2023 GMC Yukon XL Lightning Instruction Guide
Innovative to its core, the 2023 GMC Yukon XL Lightning combines the legendary Yukon XL’s roominess and practicality with state-of-the-art electric technology. Established as a trailblazer in environmentally conscious driving, this electric marvel revolutionizes the SUV segment through its daring aesthetics, remarkable driving range, and cutting-edge functionalities. This exemplifies GMC’s dedication to integrating sophistication, performance, and environmental friendliness into a singular, invigorating driving encounter.
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
The exterior lamp controls are on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
There are four positions:
Turns off the automatic headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Turn the headlamp control to O again to turn the automatic headlamps or DRL back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, off will only work when the vehicle is in P (Park).
AUTO: Automatically turns on the headlamps, parking lamps, taillamps, instrument panel lights, roof marker lamps (if equipped), front/rear side marker lamps, and license plate lamps.
Turns on all lamps, except the headlamps and fog lamps, if equipped.
For some trim levels and trucks first sold in Canada, the headlamps may turn on with the parking lamps.
Turns on the headlamps, parking lamps, taillamps, instrument panel lights, roof marker lamps (if equipped), front/rear side marker lamps, and license plate lamps.
If equipped, turn on the fog lamps.
When the headlamps are turned on while the vehicle is on, the headlamps turn off automatically 10 minutes after the vehicle is turned off. When the headlamps are turned on while the vehicle is off, the headlamps will stay on for 10 minutes before turning off to prevent the battery from being drained. Turn the headlamp control off and then back to the headlamp on position to make the headlamps stay on for an additional 10 minutes. To keep the lamps on for more than 10 minutes, the ignition must be on or in accessory mode.
IntelliBeam System
If equipped, this system turns the vehicle’s high-beam headlamps on and off according to surrounding traffic conditions.
The system turns the high-beam headlamps on when it is dark enough and there is no other traffic present.
This light displays on the instrument cluster when the IntelliBeam system is enabled.
Turning On and Enabling IntelliBeam
To enable the IntelliBeam system, pressbon the turn signal lever when it is dark outside and the exterior lamp control is in AUTO or
Driving with IntelliBeam
The system only activates the high beams when driving over 40 km/h (25 mph). The blue high-beam on light appears on the instrument cluster when the high beams are on.
There is a sensor near the top center of the windshield that automatically controls the system. Keep this area of the windshield clear of debris to allow for best system performance.
The high-beam headlamps remain on, under the automatic control, until one of the following situations.
- The system detects a preceding vehicle’s taillamps.
- The outside light is bright enough that high-beam headlamps are not required.
- The vehicle speed drops below 20 km/h (12 mph).
- The IntelliBeam system is disabled by the button on the turn signal lever. If this happens, press the button on the end of the turn signal lever when the exterior lamp control is in the AUTO or 2 position. The instrument cluster light will come on to indicate the IntelliBeam system is reactivated. The high beams may not turn off automatically if the system cannot detect another vehicle’s lamps because of any of the following:
- The other vehicle’s lamps are missing, damaged, obstructed from view, or otherwise undetected.
- The other vehicle’s lamps are covered with dirt, snow, and/or road spray.
- The other vehicle’s lamps cannot be detected due to dense exhaust, smoke, fog, snow, road spray, mist, or other airborne obstructions.
- The windshield is dirty, cracked, or obstructed by something that blocks the view of the light sensor.
- The vehicle is loaded such that the front end points upward, causing the light sensor to aim high and not detect headlamps and taillamps.
- The vehicle is being driven on winding or hilly roads.
The automatic high-beam headlamps may need to be disabled if any of the above conditions exist.
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
A warning chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the vehicle is off and the exterior lamps are on.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
Push the turn signal lever toward the instrument panel to change the headlamps from low to high beam.
Pull or push the turn signal lever to return to low-beam headlamps.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the high-beam headlamps to signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. It works even if the headlamps are in the automatic position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you, then release it.
If the headlamps are in the automatic position or on low beam, the high-beam headlamps will turn on. Depending on the type of headlamp, they will either turn off
after a short duration or stay on as long as you hold the lever toward you. The high-beam indicator on the instrument cluster will come on. Release the lever to return to normal operation.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the front of the vehicle during the day. Fully functional DRL are required on all vehicles first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on when the following conditions are met:
- The vehicle is on.
The exterior lamp control is in AUTO. - The transmission is not in P (Park).
- The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL system is on, only the DRL on. The taillamps, side marker lamps, instrument panel lights, and other lamps will not turn on.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp system switches from DRL to the headlamps.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp control to O and then release it. For vehicles first sold in Canada, turning off the DRL will only work when the vehicle is parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the headlamps come on automatically.
There is a light sensor on top of the instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor, otherwise, the headlamps will come on when they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when driving through a parking garage or tunnel.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic headlamp system comes on immediately. If it is light outside when the vehicle leaves the garage, there is a slight delay before the automatic headlamp system changes to the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). During that delay, the instrument cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the instrument panel illumination control is in the full bright
position. See Instrument Panel Illumination Control.
When it is bright enough outside, the headlamps will turn off or may change to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system turns off when the exterior lamp control is turned to or the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in daylight with the engine on, and the exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the headlamps, parking lamps, and other exterior lamps come on. The transition time for the lamps coming on varies based on the wiper speed. When the wipers are not operating, these lamps turn off. Move the exterior lamp control to O or ;to disable this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
Yukon/Yukon XL is shown, Denali similar
Press this button to make the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. Press again to turn the flashers off. When the hazard warning flashers are on, the vehicle’s turn signals will not work..
Turn and change signals
An arrow on the instrument cluster flashes in the direction of the turn or lane change.
Move the turn signal lever all the way up or down to signal a turn.
Raise or lower the lever for less than one second until the arrow starts to flash to signal a lane change. This causes the turn signals to automatically flash three times.
It will flash six times if Tow/Haul Mode is active. Holding the turn signal lever for more than one second will cause the turn signals to flash until the lever is released.
The lever returns to its starting position whenever it is released.
If after signaling a turn or a lane change the arrows flash rapidly or do not come on, a signal bulb could be burned out.
Replace any burned out bulbs. If a bulb is not burned out, check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers.
Turn Signal On the Chime
If the turn signal is left on for more than 1.2 km (0.75 mi), a chime sounds at each flash of the turn signal. A message may appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Vehicle Messages. To turn the chime and message off, move the turn signal lever to the off position.
Fog Lamps
If equipped, the fog lamp control is near the exterior lamp control to the left of the steering column.
The vehicle must be on for the fog lamps to come on.
Press to turn the fog lamps on or off.
A light will come on in the instrument cluster.
When the fog lamps are turned on, the parking lamps automatically turn on.
When the headlamps are changed to high beam, the fog lamps also go off. When the high-beam headlamps are turned off, the fog lamps will come on again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to be on with the fog lamps.
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
This feature adjusts the brightness of all illuminated controls. The instrument panel illumination control is next to the exterior
lamp control.
Press the − or + to brighten or dim the lights.
This feature is functional at night, or when the headlamps or parking lamps are ON.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamp controls are in the overhead console.
There are dome lamps in the overhead console.
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened, K on the remote key is pressed, or when the vehicle is turned off.
To change the dome lamp settings, press
the following:
OFF : Press to turn off the dome lamps. An indicator light on the button will turn on when the dome lamp override is
activated. Press OFF again to deactivate this feature and the indicator light turns off.
Press and hold any of the overhead console lenses to turn all dome lamps on or off manually.
Reading Lamps
There are reading lamps on the overhead console and over the rear seats. These lamps come on when any door is opened, K on the remote key is pressed, or when the vehicle is turned off.
Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are in the overhead console.
Press the lamp lenses to turn the front reading lamps on or off.
Rear Reading Lamps
The rear reading lamps are over the rear seats.
Without Sunroof
With Sunroof
Press the lens on each reading lamp to turn it on or off.
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
The interior lamps turn on when pressing K on the remote key or opening any doors, and the dome lamp control is in the door position.
Some exterior lamps also turn on when pressing 
on the remote key or opening any doors. Low-Beam lamps will only turn on briefly at night, or in areas with limited lighting.
All lamps will gradually fade out after about 30 seconds.
Entry lighting can be disabled manually by closing all doors, pressing 
on the remote key, or starting the vehicle.
This feature can be changed. On the infotainment home page, select the Settings icon T Vehicle T Vehicle Locator Lights.
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior lamps turn on when the driver door is opened after the vehicle is turned off.
The exterior and interior lamps remain on for a set amount of time, then automatically turn off.
The interior lights turn on when the vehicle is turned off.
The exterior lamps turn off immediately by turning the exterior lamp control off.
This feature can be changed. On the infotainment home screen, select the Settings icon Vehicle Exit Lighting
Battery Load Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM), which estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. The voltmeter gauge or the voltage display on the Driver Information Center (DIC), if equipped, may show the voltage moving up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the driver. If so, a DIC message might be displayed and it is recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature helps prevent the battery from being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps or reading lamps are accidentally left on.
If any of these lamps are left on, they automatically turn off after 10 minutes,
if the ignition is off. The lamps will not come back on again until one of the following occurs:
- The ignition is turned on.
- The doors are closed and then re-opened.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes after the vehicle is turned off, if the parking lamps or headlamps have been manually left on. This protects against draining the battery. To restart the 10-minute timer, turn the exterior lamp control to the position and then back to the ;or position.
To keep the lamps on for more than 10 minutes, the vehicle must be on or in accessory mode.
FAQs
With an estimated range of 300 miles on a full charge, this vehicle provides sufficient mileage for both short daily excursions and extended journeys.
A DC rapid charger can charge the device to 80% capacity in around 45 minutes, whereas a Level 2 charger requires approximately 8 hours to fully charge the device.
With approximately 600 horsepower and 800 lb ft of torque, it provides strong acceleration and towing capabilities, among other impressive features.
It accommodates eight passengers in comfort, providing sufficient space and amenities for larger gatherings or families.
Indeed, standard equipment on the Yukon XL Lightning includes all-wheel drive, which improves traction and stability across a range of driving conditions.
Upon folding down the third-row seats, a capacious stowage area of more than 144 cubic feet is revealed, effectively accommodating a diverse array of cargo requirements.
Undoubtedly, its towing capacity exceeds 8,000 pounds, rendering it well suited for towing recreational vehicles such as canoes, trailers, and other vehicles.
For increased safety, it is equipped with an array of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
A premium sound system and a cutting edge infotainment system with a large LCD, smartphone integration, and wireless charging are included.
Indeed, regenerative braking is employed to capture and transform kinetic energy into electrical energy, thereby enhancing efficiency and maximizing range.
Trim levels may consist of entry-level, midtier, and premium models, with each offering a distinct set of attributes and personalization choices.
You may qualify for a federal tax credit designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, contingent upon your location and eligibility.
It provides comparable levels of space and functionality while being more environmentally sustainable, fuel efficient, and requiring less ongoing maintenance.
For a specified duration or mileage, GMC typically provides warranties that protect the electric powertrain components, battery, and other critical electrical elements.
Various applications and websites devoted to electric vehicle (EV) charging can be used to locate charging stations; GMC may also provide its own navigation system that aids in station location.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: 2023 GMC Yukon XL System Guidelines| Auto User Guide
2023 GMC Yukon XL Instrument Panel Instructions