GMC YUKON DENALI 2011, YUKON DENALI XL 2011 Owner Manual

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

2011 GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-3

Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16

Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23

Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-19

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-3

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-40

Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-55

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1

Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2

Roof Rack System . . . . . . . .. . . . . 4-3

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-30

Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-39

Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-49

Universal Remote System . . . . 5-58

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-6

Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-8

Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-38

Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-49

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1

Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-28

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38

Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-39

Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 9-44

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44

Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-46

Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-50

Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-53

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-63

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69

Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-86

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

2011 GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual M

Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2

Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-39

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-91

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-96

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . .10-100

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-7

Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-10

Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1

Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1

Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-16

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-18

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction iii

This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.

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.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25965919 A First Printing

Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for GMC
wherever it appears in this manual.

If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens

A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:

Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de
langue française
www.helminc.com

©

2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

iv Introduction

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, Warnings, and Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.

Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.

Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury or
death.

These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.

Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage. This
would not be covered by the
vehicle's warranty.

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.”

WARNING

{

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 : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction v

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.

0 : Adjustable Pedals
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls

or OnStar

®

$ : Brake System Warning Light

" : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gauge

+ : Fuses

3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

( : Heated Steering Wheel
j : LATCH System Child

Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure

g : Outside Power Foldaway

Mirrors

} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
_ : Tow/Haul Mode

F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

vi Introduction

2 NOTES

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . 1-5

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-6

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Third Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Heated and Ventilated

Seats . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-9

Head Restraint

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 1-10

Sensing System for

Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Steering Wheel

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Throttle and Brake Pedal

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-14

Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-15

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Vehicle Features

Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-18

Bluetooth

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-19

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Navigation System . . . . . . . .. . . 1-20

Side Blind Zone

Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Rear Vision

Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-21

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Universal Remote System . . . 1-22

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-22

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-23

Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-23

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-23

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-24

Driving for Better Fuel

Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

Roadside Assistance

Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-25

®

OnStar

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

United States Version Shown; Canada Similar

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-3

A. Air Vents on page 8‑8.

B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.

See Turn and Lane-Change

Signals on page 6‑5.

Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5.

C. Instrument Cluster on

page 5‑12.

D. Shift Lever. See Automatic

Transmission on page 9‑39.

E. Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑42.

F. Driver Information Center (DIC)

Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑30.

G. AM-FM Radio on page 7‑8.

H. Exterior Lamp Controls on

page 6‑1.

I. Dome Lamp Override. See

Dome Lamps on page 6‑6.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑6.

J. Cruise Control on page 9‑50.

Heated Steering Wheel Button
(If Equipped). See Heated
Steering Wheel on page 5‑5.

K. Data Link Connector (DLC).

See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑22.

L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on

page 5‑2.

M. Horn on page 5‑5.

N. Steering Wheel Controls on

page 5‑2.

O. Dual Automatic Climate Control

System on page 8‑1.

P. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.

Q. StabiliTrak

page 9‑46.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑53.

R. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

®

System on

Initial Drive Information

This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.

For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

1-4 In Brief

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The RKE transmitter is used to
remotely lock and unlock the doors
from up to 60 m (195 ft) away from
the vehicle.

K : Press to unlock the driver door.

K again within three seconds

Press
to unlock all remaining doors.

Q : Press to lock all doors.

Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑49.

m : Press and hold to unlock the

liftglass.

& : Press and hold to open or

close the power liftgate.

L : Press and release to locate

the vehicle.

Press

L and hold for more than

two seconds to sound the panic
alarm.

Press

L again to cancel the panic

alarm.

See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) System on
page 2‑3.

Remote Vehicle Start

With this feature the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.

Starting the Vehicle

1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press

3. Immediately after completing

When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.

The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.

Q.

Step 2, press and hold
the turn signal lamps flash.

/ until

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In Brief 1-5

Canceling a Remote Start

To cancel a remote start:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at
the vehicle and press and

hold

/ until the parking lamps

turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition on and then
back off.

See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5.

Door Locks

There are several ways to lock and
unlock the vehicle.

From outside, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or
the key in the driver door. From
inside, use the power door locks or
the manual door locks. To lock or
unlock the door with the manual
locks, push down or pull up on the
manual lock knob.

Power Door Locks

If available, these switches are on
the front doors.

K : Press to unlock the doors.
Q : Press to lock the doors.

See Door Locks on page 2‑8.

Liftgate

Power Liftgate

Press K on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or use the
power door lock switches to unlock
the liftgate.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

1-6 In Brief

There are several ways to open and
close the power liftgate:

.

Press and hold & on the RKE
transmitter until the liftgate starts
moving.

.

Press & on the overhead
console inside the vehicle.

.

Press the touchpad switch (B) on
the outside liftgate handle
to open.

.

Press the l button next to the
liftgate latch to close.

To disable the power liftgate
function, press OFF on the
overhead console.

Liftglass

There are two ways to unlatch the
liftglass:

.

Press the button on the
underside of the license plate
applique (A).

.

Press m on the RKE
transmitter.

See Liftgate (Manual) on page 2‑10
or Liftgate (Power) on page 2‑11.

Windows

The power window switches are
located on the driver door. In
addition, each passenger door has
a switch for its own window.

Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.

For more information, see:

.

Windows on page 2‑20.

.

Power Windows on page 2‑20.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-7

Seat Adjustment

To adjust the seat:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.

.

Raise or lower the front or rear
part of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the
control up or down.

.

Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.

See Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3‑3 for more information.

Lumbar Adjustment

To adjust the lumbar support:

.

To increase or decrease lumbar
support, press and hold the front
or rear of the control.

.

To raise or lower the height of
the support, press and hold the
top or bottom of the control.

See Lumbar Adjustment on
page 3‑6 for more information.

Reclining Seatbacks

To recline the seatback:

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

See Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑6 for more information.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

1-8 In Brief

Memory Features

The controls on the driver door are
used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver seat, outside
mirrors, power steering column, and
the adjustable throttle and brake
pedals.

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat, including
the seatback recliner and
lumbar, both outside mirrors,
power steering column, and the
throttle and brake pedals.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑17
and Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 9‑29 for
more information.

Not all mirrors and adjustable
throttles and brake pedals will
have the ability to save and
recall their positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall, press and release
“1” or “2.” The vehicle must be in
P (Park). A single beep will sound.

The seat, outside mirrors, steering
column, and adjustable throttle and
brake pedals will move to the
positions previously stored for the
identified driver.

See “Memory Features” under

Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3
and Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49 for more information.

Easy Exit Positions

This feature can move the driver
seat rearward and the power
steering column up and forward to
allow extra room to exit the vehicle.

B : Press to recall the easy exit

positions. The vehicle must be in
P (Park).

See “Memory Features” under

Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3
and Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49 for more information.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-9

Second Row Seats

On vehicles with a 60/40 split bench
or buckets seats, the seatbacks can
be folded for additional cargo space,
or the seats can be folded and
tumbled for easy entry/exit to the
third row seats, if equipped. On
vehicles with bucket seats, the
seatbacks also recline.

See Second Row Seats (60/40 Split

Bench Seat) on page 3‑9 or Second
Row Seats (Bucket Seats) on
page 3‑14 for more information.

Third Row Seats

On vehicles with third row seats, the
seatbacks can be folded, and the
entire seat can be tumbled or
removed from the vehicle.

For detailed instructions, see Third
Row Seats on page 3‑19.

Heated and Ventilated Seats

Front Seats

On vehicles with heated and cooled
front seats, the buttons are on the
front doors.

{ : Press to cool the entire seat.
+ : Press to heat the

seatback only.

z : Press to heat the seat and

seatback.

Repeatedly press and release the
desired button to cycle through the
temperature settings.

See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 3‑7.

Rear Seats

The heated rear seat controls
are located on the Rear Sear
Audio (RSA) panel.

M : Press to heat the seat

cushion and to cycle through the
temperature settings.

See Heated Rear Seats on
page 3‑8.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

1-10 In Brief

Head Restraint

Safety Belts

Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.

For more information see Head

Restraints on page 3‑2 and Power
Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3.

Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.

.

.

.

.

Safety Belts on page 3‑23.

How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑26.

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑32.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑64.

Sensing System for Passenger Airbag

The passenger sensing system,
if equipped, will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag under
certain conditions. The driver
airbags, seat‐mounted side impact
airbags and roof‐rail airbags are not
affected by this.

If the vehicle has one of the
indicators pictured in the following
illustrations, then the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position.

The passenger airbag status
indicator, if equipped, will be visible
on the overhead console when the
vehicle is started.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-11

United States

Canada and Mexico

See Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑48 for important information.

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior Mirrors

Vehicles with outside power mirrors
and foldaway mirrors have controls
located on the driver door.

1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
driver or passenger side mirror.

2. Press one of the four arrows
located on the control pad to
adjust the mirror.

3. Press either (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.

Power Foldaway Mirrors

To fold the mirrors:

1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.

2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑17.

Interior Mirror

Adjust manual rearview mirrors to
see clearly behind the vehicle. Hold
the mirror in the center to adjust it.
To reduce headlamp glare during
night use, pull the tab forward. Push
the tab back for daytime use.

See Manual Rearview Mirror on
page 2‑19.

Vehicles with the automatic dimming
feature will automatically reduce
headlamp glare. The dimming
feature comes on and the indicator
displays each time the vehicle is
started.

See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 2‑19.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

1-12 In Brief

Steering Wheel Adjustment

The power tilt wheel control is
located on the left side of the
steering column.

Push the control up or down to tilt
the steering wheel up or down.

To set the memory position, see

Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49.

Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment

On vehicles with this feature, you
can change the position of the
throttle and brake pedals.

The control used to adjust the
pedals is located on the instrument
panel below the climate control
system.

Press the bottom of the control to
move the pedals closer. Press the
top of the control to move the
pedals away.

See Adjustable Throttle and Brake
Pedal on page 9‑29.

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps

The dome lamps come on when any
door is opened. They turn off after
all the doors are closed.

The dome lamps can also be turned
on by turning the instrument panel
brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering column, clockwise to the
farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a
door is opened or closed.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-13

k : The dome lamp override

button is located next to the exterior
lamps control.

Press the button in and the dome
lamps remain off when a door is
opened. Press the button again to
return it to the extended position so
that the dome lamps come on when
a door is opened.

Reading Lamps

The reading lamps are located in
the overhead console, press the
button located next to the lamp to
turn it on or off.

The vehicle may also have reading
lamps in other locations.

For more information about interior
lamps, see:

.

Dome Lamps on page 6‑6.

.

See “Front Reading Lamps” in
Reading Lamps on page 6‑7.

.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.

O : Turns off the automatic

headlamps and Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). Turn the headlamp
control to the off position again to
turn the automatic headlamps or
DRL back on.

For vehicles first sold in Canada,
the off position will only work when
the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).

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1-14 In Brief

AUTO: Automatically turns on the

headlamps, parking lamps,
taillamps, instrument panel lights,
roof marker lamps (if equipped) and
license plate lamps.

;: Turns on the parking lamps,
taillamps, instrument panel lights,
roof marker lamps (if equipped) and
license plate lamps.

2: Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, taillamps, instrument
panel lights, roof marker lamps (if
equipped) and license plate lamps.

For more information, see:

.

Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.

.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑3.

.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑6.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

8 : Single wipe, turn to 8, then

release. Several wipes, hold the
band on

8 longer.

9 : Turns the windshield

wipers off.

6 : Turn the band up for more

frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes.

6 : Slow wipes.
? : Fast wipes.
L : Push this paddle to spray

washer fluid on the windshield.

Rear Wiper Window Wiper/Washer

To turn the rear wiper on, slide the
lever to a wiper position.

9 : Turns the wiper off.
5 : Turns on the rear wiper delay.
Z : Turns on the rear wiper.
= : Press the button on the end of

the lever to spray washer fluid on
the rear window.

See Windshield Wiper/Washer on

page 5‑5 and Rear Window
Wiper/Washer on page 5‑6.

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In Brief 1-15

Climate Controls

The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.

A. Fan Control

B. AUTO

C. Defrost

D. Air Recirculation

E. REAR

F. Air Delivery Mode Control

G. Driver Temperature Control

H. Display

I. Power Button

J. Rear Window Defogger

K. Air Conditioning

L. PASS

M. Passenger Temperature Control

See Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1. For vehicles
with a rear air conditioning and

heating system, see Rear Climate

Control System (Rear Climate with
Rear Seat Audio) on page 8‑7.

Transmission

Range Selection Mode

The Range Selection Mode button
is located on the shift lever. To
enable Range Selection, move the
column shift lever to the M (Manual)
position. The current range will
appear next to the M. This is the
highest possible range with all lower
gears accessible. As an example,
when 4 (Fourth) gear is selected,
1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are
available.

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1-16 In Brief

Press the plus/minus buttons to
select the range of gears for current
driving conditions. See Manual
Mode on page 9‑42.

While using Range Selection Mode,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul
mode can be used.

Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑42.

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

Radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port

O : Press to turn the system on

and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.

BAND: Press to choose between
FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.

f : Select radio stations.
© ¨ : Seek or scan stations.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-17

4 : Press to display additional text

information related to the current
FM-RDS or XM station; or CD, MP3,
or WMA song. If information is
available during XM, CD, MP3,
or WMA playback, the song title
information displays on the top line
of the display and artist information
displays on the bottom line. When
information is not available, “NO
INFO” displays.

For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑3.

For vehicles with a Rear Seat
Entertainment System (RSE) and
Rear Seat Audio System (RSA), see

Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System on page 7‑38 and Rear
Seat Audio (RSA) System on
page 7‑48 for more information.

Storing Radio Stations

A maximum of 36 stations can be
stored as favorites using the six
softkeys located below the radio
station frequency tabs and by using
the radio FAV button. Press FAV to
go through up to six pages of
favorites, each having six favorite
stations available per page. Each
page of favorites can contain any
combination of AM, FM, or XM
stations.

For more information, see “Storing
Radio Stations” in AM-FM Radio on
page 7‑8.

Setting the Clock

To set the time and date for the
radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port:

1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then

O, to turn the radio on.

press

2. Press

3. Press the softkey located under

4. To increase or decrease the time

For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for the vehicle's specific
audio system, see Clock on
page 5‑9.

H to display HR, MIN,

MM, DD, and YYYY (hour,
minute, month, day, and year).

any one of the labels to be
changed.

or date, turn
counter‐clockwise.

f clockwise or

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1-18 In Brief

Satellite Radio

XM is a satellite radio service that is
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
XM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.

A fee is required to receive the
XM service.

For more information, refer to:

.

www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)

.

www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)

See “XM Satellite Radio Service”
under Satellite Radio on page 7‑10.

Portable Audio Devices

This vehicle has an auxiliary input,
located on the audio faceplate,
and a USB port located on the
instrument panel or in the center
console. External devices such
as iPod
MP3 players, CD changers, USB
storage device, etc. can be
connected to the auxiliary port using
a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack or the
USB port depending on the audio
system.

See Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑33
for further information.

®

, laptop computers,

Bluetooth

®

For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle’s audio system
and controls.

The Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.

For more information, see Bluetooth
on page 7‑49.

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In Brief 1-19

Steering Wheel Controls

b g : Press to silence the vehicle

speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with
OnStar
if equipped.

+

decrease volume.

c x : Press to reject an

incoming call, or to end a call.

SRCE: Press to switch between
the radio and CD, and for equipped
vehicles, the DVD, front auxiliary,

If available, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.

w / c x : Press to change

favorite radio stations, select tracks
on a CD/DVD, or to navigate tracks
or folders on an iPod or USB
device.

and rear auxiliary.

¨ : Press to seek the next radio

station, the next track or chapter
while sourced to the CD or DVD
slot, or to select tracks and folders
on an iPod or USB device.

For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑2.

®

or Bluetooth systems,

e − e : Press to increase or

Cruise Control

The cruise control buttons are
located on left side of the steering
wheel.

I : Press to turn the system on

and off.

+RES: Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously set
speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.

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1-20 In Brief

SET− : Press to set the speed and

activate cruise control or make the
vehicle decelerate.

[ : Press to disengage cruise

control without erasing the set
speed from memory.

See Cruise Control on page 9‑50.

Navigation System

The vehicle's navigation system
(if equipped) provides detailed maps
of most major freeways and roads.
After a destination has been set,
the system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points
of interest (POI), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.

See the Navigation System manual
for more information.

Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)

If available, this feature will alert you
to vehicles located in the vehicle's
side blind zone. When the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind
zone, an amber SBZA display will
light up in the corresponding outside
side mirror.

The system is enabled at every
vehicle startup. It can be disabled
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).

If the message SIDE BLIND ZONE
SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE appears
on the DIC, the system has been
disabled because the sensor is
blocked and cannot detect vehicles
in the blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, or even heavy rainstorms.
This message may also activate
during heavy rain or due to road
spray. The vehicle does not need
service.

See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9‑55 for more information.

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In Brief 1-21

Rear Vision Camera (RVC)

If available, the rear vision camera
displays a view of the area behind
the vehicle when the vehicle is
shifted into R (Reverse). The
display will appear on either the
inside rearview mirror or navigation
screen, if equipped.

To clean the camera lens, located
above the license plate, rinse it with
water and wipe it with a soft cloth.

See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9‑58.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist

If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) uses sensors on the
rear bumper to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. URPA comes
on automatically when the shift
lever is moved into R (Reverse)
and operates at speeds less than
8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audio
beeps to provide distance and
system information.

Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.

The system can be disabled by
pressing the rear park aid disable
button located next to the radio.

See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑53 for more information.

Power Outlets

The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.

There are two under the climate
controls, one inside the center floor
console, one on the rear of the
center floor console and one
accessory power outlet in the rear
cargo area on the passenger side.

The accessory power outlets are
powered, even with the ignition off.
Continuing to use accessory
power outlets while the ignition
is in LOCK/OFF may cause the
vehicle's battery to run down.

See Power Outlets on page 5‑9.

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1-22 In Brief

Universal Remote System

This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.

Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
transmitter. Because of the steps
involved, it may be helpful to have
another person assist with
programming the transmitter.

See Universal Remote System on
page 5‑58.

Sunroof

There are two sunroof switches on
the overhead console above the
rearview mirror.

To open or close the sunroof, press
the open or close sunroof switch (A)
to the first detent position.

To express open or close the
sunroof, press the open or close
sunroof switch (A) to the second
detent position and release. To stop
the movement, press the switch
again.

To automatically vent or close the
sunroof, press the vent open or
close sunroof switch (B).

The sunroof also has a sunshade
that you can pull forward to block
the rays of the sun. The sunshade
must be opened and closed
manually.

See Sunroof on page 2‑22.

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In Brief 1-23

Performance and

For more information, see

StabiliTrak

Maintenance

Tire Pressure Monitor

StabiliTrak®System

The vehicle has a traction control
system that limits wheel spin and
the StabiliTrak system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions. Both
systems turn on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.

.

To turn off traction control, press
and release
panel.

appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑45.

.

To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold

5 on the instrument

F illuminates and the

5 until F illuminates and the

appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑45.

.

Press and release 5 again to
turn on both systems.

This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑23. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.

®

System on page 9‑46.

During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.

The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑60.

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and, on most vehicles, displays a
DIC message when it is necessary
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.

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1-24 In Brief

Resetting the Oil Life System

To reset the Engine Oil Life System
on most vehicles:

1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC. If the vehicle does
not have DIC buttons, the
vehicle must be in P (Park) to
access this display.

2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC, or the trip
odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.

On all vehicles, the Engine Oil Life
System can be reset as follows:

1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off.

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal
slowly three times within
five seconds.

3. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC. If the display shows
100%, the system is reset.

See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11.

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)

Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑65. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑63.

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.

.

Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.

.

Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.

.

Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.

.

When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.

.

Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.

.

Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.

.

Combine several trips into a
single trip.

.

Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.

.

Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.

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In Brief 1-25

Roadside Assistance Program

U.S.: 1-800-GMC-8782
(1‐800‐462-8782)

TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438

Canada: 1-800-268-6800

Mexico: 01-800-466-0801

As the owner of a new GMC, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program. This
program provides technically trained
advisors who are available 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year, to give
minor repair information or make
towing arrangements.

For more information see Roadside

Assistance Program (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑8 or Roadside
Assistance Program (Mexico) on
page 13‑10.

Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)

If you have a current OnStar
subscription, press the

and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.

Q button

Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)

The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.

Sign up today at:
www.gmcownercenter.com (U.S.)
or www.gm.ca (Canada).

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1-26 In Brief

OnStar

OnStar®uses several innovative
technologies and live advisors to
provide a wide range of safety,
security, navigation, diagnostics,
and calling services.

Automatic Crash Response

In a crash, built in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see if
you need help.

®

How OnStar Service Works

Q : This blue button connects you

to a specially trained OnStar advisor
to verify your account information
and to answer questions.

] : Push this red emergency

button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar emergency
advisors.

X : Push this button for hands‐free,

voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for turn‐by‐turn
navigation.

Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle
Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics,
Remote Door Unlock, Roadside
Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn Navigation
and Hands‐Free Calling are
available on most vehicles.

Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles. For more
information see the OnStar Owner's
Guide or visit www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada),
contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY

1‐877‐248‐2080, or press
speak with an OnStar advisor
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
glove box.

OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar terms and conditions
included in the OnStar Subscriber
Information.

Q to

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In Brief 1-27

OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless the vehicle is in
a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network
capacity and reception when the
service is needed, and technology
that is compatible with the OnStar
service. Not all services are
available everywhere, particularly in
remote or enclosed areas, or at all
times.

The OnStar system can record and
transmit vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to

an OnStar call center when
pressed,

airbags or ACR system deploy. This
information usually includes the
vehicle's GPS location and, in the
event of a crash, additional
information regarding the crash that
the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the
direction from which the vehicle was
hit). When the virtual advisor feature
of OnStar hands-free calling is
used, the vehicle also sends OnStar
the vehicle's GPS location so they
can provide services where it is
located.

] is pressed, or if the

Q is

Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed
and available.

The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including
adequate battery power, for the
OnStar equipment to operate. There
are other problems OnStar cannot
control that may prevent OnStar
from providing OnStar service at
any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important
parts of the vehicle in a crash, hills,
tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

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1-28 In Brief

OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls

This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar hands-free calling. See

Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 for more information.

On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.

Your Responsibility

Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.

If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly. Press

Q and request a vehicle diagnostic.

If the light appears clear (no light
is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all
services have been deactivated.

Press
equipment is active.

Q to confirm that the OnStar

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors and

Doors

Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . .. 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .. 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 2-9

Vehicle Security

Exterior Mirrors

Liftgate (Manual) . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2-10

Liftgate (Power) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-14

Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . 2-14

Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-16

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2-17

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2-18

Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2-18

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . .. 2-19

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 2-19

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-20

Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . 2-21

Roof

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 2-22

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2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

WARNING

{

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.

The key has 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.

Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.

If you are locked out of the vehicle,
call the Roadside Assistance
Center. See Roadside Assistance

Program (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13‑8 or Roadside Assistance
Program (Mexico) on page 13‑10.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:

.

Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.

.

Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.

.

Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.

.

If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3.

With Remote Start and Liftglass

With Remote Start and Power

Liftgate and Liftglass

The following functions may be
available if your vehicle has the
RKE system:

/ (Remote Vehicle Start): For

vehicles with this feature, press to
start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5 for additional information.

Q (Lock): Press to lock all the

doors.

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2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows

If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the turn
signal lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn chirps
when the lock button is pressed
again within three seconds. See

Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49 for additional information.

Pressing
theft‐deterrent system. See

Anti-Theft Alarm System on
page 2‑14.

Q arms the content

K (Unlock): Press once to unlock

only the driver door. If
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 through the DIC, the turn
signal lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑49.

K is pressed

If enabled through the DIC, the
exterior lights turn on briefly if
it is dark enough outside. See

“Approach Lighting” under Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑49.

Pressing
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft Alarm
System on page 2‑14.

K on the RKE transmitter

m (Liftglass): Press and hold to

unlock the liftglass.

& (Power Liftgate): Press and

hold to open and close the liftgate.
The taillamps flash and a chime
sounds to indicate when the liftgate
is opening and closing.

L (Vehicle Locator/Panic

Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times.

Press and hold
two seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for

L for more than

30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to ON/

RUN or
ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for
the panic alarm to work.

The vehicle comes with two
transmitters. Each transmitter will
have a number on it, “1” or “2”.
These numbers correspond to the
driver of the vehicle. For example,
the memory seat position for driver
1 will be recalled when using the
transmitter labeled “1”, if enabled
through the DIC. See “Memory
Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals” under

Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3
and Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49 for more information.

L is pressed again. The

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5

When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. The vehicle can have
a maximum of eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
to program transmitters to the
vehicle.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
See “REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY” under Key and
Lock Messages on page 5‑43 for
additional information.

Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.

To replace the battery:

1. Separate the transmitter with a

2. Remove the old battery. Do not

flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.

.

Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along the
parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.

.

Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.

use a metal object.

3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.

4. Snap the transmitter back
together.

Remote Vehicle Start

Your vehicle may have a remote
starting feature. This feature allows
you to start the engine from outside
of the vehicle. It may also start
up the vehicle's heating or air
conditioning systems and rear
window defogger. Normal operation
of the system will return after the
key is turned to the ON/RUN
position.

If your vehicle has an automatic
climate control system, the climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperatures. If your
vehicle does not have an automatic
climate control system, the system
will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was
last turned off.

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During a remote start, if your vehicle
has an automatic climate control
system and heated seats, the
heated seats will turn on during
colder outside temperatures and will
shut off when the key is turned to
ON/RUN. If your vehicle does not
have an automatic climate control
system, during remote start, you will
need to manually turn the heated
seats on and off. See Heated and

Ventilated Front Seats on page 3‑7

for additional information.

Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
For example, some laws may
require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature
if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your
vehicle may run out of fuel.

If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However, the
range may be less while the vehicle
is running.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3 for
additional information.

/ (Remote Start): This button will

be on the RKE transmitter if you
have remote start.

To start the vehicle using the remote
start feature:

1. Aim the transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press and release
vehicle's doors will lock.
Immediately press and hold

Q. The

/ until the turn signal lights

flash.

If you cannot see the vehicle's
lights, press and hold

two to four seconds. Pressing

/ for

/ again after the vehicle has

started will turn the engine off.

When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on and
remain on while the vehicle is
running.

If the vehicle is left running it will
automatically shut off after
10 minutes unless a time
extension has been done.

3. If it is the first remote start since
the vehicle has been driven,
repeat these steps, while the
engine is still running, to extend
the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can be
extended one time.

After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to RUN to drive the vehicle.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7

To cancel a remote start:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press

/ until the

parking lamps turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition on and then
back off.

The vehicle can be remote started
two separate times between driving
sequences. The engine will run for
10 minutes after each remote start.

Or, you can extend the engine run
time by another 10 minutes within
the first 10 minute remote start time
frame, and before the engine stops.

For example, if

Q and then / are

pressed again after the vehicle has
been running for five minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing the
engine to run for 15 minutes.

The additional 10 minutes are
considered a second remote
vehicle start.

Once two remote starts, or a single
remote start with one time extension
has been done, the vehicle must be
started with the key. After the key is
removed from the ignition, the
vehicle can be remote started again.

The vehicle cannot be remote
started if the key is in the ignition,
the hood is not closed, or if there
is an emission control system
malfunction and the check engine
light is on.

Also, the engine will turn off during a
remote vehicle start if the coolant
temperature gets too high or if the
oil pressure gets low.

Remote Start Ready

If your vehicle does not have the
remote vehicle start feature, it may
have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer to
add the manufacturer's remote
vehicle start feature.

See your dealer if you would like to
add the manufacturer's remote
vehicle start feature to your vehicle.

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2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows

Door Locks

WARNING

{

Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.

.

Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

.

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
your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this
from happening.

There are several ways to lock and
unlock the vehicle.

From outside, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or
the key in the driver door.

From inside, use the power door
locks or manual door locks. To lock
or unlock the door with the manual
locks, push down or pull up on the
manual lock knob.

Power Door Locks

With power door locks, the switches
on the front doors can be used to
lock and unlock the vehicle.

K (Unlock): Press to unlock the

doors.

Q (Lock): Press to lock the doors.

Delayed Locking

When locking the doors with the
power lock switch and a door or the
liftgate is open, the doors will lock
five seconds after the last door is
closed. You will hear three chimes
to signal that the delayed locking
feature is in use.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-9

Pressing the power lock switch
twice will override the delayed
locking feature and immediately lock
all the doors.

This feature will not operate if the
key is in the ignition.

You can program this feature using
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See “Delay Door Lock” under

Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49.

Automatic Door Locks

The vehicle may have an automatic
lock/unlock feature. This feature can
be programmed using the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See

Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49 for more information on

DIC programming.

Lockout Protection

If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.

If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open and
the key is in the ignition, all of the
doors will lock and then the front
passenger door will unlock.

Safety Locks

The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.

Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge of
each door.

To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door to
normal operation, turn the slot to the
vertical position.

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2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows

Doors

Liftgate (Manual)

WARNING

{

It can be dangerous to drive with
the liftglass or liftgate open
because carbon monoxide (CO)
gas can come into your vehicle.
You cannot see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death.

If you must drive with the liftglass
or liftgate open, or if electrical
wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal
between the body and the
liftglass or liftgate:

.

Make sure all other windows
are shut.

.

Turn the fan on your heating
or cooling system to its
highest speed with the

(Continued)

.

.

See Engine Exhaust on
page 9‑38.

To unlock the liftgate, use the power
door lock switch or press

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter twice. See Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.

WARNING (Continued)

recirculation mode off. That
will force outside air into your
vehicle. See Dual Automatic

Climate Control System on
page 8‑1.

If you have air outlets on or
under the instrument panel,
open them all the way.

If your vehicle is equipped
with a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.

K on the

On vehicles with a liftglass, press
the button on the underside of the
license pocket applique (A) to open
it. The liftglass can also be opened

by pressing

To open the entire liftgate, press

m on the RKE.

& on the RKE or in the vehicle.

See “Power Liftgate Operation” in
this section. You can also press the
touchpad on the underside of the
liftgate handle (B). The liftgate will
open after a slight delay. The
vehicle must be in P (Park) to open
the liftgate. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup or pull strap as an aid.

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The liftgate or liftglass cannot be
opened if the rear wipers are in
motion. Attempting to open the
liftgate or liftglass while the rear
wipers are in motion will cause the
release of the liftglass or liftgate to
delay until the wipers are parked off
the liftglass.

Both the liftglass and liftgate have
an electric latch. If the battery is
disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftglass and liftgate will not
open. The liftglass and liftgate will
resume operation when the battery
is reconnected and charged.

If the battery is properly connected
and has adequate voltage, and the
liftgate or liftglass still will not
function, your vehicle should be
taken to a dealership for service.

Liftgate (Power)

Power Liftgate Operation

WARNING

{

Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass 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.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

.

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 System in the Index.

.

If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑38.

On vehicles with a power liftgate the
button is on the overhead console.

The vehicle must be in P (Park) to
use the power liftgate feature.

& : Press the top of the button to

open or close the power liftgate.

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2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows

OFF: Press the bottom of the

button for manual operation of the
power liftgate.

The taillamps will flash and a chime
will sound when the power liftgate is
moving.

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.

Notice: If you open the liftgate
without checking for overhead
obstructions such as a garage
door, you could damage the
liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure the
area above and behind the liftgate
is clear before opening it.

The power liftgate can be power
opened and closed in the
following ways:

.

Press and hold & on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter until the liftgate starts
moving. See Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2‑3.

.

Press & on the overhead
console.

.

Press the touchpad on the
outside liftgate handle.

Pressing the buttons, or touchpad
switch a second time while the
liftgate is moving reverses the
direction.

l : The liftgate can also be

closed by pressing this button next
to the liftgate latch.

Press the button a second time
during liftgate operation to reverse
that operation.

The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures, or under low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.

If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function is
in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion.
If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) and the vehicle accelerates
before the power liftgate latches
closed, the liftgate may reverse to
the open position. Cargo could fall
out of the vehicle. Always make
sure the power liftgate is closed and
latched before you drive away.

If you power open the liftgate and
the liftgate support struts have lost
pressure, the lamps will flash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will
stay open temporarily, then slowly
close. See your dealer for service
before using the liftgate.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-13

Obstacle Detection Features

If the liftgate encounters an obstacle
during a power open or close cycle,
a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or open
position. 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,
and you must manually open or
close the liftgate. The REAR
ACCESS OPEN warning message
in the Driver Information Center
(DIC) will indicate that the liftgate
is open. After removing the
obstructions, manually open the
liftgate to the full open position or
close the liftgate to the fully closed
and latched position. The liftgate
will now resume normal power
operation.

Pinch sensors are located on the
sides of the liftgate. If an object is
caught between the liftgate and the

body and presses against this
sensor, the liftgate will reverse
direction and open fully. The liftgate
will remain open until it is activated
again or closed manually. Do not
force the liftgate open or closed
during a power cycle.

Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate

To change the liftgate to manual
operation, press the switch on the
overhead console to the OFF
position.

With the power liftgate disabled and
all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate
can be manually opened and
closed.

To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad on the handle on the
outside of the liftgate, and lift the
gate open. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup to lower the liftgate and
close. The liftgate latch will power
close. Always close the liftgate
before driving.

If the RKE button or the power close
button on the liftgate is pressed
while power operation is disabled,
the lamps will flash three times, but
the liftgate will not move.

It is not recommended that you
drive with the liftgate open,
however, if you must drive with the
liftgate open, the liftgate should be
set to manual operation by pressing
the OFF switch on the center
console.

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.

If the battery is properly connected
with adequate voltage, the switch is
not disabled, and the liftgate still will
not function, your vehicle should be
taken to a dealer for service.

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2-14 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Assist Steps

The vehicle may have power assist
steps.

The switch used to disable the
power assist steps is located on the
center console below the climate
control system.

The power assist steps
automatically extend from beneath
the vehicle on the side in which the
door has been opened. Once the
door is closed, the assist steps
automatically move back under the
vehicle after a brief delay. The
vehicle must not be moving for the
assist steps to extend or retract.

The assist steps cannot be disabled
in the extended position.

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.

Anti-Theft Alarm System

Your vehicle has a content
theft-deterrent alarm system.

This is the security light.

To arm the theft-deterrent system:

1. Open the door.

2. Lock the door with the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
or the power door lock switch.

The security light will come on to
inform the driver the system is
arming. If a door is open when
the doors are locked, the
security light will flash.

If the delayed locking feature is
turned on, the theft‐deterrent
system will not start the arming
process until the last door is
closed and the delay timer has
expired. See Delayed Locking
on page 2‑8.

3. Close all doors. The security
light should go off after about
30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the security light
goes off.

If a locked driver door is opened
without using the RKE transmitter, a
10-second pre-alarm will occur. The
horn will chirp and the lights will
flash. If the key is not placed in the
ignition and turned to START or the
door is not unlocked by pressing the

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unlock button on the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will go off.
Your vehicle's headlamps will flash
and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds, then will turn off to save
the battery power.

The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked with
the vehicle's key or the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use the
power door lock switch with the door
open or the RKE transmitter. You
should also remember that you can
start your vehicle with the correct
ignition key if the alarm has been
set off.

To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:

.

If you do not want to activate the
theft-deterrent system, the
vehicle should be locked with
the door key after the doors are
closed.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15

.

Always unlock the doors with the
RKE transmitter. Unlocking a
door any other way will set off
the alarm if it is armed.

If you set off the alarm by accident,
press unlock on the RKE transmitter
or place the key in the ignition and
turn it to START to turn off the
alarm. The alarm will not stop if you
try to unlock a door any other way.

Testing the Alarm

To test the alarm:

1. From inside the vehicle, lower
the driver window and open the
driver door.

2. Activate the system by locking
the doors with the power door
lock switch while the door is
open, or with the RKE
transmitter.

3. Get out of the vehicle, close the
door and wait for the security
light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the
window, unlock the door with the
manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the
alarm.

While the alarm is set, the power
door unlock switch will not work.

If the alarm does not sound when it
should but the headlamps flash,
check to see if the horn works. The
horn fuse may be blown. To replace
the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 10‑43.

If the alarm does not sound or the
headlamps do not flash, the vehicle
should be serviced by your dealer.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

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Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.

The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.

The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned to
ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY,
or START from the LOCK/OFF
position.

You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.

The security light will come on if
there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.

When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses that someone is using the
wrong key, it prevents the vehicle
from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.

If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, there may be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. Turn the ignition off and try
again.

If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the
fuse. See Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 10‑43. If the
engine still does not start with the
other key, the vehicle needs service.
If the vehicle does start, the first key
may be faulty. See your dealer who
can service the PASS-Key III+ to
have a new key made.

It is possible for the PASS-Key III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see
your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to have keys
made and programmed to the
system.

See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the
system.

To program the new additional key:

1. Verify that the new key has
a

1 stamped on it.

2. Insert the original, already
programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-17

3. After the engine has started, turn
the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.

4. Insert the new key to be
programmed and turn it to the
ON/RUN position within
five seconds of turning the
ignition to the LOCK/OFF
position in Step 3.

The security light will turn off
once the key has been
programmed.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if
additional keys are to be
programmed.

If you lose or damage your
PASS-Key III+ key, see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.

Do not leave the 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 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

Vehicles with outside power
foldaway mirrors have controls
located on the driver door.

Mirror Adjustment

1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.

2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.

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2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows

Resetting the Power Foldaway
Mirrors

Reset the power foldaway mirrors if:

.

The mirrors are accidentally
obstructed while folding.

.

They are accidentally manually
folded/unfolded.

.

The mirrors will not stay in the
unfolded position.

.

The mirrors vibrate at normal
driving speeds.

Fold and unfold the mirrors one time
using the mirror controls to reset
them to their normal position.
A popping noise may be heard
during the resetting of the power
foldaway mirrors. This sound is
normal after a manual folding
operation.

Automatic Dimming

The driver outside mirror adjusts for
the glare of the headlamps behind
you. See Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror on page 2‑19 for
more information.

Turn Signal Indicator

The vehicle may also have a turn
signal indicator on the mirror. An
arrow on the mirror flashes in the
direction of the turn or lane change.

Heated Mirrors

For vehicles with heated mirrors:

< (Rear Window Defogger):

Press to heat the mirrors.

See “Rear Window Defogger” under

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1 for more

information.

Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)

If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system, see Side

Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 9‑55.

Park Tilt Mirrors

Vehicles with the memory package
have a passenger and/or driver
mirror that tilts to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse). This feature lets the
driver view the curb when parallel
parking. The mirror(s) return to the
original position when the vehicle is
shifted out of R (Reverse), or the
ignition is turned off.

Turn this feature on or off through
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49 for more information.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-19

Interior Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror

Manual Rearview Mirror

Hold the mirror in the center to
move it for a clearer view of behind
your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps
behind you. Push the tab at the
bottom of the mirror forward for
daytime use and pull it for
nighttime use.

The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.

Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature comes on and the indicator
light illuminates each time the
ignition is turned to start.

O (On/Off): Press to turn the

dimming feature on or off.

The vehicle may also have a Rear
Vision Camera (RVC). See Rear

Vision Camera (RVC) on page 9‑58

for more information.

If the vehicle has RVC, the
for turning the dimming feature on or
off will not be available.

Vehicles with OnStar have three
additional control buttons for the
OnStar system. See your dealer for
more information about OnStar and
how to subscribe to it. See the
OnStar Owner Guide for more
information about the services
OnStar provides.

O button

Cleaning the Mirror

Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.

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2-20 Keys, Doors and Windows

Windows

WARNING

{

Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.

The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).

Power Windows

WARNING

{

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function and they
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a
vehicle with children.

When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-21

Express Down Windows

Windows that have the
express‐down feature allow the
windows to be lowered without
holding the switch. Press the
window switch fully and release
it to activate the express‐down
feature. The express mode can
be canceled at any time by briefly
pressing, or pulling the switch.

Window Lockout

The power window controls are
located on each of the side doors.

The driver door also has switches
that control the passenger and rear
windows. The power windows work
when the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑35.

Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull up the front of the
switch to raise the window.

o (Window Lockout): The

window lockout switch is on the
driver door. This feature prevents
the rear passenger windows from
operating, except from the driver
position. Press the switch to turn
the lockout feature on or off. An
indicator light shows the feature
is on.

Sun Visors

Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod if
available.

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2-22 Keys, Doors and Windows

Roof

Sunroof

On vehicles with a sunroof, there
are two sunroof switches on the
overhead console above the
rearview mirror.

The sunroof only operates when the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY, or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑35.

To open or close the sunroof, press
the open or close sunroof switch (A)
to the first detent position.

To express open or close the
sunroof, press the open or close
sunroof switch (A) to the second
detent position and release. To stop
the movement, press the switch
again.

The sunroof has a comfort stop
feature which stops the sunroof from
opening to the full-open position.
From the comfort stop position,
press the open or close sunroof
switch (A) a second time to open
the sunroof to the full-open position.

To automatically vent or close the
sunroof, press the vent open or
close sunroof switch (B).

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When the sunroof is opened, an air
deflector will automatically raise.
The air deflector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.

The sunroof also has a sunshade
which can be pulled forward to block
sun rays. The sunshade must be
opened and closed manually.

If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-23

Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation, noise, or plugging the
water drainage system. Periodically
open the sunroof and remove any
obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the
sunroof seal and roof sealing area
using a clean cloth, mild soap, and
water. Do not remove grease from
the sunroof.

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2-24 Keys, Doors and Windows

2 NOTES

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 3-2

Front Seats

Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-3

Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Heated and Ventilated Front

Seats . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . 3-7

Rear Seats

Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Second Row Seats (60/40 Split

Bench Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Second Row Seats (Bucket

Seats) . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. 3-14

Third Row Seats . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-19

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 3-23

How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-26

Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32

Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-37

Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-39

Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39

Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-39

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3-40

Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-42

When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3-44

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3-45

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-46

What Will You See After an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . 3-48

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . 3-53

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-53

Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-54

Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-55

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-55

Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 3-58

Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-61

Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-63
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH

System) . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . .. . . 3-64

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-72

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat Position) . . . . . .. . 3-72

Securing Child Restraints

(Center Front Seat

Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-76

Securing Child Restraints

(Right Front Seat

Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-76

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3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

The front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard
seating positions.

WARNING

{

With head restraints that are
not installed and adjusted
properly, there is a greater
chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash.
Do not drive until the head
restraints for all occupants are
installed and adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Pull the head restraint up to raise it.
To lower the head restraint, press
the button, located on the top of the
seatback, and push the
restraint down.

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Push down on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

The head restraints are not
designed to be removed.

The vehicle's 2nd-row seats have
head restraints in the outboard
seating positions that cannot be
adjusted.

The vehicle's 3rd-row seat,
if equipped, has headrests that
can be adjusted up and down.

Front Seats

Power Seat Adjustment

To adjust a power seat:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.

.

Raise or lower the front or rear
part of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the
control up or down.

Seats and Restraints 3-3

.

Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.

To adjust the seatback, see
Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑6.

Memory Features

The controls on the driver door are
used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver seat, outside
mirrors, power steering column, and
the adjustable throttle and brake
pedals.

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3-4 Seats and Restraints

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat, including
the seatback recliner and
lumbar, both outside mirrors,
power steering column, and the
throttle and brake pedals.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑17
and Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 9‑29 for
more information.

Not all mirrors and adjustable
throttles and brake pedals will
have the ability to save and
recall their positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall, press and release
“1” or “2.” The vehicle must be in
P (Park). A single beep will sound.
The seat, outside mirrors, power
steering column, and adjustable
throttle and brake pedals will move
to the positions previously stored for
the identified driver.

Memory Remote Recall

The memory feature can recall the
driver seat, outside mirrors, power
steering column, and pedals to
stored positions when entering the
vehicle.

To activate, unlock the driver
door with the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. The driver
seat, outside mirrors, power steering
column, and adjustable pedals will
move to the memory positions
associated with the transmitter used
to unlock the vehicle.

This feature can be turned on or off
using the vehicle personalization
menu. See “Memory Seat Recall”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑49 for more information.

To stop recall movement, press one
of the power seat controls, memory
or power mirror buttons, power
steering column control, or the
adjustable pedal switch.

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Seats and Restraints 3-5

If something has blocked the driver
seat, power steering column, or the
adjustable pedals while recalling a
memory position, the recall may
stop. Remove the obstruction; then
press and hold the appropriate
manual control for the memory item
that is not recalling for two seconds.
Try recalling the memory position
again by pressing the appropriate
memory button. If the memory
position is still not recalling, see
your dealer for service.

Easy Exit Positions

This feature can move the driver
seat rearward and the power
steering column up and forward to
allow extra room to exit the vehicle.

B (Easy Exit Positions): Press to

recall the easy exit positions. The
vehicle must be in P (Park).

If the easy exit feature is
programmed on in the vehicle
personalization menu, automatic
driver seat and power steering
column movement occur when the
ignition key is removed.

A single beep sounds. The driver
seat moves back approximately
8 cm (3 in) and the power steering
column moves up and forward. To
move the seat back farther, press
the easy exit button again until the
seat is all the way back.

If something has blocked the driver
seat while recalling the exit position,
the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction; then press and hold the
power seat control rearward for
two seconds. Try recalling the exit
position again. If the exit position is
still not recalling, see your dealer for
service.

See “Easy Exit Recall” and

“Easy Exit Setup” under Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑49 for

more information.

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3-6 Seats and Restraints

Lumbar Adjustment

Power Lumbar

To adjust the lumbar support:

.

To increase or decrease lumbar
support, press and hold the front
or rear of the control.

.

To raise or lower the height of
the lumbar support, press and
hold the top or bottom of the
control.

Reclining Seatbacks

Power Reclining Seatbacks

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust the
seat while the vehicle is moving.
The sudden movement could
startle and confuse you, or make
you push a pedal when you do
not want to. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not
moving.

WARNING

{

To adjust the seatback:

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline the seatback.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise the seatback.

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Seats and Restraints 3-7

WARNING

{

Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you could
go into it, receiving neck or other
injuries.

The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at
your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.

Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. To
reduce the risk of burns, people

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to
overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or may
damage the seat.

If available, the buttons used to
control this feature are on the front
doors, near the door handle.

{ (Cooled Seat): Press to cool

the seat.

+ (Heated Seatback): Press to

heat the seatback.

z (Heated Seat and Seatback):

Press to heat seat and seatback.

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3-8 Seats and Restraints

One of these symbols appears on
the climate control display when this
feature is on.

Press the desired button once for
the highest setting. With each press
of the button, the seat will change to
the next lower setting, and then to
the off setting.

Indicator bars next to the symbol on
the climate control display show the
selected setting: three for high, two
for medium, and one for low.

The heated and cooled seats are
canceled when the ignition is turned
off. To use this feature after
restarting the vehicle, press the
desired button again.

Rear Seats

Heated Rear Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. See
the Warning under Heated and

Ventilated Front Seats on
page 3‑7.

The buttons are on the Rear Seat
Audio (RSA) panel.

L or M heat the left outboard

Press
or right outboard seat cushion. An
indicator on the RSA display
appears when this feature is on.

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Seats and Restraints 3-9

Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat changes
to the next lower setting, and then
the off setting. Indicator bars next to
the symbol show the setting: three
for high, two for medium, and one
for low.

The heated seats are canceled
ten seconds after the ignition is
turned off. To use this feature after
the vehicle is restarted, press the
desired button.

Second Row Seats (60/40 Split Bench Seat)

If the vehicle has a 60/40 split
bench, the seat can be folded for
additional cargo space or folded and
tumbled for easy entry and exit to
the third row seat, if equipped. The
seat has either the manual fold and
tumble feature or the automatic seat
release fold and tumble feature.

Manual Fold and Tumble
Feature

Folding and Tumbling the Seat

To fold and tumble the seat:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

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3-10 Seats and Restraints

2. Lift the lever, on the outboard
side of the seat, to release the
seatback.

The seatback will fold forward to
create a flat load floor.

If the seatback cannot fold flat,
try moving the front seat forward
and/or put the front seatback in
the upright position.

3. Lift the same lever again to
release the rear of the seat from
the floor. The seat will tumble
forward.

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Seats and Restraints 3-11

Folding and Tumbling the Seat
from the Third Row Seat

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

2. Lift the lever, on the bottom rear
of the second row seat on the
inboard side, to release the
seatback. The seatback will fold
forward.

3. Lift the same lever again to
release the rear of the seat from
the floor. The seat will tumble
forward.

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3-12 Seats and Restraints

Automatic Seat Release Fold
and Tumble Feature

The transmission must be in
P (Park) for this feature to work.

WARNING

{

Automatically folding and
tumbling the seat when someone
is sitting in the seat, could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always make sure there is no one
sitting in the seat before pressing
the automatic seat release button.

Folding and Tumbling the Second
Row Seat from the Third Row Seat
or Outside

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

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Seats and Restraints 3-13

Returning the Seat to the
Sitting Position

To return the seat to the sitting
position:

1. Pull the seat down until it latches

Driver Side Rear Panel Button

Shown

2. Press the automatic seat release
button on the panel behind the
rear doors.

The seatback automatically folds
flat and the seat tumbles
forward. There will be a slight
delay between the folding of the
seatback and the tumbling of
the seat.

2. Lift the seatback and push it

to the floor. The seatback cannot
be raised if the seat is not
latched to the floor.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

rearward. Push and pull on the
seatback to make sure it is
locked.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to be
sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.

3. Make sure that the safety belt in
the center seating position is not
caught between the two seats
and is not twisted.

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3-14 Seats and Restraints

Second Row Seats (Bucket Seats)

If the vehicle has bucket seats, the
seatbacks can be reclined, and the
seats can be folded for additional
cargo space or folded and tumbled
for easy entry and exit to the third
row seat, if equipped. The seat has
either the manual fold and tumble
feature or the automatic seat
release fold and tumble feature.

Reclining Seatbacks

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the lever on the outboard
side of the seat.

2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to the upright
position:

1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

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Manual Fold and Tumble
Feature

Folding and Tumbling the Seat

To fold and tumble the seat:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

2. Lift the lever, on the outboard
side of the seat, to release the
seatback.

Seats and Restraints 3-15

The seatback will fold forward to
create a flat load floor.

If the seatback cannot fold flat,
try moving the front seat forward
and/or put the front seatback in
the upright position.

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3-16 Seats and Restraints

3. Lift the lever again to release the
rear of the seat from the floor.
The seat will tumble forward.

Folding and Tumbling the Seat
from the Third Row Seat

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

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Seats and Restraints 3-17

2. Lift the lever, on the bottom rear
of the second row seat on the
inboard side, to release the
seatback. The seatback will fold
forward.

3. Lift the same lever again to
release the rear of the seat from
the floor. The seat will tumble
forward.

Automatic Seat Release Fold
and Tumble Feature

The transmission must be in
P (Park) for this feature to work.

WARNING

{

Automatically folding and
tumbling the seat when someone
is sitting in the seat, could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always make sure there is no one
sitting in the seat before pressing
the automatic seat release button.

Folding and Tumbling the Second
Row Seat from the Third Row Seat
or Outside

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

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3-18 Seats and Restraints

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

Driver Side Rear Panel Button

Shown

2. Press the automatic seat release
button on the panel behind the
rear doors.

The seatback automatically folds
flat and the seat tumbles
forward. There will be a slight
delay between the folding of the
seatback and the tumbling of
the seat.

Returning the Seat to the
Sitting Position

To return the seat to the sitting
position:

1. Pull the seat down until it latches
to the floor. The seatback cannot
be raised if the seat is not
latched to the floor.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

2. Lift the seatback and push it
rearward. Push and pull on the
seatback to make sure it is
locked.

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Seats and Restraints 3-19

Third Row Seats

If the vehicle has a third row seat,
the seatback can be folded, and the
entire seat can be tumbled or
removed from the vehicle.

Folding the Seatback

To fold the seatback:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Remove all items on the seat
cushion.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

3. Lift the release lever “1,” on the
bottom rear of the seatback on
the outboard side of the seat,
and the seatback folds forward.

Returning the Seatback to the
Upright Position

To return the seatback to the upright
position:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Raise the seatback to the
upright position.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

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3-20 Seats and Restraints

Tumbling the Third Row Seat

To tumble the seat:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Make sure the headrests are
completely lowered and there is
nothing under, in front of, or on
the seat.

3. Fold the seatbacks forward
using lever “1” and the
instructions listed previously
under “Folding the Seatback.”
The seat cannot be unlatched
from the floor unless the
seatback is folded.

4. Unlatch the seat from the floor

5. Lift the rear of the seat up from

6. Tilt the seat fully forward to lock

7. Push and pull on the seat to

Put the seat in this position only
when necessary for additional cargo
space.

by lifting lever “2” next to the
carrying handle on the rear of
the seat, near the bottom.

the floor.

it into place.

make sure it is locked.

Returning the Third Row Seat
from a Tumbled Position

To return the seat to the normal
seating position:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Make sure there is nothing that
could become trapped under
the seat.

3. Release the seat from the
tumbled position by lifting lever
“2” next to the carrying handle at
the bottom rear of the seat.

4. Pull the seat down until it latches
to the floor. The seatback cannot
be raised to the upright position
unless the seat is latched to the
floor.

5. Raise the seatback to the
upright position.

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Seats and Restraints 3-21

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

6. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

3. Unlatch the seat from the floor

Removing the Third Row Seat

To remove the seat:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Fold the seatbacks forward
using lever “1” and the
instructions listed previously
under “Folding the Seatback.”
The seat cannot be unlatched
from the floor unless the
seatback is folded.

4. Roll the seat out of the vehicle.

Installing the Third Row Seat

To install the seat:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
rear of the vehicle.

2. Slide the front outboard seat
wheels into the track on the floor
and roll the seat forward. The
front latches should lock into
place. If the latches do not lock,
try tilting the rear of the seat
upward slightly.

by pulling the handle at the rear
of the seat “3 Removal Only”
toward the rear of the vehicle.

There is a track in the floor to
guide the seat wheels out of the
vehicle.

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3-22 Seats and Restraints

3. Lower the rear of the seat and
push down on the seat to
engage the rear floor latches.

WARNING

{

A seat that is not locked into
place properly can move around
in a collision or sudden stop.
People in the vehicle could be
injured. Be sure to lock the seat
into place properly when
installing it.

4. Push and pull on the seat to
make sure it is locked into place.
The seatback cannot be raised
to the upright position unless the
seat is latched to the floor.

5. Raise the seatback to the
upright position.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

6. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to be
sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.

7. Make sure the safety belts are
returned to the original position
over the seatbacks.

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Seats and Restraints 3-23

Safety Belts

This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.

WARNING

{

Do not let anyone ride where a
safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You and
your passenger(s) can be
seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be,
if you are buckled up. Always
fasten your safety belt, and check
that your passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.

WARNING

{

It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone in
your vehicle is in a seat and using
a safety belt properly.

This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on
page 5‑18 for additional information.

In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in a
crash. If you do have a crash, you
do not know if it will be a
serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.

After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!

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3-24 Seats and Restraints

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose
it is just a seat on wheels.

vehicle. The rider does not stop.

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Seats and Restraints 3-25

The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...

or the instrument panel... or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down as
the vehicle does. You get more time
to stop. You stop over more
distance, and your strongest bones
take the forces. That is why safety
belts make such good sense.

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3-26 Seats and Restraints

Questions and Answers About

Q: If I am a good driver, and I

Safety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle

after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

wearing a safety belt or not. But
your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a safety
belt, even if you are
upside down.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety
belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true not
only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other
collisions.

A: You may be an excellent driver,

never drive far from home,
why should I wear safety
belts?

but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such as
bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 miles) of home. And
the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at
speeds of less than
65 km/h (40 mph).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of
adult size.

Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in the
vehicle, see Older Children on

page 3‑55 or Infants and Young
Children on page 3‑58. Follow those

rules for everyone's protection.

It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash. And they can strike others in
the vehicle who are wearing safety
belts.

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Seats and Restraints 3-27

First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.

Sit up straight and always keep your
feet on the floor in front of you. The
lap part of the belt should be worn
low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash, this
applies force to the strong pelvic
bones and you would be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
under it, the belt would apply force

on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The
shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.

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3-28 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The lap belt is too loose. It will

not give nearly as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if your
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap
belt and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The
lap belt should be worn low and
snug on the hips, just touching
the thighs.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

buckle.

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Seats and Restraints 3-29

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
your belt is buckled in the wrong
place like this. In a crash, the belt
would go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there,
not on the pelvic bones. This
could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt
into the buckle nearest you.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
your belt goes over an armrest
like this. The belt would be much
too high. In a crash, you can slide
under the belt. The belt force
would then be applied on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.

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3-30 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under

the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
you wear the shoulder belt under
your arm. In a crash, your body
would move too far forward,
which would increase the chance
of head and neck injury. Also, the
belt would apply too much force
to the ribs, which are not as
strong as shoulder bones. You
could also severely injure internal
organs like your liver or spleen.
The shoulder belt should go over
the shoulder and across the
chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is behind the body.

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Seats and Restraints 3-31

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move too
far forward increasing the chance
of head and neck injury. You
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not have the full width of the belt
to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it
can work properly, or ask your
dealer to fix it.

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3-32 Seats and Restraints

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt except for
the center front passenger position,
if equipped, which has a lap belt.
See Lap Belt on page 3‑38 for more
information.

The lap‐shoulder belts for the first
and second row seating positions
are equipped with free‐falling latch
plates. If the vehicle has a third row,
the lap‐shoulder belts have either
free‐falling or cinching latch plates.

Use the following pictures to
determine the latch plate style:

Free-Falling Latch Plate

Cinching Latch Plate

The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.

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GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.

If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt with a free‐falling
latch plate is pulled out all the
way, the child restraint locking
feature may be engaged. If this
happens, let the belt go back all
the way and start again.

Engaging the child restraint
locking feature in the right front
seating position may affect the
passenger sensing system,
if equipped. See Passenger

Sensing System on page 3‑48

for more information.

If the belt stops before it reaches
the buckle, for lap‐shoulder belts
with cinching latch plates, tilt the
latch plate and keep pulling the
safety belt until it can be
buckled.

Seats and Restraints 3-33

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks. If you find
that the latch plate will not go
fully into the buckle, see if you
are using the correct buckle.

Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see Safety
Belt Extender on page 3‑38.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

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3-34 Seats and Restraints

4. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
in this section for instructions on
use and important safety
information.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.

It may be necessary to pull
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.

To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.

Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
belt and the vehicle.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger positions.

Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How

to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑26.

Squeeze the buttons (A) on the
sides of the height adjuster and
move the height adjuster to the
desired position.

The adjuster can be moved up just
by pushing up on the shoulder belt
guide.

After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it down
without squeezing the buttons to
make sure it has locked into
position.

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Safety Belt Pretensioners

This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for front outboard
occupants. Although the safety belt
pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety
belts during the early stages of a
moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner
activation are met. And, if the
vehicle has side impact airbags,
safety belt pretensioners can help
tighten the safety belts in a side
crash or a rollover event.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
the pretensioners and probably
other parts of the vehicle's safety
belt system will need to be replaced.
See Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts After a Crash on page 3‑39.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides

This vehicle may have rear shoulder
belt comfort guides. If not, they are
available through your dealer. The
guides may provide added safety
belt comfort for older children who
have outgrown booster seats and
for some adults. When installed and
properly adjusted, the comfort guide
positions the belt away from the
neck and head.

There is one guide, if equipped, for
each outside passenger position in
the second row seat and the third
row, if the vehicle has one.

Second Row

Here is how to install a comfort
guide to the safety belt:

1. For the second row, remove the
guide from its storage clip on the
interior body.

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3-36 Seats and Restraints

Third Row

If your vehicle has a third row,
remove the guide from its
storage pocket on the side of
the seat.

2. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not
twisted and it lies flat. The
elastic cord must be under the
belt and the guide on top.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder

(Continued)

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Seats and Restraints 3-37

WARNING (Continued)

and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.

4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.

To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide. Slide
the guide into its storage clip on the
interior body or storage pocket on
the side of the seat.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they do not
wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap
portion should be worn as low as
possible, below the rounding,
throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.

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3-38 Seats and Restraints

Lap Belt

This part is only for the lap belt. To
learn how to wear a lap-shoulder
belt, see Lap-Shoulder Belt on
page 3‑32.

The vehicle may have a center
seating position. When you sit in the
center front seating position, you
have a lap safety belt, which has no
retractor.

To make the belt longer, tilt the latch
plate and pull it along the belt.

Buckle, position and release it the
same way as the lap part of a
lap-shoulder belt.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free
end as shown until the belt is snug.

If the belt is not long enough, see
Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑38.

Make sure the release button on the
buckle is positioned so you would
be able to unbuckle the safety belt
quickly if necessary.

If you find that the latch plate will
not go fully into the buckle, see if
you are using the correct buckle. Be
sure that the latch plate clicks when
inserted into the buckle.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer will order you
an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults. Never
use it for securing child seats. To
wear it, attach it to the regular safety
belt. For more information, see the
instruction sheet that comes with
the extender.

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Seats and Restraints 3-39

Safety System Check

Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety Belt
Reminders on page 5‑18 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑39.

Safety Belt Care

Keep belts clean and dry.

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash

WARNING

{

Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the safety
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑19.

Black plate (40,1)

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

3-40 Seats and Restraints

Airbag System

The vehicle has the following
airbags:

.

A frontal airbag for the driver.

.

A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and passenger directly behind
the driver.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger and the person
seated directly behind that
passenger.

The vehicle may have the following
airbags:

.

A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.

.

A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

If the vehicle has a third row
seat, it will have a third row
roof-rail airbag.

All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.

With seat‐mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG will
appear on the side of the seatback
closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.

Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

WARNING

{

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even if
you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, but do not replace them.
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should an
Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑44.

Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

Black plate (41,1)

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-41

WARNING

{

Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to the airbag, as you would
be if you were sitting on the edge
of the seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in
position before and during a
crash. Always wear a safety belt,
even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

WARNING

{

Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle's safety belt
system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see Older

Children on page 3‑55 or Infants
and Young Children on
page 3‑58.

There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑19 for
more information.

Black plate (42,1)

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual - 2011

3-42 Seats and Restraints

Where Are the Airbags?

The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on

The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.

the passenger's side.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

If the vehicle has seat‐mounted side
impact airbags for the driver and
right front passenger, they are in the
side of the seatbacks closest to
the door.