GMC Yukon / Yukon Denali

jphdxl

FWIW, when we first picked-up our DXL the salesman told me that noise at start-up was a fuel pump, not the autoride. I don't know if he had any idea what it really was, but that was his story. The noise only lasts a few seconds on ours and then completely disappears.

After reading all the posts on the lifter noise I've been listening intently at start-up, but don't have any of the "grinding" noises others have experienced.

re: MPG, we had the DXL loaded (4 adults, 3 kids and a full cargo area) 1000 miles round trip traveling 65-75mph and was getting 15.7 mpg through the hills of PA, pretty good, IMHO.

lobsenza

will sometimes make a noise just after startup bringing the vehicle up to a level ride. This is also noticable when you hook on a trailer. The noise comes from around the left rear tire and can be heard outside the vehicle, but not inside the vehicle (as it should be).

boco420

Well, looks like the DXL is heading for service for the Autoride since i'm hearing the pump all the time. I'll also check for the flash update for the tranny. Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond.

lobsenza

Please give me details on the tranny flash. What does it do? What date of production is that already included?

obyone

Enter your VIN and check it out....

http://calid.gm.com/vci/

nota4re

lalane - can you please be more specific about which (where?) muffler heat shield was causing the buzzing sound. I have the same problem and would prefer to find and resolve myself. Mine buzzes just off idle and I thought it was either something deep in the dash or something in the exhaust system. I appreciate any help.

lalane

I'm not 100% sure, but how the service mgr explained it to me is that there is an heat shield around or near the muffler that is bolted on, preventing any brush fires if you're "off-roading". I've only been under the truck once for an oil change so I don't recall the exhaust configuration. My suggestion is, if your going to do-it-yourself, take a rubber mallot and tap the exhaust system from tip to as far as you can go and see if you can isolate the vibration. Remember "toobigforvette" had to get his muffler replaced!! Let us know how yours turn out....Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Lalane

hut2

Hi, this is my first post to this list, and I took the time (over several days) to read ALL the previous posts. All of you have provided a wealth of information and aided me greatly in my decision to purchase a DXL in the very near future. I've located one at my neighborhood dealer and they're asking about $1350 over invoice. Does this sound about right for an '02 at this time of year? On the other hand, I may have an opportunity to get one under a GM employee/retiree plan. Would that be a better deal? I need to move on it within the week to take advantage of the rebate if I go that route. One last question, the salesman mentioned that the Quadrasteer that's on the Sierra Denali will be available on the DXL by next month. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks in advance.....

lobsenza

I believe it will be available for the 2004 model year based on what I read in the car rags, but I am not sure. I would be very surprised if it appears before the 2003 model.

tidester

hut2,

Congratulations on your new DXL and welcome to the Town Hall! I'm impressed that you read all the way back to the first post!

We're looking forward to hearing a lot more from you.

tidester
Host
SUVs

jgmilberg

I went to the Chicago Auto Show and it was on the '03 models everywhere, on the Sierra, YXL, 3/4 ton 1/2 ton, Sierra Denali, Denali, Denali XL, and all the corresponding bow tie cousins. The '03 SUVs all had the same grill as last year, the pick up's get new grills for GMC, and new noses for Chevy.

eman5

Glad to read they're introducing all-wheel steering. If it works, it ought to make parking these behemoths much easier. Anyone know if they're increasing the gas tank volume?

automan227

I have been looking for new truck for the last few months. We have been long standing Toyota Land Cruiser purchasers, and we have had 5 Successive Land Cruisers. With the addition of the 3rd seat to the denali line, I was prompted to look at it as an option. My wife and I both like the Yukon XL Denali more then the Seqouia just because you seem to get more bang for your buck, and it drives just as nicely. After driving it several times over the last few months, yesterday we got a quote from a local dealership and here is what they were offering us....

Summit White XL Denali
Options: Sunroof and Second Row Bucket Seats
Sell Price: $45,000
After Rebate: $43,000

First question I had is if that is a somewhat decent deal. My Second question is should I wait and get quadrasteer when it comes out? I read in C and D magazine that it will be on the 2003 Yukons, however GMC will not confirm that. The reason I am considering quadrasteer is because on entrance to my drive way you drive along side of the house to an automatic gate. Then once you pull through it is a somewhat tight left turn to get to the back of the house and I am concerned that it will not make the turn since it is so big. Our last Land Cruiser was a '97 and had a turning radious of 41.4 feet and made it back but I am not sure of the sheer length of this truck makes a difference.

Thank you for all of your help.
-AS

lobsenza

The only way to properly answer your question is to take a test drive to your home and go through the gate and try it.

Everything I have read about quadrasteer is very positive. It should cut the turning circle by about 10 feet in addition to improving handling and trailering. Supposedly the 2003s will have this feature, but I am not positive. It will add sme weight and complexity. It will also make the vehicle a few inches wider at the rear axle (look at the Sierra Denali for a reference). You might also consider a test drive of a Sierra Denali to get a feel of what the quadrasteer will do (compare the steering only, the ride of the pickup will not be as good). This is not a perfect comparison, but I think it will help.

I have 2001 DXL and am very happy with it.

jgmilberg

I asked a few different people in Chicago and they all said no plans on increasing the fuel tank capacities in the near future. They say the 3/4 ton frame has he room for the extra little kicker tank, but the 1/2 ton doesn't have the room for it. Like when the extended cab short bed trucks only have a 26 gallon tank, but the long bed gets a 32 gallon tank.

heatwave3

automan227: The deal you outlined doesn't seem too bad, although you might find some deals about $500-1000 less out there.

The DXL has a 42' turning radius therefore it should be about the same as your '97 LC. If I had to guess, I don't think we'll see the 4w steering on the DXL until the 2004 model in late summer of 2003 after they have had a year of experience on the Sierra Truck.

BTW I have a 2001 DXL with 16K and really love it. No problems, little in the way of service and its done everything I have expected of it. Not too mention it really is a blast to drive and that's coming from a guy who's other vehicle is a 740il. You won't be disappointed.

automan227

After reading your posts which I thank you for, I thought of another possible problem. The reason I am considering a Yukon XL Denali is because I can get it for a very decent price, and not have to pay anywhere near $50k for it. My only concern is that when Quadrasteer comes out for this truck, it will make it more popular therefore giving the dealers no reason to discount it all that much. So I might end up paying close to $50k for a car with an MSRP around $53k (came up with that after taking price of Quadrasteer on Sierra).

Do you think there is any truth to that? Because if that is the case, then I might just want to jump on this truck that they are offering me right now.

Thanks
-AS

lobsenza

If you buy it within a few months of introduction, you will probably pay a premium. But if you wait, I am sure the deals will be there (perhaps minus the $2002 rebate). I am not sure if it will be out in 03 or 04 and I don't know how much of a hurry you are in.

automan227

From what I have read the turning radius of the Sierra is 37.4' which is only about 5' shorter then the current DXL. I finallly got a friend of mine to let me drive the truck to my house, and it got through with the same amount of manuvering that our LC required.

I am not sure at this point if I should hold off and get quadrasteer, or get this current truck that they are willing to give me for $42,000. It is a different dealer, but it has the sunroof, 2nd row captains chairs, and an engine block heater.

What do you guys/gals suggest?
Thanks for all your help thus far,
-AS

lobsenza

I believe the turning radius of the 2001 Sierra C3 was greater than the DXL. I thought I remembered reading that it reduced the turning radius by 10'.

larry91

If I were you, I would give the quadrasteer a few years on the market before i would even consider buying the vehicle. The first units are usually trouble.
I have a 2001 Denali XL and outside of a few minor problems, love the vehicle. YOur deal seems fair, getting a vehicle near your house is an important consideration and may be worth a few xtra bucks. I may be dumb, but I look for a dealer that's close to my house and one where I will get good service, rather than the lowest price.
Good luck to you, whatever your choice

automan227

I have decided to hold off on quadrasteer for a few years because my dealer said that if I want to order it and even when it comes in, they will be charging very close to MSRP for it.

The deal that I found is at a dealer right across from where I work so tell me what you think....

'02 DXL Demo with 2500 miles
Onyx Black
All options minus the Engine Block Heater
Sell Price $42,400
Minus Rebate: $40,400

I was hesitant to buy a Demo, but it is in excellent shape, and I can find nothing wrong with it, my only concern is that they are asking to much for a demo unit. Am I wrong?

Thank you to all for all of your help in aiding me with my decision.

-AS

lalane

I have the '01 DXL, onyx blk, 2nd row buckets, no sunroof, no heater and had to fight for $46K plus tax and lic. If you can get a '02 for $40.4K, I'd jump on it as fast as you can. However, 2500 miles of demo driving can be a concern. I would definitely get the dealer to assess the brakes and tire wear. And if they haven't already, make them do a oil change before you take delivery. And if you are fanatical as I am, I would jump in a brand new one and do a comparison. Check the floor mats, if they're soiled, make them give you a new set. Make sure there are no missing parts i.e. knobs, caps, covers, etc. And lastly, inspect the condition of the driver seat leather. It gets the most abuse especially during demos. My 2 cents.....Good luck

Lalane

lalane

I disagree...GMC represents good 'ol American values and what we stand for. We like it BIG, bold, powerful, inefficient and top it off with beauty and style of the Denali. If you value gas mileage or your into the ecology thing....and that's another great thing about this country, you have the freedom of choice. People who own full size SUV's are not "Hybrid" type people. We will pay $2.00/gal at the pump if we have to. But who knows, we may all be forced into fuel economy one day.........until then, long live the big block V8, six point ohhhhhh...
Nothing personal,

L

everhart

I was going to reply yesterday but I thought it was a joke. Anyone who buys 1 of these BEASTS is not truly worried about gas miliage. And if they are they should have bought something esle.

obyone

they should be looking at a 2wd Yukon as it would net a 3 mpg increase over the Denali.

automan227

2wd drive seems like a good idea if someone wants front wheel drive. However for me (and this is just me) my purpose for buying one of these "behemoths" is for the cargo capacity but also for the 4wd that comes with them.

just my opinion......
-AS

obyone

Hmmmm that's a new one on me........

vader6

I know where your coming from and I agree. GM should set their priorities. This country needs to diminish their dependence on OPEC rather than worry about quadrasteer. I need quadrasteer like another hole in my head. Anyway I know how to parallel park unlike some people.

larry91

If we want to reduce our dependence on OPEC, which is a GReat Idea, then let's drill for oil in Alaska. How are we going to do that, let the Democrats start voting Republican. Of course we are getting off the subject and this is NOT a political format so i will not mention politics again.

toobigforvette

I have no objection to having a full sized SUV that gets better gas mileage. If the Denali came in a version that had equally good performance and option package with better mileage, and less of a chance of irritating the environmentalists. Plus, it would save me money. (win-win?) I support GM looking into what can be done to make any vehicle use less fuel, as long as I can still burn rubber.

By the way, there is no dependance on OPEC right now, not when we have an army that could crush any country in the mideast. There would, however, be a dependance if we use all of our own oil while they still have some left. Use all of the mideast oil before tapping our own. It's not about the environment or the beauty of Alaska; it's about intelligent greediness.

stever

The merits of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge may be a good diversion in our Social Issues: The Automotive Perspective discussion.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

heatwave3

vader6: I can only assume you don't tow based on your statement "I know where your coming from and I agree. GM should set their priorities. This country needs to diminish their dependence on OPEC rather than worry about quadrasteer. I need quadrasteer like another hole in my head. Anyway I know how to parallel park unlike some people."

Quadrasteer is a 40 year old technology that will have substantial benefits for those that tow larger/longer trailers. It will be a welcome option that will have little to do with investment $s spent on fuel economy. While you may not have much interest in it, I suspect it will be an option that you certainly won't be forced into owning. For those that tow, it is likely to be an attractive option to owners and one that provides a marketing advantage over "lesser" suvs.

vader6

Your right, I don't tow and I fail to see how quadrasteer would be benifical if I did. Perhaps you could enlighten me. I'm always ready to learn. I understand the concept on a 90' fire engine which enables the truck to negotiate turns which has its rear wheels also steering.

araftco

The benefits of quadrasteer on towing are tremendous from simply backing a trailer to pulling on the highway at full speed. First, remember, GM's quadrasteer has the front and rear turning opposite and low speed and in the same direction at high speed.

When backing quadrasteer gives a larger amount of control of the pivot point. Instead of the front of the tow vehicle having to "come around" to turn the trailer, in a quadrasteer the rear of the tow vehicle moves the pivot point in conjunction with the front of the tow vehicle having to "come around".

At highway speeds it does the opposite. It creates a situation that simulates both the tow vehicle and the trailer becoming one. Instead of there being a pivot point between the two, the quadrasteer keeps everything in alignment when changing lanes, swerving, etc. Think of it this way. When you swerve pulling with a convential vehicle, the setup acts like a slingshot and slings the back-end of the trailer around at the pivot point. In quadrasteer, because the front of the tow vehicle and rear of the tow vehicle move over parallel to each other, it does not create the slingshot effect and the trailer behaves more controlled.

Of course, if you have had little experience pulling trailers it makes this much harder to understand. Trailers do alot of goofy things like swaying back and forth because it's loaded wrong and a quadrasteer vehicle will stop it.

rbarker3

Does anyone know if the new version Onstar antenna (stubby little thing on the roof just back of windshield moulding) now seen on the '02 Yukons, Denalis, etc. can be retro-fitted to an '01 model? I have '01 DXL with the antenna on the rear side window and it is a pain in the youknowwhere everytime I go to the car wash.

everhart

You buy a 4x4 & take out the rear drive shaft. LOL

lalane

Are you sure you want to punch a hole in your roof for a off centered stubby antenna? I personally like it where something as fragile as the antenna can be seen, avoided, and or repositioned while washing the truck. I would think from a car wash stand point, it would be more of a pain to have it on the the roof where it's more susceptible to damage based on its mounting location. My car wash typically washes the top of the truck with a mop style applicator and I know for a fact that they (the car washers) will not take the time to be very careful around the stubby like I would if I was washing the truck.
Just my 2 ¢.....

L

automan227

I am having a lot of trouble negotiating with dealers now that the new incentives are out. Do any of you know of any dealers in the PA, NJ, DE tristate area that might be willing to negotiate a decent deal?

-AS

heatwave3

vader6: araftco did an excellent job of outlining why quadrasteer would be a sought after option for anyone that tows regularly.

Until you have tried to maneuver a 30+ ft boat trailer backwards through congested boat launch parking lot, down a "two boat" ramp where your trying to squeeze your boat alongside another boat already on the ramp it would be hard to explain the benefits.

Having any additional ability to tighten a turning radius on a tow vehicle will be amplified tremendously on the ability to safely maneuver with long trailers. Trust me, quadrasteer would be quickly sought by anyone that tows large trailers.

lalane

Just curious, doe anyone know how the rear suspension of the Quadrasteer is configured.....independent suspension vs live axle. And will the QS have the same load carrying capacity as the '01 C³ ??

L

hut2

automan227.... Are you looking for the Denali or DXL? There's a dealer in southern Delaware (Seaford), Hertrich Pontiac-Buick-GMC that I've been working with. They currently have two DXL's in stock (red, white) and will do $300-500 over invoice. The salesman I spoke to is Roger Brown, and the # is (302) 629-9144. I have no connection with this dealership, financial or otherwise.

gmcny

Hello everyone! New to this forum and own a '02 Denali! Have had a few seemingly "typical" new car problems that have been mentioned on this forum: OnStar needing replacement, engine knock, cargo door misaligned. Unfortunately, I am now one of the few (I hope) whose transmission has seized. My dealership has been great though it all however: quick turnaround service and no hassle loaner vehicles. All this aside, I still have faith in my Denali and GMC.

-Greg

tidester

Welcome aboard!

Sorry to hear about your problems but glad you're here and we hope to hear a lot more from you!

tidester
Host
SUVs

larry91

What was the outcome of your engine knock problem? I have a knock when i first start the vehicle in the morning. It goes away, not to return until the next morning. Frustrating. My dealer said GM knows about the problem and says it is not serious and will not cause any damage. Not sure i fully believe that, tho I do have a 5 year extended warranty.

yukonguy

Gmcny: I currently am waiting for my GMC dealer to replace my transmission for my '02 Denali XL. I was wondering how long of a turn-around there was before you got back your Denali? My dealership is saying 2 weeks.

Larry91: I too have the engine knock upon start-up that you mentioned. Its there every time, and eventually goes away. It seems to be worse on the colder days. Is yours the same way? (p.s.: I don't have the extended warranty -YIKES!!)

larry91

Yes, that's exactly the same problem. I have learned, ALWAYS to take the extended warranty and hope I don't have to use it. It's just another of the many types of "insurance" we pay.

As i mentioned,the dealer says it should not be a problem.

campo57

I would NOT wait 2 weeks! Way back in 1988 I bought an S-10 Blazer and within 100 miles the shock mount on the lower control arm broke. They gave me the "it'll take 2 weeks to get the parts" speech too. I then called the GM consumer line and complained. In an hour or so I called the dealer to complain some more and was told that the truck would be ready in 3 days as they were overnighting the parts in.

There is NO reason you should wait that long...I'm sure they have trans' in a warehouse somewhere they could get shipped in. Get on the phone and complain the the service manager and the owner of the dealership. If that doesn't work, call the GM number and complain to them.

Keep us posted on what happens.

Campo57

gmcny

HI Larry91! Thanks for your comments. When I was getting the new transmission put in my Denali XL, I inquired about the engine knock. They said they hadn't heard of any other Denalis with the same problem! Needless to say, they didn't do anything, instead telling me "it isn't anything serious, won't hurt a thing" (sound familiar?)

HI yukonguy! The turn around for getting my transmission replaced was 3 days. I would take Campo57's advice and start calling some people. Sounds like you're getting the runaround.

-Greg.

lalane

I have the DXL, my brother-in-law and buddy has the shorty, couple of my colleagues at work has the 5.7L Chevy Tahoes and my boss has the Suburban. Guess what.....we all have the same knocking at cold start. And by reading on this forum that alot of you have the same issue. Either, a) its' a design flaw in the engine, b) the computer goes thru assessment period, adjusting for octane levels, viscosity in the oil used etc..., or c) That's just the character of our engine. Nonetheless, if the dealers or even GM doesn't acknowledge it as a potential problem, it's something I can overlook, because everyone has this problem...what can you do??

Just my 2¢
Lalane