tow GMC YUKON XL 2013 Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: GMC, Model Year: 2013, Model line: YUKON XL, Model: GMC YUKON XL 2013Pages: 510, PDF Size: 7.71 MB
Page 315 of 510
Black plate (51,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
Driving and Operating 9-51
PARK ASSIST OFF:This message
occurs if the driver disables the
system or if the vehicle is driven
above 8 km/h (5 mph) in
R (Reverse).
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL: This
message can occur under the
following conditions:
.The ultrasonic sensors are not
clean. Keep the rear bumper
free of mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, and frost. The message
may not clear until frost or ice
has melted all around and inside
the sensor.
.A trailer is attached to the
vehicle, or a bicycle or an object
hanging out of the liftgate during
the current or last drive cycle.
URPA will return to normal
operation after it is determined
the object is removed. This
could take a few drive cycles.
.A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle. Other conditions may affect system
performance, such as vibrations
from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very
large truck.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If available, the Side Blind Zone
Alert system is a lane changing aid
that assists drivers with avoiding
crashes that occur with vehicles in
the side blind zones.
{WARNING
SBZA does not detect vehicles
rapidly approaching outside of the
side blind zones, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals. Failure to
use proper care when changing
lanes may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. Before
making a lane change, always
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn
signals.
SBZA Detection Zones
The SBZA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from
both sides of the vehicle, 3.5 m
(11 ft). This zone starts at each side
mirror and goes back approximately
5.0 m (16 ft). The height of the zone
Page 316 of 510
Black plate (52,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
9-52 Driving and Operating
is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2.0 m (6 ft) off the
ground.
Use caution while changing lanes
when towing a trailer, as the SBZA
detection zones do not change
when a trailer is towed.
How the System Works
The SBZA symbol lights up in the
side mirrors when the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind
zone, indicating it may be unsafe to
change lanes. Before making a lane
change, check the SBZA display,
check all mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side MirrorDisplayRight Side Mirror Display When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror SBZA displays will
briefly come on to indicate the
system is operating. When the
vehicle is moving forward, the left or
right side mirror display will light up
if a vehicle is detected in that blind
zone. If the turn signal is activated
and a vehicle is also detected on
the same side, the display will flash
to give you extra warning not to
change lanes.
At speeds greater then 32 km/h
(20 mph), SBZA displays may come
on when approaching or passing
other vehicles. SBZA displays may
come on when a passed vehicle
remains in or drops back into the
detection zone. SBZA can be
disabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑26. If SBZA is disabled by
the driver, the SBZA mirror displays
will not light up. When the System Does Not Seem
To Work Properly
Missed alerts can occur under
normal circumstances and will
increase in wet conditions. The
system does not need to be
serviced. SBZA is designed to
ignore stationary objects; however,
the system may occasionally light
up due to guard rails, signs, trees,
shrubs, and other stationary objects.
This is normal system operation, the
vehicle does not need service.
If the SBZA displays do not light up
when the system is on and vehicles
are in the blind zone, the system
may need service. Take the vehicle
to your dealer.
SBZA does not operate when the
SBZA sensors in the left or right
corners of the rear bumper are
covered with mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see
“Washing
the Vehicle” underExterior Care on
page 10‑89. If the DIC still displays
the SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
Page 327 of 510
Black plate (63,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
Driving and Operating 9-63
Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle on page 10‑83.
For towing the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor
home, seeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10‑84.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply to
trailer towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/
or hilly conditions.
{WARNING
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control System”
in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑28.
Page 328 of 510
Black plate (64,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
9-64 Driving and Operating
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
Page 329 of 510
Black plate (65,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
Driving and Operating 9-65
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 9‑33.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
automatic transmission in P (Park)
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, see Engine Overheating
on page 10‑18.Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑2. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
Page 330 of 510
Black plate (66,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
9-66 Driving and Operating
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a hybrid engine,
see the Hybrid supplement for more
information.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeNew Vehicle Break-In on
page 9‑21 for more information.
{WARNING
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well—or even at all. The driver
and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may
also be damaged; the resulting
repairs would not be covered by
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. Notice:
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” that appears
later in this section.
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
Page 331 of 510
Black plate (67,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
Driving and Operating 9-67
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 trailerare 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 for more information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has only the driver but 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 333 of 510
Black plate (69,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
Driving and Operating 9-69
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
2500 Series 2WD Long Wheel Base 6.0L V8 3.734 355 kg (9,600 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
2500 Series 4WD Long Wheel Base 6.0L V8 3.734 264 kg (9,400 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices,
See Customer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or
Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13‑5.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
very important because it is also
part of the vehicle weight. The
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and
the people who will be riding in the
vehicle as well as trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehicle
reduce the amount of tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle
can tow. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑16 for more information
about the vehicle's maximum load
capacity.
Page 334 of 510
Black plate (70,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
9-70 Driving and Operating
Trailer tongue weight (A) should be
10 percent to 15 percent of the
loaded trailer weight (B) up to the
maximums for vehicle series and
hitch type.Vehicle Series Hitch Type
Maximum Tongue
Weight
1500/2500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lb)
1500/2500 Weight Distributing 453 kg (1,000 lb)
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch
ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer
tongue weight on the rear axle.
Trailer rating may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue weight cannot cause
the vehicle to exceed the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating). See “Total Weight
on the Vehicle's Tires” later in this
section for more information.
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the inflation pressures
found on the Certification label on
the drivers door or see
Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑16 for more
information. Make sure not to
exceed the GVWR limit for the
vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow
vehicle and trailer fully loaded for
the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight
distributing hitch, make sure not to
exceed the RGAWR before applying
the weight distribution spring bars.
Page 335 of 510
Black plate (71,1)GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd edition - 8/15/12
Driving and Operating 9-71
Weight of the Trailering
Combination
It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer does
not exceed any of its weight ratings
—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer
Weight Rating or Tongue Weight.
The only way to be sure it is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to
weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Most
small-to-medium trailers can be
towed with a weight carrying hitch
which simply features a coupler
latched to the hitch ball. Larger
trailers may require a weight
distributing hitch that uses spring
bars to distribute the trailer tongue
weight among the two vehicle and
trailer axles. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
inTrailer Towing on
page 9‑66 for rating limits with
various hitch types.
Consider using sway controls with
any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
A. Body to Ground Distance
B. Front of Vehicle When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the spring bars should be
adjusted so the distance (A) 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 of
the 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 lbs) 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.