GMC Yukon / Yukon Denali

tidester

Hi, 2k!

From one newbie to another, welcome to Edmunds!

You said: I've read all 900 posts and learned a lot about my Denali

I say: I am impressed!

tidester
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jgmilberg

Here is a link with a small picture. I have heard claims of lower prices, but have not seen any yet.

http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts.cfm/partfamilyid/175/categoryid/11/subcategoryid/54

I have upgraded my stock bulbs with the 50W halogen replacements, and they work great, and I didn't have to splice into anything. If it was me, I would splice into the trailer wiring. It is already outside the truck so you don't have to run wires through any boots, or drill holes to get the wire down to the outside. If memory serves the center pin on the big plug is for backup lights, if you look at the plug's flip up cover it has a pin diagram telling you what pin's do what. All you would have to do then is strip off the insulation of the correct wire wrap the positive wire from the add on lights around the bare wire, solder it, and put some liquid electrical tape on it to seal it back up. I prefer liquid electrical tape to regular tape because no matter how much electrical tape you use it never seals it all back up, the liquid electrical tape acts like the original insulation and seals much better.

I would also like to add a welcome to both 2kdenali and our new host tidester.

2k2denali

Thanks for your reply j.

Re: Emblem: Post 509 said the emblem is available from www.trucknvan.com for $60.00 + $4.75 shipping. Post 536 had 2 links to a photo of the emblem on his truck, but both those links are dead. I'd really like to "see it in action" before spending the $.

Re: Back Up Lights: Funny you should mention the trailer wiring, because I thought of that yesterday afternoon. Splicing into the regular back up lights bulb wire is no problem. There's plenty of room inside the fixture for the relay, which should be protected from the elements. This connection (I'm told) acts as the "switch" to flip the relay and turn on the lights, which are powered by the direct 12v connection. My idea for the trailer wiring was to splice into 12v power, thereby eliminating the need to run the wire all the way to the battery/fuse panel. In either case, you need both connections. Any idea if any of the trailer wires could be used for the direct 12v connection?

I'll absolutely look into the liquid electrical tape stuff. Sounds like a great product.

Rich
2k2denali

PS - It appears that the protocol for the title/subject field is to insert the user name of whom you're answering. Too bad this board does not thread messages, which keeps it all organised. Then again, having all the posts numbered makes it easy to keep track of information.

jgmilberg

You should be able to hook right up to the trailer harness w/o using a relay. If you have to use a relay then you need 2 wires running all the way to the engine bay, one from the trailer wires, and one the returns from the relay. The relay will have constant power going to it, and the relay will be triggered by the reverse lights. It may be nessassary because of the current draw, but the trailer harness is protected by separate fuses under the hood, and should be able to handle the load w/o a relay.

Like I said I got the 50W halogen replacement bulbs that fit the the stock plug and housing. They work great, 100% improvement over the stock bulbs. I don't know if they will shorten the life of the plug from the added heat, but they are not on like running lights, or brake lights.

heatwave3

2k2denali: Welcome aboard. I also have a 2001 Denali XL. I installed the fog light, hi-beam and door lock relays and couldn't be more satisfied with these upgrades. I also changed over the GMC emblem to the billet Aluminum and really like the look (particularly since I have a garnet red DXL which never looked right with ruby red logo).

I have also installed the GMC molded plastic mud flaps from the dealer. They installed with three screws which go easily into the molded plastic running boards inside the wheel well. Has definitely been worth the effort since the rear corner panel and front end of the running boards stay much cleaner.

Also installed an aftermarket sunroof (ASC) which I have been very pleased with. Provides one-touch features not available from the factory and allows you to retain the rear climate control not available when you order the factory sunroof. I had it installed through the dealer.

That's all for my upgrades right now although I intend to replace the center and rear ceiling lights with the switched ones from the Tahoe. Also plan to get the Catch-alls. Can anyone provide the site where they got the best price and the product code for the mats for a "neutral" interior on a DXL?

larry91

Heatwave, what is the door lock relay?
How about a part number for the mudflaps?
Thanks

heatwave3

The relays can be purchased at the following site <http://truckautoaccessories.com>.

The door unlock relay automatically unlocks all doors when the vehicle is put in park. Right now your doors do not unlock until you have turned off the ignition. Once you have installed this relay you could never go back. Simple convenience but really makes a difference.

I don't have a part number for the mud flaps, however I picked them up at the local GMC dealer. I think they were around $15-18 a pair.

2k2denali

(I tried to reply yesterday, but I guess it got lost)

heatwave3 - Door unlock relay
Perhaps things were changed on the 2002 Denali. My door locks unlock when put into park (and lock when taken out of PARK.)

I read on the Delphi list regarding disconnecting the battery when doing the relay install. Exactly what memory functions will be erased?

larry91 - mud flaps
I looked on gmpartsdirect.com, but they only have part numbers up to 2000 vehicles, so I called GM Product Specialist @ 888-988-7267. A very helpful gal took all my information and put me on hold for a few minutes. When she returned, she apologized profusely for the wait and said she called a few dealer parts departments in my area and learned that the dealers can only buy in case lots, so many don't stock them (DUH!) She's going to try to find a parts department with stock. I was impressed with their service. We'll see if I ever get the information I asked for. I will post it.

jgmilberg - Back Up Lights
Thanks for the advice.

Rich
2k2denali

larry91

I want to thank both heatwave3 and 2k2denali for the information.

heatwave3

2k2denali: Interesting that GM changed the relay for the 02 Denali. The 01 was a real p.i.t.a. as I found myself typically pulling on the door level after placing the vehicle in park but before I turned off the ignition. The relay corrected for it. FYI I did the install for all three relays without disconnected the battery and had no difficulties.

If you ask the dealer for Denali mudflaps he will likely tell you there aren't any. I installed the regular molded Yukon XL flaps which installed easily and look very nice with the GMC logo.

2k2denali

I can relate to your frustration. My '99 Durango locked the doors at about 20 mph, but only unlocked the driver's door when in park. So, every time I left the car I had to manually push the door unlock switch if I wanted to open any other door or the rear hatch. This was a royal PITA, because every day I put my briefcase, lunch, etc. on the rear seat. I wish I had a nickel for every time I tried to open a locked door or hatch.

Rich
2k2denali

2k2denali

heatwave3 was right. GM does not offer molded mud flaps for the YD.

Does anyone know if the regular Yukon ones work with the YD?

Rich
2k2denali

larry91

Do the mudflaps fit over the existing flaps on the denali?

heatwave3

larry91: I am not sure what you mean by fitting over the existing flaps on the Denali. There were no flaps on my Denali, just flares from the lower body cladding. I simply installed each of the four flaps with three small sheet metal screws through the new molded GMC flap into the plastic body cladding. No tools were needed except a phillips screw driver, although you will need to take off the rear tires to install the rear flaps. The front flaps can be installed by simply turning the steering wheel to move the tire out of the way.

andyl2

I am noticing a paint rubbing problem inside the door jamb of my Denali XL. The problem is on the lower rear part of the door where the paint on the door is rubbing against the black plastic on the door jamb of the truck. I checked 3 other Denalis and they had the same problem (the vehicle probably has to have several thousand miles on it to show the problem). If you have a Denali XL, Yukon XL, or Suburban, please check to see if you have this problem as well. Please let me know whether or not you have the problem, the year and model of your vehicle and where it was manufactured. If you have had the problem fixed, please let me know what was done to fix it.

Thanks.

lucnoel

don't understand your problem.
You can program the door lock any way you want,to lock,not to lock,to open,not to open,etc.
My 01 Yukon XL came with the locking feature and it took me 2 minutes to program it the way I want.
You don't need to buy any relays,the programming is part of the truck computer.
Instructions for a 01.
To enter the programme mode you need to:
1/ Beginning when the ignition is off,pull back on the turn signal/multifonction lever all the way toward you and hold it while you perform the next step.

2/Turn your key to ON and OFF twice.Then with the key in OFF, release the turn signal/multifonction lever.
Once you do this,you will hear the lock switch lock and unlock.

All doors lock/only the driver side unlock.
Press the lock side of the power door lock switch on the door panel once and the the unlock side once.
This option is unavailable on most vehicle not equipped with Keyless Entry.

All doors lock/all door unlock.
Press the lock side of the power lock switch on the door panel once and then the unlock side twice.
This is the factory setting.

All doors lock/none of the doors unlock.
Press the lock side of the power lock switch in the door panel once and then the unlock side three times.

No doors locks/none of the doors unlock.
Press the lock side of the power door lock switch on the door panel twice.
This turn off the automatic lock feature.

heatwave3

lucnoel: None of the programs for the 2001 Yukons or Subs allows the vehicle to automatically unlock the doors until you have turned off the ignition. This can be somewhat inconvenient for some people.

The relay allows the automatically unlocking program to unlock the doors when the vehicle is moved into park instead of when the ignition is turned off. Its relatively inexpensive ($25) and apparently was changed in the 2002 models.

larry91

Heatwave, I meant cladding, thanks.

Andy12, I had the same problem on my 2001 Denali XL. Took it to my dealers bodyshop, left it for a day, they readjusted the door and put on a new rubber bumper, painted it and i have not had the problem since. I am still keeping my fingers crossed, i have had a few minor but annoying problems.

jgmilberg

There is a guy on the Yukon XL/ Suburban topic that is wondering how the 6.0 L 3.73:1 combo worked when towing a 6000# trailer. Can you come over and chime in with some of your knowledge. I know you have towed your boat that is roughly the same weight, so your input would be appreciated, thanks.

2k2denali

I'm getting ready to Zaino my 2002 Denali.
The color is Pewter Metallic.
Is this considered "clear coated" or "regular" paint. Thanks

Rich
2k2denali

obyone

considered clear coated.

lalane

I've been Zaino-ing my black DXL since day one and I get asked all the time especially at the car wash. I'm very pleased with Zaino's products because on black paint jobs, it's so easy to see scratches and swirls. I've tried them all, Zymol, Mothers, Meguiars, Z-Best, 3M, Griots ect. Nothing compares to Zaino. My 2 cents.

tom00

i'm probably going to lease either a black or white tahoe. i've zanioed my 00 528 and a white volvo xc. i know the black will look better when clean, but am worried about not making a car wash in cold weather. how difficult is the black and what other colors did you look at.

2k2denali

I've decided to install the 12v power source up near the battery for my auxiliary back up lights.
When I had the under hood fuse box open (to install the hi/low headlight relay), I noticed 2 bolts with red wires attached. Would one of these be acceptable? The lighting harness that comes with the kit has a round terminal (and in-line fuse) already installed on the wire, so a bolt-on power source would be best. Thanks in advance.

Rich
2k2denali

richphillips

Newbie post here. What kind of gas mileage, city & highway, are you finding on the Tahoe/Yukon's in Real Life. I'm curious what the real deal is, and whether it's worth downsizing to Trailblazer, et al.

scifi

I recently test drove the 2002 Denali XL and noticed a slippage in the AWD when accelerating. Has anyone else noticed this apparent defect? The salesman and his mechanics were dumbfounded but aware of the problem.

tidester

rich,

Welcome aboard! I'm sure Yukon owner's here will be happy to help you out!

tidester
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jgmilberg

There should be a power tap near the alternator, in a red box. This is the one used for most add on applications. It is a bolt on style connection so your hook up should be perfect for here, and easy to get to if you need to change a fuse or do a repair later. Let us know how it goes.

debster72

Hey fellow Yukon Denali owners. I've been reading the board since August. Just love all the info. I bought a 01 Denali (not XL) Polo green, for $1500 under invoice! I used the savings to install an ASC sunroof (still have rear auto climate controls!) and to have it two-toned (gold metalllic below). Looks awesome! though it was tough to get it done properly. I added a few favorite decals (decalzone) which dressed it up nicely. I also put on a hand-painted front license plate.

I have 2 questions. 1. What is Zaino and why is it so great? Does it remove surface scratches or add a clear coat layer? 2. The relays, is one for combining the low and high beams and another for re-programming door locks? Can I install myself or is it a dealer installation.

I have a digital photo of my denali two-toned if anyone is interested. How do I post it though? I don.'t have my own web site.

Debster

stever

Careful what you ask for - there's almost 3,000 posts in the Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences (Part 2) discussion. If we don't see you back here for a few weeks, we'll understand :-)

See the "Town Hall Help" link for pic displaying instructions. You'll need a place to host the photos though; some free ones (last I checked) were listed in this message:

steve_ "Toyota Sequoia" Apr 11, 2001 10:14am

Steve
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waitingonyukon

Does anyone know if the message center is suppose to let you know if a passenger door is open or ajar? It works for the cargo door, but I have found myself driving down the road with one of kids not closing their door tight and no message is displayed. I have a 01 Denali (not xl).

Doug

campo57

No, the message center does NOT notify you of a door ajar (pretty stupid huh?). It will only tell if the cargo door is open.

It really amazes me that GM can put a door ajar light in my '92 bonneville but not put one in on my '01 Yukon XL.

1 Step forward....2 Steps back!

Campo57

waitingonyukon

Thanks for your post. I have a 97 Grand Prix and my trade was a 98 Bonnie. Both have lights to let you know a door is open. I can't believe a $45K truck doesn't have it. I have also noticed it is hard to find the dash/dome light switch at night. There is no light around the dial. I love this truck, but there are certain things I just can believe have been left off.

Doug

tidester

campo & waitingonyukon,

It really amazes me that GM can put a door ajar light in my '92 bonneville but not put one in on my '01 Yukon XL

Both have lights to let you know a door is open. I can't believe a $45K truck doesn't have it.

You just have to understand how sensitive markets are to pricing - the extra $1.34 it would have cost to include that luxury would certainly have caused their sales to crash! ;-)

tidester
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2k2denali

Hey,

There are 3 relays:
1) lo beams stay on when you switch on hi beams instead of going off.
2) fog lights go on WITH the low beams instead of having to manually turn then on.
3) doors unlock when transmission is put into park instead of unlocking when shutting off the engine. Note, this apparently happens
from the factory with 2002 models, at least it does on mine.

I've installed the low beam one, so far. Very easy, as long as you can work with tools, can follow directions and have confidence in your abilities.

Do disconnect the ground cable on the battery. The only memory loss will be the clocks and calendar.

Also, and I learned this the hard way, the parking brake shuts off the auto headlights. After the relay install, I thought I killed the auto headlights, so took it out. After reading on the Delphi board about the parking brake, I re installed the relay and it does work fine.

All 3 relays are available as a set from truckautoaccessories.com for $49.99.
Individually: headlight $14.99 foglight $14.99 door unlock $29.99

There are also a ton of posts on ths subject further back on this board.

Enjoy your new truck!!

Rich
2k2denali

2k2denali

Is there a way of searching for keywords within this board?

It would certainly cut down on questions to topics already asked and answered.

Rich
2k2denali

tidester

Rich,

You can do a search using the "Board Search" entry field at the top left of this page. Give it a try!

tidester
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larry91

Please fiqure out how to post the digital pic of your Denali, I would love to see it. My 99 Tahoe had the same color scheme
Thanks

heatwave3

debster72: I also installed all three relays into a 2001 Denali XL from the site below. Took less than 1.5 hours and was quite easy although some of the dash re-installation requires some patience and alittle finesse. You'll figure it out. The rest is extremely easy with very good directions.

All three relays are worth it and I am sure you won't regret this inexpensive upgrade.

<http://www.truckautoaccessories.com/>

2k2denali

You wrote:
-------------------------
You can do a search using the "Board Search" entry field at the top left of this
page. Give it a try!
--------------------------
I know about that, but it only searches for the word in the TITLE, not the message text. Many times discussions tangent off of the title subject, or the titles are vague. The title could be "aftermarket stuff" which ends up being a discussion of wind and rock deflectors, door edge guards, relays, mud flaps, etc. If you searched for "door edge guards" you wouldn't get and hits.
Oh well,,,,,,,,,

Rich
2k2denali

tidester

Rich,

I just tried a search for "door edge guards" and it brought me right back to your post! Just to be sure, I did a search on something totally unrelated to this discussion that I know exists on another board -- and it brought be right back here! So much for high-tech!

tidester
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nwyukon

Now have about 7000 miles on my 2001 XL Denali.

#1 --The "Service Engine Soon" light comes on and goes off apparently without any reason. Checked the obvious (gas cap, etc.). Guess the dealer is the next stop. Anyone have the same problem?

#2 -- Source for front/rear mud flaps?

#3 -- The passenger seat belt tends to "lock up" with little motion. Solution?

#4 -- Source for recommended hood bug deflector?

Great truck! Just nit-picking items ...

Larry -- NWYukon

scifi

The "Service Engine Soon" light came on as I was test driving a brand new 2002 with the salesman. Came on again with the head GM mechanic on board...he had no answer...good luck with yours!

nwyukon

The hatch-back door of my Yukon XL Denali has only "Yukon XL" on it. Can I purchase an
after-market "Denali" emblem (prefer script) to mount above or after the "Yukon XL" emblem?

blackmagic1

Nwyukon,

I removed the Yukon XL emblem and replaced it with the factory DENALI emblem that is located on the side of the front doors.

I ordered the emblem from the dealer for about $20.00. It is very easy to put on. The difficulty is in removing the old emblem. IMO, it looks a lot cleaner than the Yukon XL emblem.

blackmagic1

Has anyone had problems with the auto-setting with the climate control?

Mine works fine for cooling, but the heating is horrible. The thermostat control must be turned all the way up to the 82 mark to get the thing to heat up. It then starts blowing cold air intermittently.

Any fixes for this problem other than having the dealer tear apart the dash?

Thanks for the help.

nwyukon

The auto climate control in my XLD works --* IF* I give it enough time. When I'm in a hurry, I go to manual control, and it puts out warm air quicker. Then I go back to auto control and usually have to turn off the air conditioner (it comes on to balance/cool to the original setting). From there everything works normally.

If I just "tough it out" the automatic system will stabilize within about 10 minutes.

Larry - NWYukon

tspathos

mine started doing the same. please let me know if you figure out whats wrong. Thanks, Terry

jmats

I have a 2001 Denali XL. To engage the parking brake, I must put the parking brake pdeal all the way to the floor. Even then it will barely hold the 6000 lb beast on a slight incline. Therefore, all the weight is beared by the automatic transmission clip in park. I took it to the dealer and they "adjusted" it and said, "that is the way it is supposed to be". I have a 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD and the parking brake works in the standard manner and engages sufficiently to hold the vehicle at about 2/3rds of the way down. In an emergency situation the Denali parking/emergency brake would be useless.

jmats

Another problem with my 2001 Denali XL is that the head restraints are very loose. I am 6'2" tall. I like to drive with the head restraint all the way up, so it would work as it is designed in case of rear end collision. However, with the Denali, when my rests on the head restraint, it drops into the lower position. The dealer again said, "That is the way that it is". No luck with a complaint from GMC central. The head restraint in my 2001 GMC 2500HD does not do this, partly because there is more friction in raising and lowering the head restraint and also because it is shaped differently.