towing GMC YUKON 2008 User Guide

Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-49.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-43for more
information.2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL (N).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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{CAUTION:
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer
case in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL. Always set the parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-44.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-49.
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
Your vehicle may have this feature. When on, the
automatic dimming mirror dims to the proper level to
minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.
The mirror has a dual display in the upper right corner
of the mirror face that shows the compass reading
and the outside temperature.
Control buttons for the OnStar
®system are at the
bottom of the mirror. SeeOnStar®System on page 2-60
for more information about the services OnStar®
provides.
P(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
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Cleaning the Mirror
Use a paper towel or similar material dampened with
glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror as that may cause the liquid cleaner to enter
the mirror housing.
Outside Manual Mirrors
Adjust your outside mirrors so you can just see the side of
your vehicle and have a clear view of objects behind you.
The mirrors can be folded in to enter narrow areas.
The use of hood-mounted air deectors and add-on
convex mirror attachments may adversely affect mirror
performance.
Outside Trailer-Tow Mirrors
If your vehicle has trailer towing type mirrors, they can
be adjusted so you can have a clear view of the
objects behind you. Manually pull out the mirror head to
extend it for better visibility when towing a trailer.
These mirrors can be manually folded forward or
rearward. The lower portion of the mirror is convex.
A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more
from the driver’s seat. The convex mirror can be
adjusted manually to the driver’s preferred position for
better vision.
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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 may also come on due to low brake uid. See
Brakes on page 5-41for more information.
This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
{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.
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 4-45. United States
Canada
3-45

This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light also 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
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be
required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to your
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
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 ignition off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing,
follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. 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.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-6
Locking Rear Axle..........................................4-6
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-6
Steering........................................................4-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-11
Passing.......................................................4-11
Loss of Control.............................................4-12
Off-Road Driving...........................................4-13
Driving at Night............................................4-26
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-26
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-28Highway Hypnosis........................................4-28
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-29
Winter Driving..............................................4-30
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow...................................................4-33
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-34
Recovery Hooks...........................................4-34
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-35
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.......4-41
Towing..........................................................4-45
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-45
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-45
Level Control...............................................4-48
Autoride
®.....................................................4-49
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-49
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-63
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear
the area around the front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles, shift into Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel Low.
For vehicles with StabiliTrak
®, turn the traction control
part of the system off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-6. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear,
wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and
press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that could free your vehicle. If that does
not get your vehicle out after a few tries, it might
need to be towed out. Or, you can use recovery hooks,
if your vehicle has them. If your vehicle does need to
be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-45.
Recovery Hooks
{CAUTION:
These hooks, when used, are under a lot of
force. Always pull the vehicle straight out.
Never pull on the hooks at a sideways angle.
The hooks could break off and you or others
could be injured from the chain or cable
snapping back.
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5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-49for important
information on towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips.
Item Description Total
AVehicle Capacity
Weight for
Example 1=1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg)×2=300 lbs (136 kg)
CAvailable Occupant
and Cargo Weight=700 lbs (317 kg)
Example 1
4-37

Keep in mind that reserve capacity numbers are
intended as a guide when selecting the amount of
equipment or cargo your vehicle can carry. If you are
unsure of your vehicle’s front, rear, or total weight, go to
a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your
dealer/retailer can also help you with this.
The total vehicle reserve capacity for your vehicle can
be found in the lower right corner of the Certication/Tire
label as shown previously.
See your dealer/retailer for additional advice and
information about using a snow plow on your vehicle.
Also, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-35.
Emergency Roof Lamp Provisions
Vehicles with the RPO VYU snow plow prep package
also have an emergency roof lamp provision package,
RPO TRW. Wiring for the emergency roof lamp is
provided above the overhead console. SeeAuxiliary
Roof Mounted Lamp on page 3-19for switch location.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing, towing your vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground, and dolly towing,
towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing”, following.
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Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip on
page 4-28.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Notice:If you tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, the transmission
could be damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not tow a
two-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with all
four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed.
4-46