Some GMC Yukon owners may notice that their SUV is making strange noises around the grille area. Now, a possible cause for this issues has been identified, and with it, a fix to be performed by a GM technician.
According to a recent report from GM TechLink, some 2021 through 2023 model-year GMC Yukon models may emit a thump, clunk, pop, or clicking noise around the front fascia, typically after the vehicle has been driven at speeds of at least 45 mph and then stopped, or after the brake pedal is released from a stop. Additionally, the sound may be “felt” in the brake pedal or through the floor in the front of the cabin.
According to the GM TechLink report, this condition could be the result of road debris or an underhood component contacting the GMC Yukon’s active grille shutters as they either open or close.
For readers who may be unaware, the active grille shutters on the GMC Yukon provide enhanced aerodynamics around the front end of the vehicle by closing off the primary air intake when additional cooling airflow is not needed in the engine bay, increasing fuel efficiency in the process. The shutters reopen when additional cooling is once again needed.
In order to address this issue, GM technicians are instructed to first remove the fuse that powers the active grille shutters actuator, then testing to see if the noise still occurs. If the noise is no longer present, the technician should then remove the intake air splash shield and inspect the active grille shutters for any potential items that may be making contact. Potential blockages may include road debris, rocks, ice, or possibly underhood items like a mispositioned horn bracket or unsecured intake air duct.
As a reminder, the GMC Yukon offers three engine options, including the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, and the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine. The GM T1 platform provides the bones, while production takes place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
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Comment
With the price of these SUV’s, you would think issues such as this would not exists. But unfortunately, all manufacturers have issues. Expect too here the same tomorrow with the Tahoe followed by the Escalade in typical GMA fashion, they can milk this issue all week if they include the XL, Suburban and the extended Escalade.