oil temperature GMC YUKON 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - CRC - 5/18/21
2 Introduction
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
The engine will turn off during a remote
vehicle start if:
.The coolant temperature gets too high.
.The oil pressure gets low.
The remote key range may be reduced
while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the remote key. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08or
Vehicle Personalization 0126.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press
Stwice on the remote key. The
turn signal lamps will flash. The lamps
flash to confirm the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
During the remote start, the doors will
be locked and the parking lamps will
remain on as long as the engine is
running.
2. The engine will shut off after 15 minutes or after the remainder of the 30 minute
total running time is used, unless you
stop the remote start before engine
running has completed or the vehicle is
turned on.
3. Press the brake pedal and turn the ignition on to drive the vehicle. Extending Engine Run Time
Remote start can be used for up to
30 minutes of total engine run time.
After two remote starts of 15 minutes,
or multiple shorter time starts totaling
30 minutes have been used, the vehicle
must be started and then turned off before
the remote start can be used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:.Press and holdSuntil the parking
lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash is (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock the doors from outside the
vehicle:
.PressQorKon the remote key. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 08.
.Use the mechanical key in the
driver door.
To lock or unlock the doors from inside the
vehicle:

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Instruments and Controls 95
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . 108
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 110
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 113
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Four Corner Air Suspension Light . . . . . . . 117
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . 120
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 133

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
104 Instruments and Controls
Instrument Cluster
English Standard Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 0106
2. Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 0107
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0108 4.
Fuel Gauge 0106
5. Voltmeter Gauge 0108
6. Speedometer 0106
7. Driver Information Center (DIC) 0120
Cluster Menu
There is an interactive display area in the
center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open
and scroll through the different items and
displays.
Press
SorTto access the cluster
applications. Use the thumbwheel to scroll
through the list of available features. Press
the thumbwheel to select. Not all
applications will be available on all vehicles.
.Home

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Instruments and Controls 107
English
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates about how much fuel is left in
the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:
.It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up
than the gauge indicated. For example,
the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little
more, or less than half the tank's capacity
to fill the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner, speeding up or braking.
.The gauge takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned on
and goes back to empty when the
ignition is turned off.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Metric
English
The engine oil pressure gauge shows the
engine oil pressure in kPa (kilopascals)
or psi (pounds per square inch) when the
engine is running.
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed,
outside temperature, coolant temperature,
and oil viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will vary
engine oil pressure according to engine
needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as
the engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning light or
Driver Information Center (DIC) message

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
108 Instruments and Controls
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's oil as
soon as possible.
SeeEngine Oil 0315.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Metric
English This gauge measures the temperature of the
vehicle's engine coolant.
While driving under normal operating
conditions, if the needle moves into the red
warning area, the engine is too hot. Pull off
the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the
engine as soon as possible.
Voltmeter Gauge
When the ignition is on, this gauge indicates
the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, this gauge
shows the condition of the charging system.
The gauge can transition from a higher to
lower or a lower to higher reading. This is
normal. If the vehicle is operating outside

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
282 Driving and Operating
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 0322.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
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 a gear.
.Release the parking brake.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
284 Driving and Operating
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0384. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0322.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle. Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, and how frequently the vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment” underTowing Equipment 0287
to determine if equalizer bars are required
to obtain the maximum trailer weight
rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0287 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Vehicle Care 317
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system has
calculated that oil life has been diminished,
a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
on to indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might indicate
that an oil change is not necessary for up to
a year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and, at this
time, the system must be reset. For vehicles
without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed when the
REMAINING OIL LIFE percentage is near 0%.
Your dealer has trained service people who
will perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
engine oil life system:
1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 120.
2. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip odometer reset stem if
the vehicle does not have DIC controls,
for several seconds. When the
confirmation message displays, select
YES. The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 120.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. 3. If the display changes to 100%, the
system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the oil
life percentage is near 0%, the engine oil
life system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid level
dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the transmission fluid
in these vehicles. Because this procedure is
difficult, this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. See Publication Ordering
Information 0406.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
320 Vehicle Care
6.2L V8 Engine
1. Engine Electric Cooling Fans (Outof View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater, radiator, a/c pipes
or hoses, or other engine parts. They can
be very hot and can burn you. Do not
run the engine if there is a leak; all
coolant could leak out. That could cause
an engine fire and can burn you. Fix any
leak before driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in the vehicle for
5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0322.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.