service GMC YUKON 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - CRC - 5/18/21
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, YUKON, and DENALI are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC wherever it appears in
this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement
for additional and specific information on
this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84266976 C Third Printing©2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-13690468) - 2021 - CRC - 5/18/21
2 Introduction
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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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./
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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.

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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.

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28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is turned on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid remote key is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more remote keys
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
the vehicle. Only a correctly matched
remote key will start the vehicle. If the
remote key is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the remote
key appears to be undamaged, try another
remote key. Or, you may try placing theremote key in the backup location. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation
08.
If the ignition modes will not change with
the other remote key or in the backup
location, the vehicle needs service. If the
ignition does change modes, the first
remote key may be faulty. See your dealer.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement remote keys. Up
to eight remote keys can be programmed
for the vehicle. To program additional
remote keys, see “Programming Remote
Keys to the Vehicle” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 08.
Do not leave the remote key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust the mirrors: 1. Press
}or|to select the driver or
passenger side mirror. The indicator light
comes on.

GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.Tilt
{Warning
The Rear Camera Mirror (RCM) has a
limited view. Portions of the road,
vehicles, and other objects may not be
seen. Do not drive or park the vehicle
using only this camera. Objects may
appear closer than they are. Check the
outside mirrors or glance over your
shoulder when making lane changes or
merging. Failure to use proper care may
result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Troubleshooting
See your dealer for service if a blue screen
and
3are displayed in the mirror, and
the display shuts off. Also, push the tab as
indicated to return to the automatic
dimming mode.
The Rear Camera Mirror may not work
properly or display a clear image if:
.There is glare from the sun or headlamps.
This may obstruct objects from view.
If needed, push the tab to turn off the
display.
.Dirt, snow, or other debris blocks the
camera lens. Clean the lens with a soft
damp cloth, or, if equipped, with the Rear
Camera Washer. See Rear Window Wiper/
Washer 098.
.The camera’s mounting on the vehicle has
been damaged, and/or the position or the
mounting angle of the camera has
changed.

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Seats and Restraints 65
least partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the airbag
module may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, seeWhere Are the
Airbags? 062.
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the
airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0408 and
Event Data Recorders 0409.

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66 Seats and Restraints
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system
for the front outboard passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will
light on the overhead console when the
vehicle is started.
United States and Canada
The words ON and OFF, and the symbols for
on and off, will be visible during the system
check. When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or OFF, and the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 0110.
The passenger sensing system turns off the
front outboard passenger frontal airbag
under certain conditions. No other airbag is
affected by the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with
sensors that are part of the front outboard
passenger seat and seat belt. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a
properly seated occupant and determine if
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
should be allowed to inflate or not.
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly secured in a rear seat
in the correct child restraint for their weight
and size.
Whenever possible, children aged 12 and
under should be secured in a rear seating
position.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag
inflates.
{Warning
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
passenger frontal airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
seriously injured or killed if the passenger
frontal airbag inflates and the passenger
seat is in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the passenger frontal airbag,
no system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual circumstance, even
though the airbag is turned off.
Never put a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat, even if the airbag is off.
If securing a forward-facing child restraint
in the front outboard passenger seat,
always move the seat as far back as it
will go. It is better to secure child
restraints in the rear seat. Consider using
another vehicle to transport the child
when a rear seat is not available.
If the vehicle does not have a rear seat that
will accommodate a rear-facing child
restraint, a rear-facing child restraint should
not be installed in the vehicle, even if the
airbag is off.

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Seats and Restraints 67
The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag if:
.The front outboard passenger seat is
unoccupied.
.The system determines an infant is
present in a child restraint.
.A front outboard passenger takes his/her
weight off of the seat for a period
of time.
When the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag, the OFF indicator will light
and stay lit as a reminder that the airbag is
off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
0 110.
The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn on the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting properly in the
front outboard passenger seat.
When the passenger sensing system has
allowed the airbag to be enabled, the ON
indicator will light and stay lit as a reminder
that the airbag is active.
For some children, including children in child
restraints, and for very small adults, the
passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag, depending upon the person's
seating posture and body build. Everyone in
the vehicle who has outgrown child
restraints should wear a seat belt
properly
—whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0109
for more information, including important
safety information.
If the On Indicator Is Lit for a Child
Restraint
The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag if the system determines that
an infant is present in a child restraint. If a
child restraint has been installed and the ON
indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove the child restraint from the
vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to Securing Child
Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear
Seat) 084 or
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat
Belt in the Center Front Seat) 088 or
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat
Belt in the Front Passenger Seat) 086.
Make sure the seat belt retractor is
locked by pulling the shoulder belt all
the way out of the retractor when
installing the child restraint, even if the
child restraint is equipped with a seat
belt lock off. When the retractor lock is
set, the belt can be tightened but not
pulled out of the retractor.
5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the ON
indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off.
Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback
and adjust the seat cushion,