GMC YUKON 2021 Owner's Guide

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on:1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door
unlock switch, or by using the
remote key.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch
open, or with any objects that pass
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
through the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0231.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To open the liftgate, pressKon the power
door lock switch or press
Kon the remote
key twice to unlock all doors. Press the
touch pad (1) on the underside of the
liftgate handle and lift up.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Press the button (2) above the license plate
to open the liftglass, or press
ctwice
quickly on the remote key. Do not leave the
liftglass open when raising the liftgate.
There will be a delay in the release of the
liftglass if there is an attempt to open it
while the rear wiper is in motion.
Use the pull cup to lower and close the
liftgate. Do not press the touch pad while
closing the liftgate. This will cause the
liftgate to be unlatched.
The liftgate can be opened when locked if
the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the
touch pad. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 08.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If the
battery is disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will
resume operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
Power Liftgate Operation
{Warning
You or others could be injured if caught
in the path of the power liftgate. Make
sure there is no one in the way of the
liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured
liftgate may result in damage to the
power liftgate components.
If equipped, the power liftgate switch is on
the overhead console. The vehicle must be
in P (Park).
The modes are:
MAX : Opens to maximum height.
3/4 : Opens to a reduced height that can be
set from 3/4 to fully open. Use to prevent
the liftgate from opening into overhead
obstructions such as a garage door or
roof-mounted cargo. The liftgate can be
opened manually all the way.
OFF : Opens manually only.
To power open or close the liftgate, select
MAX or 3/4 mode and then:
.Pressbtwice quickly on the remote
key until the liftgate moves.
.Press8on the overhead console. The
driver door must be unlocked or locked
without the security armed.
.Press the touch pad on the underside of
the liftgate handle after unlocking all
doors. A locked vehicle can be opened if
the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the
touch pad.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.Presslon the bottom edge of the
liftgate next to the latch to close.
Press any liftgate button, the touch pad,
or
bon the remote key while the liftgate
is moving to stop it. Pressing any liftgate
button or pressing
btwice quickly on the
remote key restarts the operation in the
reverse direction. Pressing the touch pad on
the liftgate handle will restart the motion,
but only in the opening direction.
Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to open or
close during a power cycle can damage
the vehicle. Allow the power cycle to
complete. When stopping the gate at low heights it
may partially reopen.
The power liftgate may be temporarily
disabled in extremely low temperatures,
or after repeated power cycling over a short
period of time. If this occurs, the liftgate can
still be operated manually. Select OFF on the
liftgate switch.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while
the power function is in progress, the
liftgate will continue to completion. If the
vehicle is accelerated before the liftgate has
completed moving, the liftgate may stop or
reverse direction. Check for Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages and make
sure the liftgate is closed and latched before
driving.
Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically closes
after a power opening cycle, it indicates that
the system is reacting to excess weight on
the liftgate or a possible support strut
failure. Remove any excess weight.
A repetitive chime will sound while the
falling liftgate detection feature is operating.
If the liftgate continues to automatically
close after opening, see your dealer for
service before using the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate motion
or manually closing the liftgate too quickly
after power opening may resemble a
support strut failure. This could also activate
the falling liftgate detection feature. Allow
the liftgate to complete its operation and
wait a few seconds before manually closing
the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during
a power open or close cycle, the liftgate will
automatically reverse direction and move a
short distance away from the obstacle. After
removing the obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again. If the liftgate
encounters multiple obstacles on the same
power cycle, the power function will
deactivate. After removing the obstructions,
manually close the liftgate. This will allow
normal power operation functions to
resume.
If the vehicle is locked while the liftgate is
closing, and an obstacle is encountered that
prevents the liftgate from completely
closing, the horn will sound as an alert that
the liftgate did not close.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 21
Setting the 3/4 Mode
To change the position the liftgate stops at
when opening:1. Select MAX or 3/4 mode and power open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any liftgate
button. Manually adjust the liftgate
position if needed.
3. Press and hold
lon the bottom edge
of the liftgate next to the latch on the
outside of the liftgate until the turn
signals flash and a beep sounds. This
indicates the setting has been recorded.
The liftgate cannot be set below a minimum
programmable height. If there is no light
flash or sound, then the height adjustment
may be too low.
Manual Operation
Select OFF to manually operate the liftgate.
See “Manual Liftgate” at the beginning of
this section.
Caution
Attempting to move the liftgate too
quickly and with excessive force may
result in damage to the vehicle.
Operate the liftgate manually with a
smooth motion and moderate speed. The
system includes a feature which limits the
manual closing speed to protect the
components.
Hands-Free Operation
If equipped with Hands-Free Vehicle Access,
the liftgate may be operated with a kicking
motion under the rear bumper at the
location of the projected logo. The remote
key must be within 1m (3ft) of the rear
bumper to use hands-free feature.
Splashing water may cause the liftgate to
open. Keep the remote key away from the
rear bumper detection area or turn the
liftgate mode to OFF when cleaning or
working near the rear bumper to avoid
accidental opening.
The hands-free feature will not work while
the liftgate is moving. To stop the liftgate
while in motion use one of the liftgate
switches.
The hands-free feature can be customized.
See Vehicle Personalization 0126. Choose
from the following:
On-Open and Close : The kicking motion is
activated to both open and close the
liftgate.
On-Open Only : The kicking motion is
activated to only open the liftgate.
Off : The feature is disabled.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
22 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To operate, move your foot in a forward
kicking motion under the center of the rear
bumper, then pull it back.
.Do not sweep your foot side to side.
.Do not keep your foot under the bumper;
the liftgate will not activate.
.Do not touch the liftgate until it has
stopped moving.
.This feature may be temporarily disabled
under some conditions. If the liftgate
does not respond to the kick, open or
close the liftgate by another method or
start the vehicle. The feature will be
re-enabled.
When closing the liftgate using this feature,
there will be a short delay. The rear lights
will flash and a chime will sound. Step away
from the liftgate before it starts moving.
Projected Logo
If equipped with this feature, a vehicle logo
will be projected for one minute onto the
ground near the rear bumper when a
remote key is detected within approximately
2 m (6 ft) from the rear bumper. The
projected logo may not be visible under
brighter daytime conditions.
.1 m (3 ft) Hands-Free Operation
Detection Zone
.2 m (6 ft) Projected Logo Detection Zone
The projected logo shows where to kick
towards the rear bumper.
The projected logo will not be restarted
using the same remote key unless it has
been out of range for longer than
20 seconds.
If a remote key is again detected within
approximately 2 m (6 ft) of the liftgate,
or another kick has been detected, the
one-minute timer will be reset.
The projected logo will not work under
these conditions:
.The vehicle battery is low.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
.The transmission is not in P (Park).
.Hands Free Liftgate Control is set to off in
vehicle personalization. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0126.
.Power liftgate is turned off.
.The vehicle remains parked for 72 hours
or more, with no remote key use or
Keyless Access operation. To re-enable,
press any button on the remote key or
open and close a vehicle door.
The projected logo will not work for a single
remote key when a remote key:
.Has been left within approximately 5 m
(15 ft) of the liftgate for several minutes.
.Has been left inside the vehicle and all
vehicle doors are closed.
.Has approached the area outside of the
liftgate five times within 10 minutes. Lens Cleaning
If equipped, use a cotton swab to clean
the lens.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Hands-Free Liftgate and Projected Logo Availability
ActionHands-Free Liftgate Projected Logo
Remote key entering projected logo
detection zone Operative
On for one minute
Remote key left inside projected logo
detection zone for minimum of 10 minutes Operative
Off until remote key button press or a door is
opened and closed
Remote key brought in and out of projected
logo detection zone five times or more within
10 minutes Operative
Off for one hour or until remote key button
press or a door is opened and closed
Vehicle remains parked for more than
72 hours Operative
Off until remote key button press or a door is
opened and closed
Vehicle battery is low Non-operative Off
Transmission is not in P (Park) Non-operative Off
Power liftgate is turned off Non-operative Off
Hands-free liftgate is disabled in vehicle per-
sonalization Non-operative
Off

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Power Assist Steps
{Warning
To avoid personal injury or property
damage, before entering or exiting the
vehicle, be sure the power assist step is
fully extended. Do not step on the power
assist step while it is moving. Never place
hands or other body parts between the
extended power assist step and the
vehicle.
If equipped, the power assist steps will
deploy when the door is opened and
automatically retract three seconds after the
door is closed. The power assist steps will
retract immediately if the vehicle starts
moving.
Disable the power assist steps before jacking
or placing any object under the vehicle. Too
much ice buildup may prevent deployment
of the power assist steps. Check the step
position before exiting the vehicle. If this
happens, disable the power assist steps,
clear the ice, then enable the assist steps
and confirm normal function prior to use. Keep hands, children, pets, objects, and
clothing clear of the power assist steps
when in motion. The steps will reverse
direction if they encounter an obstruction
when opening or closing. Remove the
obstruction, then open and close the door
on the same side to complete the motion of
the assist steps. If the obstruction is not
cleared, the assist steps remain extended
while driving.
To extend or retract both power assist steps
for cleaning, see
Vehicle Personalization
0 126.
Enable/Disable
To enable or disable the power assist steps,
see Vehicle Personalization 0126.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
The indicator light, on the driver door near
the window, indicates the status of the
system. See Power Door Locks 016
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the remote key.
.Use the Keyless Access system.
.With a door open, pressQon the
interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash. Pressing
Qon the remote

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
key a second time will bypass the
30-second delay and immediately arm
the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the mechanical key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the remote key, the horn will
chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started,
or the door is not unlocked by pressing
K
on the remote key during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the liftgate, or the hood is
opened without first disarming the system.
When the alarm is activated, the turn
signals flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will then
re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized
event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the remote key.
.Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless
Access system.
.Start the vehicle. To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
exited.
.Always unlock a door with the remote
key, or use the Keyless Access system.
Unlocking the driver door with the
mechanical key will not disarm the
system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the remote key and the
horn chirps three times, an alarm occurred
previously while the alarm system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message
will appear on the DIC.
Power Sounder, Inclination Sensor, and
Intrusion Sensor
In addition to the standard theft-deterrent
system features, this system may also have
a power sounder, inclination sensor, and
intrusion sensor.
The power sounder provides an audible
alarm which is distinct from the vehicle’s
horn. It has its own power source, and can
sound an alarm if the vehicle’s battery is
compromised. The inclination sensor can set off the alarm
if it senses movement of the vehicle, such
as a change in vehicle orientation.
The intrusion sensor monitors the vehicle
interior, and can activate the alarm if it
senses unauthorized entry into the vehicle’s
interior. Do not allow passengers or pets to
remain in the vehicle when the intrusion
sensor is activated.
Before arming the theft-deterrent system
and activating the intrusion sensor:
.Make sure all doors and windows are
completely closed.
.Secure any loose items such as a
sunshades.
.Make sure there are no obstructions
blocking the sensors in the front overhead
console.
.Close DVD screens before leaving the
vehicle.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
Intrusion and Inclination Sensors Disable
Switch
It is recommended that the intrusion and
inclination sensors be deactivated if pets are
left in the vehicle or the vehicle is being
transported.
With the vehicle off, press
oin the front
overhead console to turn off the feature.
The indicator light will come on
momentarily, indicating that these sensors
have been disabled until the next time the
alarm system is armed.
Steering Column Lock
If equipped, the steering column lock is a
theft-deterrent device. This feature locks the
steering column when the vehicle is turned
off and the driver door is opened, or when
the driver door is opened and then the
vehicle is turned off. The steering column
unlocks when the vehicle is turned on.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) may
display one of these messages:
.A message to service the steering column
lock indicates that an issue has been
detected with the column lock feature
and the vehicle should be serviced.
.A message that the steering column is
locked indicates that the engine is
running, but the steering column is still
locked. It is normal for the column to be
locked during a remote start, but the
column should unlock after the brake
pedal is pressed and the vehicle is started.
No message will display during a remote
start.
.A message that the steering wheel must
be turned and the vehicle must be started
again indicates that the column lock
mechanism is bound, the column locking
device was unable to unlock the steering column, and the vehicle did not start.
If this happens, immediately turn the
steering wheel from side to side to
unbind the column lock. If this does not
unlock the steering column, turn the
vehicle off and open the driver door to
reset the system. Then turn the vehicle
on and immediately turn the steering
wheel side to side for about 15 seconds.
In some cases, it may take significant
force to unbind the column.
To keep the steering column from binding,
straighten the front wheels before turning
off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0407.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.