2017 GMC Yukon XL Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2017 GMC Yukon XL: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2017 GMC Yukon XL has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2017 GMC Yukon XL has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the first steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2017 GMC Yukon XL?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2017 GMC Yukon XL, the first step is to assess the dashboard for any additional warning lights that may indicate a broader issue. This can provide valuable context for your diagnosis. Next, inspect the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the check engine light. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, utilizing an OBD-II diagnostic scanner is essential. This tool will help you retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, offering specific insights into the problem. Additionally, familiarize yourself with common issues associated with the 2017 GMC Yukon XL, such as faulty oxygen sensors or catalytic converter problems, as these can often be the source of the warning light. If, after these steps, the cause remains elusive, seeking the expertise of a professional mechanic is advisable for a comprehensive diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and take informed steps toward resolution.

What are the common causes for the check engine light to illuminate in a 2017 GMC Yukon XL?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2017 GMC Yukon XL, it can be a source of concern for any vehicle owner. Understanding the common causes can empower DIY enthusiasts to troubleshoot effectively. One of the simplest issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensuring it is secure is a good first step. If the gas cap is not the culprit, the oxygen sensor may be at fault, as a malfunction here can lead to poor fuel efficiency and emissions problems. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter can also illuminate the check engine light, often indicating a more serious concern that may require professional attention. Spark plugs and ignition coils are other critical components that can cause misfires, leading to the light's activation. Furthermore, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt engine performance, while problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve can also contribute to the issue. By systematically checking these components, DIYers can often identify the root cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action to resolve it, ensuring their GMC Yukon XL runs smoothly and efficiently.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2017 GMC Yukon XL?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2017 GMC Yukon XL, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it indicates potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could range from minor to severe. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step should be to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific problem. Ignoring this warning can lead to more significant damage, such as engine misfires or overheating, which not only complicates repairs but can also result in costly fixes. Moreover, unresolved issues can negatively impact fuel efficiency and overall vehicle safety. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your Yukon XL, ensuring that you can enjoy a reliable driving experience while potentially saving on future repair costs.

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