keyless GMC YUKON 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - crc - 8/14/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Steering Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 30
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a
remote key is dangerous and children or
others could be seriously injured or killed.
They could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the vehicle
move. The windows will function with
the remote key in the vehicle, and
children or others could be caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with a remote key.

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
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 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
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
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