ECO mode GMC YUKON 2015 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: GMC, Model Year: 2015, Model line: YUKON, Model: GMC YUKON 2015Pages: 455, PDF Size: 4.72 MB
Page 243 of 455

Black plate (34,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
9-34 Driving and Operating
when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle. The first time
the system engages for each
ignition key cycle, a DIC message
will be displayed. SeeTransmission
Messages on page 5-40.
To disable or enable Normal Mode
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. When the button is
released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message
displays. See Transmission
Messages on page 5-40.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Tow/Haul Mode on page 9-35
and Cruise Control on page 9-48.Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Mode
helps control the vehicle's
transmission and vehicle speed
while driving downhill or towing a
trailer by letting you select a desired
range of gears.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttons on the shift lever to select the
desired range of gears for
current driving conditions. When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode), a
number displays next to the M,
indicating the current transmission
range.
This number is the highest gear that
the transmission will command while
operating in M (Manual Mode).
All gears below that number are
available. As driving conditions
change, the transmission can
automatically shift to lower gears.
For example, when 5 (Fifth) is
selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth)
gears are automatically shifted by
the transmission, but 6 (Sixth)
cannot be used until the plus/minus
button on the shift lever is used to
change to the range.
In vehicles with gasoline engines,
when the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode), a
downshift may occur. The gear that
the transmission is operating in
when the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode)
determines if a downshift occurs.
See the following chart.
Page 245 of 455

Black plate (36,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
9-36 Driving and Operating
The selector button is on the end of
the shift lever. Turn the Tow/Haul
Mode on and off by pressing the
button. When the Tow/Haul Mode is
enabled, a light on the instrument
cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on
page 5-23 andHill and Mountain
Roads on page 9-11.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment on page 9-81.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is
only enabled while the Tow/Haul
Mode is selected and the vehicle is
not in the Range Selection Mode.
See “Tow/Haul Mode” listed
previously and Manual Mode on
page 9-34. Tow/Haul Mode Grade
Braking assists in maintaining
desired vehicle speeds when driving
on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the
vehicle. On vehicles with a gasoline engine,
to disable or enable Tow/Haul
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. When the button is
released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message is
displayed. See
Transmission
Messages on page 5-40.
On vehicles with a diesel engine,
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking can
be enabled or disabled by pressing
the Tow/Haul Mode button. Use the
exhaust brake and Tow/Haul Mode
for maximum grade braking.
See Towing Equipment on
page 9-81.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Automatic Transmission on
page 9-31 andCruise Control on
page 9-48.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction. Read the appropriate
section for transfer case operation
before using.
{Caution
Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive for an extended
period of time may cause
premature wear on the system.
The damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive may:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
.Make the transfer case harder to
shift, and cause it to run noisier.
Page 247 of 455

Black plate (38,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
9-38 Driving and Operating
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High):Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive): Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's
power is sent to the front and rear
wheels automatically based on
driving conditions. This setting
provides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2
m.
Do not use AUTO mode to park on
a steep grade with poor traction
such as ice, snow, mud, or gravel.
In AUTO mode only the rear wheels
will hold the vehicle from sliding
when parked. If parking on a steep
grade, use 4
mto keep all four
wheels engaged. 4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):
Use
this position when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when
off-roading, or when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low): This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4
n
when driving off-road in deep sand,
deep mud, or deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-44.
Shifting Into 4
mor AUTO
Turn the knob to the 4
mor AUTO
position at any speed, except from
4
n. The indicator light will flash
while shifting and will remain on
when the shift is completed. Shifting Into 2
m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed,
except when shifting from 4
n. The
indicator light will flash while shifting
and will remain on when the shift is
completed.
Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, keep vehicle
speed below 72 km/h (45 mph).
To shift into 4
n:
1. The ignition must be in ON/RUN and the vehicle must be stopped
or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the
vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
n. Wait for the
4
nindicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
Page 248 of 455

Black plate (39,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
Driving and Operating 9-39
{Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
nindicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the
shift. After 30 seconds the transfer
case will shift to 4
m. Turn the knob
to 4
mto display the indicator. With
the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
To shift:
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph)
with the transmission in
N (Neutral) and the ignition in ON/RUN. It is best for the
vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
m, AUTO, or
2
m. Wait for the 4m, AUTO, or
2
mindicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
{Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
will flash for 30 seconds but will not
complete the shift. With the vehicle
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again. Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake pedal. See
Parking Brake on page 9-42.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts blinking.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly release
the dial to the 4
nposition. The
N (Neutral) light will come on
when the transfer case shift to
N (Neutral) is complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
Page 250 of 455

Black plate (41,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
Driving and Operating 9-41
The settings are:
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High):Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive): Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's
power is sent to the front and rear
wheels automatically based on
driving conditions. This setting
provides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2
m.
Do not use AUTO mode to park on
a steep grade with poor traction
such as ice, snow, mud, or gravel.
In AUTO mode only the rear wheels
will hold the vehicle from sliding
when parked. If parking on a steep
grade, use 4
mto keep all four
wheels engaged. 4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):
Use
this position when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when
off-roading, or when plowing snow.
Service Four-Wheel Drive
If the SERVICE 4WD message
stays on, you should take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See “SERVICE 4WD” message
under Transmission Messages on
page 5-40.
Shifting Into 4
mor AUTO
Turn the knob to the 4
mor AUTO
position. This can be done at any
speed. The indicator light will flash
while shifting. It will remain on when
the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 2
m
Turn the knob to the 2mposition.
This can be done at any speed.
The indicator light will flash while
shifting. It will remain on when the
shift is completed.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5-22.
Page 256 of 455

Black plate (47,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
Driving and Operating 9-47
HDC will remain enabled between
22 and 60 km/h (14 and 37 mph),
however vehicle speed cannot be
set or maintained in this range.
It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h
(50 mph) or above 60 km/h
(37 mph) for at least 30 seconds.
5
must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a
speed above 22 km/h (14 mph) and
less than 60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC
message will display.
Magnetic Ride Control
This vehicle may have a semi-active
damping system called
MagneRide
®. With this feature,
improved vehicle ride and handling
is provided under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions. MagneRide is fully automatic and
uses a computer controller to
continuously monitor vehicle speed,
wheel to body position, lift/dive, and
steering position of the vehicle.
The controller then sends signals to
each shock absorber to
independently adjust the damping
level to provide the optimum
vehicle ride.
MagneRide also interacts with the
Tow/Haul Mode that, when
activated, will provide additional
control of the shock absorbers. This
additional control results in better
ride and handling characteristics
when the vehicle is loaded or towing
a trailer. See
“Tow/Haul Mode”
under Trailer Towing on page 9-78.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear
suspension is available on light-duty
vehicles and comes as a part of the
MagneRide suspension, if equipped.
Automatic Level Control (ALC) may
also be available as a stand alone
feature.
This type of level control is fully
automatic and will provide a better
leveled riding position as well as
better handling under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions.
An air compressor connected to the
rear shocks will raise or lower the
rear of the vehicle to maintain
proper vehicle height. The system is
activated when the ignition key is
Page 257 of 455

Black plate (48,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
9-48 Driving and Operating
turned to ON/RUN and will
automatically adjust vehicle height
thereafter. The system may exhaust
(lower vehicle height) for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key has
been turned off. You may hear the
air compressor operating when the
height is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being
used, it is recommended to allow
the shocks to inflate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting
the hitch.Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use the
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 excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the brakes are applied, the cruise
control disengages. This vehicle has a Hydra-Matic
6-speed automatic transmission.
See
“Grade Braking” underTow/
Haul Mode on page 9-35 for an
explanation of how cruise control
interacts with the Range Selection
Mode, Tow/Haul Mode and Grade
Braking systems.
This vehicle has StabiliTrak and
when the system begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-44. If a collision
alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System on page 9-62.
When road conditions allow the
cruise control to be safely used
again, it can be turned back on.
Page 259 of 455

Black plate (50,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
9-50 Driving and Operating
.To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
+RES. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on
page 5-10. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold the SET– button
until the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To slow down in small
increments, briefly press the
SET–. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on page 5-10. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing the SET–
button will result
in cruise control set to the current
vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain
vehicle speed. When going
downhill, Cruise Grade Braking
helps maintain the driver selected
speed. Cruise Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started and
cruise control is active. It is not
enabled in Range Selection Mode.
It assists in maintaining driver
selected speed when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
To disable and enable Cruise Grade
Braking for the current ignition key
cycle, press and hold the Tow/Haul
button for three seconds. A DIC
message displays. See
Transmission Messages on
page 5-40.
For other forms of Grade Braking,
see
Automatic Transmission on
page 9-31 andTow/Haul Mode on
page 9-35.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
Page 287 of 455

Black plate (78,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
9-78 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.
{Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer”
following.
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. So please read
this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, and how much
the vehicle is used to pull a trailer
are all important. It can depend on
any special equipment on the
vehicle, and the amount of tongue
weight the vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later
in this section.
Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has only the driver and all required
trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from the
trailer weight rating.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.
Page 291 of 455

Black plate (82,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-7063682) - 2015 - CRC - 6/5/14
9-82 Driving and Operating
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
1. Body to Ground Distance
2. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the spring bars should be
adjusted so the distance (1) is the
same after coupling the trailer to the
tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue ofthe trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If the trailer being
towed weighs up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lb) with a factory-installed
step bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on
the bumper, otherwise, safety
chains should be attached to holes
on the trailer hitch platform. Always
leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lb) needs to have
its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with
StabiliTrak, the trailer brakes cannot
tap into the vehicle's hydraulic
system.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The seven-pin trailer connector is
mounted in the bumper. This
connector can be plugged into a
seven-pin universal heavy-duty
trailer connector available through
your dealer.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Green/Violet: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
.Brown: Taillamps
.White: Ground
.Light Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red/Green: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the Tow/Haul mode
button at the end of the shift lever.