GMC YUKON 2021 User Guide

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The mechanical key inside the remote key is
used for the driver door and glove box.
To remove the mechanical key, press the
button on the side of the remote key near
the bottom, and pull the mechanical key
out. Never pull the mechanical key out
without pressing the button.
The mechanical key may have a bar-coded
key tag that the dealer or qualified
locksmith can use to make new keys. store
this information in a safe place, not in the
vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.If it becomes difficult to turn a key, inspect
the key blade for debris. Periodically clean
with a brush or pick.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See
OnStar Overview
0 410.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside
Assistance Program 0402.
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys
1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of
memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats041.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0407.
If there is a decrease in the remote key
operating range:
.Check the distance. The remote key may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the remote key’s battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the remote key is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the remote key is within 1 m
(3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later
in this section.
The remote key functions may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the remote key. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
Q:Press to lock all doors.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash once
on the second press to indicate locking has
occurred. If enabled, the horn chirps when
Qis pressed again within three seconds. See
Vehicle Personalization 0126.
Pressing
Qarms the alarm system. See
Vehicle Alarm System 025.
If equipped with auto mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Qfor one second will
fold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0126.
K:Press once to unlock only the driver
door. If
Kis pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors unlock.
The interior lamps may come on and stay
on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash twice
to indicate unlocking has occurred.
If enabled, the exterior lamps may turn on.
See Vehicle Personalization 0126.
Pressing
Kon the remote key disarms the
alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 25. If equipped with auto mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Kfor one second will
unfold the mirrors, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0126.
Press and hold
Kuntil the windows fully
open, if remote window operation is
enabled. See Vehicle Personalization 0126.
b:Press twice to open or close the
liftgate. Press once to stop the liftgate from
moving.
c: Press twice to open the liftglass.
7:Press and release to initiate vehicle
locate. The turn signal lamps flash and the
horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
7for more than
three seconds to activate the panic alarm.
The turn signal lamps flash and the horn
sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm
turns off when the ignition is turned on or
7is pressed again. The ignition must be off
for the panic alarm to work.
/: To remote start the vehicle, double
press
/from outside the vehicle using the
remote key. The vehicle cannot be started if
a remote key is left inside the vehicle. See
Remote Vehicle Start 014.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for doors
and the liftgate to be accessed without
removing the remote key from your pocket,
purse, briefcase, etc. The remote key must
be within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door
being opened. If the vehicle has this feature,
there will be a button on the outside door
handles.
Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock
press from the driver door. See Vehicle
Personalization 0126.
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys
1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of
memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats041.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the remote
key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door handle,
pressing the lock/unlock button on the
driver door handle will unlock the driver
door. If the lock/unlock button is pressed
again within five seconds, all passenger
doors and the liftgate will unlock.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
all doors to lock if any of the following
occur:
.It has been more than five seconds since
the first lock/unlock button press.
.Two lock/unlock button presses were
used to unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has been opened and all
doors are now closed.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Passenger Doors
When the doors are locked and the remote
key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door handle,
pressing the lock/unlock button on a
passenger door handle will unlock all doors. Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
all doors to lock if any of the following
occur:
.The lock/unlock button was used to
unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has been opened and all
doors are now closed.
Disable/Enable Keyless Unlocking of Exterior
Door Handles and Liftgate
If equipped, keyless unlocking of the exterior
door handles and liftgate can be disabled
and enabled.
Disabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
Qand
Kon the remote key at the same time for
approximately three seconds. The turn signal
lamps will flash four times quickly to
indicate access is disabled. Using any
exterior handle to unlock the doors or open
the liftgate will cause the turn signal lamps
to flash four times quickly, indicating access
is disabled. If disabled, disarm the alarm
system before starting the vehicle.
Disabling Keyless Unlocking may also be
configured under Vehicle Personalization
0 126. Enabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
Qand
Kon the remote key at the same time for
approximately three seconds. The turn signal
lamps will flash twice quickly to indicate
access is enabled.
Enabling Keyless Unlocking may also be
configured under Vehicle Personalization
0 126.
Passive Locking
The Keyless Access system will lock the
vehicle several seconds after all doors are
closed, if the vehicle is off and at least one
remote key has been removed from the
interior, or none remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere with the
remote key signal, the vehicle may not
detect the remote key inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the doors may
lock with the remote key inside the vehicle.
Do not leave the remote key in an
unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to automatically lock
when exiting the vehicle, see “Remote Lock,
Unlock, Start” underVehicle Personalization
0 126.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
Temporary Disable of Passive Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking by
pressing and holding
Kon the interior door
switch with a door open for at least
four seconds, or until three chimes are
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and a remote
key is left in the vehicle, the horn will chirp
three times after all doors are closed. To
turn on or off see Vehicle Personalization
0 126.
Remote Removed From Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for remote keys inside. If a remote
key is not detected, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE
DETECTED and the horn will chirp three
times. This occurs only once each time the
vehicle is driven. To turn on or off see
Vehicle Personalization 0126. Keyless Liftgate Opening
Press the touch pad on the underside of the
liftgate handle to open the liftgate when all
doors are unlocked, or when the remote key
is within 1 m (3 ft).
Keyless Liftglass Opening
Press the exterior liftglass button to open
the liftglass when all doors are unlocked,
or when the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft).
See
Liftgate 018.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak remote key
battery, see Door Locks015.
Programming Remote Keys to the
Vehicle
Only remote keys programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a remote key is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen remote keys no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight remote keys
programmed to it.
Programming with Recognized Remote Keys
A new key can be programmed to the
vehicle when there are two recognized keys. To program, the vehicle must be in RUN and
all remote keys, both currently recognized
and new, must be with you.
Vehicles with Front Bench Seat
1. Place the two recognized remote keys on the passenger seat.
2. Scroll to the DIC menu to "Remote Key Learn" menu and select.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, 5, ETC.
3. Place the new remote key into thebackup pocket in the lower console bin.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When theremote key is learned, the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next remote key.
5. Remove the remote key from the backup pocket and press
KorQon the
remote key.
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for approximately
12 seconds to exit programming mode.
Vehicles without Front Bench Seat 1. Place the two recognized remote keys on the passenger seat.
2. Scroll to the DIC menu to "Remote Key Learn" menu and select.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, 5, ETC.
3. Place the new remote key into thebackup pocket in the left cupholder.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned, the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next remote key.
5. Remove the remote key from the backup pocket and press
KorQon the
remote key.
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for approximately
12 seconds to exit programming mode.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote
Key Battery
For improved vehicle security, the remote
key is equipped with a motion sensor. When
starting the vehicle, if the remote key has
been idle for an extended period of time,
the DIC may display KEY IN SLEEP MODE,
MOVE KEY, THEN START. Move the remote
key slightly and try starting the vehicle.
If the remote key battery is weak or if there
is interference with the signal, the DIC may
display NO KEY FOUND, REPLACE BATTERY IN
KEY or NO REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED
PLACE KEY IN KEY POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE when starting the vehicle.
To start the vehicle:

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
With Bench Seat
Without Bench Seat
1. Place the remote key in the remote key pocket. 2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral)
press the brake pedal and ENGINE
START/STOP.
Replace the remote key battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the
remote key. The remote key contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the remote key when
it has been exposed to extreme heat.
These surfaces can be hot to the touch at
temperatures above 59 °C (138 °F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the remote key.
Static from your body could damage the
remote key.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery in the remote key soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY.
To replace the battery:

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
1. Press the button on the side of theremote key and pull the mechanical key
out. Never pull the mechanical key out
without pressing the button.
2. With the mechanical key removed, inserta flat, thin object in the center of the
remote key to separate and remove the
back cover.
3. Lift the battery with a flat object.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Insert the new battery, positive sidetoward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the remote key.
7. Reinsert the mechanical key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped with the remote start feature,
the climate control system will come on
when the vehicle is started remotely
depending on the outside temperature.
The rear defog and heated and ventilated
seats, if equipped, may also come on. See
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 044 and
Vehicle Personalization 0126.
Laws in some communities may restrict the
use of remote starters. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote
starting of vehicles.
Do not use remote start if the vehicle is low
on fuel. The vehicle may run out of fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote started if:
.The remote key is in the vehicle.
.The hood is not closed.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction and the malfunction indicator
lamp is on.
.The hazard flashers are on.
.Two remote vehicle starts or a start with
an extension have already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
.The vehicle is not off.

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
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.PressQorKon the power door lock
switch.
.Pulling an interior door handle will unlock
the door. Pulling the door handle again
unlatches it.
Keyless Access
The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of
the trunk or door being opened or locked.
Press the button on the door handle to
open. See “Keyless Access Operation” in
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 08. Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when
either the wrong key is used, or the correct
key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from
being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it
to the vertical position with the correct key
fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it
again. If this does not reset the lock, turn
the key halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.
Power Door Locks
PressQorKon the Remote Key. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 08.
Q:Press to lock the doors. The indicator
light in the switch will illuminate when
locked.
K: Press to unlock the doors.
Security Status indicator
A light on the upper surface of the driver's
door trim is used to indicate vehicle security
status.
This light will be OFF any time the ignition
is ON, except momentarily when vehicle
doors are locking.
Solid : Indicates securing with doors closed.
Fast Flash : Indicates securing with
doors open.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
Slow Flash :Indicates battery conserving
secured state.
No light : Indicates unsecured state.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the locking of the doors
until five seconds after all doors are closed.
When
Qis pressed on the power door lock
switch while the door is open, a chime will
sound three times indicating delayed locking
is active.
The doors will lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are closed. If a
door is reopened before that time, the
five-second timer will reset when all doors
are closed again.
Press
Qon the door lock switch again or
press
Qon the remote key to lock the
doors immediately.
This feature can be programmed. See
“Delayed Door Lock” underVehicle
Personalization 0126.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all
doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park). If a vehicle door is unlocked, and then
opened and closed, the doors will lock either
when your foot is removed from the brake
or the vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon the power door lock switch.
.Shift the transmission into P (Park).
Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. See Vehicle Personalization
0 126.
Lockout Protection
When locking is requested with the driver
door open and the vehicle is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, all the doors will lock and then
the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested
while a door is open, when all doors are
closed the vehicle will check for remote keys
inside. If a remote key is detected and the
number of remote keys inside has not
reduced, the driver door will unlock and the
horn will sound three times. This can be manually overridden by pressing
and holding
Qon the power door lock
switch.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
The safety lock is on the inside edge of the
rear doors. To use the safety lock:
1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.