octane GMC YUKON 2009 Owner's Manual

This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so, stop
the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle. Turn the
key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine.
If the light is still ashing, follow the previous steps and
see your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-9. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep puddle
of water, the vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor
fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed and can cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear,
misring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on
acceleration. These conditions might go away once
the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change the
fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of
the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5.
3-45

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements.............................................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle.................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-21Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-24
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-35
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-37
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-38
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-44
Jump Starting...............................................5-45
Rear Axle.......................................................5-50
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-52
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-54
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-57
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-58
License Plate Lamp......................................5-59
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-60
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-60
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-96.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage
and the date of any service work performed. See
Maintenance Record on page 6-17.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-115.If the vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 0), the
5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 3), or the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code 2–), you can use either unleaded gasoline or
ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 5-7. In all other
engines, use only unleaded gasoline. SeeGasoline
Octane on page 5-5.
Gasoline Octane
For all vehicles except those with the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code 2), use regular unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane
rating is less than 87, you might notice an audible
knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred to
as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code 2),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the
vehicle’s acceleration could be slightly reduced, and
you might notice a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane is
less than 87, you might notice a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
5-5

Otherwise, you could damage the engine. If you are
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you
hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-6for
additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-44. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine
oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors
and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS
is the only gasoline additive recommended by General
Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
5-6

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-115.
If the vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (Code 0), the
5.3L V8 engine (Code 3), or the 6.2L V8 engine
(Code 2), you can use either unleaded gasoline or
ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See
Fuel on page 5-5. In all other engines, use only the
unleaded gasoline described underGasoline Octane
on page 5-5.
Only vehicles that have the 5.3L V8 engine (Code 0), the
5.3L V8 engine (Code 3), or the 6.2L V8 engine (Code 2)
can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). We encourage the use
of E85 in vehicles that are designed to use it. The ethanol
in E85 is a “renewable” fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn and other crops.
Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol
fuel (E85) pump available. The U. S. Department
of Energy has an alternative fuels website
(www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html)
that can help you nd E85 fuel. Those stations that
do have E85 should have a label indicating ethanol
content. Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content
is greater than 85%.
5-7

This schedule is for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits on the Tire and Loading Information label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-33.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
are driven off-road in the recommended manner.
SeeOff-Road Driving on page 4-12.
use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-5.
The services inScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
should be performed when indicated. SeeAdditional
Required Services on page 6-6andMaintenance
Footnotes on page 6-8for further information.
{CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be
dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be
seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work
only if you have the required know-how and the
proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have
any doubt, see your dealer/retailer to have a
qualied technician do the work. SeeDoing Your
Own Service Work on page 5-4.Some maintenance services can be complex. So, unless
you are technically qualied and have the necessary
equipment, have your dealer/retailer do these jobs.
When you go to your dealer/retailer for service, trained
and supported service technicians will perform the
work using genuine parts.
To purchase service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10tells what
should be checked, when to check it, and what can easily
be done to help keep the vehicle in good condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-13andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-15. When the vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
6-3

Fuel (cont.)
Gage .........................................................3-50
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-51
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-119
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-116
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-117
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-120
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-116
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-43
Fuel..........................................................3-50
Oil Pressure...............................................3-46
Speedometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-40
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-68
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-74
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-2
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-54
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-57
Daytime Running Lamp................................3-16
Exterior Lamps............................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-57
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Heated Seats............................................1-7, 1-8
Heater...........................................................3-22
Engine Coolant...........................................2-28
Heater...........................................................3-25
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-49
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-27
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-28
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-12
Release.....................................................5-12
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-37
6