traction control GMC YUKON 2004 Owner's Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-7
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-19
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-21
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Climate Control System.................................3-22
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-23
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-27
Rear Air Conditioning System.........................3-34
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-35
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
and Electronic Climate Controls...................3-38
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-40
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators.............3-40
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-41
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-42
Tachometer.................................................3-42
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-42
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-43
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator.................3-43Battery Warning Light....................................3-45
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-45
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-46
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-47
Traction Off Light..........................................3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-49
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-49
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-51
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-51
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-55
Cruise Control Light......................................3-56
Four-Wheel-Drive Light..................................3-56
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-56
Fuel Gage...................................................3-57
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-57
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-58
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-58
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-70
Audio System(s).............................................3-77
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-77
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-78
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-78
Radio with CD..............................................3-81
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-92
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

A. Dome Lamp Override Button. See “Dome Lamps”
underInterior Lamps on page 3-19.
B. Exterior Lamp Controls. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-15.
C. Air Outlets. See “Climate Controls” in Section 3.
D. Automatic Transfer Case/Stabilitrak
®Mode Button
(AWD Vehicles)/Traction Assist System (TAS).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-28.
E. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-41.
G. Gearshift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-24.
H. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped). See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-24.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-77.
J. Comfort Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-22.K. Instrument Panel Fuse Block. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-113.
L. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
M. Steering Wheel Control Buttons (If Equipped).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-58.
N. Center Instrument Panel Utility Block. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-113.
O. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-7.
P. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-37.
Q. Lighter and Accessory Power Outlets. See
Accessory Power Outlets on page 3-21.
R. Storage Area (If Equipped). See “Storage Areas” in
Section 2.
S. Ashtray. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-21.
T. Glovebox. SeeGlove Box on page 2-60.
3-5

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can not drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your 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 needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
1. Move the cruise control switch to on.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press in the set button at the end of the lever and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The cruise symbol on the
instrument panel will
illuminate when the cruise
control is engaged.
3-12

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly this
message may appear along with the check engine light
on the instrument panel. Reinstall the fuel cap,
making sure to fully install the cap. SeeFilling Your
Tank on page 5-8. The diganostic system can determine
if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system has detected that any
of the vehicle’s wheels are spinning, the traction
control system will activate and this message will appear
on the DIC. For more information seeTraction Assist
System (TAS) on page 4-9.
TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission uid temperature becomes high, the
message center will display this message.
When the transmission enters the protection mode, you
may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer
Hot outside air temperatures
Hauling a large or heavy load
Low transmission uid level
High transmission uid level
Restricted air ow to the radiator and the auxiliary
transmission oil cooler.
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
3-76

TRACTION SYS LIMITED
If the brake traction control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed
braking, brake traction-control will be disabled and the
TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed.
The system will return to normal operation after the
brakes have cooled.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will
hear a chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to
the off position. Press the select button to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
Audio System(s)
Notice:Before you add any sound equipment to
your vehicle – like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two-way radio – be sure you can add
what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it
properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added improperly.So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and to give years of listening pleasure. You will get
the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with
it rst. Figure out which radio you have in your vehicle,
nd out what your audio system can do and how to
operate all of its controls to be sure you’re getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your
audio system even after the ignition is turned off.
See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” underIgnition
Positions on page 2-21.
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
Press and hold the HR or MIN arrow for two seconds.
Then press HR until the correct hour appears on
the display. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute
appears on the display. The time may be set with the
ignition on or off.
3-77

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Traction Assist System (TAS)...........................4-9
Locking Rear Axle........................................4-11
Stabilitrak
®System.......................................4-11
Steering......................................................4-14
QUADRASTEER™........................................4-16
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-19
Passing.......................................................4-19
Loss of Control.............................................4-21
Off-Road Driving...........................................4-22
Driving at Night............................................4-36
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-38City Driving..................................................4-41
Freeway Driving...........................................4-42
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-43
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-44
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-44
Winter Driving..............................................4-46
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow........4-50
Towing..........................................................4-53
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-53
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-53
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-56
Level Control...............................................4-61
Autoride™...................................................4-62
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-62
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-63
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, perceptions, attentiveness and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or
even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
Please do not drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a
cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle. Also seeTraction Assist
System (TAS) on page 4-9.
4-5

Traction Assist System (TAS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Assist System (TAS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
The traction control system is enabled every time your
vehicle is started. The system will activate if it senses
that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction.
You may hear or feel the system working or notice a
lack of accelerator response, but this is normal.
The Traction Assist System may operate on dry roads
under some conditions. When this happens, you
may notice a reduction in acceleration. This is normal
and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle.
Examples of these conditions include a hard
acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of
the transmission or driving on rough roads.If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TAS begins
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See
“Cruise Control” underTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
When the traction off light
is on, the TAS is off and
will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
4-9

If desired, you can change the TAS automatic
engagement feature so that the system will not come on
automatically when the engine is started. To do so:
1. Park the vehicle with the ignition off and the
transmission in PARK (P).
2. Turn the ignition to RUN; do not start the engine.
3. Apply the brake pedal, shift into NEUTRAL (N),
press the accelerator pedal to the oor and then
press the TAS on/off button and hold it down for at
least six seconds.
4. Release the TAS button and both pedals.
5. Turn off the ignition and wait a few seconds.
The next time you start your vehicle, the TAS will not
automatically come on. You can restore the automatic
feature by using the same procedure. Whether the TAS is
set to come on automatically or not, you can always turn
the system on or off by pressing the TAS on/off button.
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
Stabilitrak®System
Your vehicle may be equipped with the
Stabilitrak®system which combines antilock brake,
traction and stability control systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most
driving conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to
ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel
the system working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with your vehicle. The system
should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 m.p.h.
(32 km/h). In some cases, it may take approximately two
miles of driving before the system initializes.
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the STABILITY
SYS DISABLED or SERVICE STABILITY message
will be displayed. If the vehicle has gone through heavy
acceleration or braking during the rst two miles after
starting your vehicle, the STABILITY SYS DISABLED
message may appear. If this is the case, your
vehicle does not need servicing. Turn your vehicle off
and back on again to reset the system. If either message
appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC), and
your vehicle hasn’t gone through hard acceleration
or braking in the rst two miles, your vehicle should be
taken in for service.
4-11

The STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message will appear on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) only when the
system is both on and activated. You may also feel or
hear the system working; this is normal. For more
information on the stability messages, seeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-58.
The Stabilitrak
®mode
button is located on the
instrument panel.
Stabilitrak
®and part of the traction control system can
be turned off or back on by pressing the
Stabilitrak
®button. All-wheel drive vehicles must be in
all-wheel drive mode to turn the system on or off.
When the system is turned off, the traction off light will
illuminate, and the STABILITY SYS DISABLED
message will appear on the DIC to warn the driver that
both the stability system and part of the traction
control system are disabled. Your vehicle will still have
brake-traction control when Stabilitrak
®is off, but
will not be able to use the engine speed management
system. See “Traction Control Operation” next for
more information.When the Stabilitrak
®system has been turned off you
may still hear system noises as a result of the
brake-traction control coming on.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice
or snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle to
attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off
the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions
where high wheel spin is required. SeeIf You Are
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-50.
When the transfer case is in 4 low, the stability system
is automatically disabled, and the STABILITY SYS
DISABLED message will appear on the DIC. In 4LO,
the Stabilitrak
®button only turns the traction control
system on and off.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the
Stabilitrak®system. Traction control limits wheel spin by
reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed
management) and by applying brakes to each individual
wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.
4-12