The 2006 GMT800-platform Yukon is mechanically solid overall, but suffers from chronic Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures on 5.3L engines, transmission cooler line corrosion leading to catastrophic trans damage, and secondary air injection system codes that plague emissions testing.
AFM Lifter Failure (5.3L V8)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes or P0521 oil pressure, Loud ticking/tapping from valve train, especially on cold start, Rough idle, loss of power on AFM cylinders, Eventual catastrophic failure dumps metal through the engine
Fix: Proper fix requires AFM lifter replacement, camshaft inspection (often worn flat), and new lifter trays. Delete kits (aftermarket cam, non-AFM lifters, tune) are popular preventive fix. 12-16 hours labor for in-chassis lifter job, 20+ if cam is damaged and heads come off.
Estimated cost: $2,500-5,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake in coolant overflow—transmission fluid mixing with coolant, Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or total failure, Engine overheating in severe cases, Rust perforation at crimp-joint of cooler lines near radiator
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to radiator. Coolant backfeeds into trans, destroying clutch packs. Requires new radiator (or external cooler bypass), cooler lines, trans flush—if caught early. If trans is contaminated, full 4L60E/4L65E rebuild needed. Line replacement alone: 2-3 hours. Trans rebuild adds 8-12 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (lines/radiator only), $2,800-4,500 (if trans rebuild required)
Secondary Air Injection System Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: P0410, P0418, P0411 codes (secondary air system malfunction), Check engine light on startup, may clear after warm-up, No drivability issues, emissions test failure in some states
Fix: AIR pump, check valves, or solenoid fail—carbon buildup is typical. Pump runs only at cold start to heat cats quickly. Many techs disconnect system and tune it out in states without emissions testing. OEM fix: replace pump ($300-500 part), check valves, hoses. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Instrument Cluster Stepper Motor Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Speedometer, fuel gauge, or temp gauge reads erratically or stays pegged, Multiple gauges may fail simultaneously, Intermittent operation, worse in cold weather
Fix: Stepper motors behind gauge needles wear out. DIY rebuild kits ($30-60) available, requires soldering skills. Professional cluster rebuild services run $200-300 with 2-day turnaround. Dealer wants new cluster ($800+) plus programming. Remove/reinstall cluster: 1.5-2 hours.
Symptoms: Gear oil drips from front axle tube seals or pinion seal, Clunking or grinding when engaging 4WD if run low on fluid, Visible seepage at axle tube/carrier junction
Fix: Axle tube seals or pinion seal leak. Axle tube seals require pulling CV axles, straightforward job. Pinion seal replacement requires setting pinion bearing preload—more involved. 2-3 hours for tube seals, 3-4 for pinion. Many shops do full reseal while in there.
Estimated cost: $400-800
EVAP Vent Solenoid / Purge Valve Codes
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: P0449, P0455, P0442 codes (EVAP system leak or vent valve stuck), Check engine light, no performance issues, May cause rough idle if purge valve stuck open
Fix: Vent solenoid behind spare tire or purge valve on intake fails. Easy parts to replace, but system requires smoke test to verify no other leaks (gas cap, lines, canister). Vent solenoid: 0.5 hours. Purge valve: 0.3 hours.
Estimated cost: $180-350
Rear HVAC Blower Motor Resistor / Connector Melt
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Rear HVAC fan stuck on high or inoperative, Burning smell from rear cargo area, Melted connector at blower resistor
Fix: Blower resistor and connector overheat due to high current draw. Requires new resistor and pigtail connector repair. Access behind right rear interior panel. 1-1.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $200-350
Owner tips
If buying a 5.3L, verify AFM delete has been done or budget for it immediately—it's when, not if
Inspect transmission cooler lines for rust at crimps during every oil change; catch it before the trans dies
Use high-quality synthetic 5W-30 and change every 5,000 mi to extend AFM lifter life if not deleted
Check for pink coolant contamination every fluid check—early catch saves $3,000+
Solid truck if you get ahead of the AFM time bomb and cooler line rust; avoid high-mileage 5.3L examples without documented AFM delete or recent engine work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Side post terminals standard on GM full-size SUVs; battery located under hood on driver side
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Every control module on the 2000-2006 GMC Yukon — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 4L60E/4L65E/4L70E: inside transmission on valve body. 4L80E: inside transmission on valve body. Allison 1000: external on driver side of transmission case
🔧 Tech 2 with TIS2000
⚠️ Internal TCMs require pan removal and fluid service. VIN and calibration programming required.
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)2.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr4WD models with push-button or rotary dial shift▸ programming details
📍 Inside transfer case, integrated with encoder motor assembly on rear of case
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ NP246/NP263 electronic shift cases. AutoTrac and manual 4WD selector variants. Transfer case fluid drain required.
Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver side frame rail, forward of driver door, integrated with ABS hydraulic unit
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Brake bleeding required. StabiliTrak-equipped models use same module with additional sensors.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Control Module (HVAC)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrAutomatic climate control▸ programming details
📍 Behind center instrument panel HVAC control head, integrated with control assembly
🔧 Tech 2 or manual calibration procedure
⚠️ Actuator calibration required after replacement. Manual HVAC uses cable controls without module.
📍 Engine compartment, passenger side firewall mounted on bracket below wiper cowl
🔧 Tech 2 with TIS2000
⚠️ VIN programming mandatory. Flash reprogramming standard. Remove air filter housing for access.
Body Control Module (BCM)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.6 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver side kick panel, above fuse block
🔧 Tech 2 with TIS2000
⚠️ Standard on all GMT800 models. Controls lighting, locks, remote entry, theft deterrent. Passlock relearn required.
Real Time Damping Control Module (RTD)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrDenali models with Autoride suspension (2002-2006)▸ programming details
📍 Under driver seat, mounted to floor pan
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Controls electronic shock damping. Sensor calibration required after replacement.
Trailer Brake Control Module (TBCM)0.7 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrFactory trailer brake controller option▸ programming details
📍 Under driver side instrument panel, left of steering column
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Integrated trailer brake controller. Calibration via driver controls after installation.
Radio Receiver (RAD)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center instrument panel, integrated into radio head unit
🔧 Tech 2 or enter code via faceplate
⚠️ Theft-lock code required. Bose systems have external amplifier under passenger seat.
Memory Seat Module (MSM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrSLT/Denali with memory seats▸ programming details
📍 Under driver seat, mounted to seat frame
🔧 Tech 2 or manual programming via seat controls
⚠️ Stores seat and mirror positions. Manual reprogramming via seat buttons after replacement.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Consequence: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 05V552000
2005-12-07
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Consequence: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS · 05V455000
2005-10-05
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Performance
Horsepower
367hp
Torque
375lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.8sec
Quarter mile
15.9sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
12mpg
Highway
16mpg
Combined
13mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,900lb
Payload
1,493lb
Curb weight
5,586lb
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Wiper blades
GMT800 platform (2000-2006 generation). Standard hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2006 GMC Yukon 6.0L V8 Vortec and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.