GMC Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali

tpken · January 2002

Heatwave3 - Accessing the 'way back' seat sure is a nuisance now and this idea sounds great. Haven't heard it before. Where did you see that?

Ken

heatwave3 · January 2002

tpken: I think I recall seeing a mockup of a 6 dr Suburban back 6 months ago in Popular Mechanics or Car & Driver.

ennistbp · January 2002

Thank you for all the messages. Our '94 Chrysler minivan completely died last weekend, so I read about 100 messages to be more informed before buying the car a Suburban, which is what we wanted. We brought home a 2002 Charcoal 1500LT 2WD with 2nd row buckets, autoride (I would have never known about the importance of this feature without your posts. Thanks!), lift rear, trailer package.

My first question is: have any of you done more to protect the carpet? I was surprised that the driver floor mat is about 90% carpet with only a small vinyl spot where my heel is under the pedal. If so, what have you done?

Thanks,
ennistbp

sgj55 · January 2002

Ordered my Yukon XL on January 7th. Got the order number on the 15th. Got the TPW, (for the week of the 28th), on the 18th. Truck was built on Friday
the 25th, I hope that doesn't mean anything! That's 18 days from order to build. The dealer says about 1-2 weeks delivery from Mexico where it was built, hope that doesn't mean anything either.

Can't wait! Just found out on this site that car
manufactures are using water based paints, have
been for years. Dealer said don't do any heavy
cleaning or waxing for a while till paint fully
cures. Does this make sense?

Most importantly does anyone know how to track the truck in transit
by using the VIN #? I would appreciate any help with that!!! THANKS!

denalixxl · January 2002

I have heard about the 6dr. It has not received final approval that I know of. It seems to be the next logical step though.

I have no use for this feature (I have the worlds largest 4-passenger rig, Don't let your SUV haters hear that!)

I am much more interested in the towing, driving and inner-city maneuverability of the Quadrasteer set-up. I am curious how they will integrate the 1-ton axle within the confines of rear sheet metal. (the "Sierra Denali" Pick-up has bulges in the rear quarter sheet metal, apparently necessary for the Quadrasteer rear axle.)

By the way, I have been following this board for about 6 weeks, Just decided to get involved a couple days ago. I have a great deal of Suburban, Yukon XL, Denali XL experience and insight available for the asking. I get a new rig every 2-3 years, pass the old ones to family and friends (I have information on their maturity as well)

I tend to leave very little stock. I get alot of enjoyment out of these rigs, and work them pretty hard. Let me know if I can add to this community. And thank you for all of your insight as well.

Brian
Denali XXL

stever · January 2002

Let me know if I can add to this community.

You just did - thanks, and welcome to Town Hall.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

balser · January 2002

Twice this past weekend, our 2000 'burb acted like it had a dead battery, only to start 15 minutes later. The first time, my wife parked the car in the garage after driving about a half hour, and went out 10 minutes later to start it. It turned over very slowly and the instrument panel lights went way down. When I got home about an hour later it started right up. She drove it several times, then it did the same thing, only this time after being parked for several hours. It started a few minutes later. We took it to the dealer and they tested the battery, alternator, starter connections (the usual stuff) and everything was OK. Any ideas?

campo57 · January 2002

Did you use the same key each time or did you and your wife use a different key? If a different key, maybe the passkey II system isn't reading her key correctly, hence the shutdown and no start for 15 minutes.

Just a thought

Campo57

balser · February 2002

We'll keep an eye on it because it was her key both times. When I drove it Monday and Tuesday, no problems, but I used my key.

Thanks.

claywaterfill · February 2002

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know about what happened Wednesday morning in metro Atlanta. A man was taking his two kids to school and ran a red light. He was hit by a school bus and his kids died. Why do I bring this up here? He was driving a Suburban. I'm not blaming the Suburban. I'm not blaming him for owning a Suburban. I have no idea what he was thinking, but I do know many Suburban drivers feel as though they are invincible in their trucks. They are so big that nothing could happen to the occupants. The boy played hockey and scored 3 goals in his last game. The girl was a pianist and fluent in Chinese. They lived in an affluent section of town, but they were not wearing seat belts on the way to their private school. I know the man was at fault, not the truck. But, please buckle the kids up; and, remember that you are not driving a tank and you certainly are not invincible. Thank you.

jphdxl · February 2002

Kids should ALWAYS be buckled in !!

Similar thing happened not long ago by me. Mother was driving her Suburban around a sharp corner, too fast for conditions, with a child unbuckled in the 3rd row. Hit a tree and launched the kid into the front of the truck. Child died.

These are not sports cars and need to be driven with care.

tpken · February 2002

you just have to wonder how in the world anyone can shift into gear without first checking to be sure their kids are properly belted. I see cars on the highway with kids literally standing in the back of cars - moving around from side to side - and shudder to think of the potential for tragedy like this. This father is going to live the rest of his life knowing he caused his children's deaths - a fate worse than any that a court might impose.

picturemykids · February 2002

HELLO TO ALL, We are a family of seven and need
a bigger car. We are currently looking at a 1999
Chev. suburban , 1500, 2wd with 70,067 miles at it. The price is 14,900 [not to bad] but at times I think, price is to good to be true. Took the
vin # and ran carfax report all came out good.
Is there anything I should be especially concerned
about? I'm going to have a mechanic check motor and transmission. But is there anything anyone can tell me about 1996-1999 suburbans in case if this one does't work out. My husband just drives it and says [we'll take it] I'm the more cautious
one. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

plrod · February 2002

Call your local Chevy dealer and check what service was performed under the vehicles 3/36 warranty. Also if it's changed hands a few times within that time frame that could be a flag. Sounds like a good deal, I just paid 17.2K for a 99 2WD LT Sub w/53K miles last month in like new condition and that had never towed (based on it not having signs of ever having a hitch.) If you see a class V hitch installed and a hookup for electric brakes it's an almost sure sign that the vehicle was used for towing heavy rigs and subjected to more than average wear. Good luck.

picturemykids · February 2002

Good Point,I would of never guessed to look at or for a V hitch hookup. So far I've had a few people tell me the mileage is to high but I've really been doing my homework and most suburbans have high miles. We have been doing alot of
comparing and it about evens out, $ and miles and
year. Carfax reported two titles issued but with
the same title #, same state, so I didn't really
understand that.Any Idea? mileage looks on target.
Thanks again

lmbarber · February 2002

My recommendation to picturemykids...Find a 2000 or later Burb. The 99 is the older version. If necessary, spend a few more bucks and get the newer version.

snowdon · February 2002

We are looking for a loaded LT Tahoe, Burb won't fit in the garage, well will fit, but doesn't leave much room. What is a good going price?

Michael

plrod · February 2002

Treat it as two owners until it's proven otherwise. Your biggest concern though is in the transmission. If that checks out and there are no other issues that you can come up with, don't worry about the motor too much, it should be fine with that mileage and should last plenty more miles. There was an issue with leaking coolant at the heads that I recall reading about. If you end up buying one, go to Jiffy Lube and get a T Tech service, this is where they replace the tranny fluid with 100% new fluid. Then afterwards get a tranny service that includes changing the filter, put on an aux tranny cooler and you'll extend your tranny life. You can also switch to synthetic tranny fluid but you'll have to supply your own fluid bc Jiffy Lube doesn't offer it.

Regarding the newer models: If you can swing it (funds available) that would be a good way to go; most significant change is with the braking - it's much improved on the new models; it also rides smoother IMO; I just couldn't swing it bc I didn't want to finance my purchase; if you'll be financing, the new ones are very nice. email me if you want more specifics.

bsbarlow1 · February 2002

I have just bought a 96 suburban and it is time to start the customizing. The first thing I am interested in is buying some fender flares.I have a 4x4 with stock wheels and 265/75 tires, so I am just buying them for cosmetic reasons, don't need extra tire coverage. There are so many brands available, I was wanting to know what other peoples experience with flares was. I am leaning toward the bushwacker oe style, or the extend-a-fender style(can get these for $75 less and only cover 1/2" more). Any thoughts appreciated.

jkadletz · February 2002

I just noticed that the pigment from the dash above the instrument panel coming off in my Yukon XL 1500. There was (is) a black streak that I thought was dirt or grease and when I wiped it off (with water) I noticed it became larger. This spot is on the face and not the top where it would have lots of exposure to the sun. Anyone else experience a similar situation? What should I expect the dealer to do to correct it and what should I require the dealer to do?

sgj55 · February 2002

I would ask him to replace the part that's
defective. May be a big job but doesn't sound like
it will ever get any better. Are you using any
type of harsh cleaner on the dash? I've only
seen that happen from long time wear on an older
car.

jgmilberg · February 2002

Everyone has been waiting to see them and now you can! Not sure how long before they make it over to the Yukon XL/Suburban, my guess will be by 2004.

http://www.cheersandgears.com/boards/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=168

http://www.detroitnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0202/06/c01-408646.htm

Ryanbab, sorry I know you were not happy with the spy photo, now it has come true.

mpitzer1 · February 2002

I heard of somone having this problem on a 99' silverado. The dealer attempted to re-stain/paint the dash, but was not successful (in pleasing the owner). They ultimately had it replaced. If it was me I would push for replacement from the start. A repair will never be as good as the original, and you can see for yourself that originals can sometimes have problems.

jkadletz · February 2002

Thanks for the responses. I will ask for replacement of the part. I realized that the part that is flaking off is where I tap my fingers. I occasionally rest my hand over the top of the steering wheel and tap my fingers. Maybe I should switch to talk radio!

snowdon · February 2002

Just got our new 2002 Suburban LT and would really like to put some larger tires and wheels, I think the 20" look to big, any thoughts? How will this effect the ride?

Michael

boggse · February 2002

I was wondering if any of you could provide a little advice. My dad has a '99 5.7L Suburban. I was thinking of getting him a K&N Fuel Injection Performance Kit for it as a 60th birthday present. My question is, has anyone had any problems with these on their Suburbans? On some engines, adding one of these can cause the air/fuel mixture to become overly rich, reducing fuel efficiency dramatically. All comments are welcome. TIA.

3lakeswi · February 2002

Saw the new 2003 Silverado and Sierra at the Chicago show this past weekend. The Silverado is radically different. Very similar in style to the Trailblazer front. The interiors have been redesigned also. Though not very significantly. The center console is the most noticeable change along with a new stereo. The changes look to only be from the A pillars forward. The GMC is a grill and headlight change only. The sheetmatal for the hood and front fenders are exactly the same.

It appears as though the 2004 model Suburban/Tahoes will have these modifications. Also looks like GM will be pushing the 4 wheel steering system that is currently on the Denali pick-up. They had several 2003/2004 model vehicles that had this set-up. Mostly in the 3/4 ton variety. I like the idea - same turning radius as a Saturn. Not sure how much it will add to the price though.

Also, I am picking up my new Z71 Suburban this evening and have read several posts on the missing rear roof rack lights. Did anyone ever find an after market kit for that application? If so, I have never seen the answer posted here. Also, has anyone put on an after market brush guard? Will the Z71 accept the same guard as the regular Suburban? Please let me know direct to jeff@three-lakes.com if you don't want to post and you know answers to any of these questions.

Thanks!

stever · February 2002

Morning Call review.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

denalixxl · February 2002

I have installed the K&N FIPK in conjunction with a cat-back custom Flowmaster 40-series exhaust. Increasing the air flow in-and-out of the vehicle.
The K&N set-up added a considerable amount of intake "whining and breathing noise" that may be too loud or "different" for a casual modification. I would not recommend this as a gift because of the possible backlash. My '01 Denali XL has numerous additional engine/performance modifications that would render my fuel economy data useless for this comparison.

As for the 20" wheels. (I would post some pictures if I knew how.) I really feel that they are the best all around wheel and tire upgrade. Not too big, as you can go as large as 23"

I have Black Chrome BBS RW wheels with 305/45/20 Pirelli Scorpion Zeros. They have never rubbed, have incredible grip in dry/wet even snow. This wheel/tire combination still gives me the curb hopping SUV ability, with a road hugging sportcar ride. In conjunction with the Denali's AWD I would recommend this to everyone.

paisan · February 2002

http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/pb02-17-01/index.html

A Light off-road event in Southern New Jersey! Come enjoy the trails!

-mike

plrod · February 2002

I've been considering this myself and yesterday I stopped by my nearest dealer's service dept to ask their oppinion since I had been alerted by a tire shop that larger wheels, like 18" and above, will probably cause the ABS system to stop working. That was all I needed to hear bc I will not sacrifice on this. Instead of larger wheels, I'm just now considering going to a larger tire on my 15" OEM wheels. Anyone running 31x10.50R size rubber on their Suburban? Do they rub at all when you turn the wheels all the way to the left or right?

denalixxl · February 2002

Pedro,

The tire shop gave you some bad information.
A quality after-market hub-centric wheel will not interfere with the ABS.

If anything you are lowering your unsprung weight and helping your braking system. If you are considering (As I have done) installing an aftermarket performance braking system such as 13.9" Brembo brakes then you will encounter some brake clearance problems with anything UNDER 18" wheels. I assure you that Brembo would not sell a system that uses the factory ABS set-up, if the larger wheels it required inhibited the ABS performance.

However...What your tire shop may have meant was that your speedometer WILL need to bo recalibrated if you use anything over or under the stock tire rolling circumference.

I used the Hypertech power programmer to recalibrate the speedometer for my 20" BBS Wheels.

homeputter1 · February 2002

Hi,
Would Autoride help the ride on wash board type dirt roads? Would it pound the electronic sensors so much as to affect reliability? I am ready to buy either a Tahoe (or Yukon) or a Suburban (or Yukon XL) this month. I am trying to decide on the Autoride option.

Also, Can anyone recommend a non-dealer supplied warranty company? I want one that the new car dealer will accept without a hassle.
Thanks for any comments!

ndared1 · February 2002

homeputter1,
I recommend highly the autoride option. I have a 2001 yukon xl and with my monthly travels to my ranch in New Mexico I am damn glad I bought the option. I had other trucks and suv's before and this one is the best ride period. I travel 22 miles of poorly maintained roads and this option keeps the truck on the road and the coffee in my cup. If this is the only option you want this is the only one I recommend, dump the Onstar its crap, I had one on my 2000 Escalade and it was worthless better off with cheap cell.
Well sorry for being so verbose.
For the record
3200 miles on unit, fuel - 18.3 mpg, oil consumption less than a pint so far, no other complaints.
ndared1

smallrock · February 2002

I have a 2000 suburban with 40,000 miles.
On a windy day it will not track straight. have done alignmnet etc. any other suggestions etc. to help. new shocks etc?

speedypro1 · February 2002

I took delivery on a 2002 Suburban LS last week and was disappointed to find the the child seat LATCH system was not installed on the vehicle. The system is described in the specs on this vehicle on the Chevrolet web site and in the owners manual. They are probably going to phase it in during the model year as all vehicle must have this system by September 2002. My 2000 BMW and 2001 Toyota already have this system .... way to be out front in the safety department Chevrolet

Anyway does anyone know if they might offer a retrofit ???? Other than this it is a nice vehicle.

williamh6 · February 2002

I have a 99 Suburban and the headlight switch stopped working, all I had was headlights, no dash , tail, or tag lights. Replaced the switch and it worked for 3 days and it stopped working, unless you first push in the dome override switch, wait a few seconds let it go and all the lights will work. Once the switch works it will turn off and on, all light working until the next day , then you have to go thru the dome override switch again. Any one else have this problem , and perhaps a fix ?

mpitzer1 · February 2002

Are you talking about the attachment point for the top strap on the child safety seat? If so, it should be there, it is on my 01'. Assuming a bench seat, it is located at the back of the base of the rear seat at the mounting bolt adjacent to the single pivioting seat (for 3rd seat access). Not a very convienient or effective placement when I have to use one of my car seats in the far left seat, but it is there.

speedypro1 · February 2002

mpitzer1,

I found the upper tether attachment point (you're right, not a very convenient or effective placement. No, I am talking about the lower seat mounting points. A LATCH enable car seat (I have two) has two "hooks" that attach to mounting points usually located between the top and bottom seat cushions. Sometimes it is a bar sometimes separate mounting points. This system makes seat installation unbelievably easy (and much safer than using the lap/shoulder belts). It really is pathetic that Chevy did not integrate this system in the Suburban yet when many other manufacturers (mostly foreign) have.

mpitzer1 · February 2002

I guess I am behind the times. I didn't realize they were even working on such a thing. If I am picturing what you are describing correctly it is similar to the infant seat systems with the base, but the base is a rigid mount rather than using the belts? Mine are both getting close to the boster only stage, so I doubt I will upgrade to a vehicle with such a system before I have no need for it, but it sounds like a great improvement.

lobsenza · February 2002

Is on the 2002 Denali, but I am not sure of the XL. It is at the bottom of the seat back.

homeputter1 · February 2002

ndared1:
Thanks for the comments. Where do you notice the difference between having Autoride and not having Autoride. Last year when we looking at Tahoes and Suburbans almost none of them had Autoride. This year I notice a lot more equipped with Autoride so its easier to buy.

lorica · February 2002

I own a 2001 Suburban 1500 LS that burns oil. I bought the car new and have accumulated 13,000 miles in 15 months. Also, I do not tow anything.

The dealer told me that the vehicle is allowed to burn oil. He referred me to an internal service document (#482294)distributed by GM which states that oil consumption of 1 quart per 100 gal. of fuel is acceptable. In other words GM says it is acceptable to expect to need to add a quart of oil every 4 tanks fulls of gas. What???

I am well out of the break-in period and my oil level fell to just below the "ADD" mark after driving 2600 miles on 160 gal. of fuel. Do any of you new Suburban owners know about this?
Though there is info in my owners guide about the vehicles ability to tell me when oil quality is bad enough to warrant an oil change, between 3000 and 10,000 miles, there is nothing about this.
It seems quite self serving for GM print a service memo to justify oil consumption.
Any input would be appreciated.

PS -- I am very upset.
Lorica

mpitzer1 · February 2002

"The dealer told me that the vehicle is
allowed to burn oil. He referred me to an
internal service document (#482294)
distributed by GM which states that oil
consumption of 1 quart per 100 gal. of fuel
is acceptable."

That is the first I have ever heard of them putting something in writing. I have hear them make claims that as much as 1 qt per 1000 miles is accepteble.

If your 1 qt out of 2600 miles is an isolated case, I wouldn't get too concerned. If this is consistent, I would probably try some different brands of oils. I doubt you will get GM to do anything about it.

BTY, Do you change your own oil, or did you check it after returning home form having it changed? It is possible they did not put enough in in the first place, which would make it appear to have burnt oil that was not there in the first place.

lobsenza · February 2002

Ask the dealer to install the redesigned PCV valve. It is supposed to reduce oil consumption on the 5.3 and 6.0 engines.

fnulnu40 · February 2002

I need to buy a new suburban by June because that is when my lease runs out. However, I will buy one right now to get the $2002 rebate from GM, unless the someone has some inside information that the incentives will continue or get even better. Whats the Edmund's bulletin boards readers advice? Thankyou in advance

sgj55 · February 2002

What's the scoop? I ordered my truck in January,
and so far it made it from Mexico to NJ. GM says
the truck won't be here on Long Island till March
3rd or 4th just after the deadline. The dealer
say's it will be here before then. I wonder who will be right?

If they extend it it won't matter. How about it
anybody out there have any inside information?

lobsenza · February 2002

As long as they have the VIN for the vehicle, you can take delivery before it arrives to take advantage of the rebate...

3lakeswi · February 2002

I was told that the rebates and incentives will stop at the end of this month. Though this could have been a sales pitch. However, I don't think it was.

If anyone on this board lives in Wisconsin, I bought my newest Suburban from Kocourek in Wausau and the buying process was EXCELLENT. They gave me a fair trade-in value and were always friendly, helpful and truthful. I would highly recommend them. My salesman was named Travis Tilton. I am not related to anyone here or getting any free gifts or money to plug them. Just thought I would let everyone know how great they were.

sgj55 · February 2002

It was delivered on the 19th. My salesman is out
of town that's why he didn't call me. Exactly six
weeks from order date. There was a wheel flare molding missing when I went to look at it, the
guy said it was damaged & they already ordered
another one. I checked for other body damage &
didn't see any.

One thing did strike me as strange though, the
passenger side of the truck was filthy with dust
& dirt but the drivers side was relatively clean.

What's up with that?

GMC Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles