupant,
the airbag will not be able to inflate and
help protect that person in a crash,
resulting in an increased risk of serious
injury or even death. An adult-sized
occupant should not ride in the front
outboard passenger seat, if the passenger
airbag OFF indicator is lit.
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 070 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 0407.
{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
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
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
Seats and Restraints 71
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger's seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim,
or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System 067.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0356 for
additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and you have questions
about whether the modifications will affect
the vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0401.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 0112.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 063. See your dealer
for service.
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag systems
in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in
serious injury or even death. To help
make sure the airbag systems are
working properly after a crash, have
them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your dealer
for service.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
112 Instruments and Controls
For information on the front seat belt
reminder lights, see "Driver Seat Belt
Reminder Light" and "Front Passenger Seat
Belt Reminder Light" listed previously.
The rear passenger seat belt reminder light
and chime may come on if an object is put
on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the reminder light and/or
chime, remove the object from the seat or
buckle the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. It is
located in the instrument cluster. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s),
the passenger sensing system, the
pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System 061.
The airbag readiness light comes on for
several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System 067 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United States and Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
and the symbols for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, and the symbol
for on or off, to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON, and the on symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF, and the off symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, if there are no
lights at all, or if the airbag readiness light
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
280 Driving and Operating
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill:1. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park). Turn the wheels
toward 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 the desired gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat. Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in Four-Wheel Drive High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
290 Driving and Operating
Trailer Wiring Harness
The seven-pin trailer connector is mounted
in the bumper. This connector can be
plugged into a seven-pin universal
heavy-duty trailer connector available
through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire connector with
flat blade terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper electrical
connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:
.Yellow/Grey: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Green/Violet: Right Stop/Turn Signal
.Grey/Brown: Taillamps
.White: Ground
.White/Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red/Green: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
To help charge a remote (non-vehicle)
battery change drive mode to Tow Haul.
If the trailer is too light for Tow/Haul Mode,
turn on the headlamps to help charge the
battery.
Electric Brake Control Wiring Provisions
These wiring provisions are included with
the vehicle as part of the trailer wiring
package. These provisions are for an electric
brake controller.
The harness should be installed by your
dealer or a qualified service center.
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller owner's manual to determine wire
color coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
If equipped, the Trailering App will monitor
the RH turn/brake lamp circuit, LH turn/
brake lamp circuit, running lamp circuit, and
reverse lamp circuits on the trailer. DIC
messages and Trailering App alerts may be
displayed if lighting circuit issues are
detected on the trailer.
If the trailer cannot be detected,
trailer-related DIC messages and/or
Trailering App alerts will not display. Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the Trailering
App automatically activates trailer lamps.
The Trailering App is not a substitute for
manually inspecting your trailer lamps. See
Trailering App
0296.
Trailer Connection and Lamp Messages
When a trailer is properly connected and
working, no trailer connection or lamp
messages appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). However; if the vehicle detects
an issue with a trailer connection or lamp,
you may see the following DIC message(s):
.TRAILER DISCONNECTED CHECK
CONNECTION appears when a connected
trailer is disconnected. It appears
immediately when the vehicle is on,
or upon the next start-up if the trailer
was disconnected while the vehicle was
off. Check the trailer connection as
appropriate.
.CHECK TRAILER XXX LAMP appears when
there is a detected lamp or wiring fault
on the trailer. Check the trailer wiring and
lamps.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals illuminate to indicate the vehicle is
turning, changing lanes, or stopping. When
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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292 Driving and Operating
Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
2. Trailer Symbol
3. Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons
The ITBC control panel is on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column. The
control panel allows adjustment to the
amount of output, referred to as Trailer
Gain, available to the trailer brakes and
allows manual application of the trailer
brakes. Use the ITBC control panel and the
DIC trailer brake display page to adjust and
display power output to the trailer brakes.Trailer Brake DIC Display Page
The ITBC display page indicates:
.Trailer Gain setting
.Output to the trailer brakes
.Trailer connection
.System operational status.
To display:
.Scroll through the DIC menu pages
.Press a Trailer Gain (+) or (−) button
.Activate the Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever
TRAILER GAIN:
Press a Trailer Gain button to recall the
current Trailer Gain setting. Each press and
release of the gain buttons will then change
the Trailer Gain setting. Press the Trailer
Gain (+) or (−) to adjust. Press and hold to
continuously adjust the Trailer Gain. To turn
the output to the trailer off, adjust the
Trailer Gain setting to 0.0. This setting can
be adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with a trailer
connected or disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT: This displays anytime a
trailer with electric brakes is connected.
Output to the trailer brakes is based on the
amount of vehicle braking present and relative to the Trailer Gain setting. Output is
displayed from 0 to 100% for each gain
setting.
The Trailer Output will indicate
“- - - - - -”on
the Trailer Brake Display Page whenever the
following occur:
.No trailer is connected.
.A trailer without electric brakes is
connected, no DIC message will display
.A trailer with electric brakes has become
disconnected, a CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message displays on the DIC
.There is a fault present in the wiring to
the trailer brakes, a CHECK TRAILER
WIRING message displays on the DIC
.The ITBC system is not working due to a
fault, a SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
message displays in the DIC
Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
Slide this lever right to apply the trailer’s
electric brakes independent of the vehicle’s
brakes. Use this lever to adjust Trailer Gain
to achieve the proper power output to the
trailer brakes. This lever may also be used
to request additional trailer braking at any
time. The trailer's and the vehicle's brake
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 293
lamps will come on when either vehicle
brakes or manual trailer brakes are applied
and properly connected.
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a specific
trailering condition and it must be
readjusted anytime vehicle loading, trailer
loading, or road surface conditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are over-gained or
under-gained may not stop the vehicle
and the trailer as intended and can result
in a crash. Always follow the instructions
to set the Trailer Gain for the proper
trailer stopping performance.
To adjust Trailer Gain for each towing
condition: 1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface
representative of the towing condition
and free of traffic at about 32 to
40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) and fully apply
the Manual Trailer Brake apply lever. Note
Adjusting Trailer Gain at speeds lower than
32 to 40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) may result in
an incorrect gain setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain adjustment buttons, to just below
the point of trailer wheel lock-up,
indicated by trailer wheel squeal or tire
smoke when a trailer wheel locks.
Note
Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if
towing a heavily loaded trailer. In this case,
adjust the Trailer Gain to the highest
allowable setting for the towing condition. 3. Readjust Trailer Gain any time vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change or if trailer wheel
lock-up is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
TRAILER BRAKES CONNECTED: This message
will briefly display when a trailer with
electric brakes is first connected to the
vehicle. This message will automatically turn
off in about 10 seconds. This message can
be acknowledged before it automatically
turns off. CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This message will
display if:
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with electric brakes
and then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is stationary, this message will
automatically turn off in about
30 seconds. This message will also turn
off if it is acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is moving, this message will continue
until the vehicle is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer harness is
reconnected.
.There is an electrical fault in the wiring to
the trailer brakes. This message will
continue as long as there is an electrical
fault in the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of the
trailer wiring harness connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-16417394) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
294 Driving and Operating
2. Turn the vehicle off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the vehicleback to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical fault is on the
vehicle side.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message only
reappears when connecting the trailer wiring
harness to the vehicle, the electrical fault is
on the trailer side.
TRAILER BRAKES DISABLED SERVICE
REQUIRED: This message will display when
there is a problem with the ITBC system.
If this message continues over multiple
restarts, have the vehicle serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER WIRING, TRAILER
BRAKES DISABLED SERVICE REQUIRED,
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKES, HOLD LAST KNOWN
GAIN, or REDUCED TRAILER BRAKING
message displays while driving, the ITBC
system may not be fully functional or may
not function at all. When traffic conditions
allow, carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road and turn the vehicle off.
Check the wiring connection to the trailer
and turn the vehicle back on. If either of
these messages continues, either the vehicle
or trailer needs service. A GM dealer may be able to diagnose and
repair problems with the trailer. However,
any diagnosis and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty. Contact
your trailer dealer for assistance with trailer
repairs and trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak may also
apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak warning light will
flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can help slow the
vehicle down. TSC will not function if
StabiliTrak is turned off. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0214.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
(Continued)