warning light GMC YUKON XL 2006 User Guide

Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will
ash when you set the parking brake. The light will ash if
the parking brake doesn’t release fully. If you try to drive
with the parking brake engaged, a chime will sound when
the vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still
work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there
could be a brake problem. Have your brake system
inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push or may go closer to the oor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-56.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service.
United States
Canada
3-42

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and may stay on
for several seconds.
That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
your vehicle needs service. You will also hear a
chime sound when the light is on steady. If the regular
brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have
brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on you don’t
have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with
your regular brakes. In addition to both lights, you will
also hear a chime sound on the rst occurrence of
a problem and each time the vehicle is shut off and
then restarted. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-42.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage
will read 210°F (100°C) or less. If you are pulling a load
or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
uctuate and approach the 250°F (122°C) mark. If the
gage reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates
that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
United StatesCanada
3-43

A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a
dangerously low oil level or some other problem
causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as
possible. See “OIL PRESSURE LOW” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56andEngine Oil
on page 5-15.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
Security Light
This light ashes when the
vehicle security system is
activated.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on
whenever you set your
cruise control.
The light will go out when the cruise control is
turned off. SeeCruise Control on page 3-11for
more information.
3-49

Fuel Gage
The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about
how much fuel you have left in your tank.
The gage will rst indicate empty before you are out of
fuel, and you should get more fuel as soon as possible.
When the fuel tank is low, the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message will appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-56.Here are some situations you may experience with your
fuel gage. None of these indicate a problem with the
fuel gage.
At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may
have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than half the tank’s
capacity to ll the tank.
The gage goes back to empty when you turn off
the ignition.
Low Fuel Warning Light
The light next to the fuel gage will come on briey when
you are starting the engine.
This light comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel.
To turn it off, add fuel to the fuel tank. SeeFuel on
page 5-4. United States
Canada
3-51

DIC Warnings and Messages
Warning messages are displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) to notify the driver that the
status of the vehicle has changed and that some action
may be needed by the driver to correct the condition.
If there is more than one message that needs to
be displayed, they will appear one after another. Some
messages may not require immediate action, but
you should press any of the four DIC buttons on the
steering wheel to acknowledge that you received
the messages and clear them from the display. If your
vehicle does not have DIC buttons on the steering
wheel, press the trip odometer reset stem located on
the instrument panel cluster to acknowledge messages
and clear them from the display. Some messages
cannot be cleared from the display because they are
more urgent. These messages require action before they
can be removed from the DIC display. You should
take any messages that appear on the display seriously
and remember that clearing the messages will only
make the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING
On some vehicles, if the battery is not charging during
operation, this message will appear on the DIC.
Driving with this problem could drain your battery.
Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer
as soon as possible. SeeBattery Warning Light on
page 3-40andVoltmeter Gage on page 3-41. Pressing
any of the four DIC buttons will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons, pressing
the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
BUCKLE PASSENGER
If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system,
this message reminds you to buckle the passenger’s
seat belt. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-82.
This message will display and a chime will sound when
the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is buckled, the
passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You should
have the passenger buckle their seat belt.
3-56

CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging system, this message
will appear on the DIC, a chime will sound, and the
battery warning light on the instrument panel cluster will
come on. Driving with this problem could drain your
battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Stop and
turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer
immediately. SeeBattery Warning Light on page 3-40
andVoltmeter Gage on page 3-41for more information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor and the oil level in
the vehicle is low, this message will appear on the
DIC. Check the oil level and correct it as necessary.
You may need to let the vehicle cool or warm up
and cycle the ignition to be sure this message will clear.
Once the problem is corrected, pressing any of the
four DIC buttons will acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does
not have the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip
odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and
clear it from the DIC display. This message will clear
itself after 10 seconds, until the next ignition cycle.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for additional information.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If your vehicle has the tire pressure monitor system and
a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle’s
tires, this message will appear on the DIC, along with
a chime. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from
the DIC display. It will appear at each ignition cycle until
the tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer uid level is low, this message will appear
on the DIC. Adding washer uid to the windshield
washer reservoir will clear the message. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-37. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons will acknowledge the message and
clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does
not have the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip
odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and
clear it from the DIC display. This message will clear
itself after 10 seconds, until the next ignition cycle.
3-58

DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver’s door is not fully closed, this message
will appear on the display and you will hear a chime.
Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for
obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons will acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
will appear in the DIC. Turn off the air conditioning. If the
message is still on, or if the engine coolant temperature
gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle over when it is
safe to do so. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 3-43for more information. Stop the vehicle and let
the engine idle in PARK (P) for a few minutes to allow the
coolant to reach a safe temperature. This message will
clear when the coolant temperature drops to a safe
operating temperature. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28for more information.
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message will clear when the engine
has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-51,Fuel on page 5-4,
andLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-51.
3-59

SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery
charging system, this message will appear on the
DIC. Under certain conditions, the battery warning light
may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeBattery Warning Light on page 3-40. The battery
will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle
will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode.
The vehicle is safe to drive, however you should have
the electrical system checked by your GM dealer.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
If your vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this
message will appear on the DIC. See your GM dealer.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
If your vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE STABILITY
If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, it
means there may be a problem with your StabiliTrak®
system. If you see this message, try to reset the system.
Stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again.
If the SERVICE STABILITY message still comes
on, it means there is a problem. You should see your
GM dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the benet of StabiliTrak
®,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
If your vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-63

There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak®activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message will also be displayed if the brake
system warning light is on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-42.
The message could be displayed if the stability
system takes longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
If an engine or vehicle related problem has been
detected and the vehicle needs service, the
message will appear. See your GM dealer.
The message will also appear if the vehicle is
shifted into 4LO.
The message will turn off as soon as the conditions
that caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
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 cluster. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-46. Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic
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
this light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system has detected that
any of the vehicle’s wheels are slipping, the traction
control system will activate and this message will appear
on the DIC. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-9for
more information.
TRACTION SYS (System) 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. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-9for more information.
3-65

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-42.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
4-6