2008 GMC CANYON automatic transmission

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation.......................................2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cab)...............2-9
Lockout Protection..........................................2-9
Rear Doors (Extended Cab).............................2-9
Tailgate.......................................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-12
Manual Windows..........................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-13
Sliding Rear Window.....................................2-14
Sun Visors...................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-15
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
Passlock
®(U. S. Only)..................................2-16
PASS-Key®III+............................................2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Operation (Canada Only).........2-17Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-19
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-19
Ignition Positions..........................................2-19
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-21
Starting the Engine.......................................2-21
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-22
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-23
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-26
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-28
Parking Brake..............................................2-32
Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)............................2-34
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)............................2-36
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)...............................2-37
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-37
Engine Exhaust............................................2-37
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-38
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Power Door Locks
If your vehicle has power
door locks, the switches
are located on the driver’s
and the front passenger’s
armrests.
Press L (lock) to lock all the doors at once. To unlock
all the doors, press U (unlock).
On crew cab models, use the manual door lock lever on
each rear door to lock or unlock the doors from the rear
seating areas.
Programmable Automatic Door
Locks
If your vehicle has power door locks and the
remote keyless entry system, it has an automatic
lock/unlock feature.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it is
programmed from the factory to lock all doors
automatically when the shift lever is moved out of
PARK (P). All the doors will unlock when the shift lever
is moved back into PARK (P).
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, it is
programmed from the factory to lock all the doors when
the vehicle speed is greater than 15 mph (24 km/h).
The doors will unlock when the key is removed from
the ignition.
To change the automatic door lock and unlock settings,
see “Automatic Door Locks” underDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-38. Driver’s Switch Shown,
Front Passenger’s
Switch Similar
2-8

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-44for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn to four
different positions.
To shift out of PARK (P), the ignition must be in
ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
(A) LOCK/OFF:This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission on automatic transmission
vehicles. It locks the steering wheel on manual
transmission vehicles when the key is removed. It is a
theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove
your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF.
2-19

If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to left
and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
(B) ACC/ACCESSORY:This is the position in which
you can operate your electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory power outlets. On automatic
transmission vehicles, this position unlocks the ignition.
On manual transmission vehicles, it unlocks the ignition
and steering wheel. Use this position if your vehicle must
be pushed or towed.
(C) ON/RUN:This is the position that the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can use
ON/RUN to operate the electrical accessories and
to display some instrument panel cluster warning and
indicator lights. The transmission is also unlocked in
this position on automatic transmission vehicles.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.START (D):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC/ACCESSORY
and ON/RUN allows you to operate the electrical
accessories, such as the radio or items plugged into
the accessory power outlets.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the key in
the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will sound,
when you open the driver’s door. Always remember to
remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transmission. Also, always
remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
2-20

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
20 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Wipers
Power Windows
These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, power to these features
continue to work for up to 20 minutes or until a door
is opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position -- this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral position and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down to
the oor and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start
if the clutch pedal is not all the way down. That is a
safety feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
2-21

{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your
dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever on the
steering column.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display must be powered
anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of
PARK (P). This means that if your key is turned off,
but not in LOCK, there will be a small current drain on
your battery which could discharge your battery over
a period of time. If you need to leave your key in the
ignition but not in LOCK for an extended period, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable from
the battery to prevent discharging your battery.
2-23

There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure your vehicle will not move, even when you
are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-34.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-44.Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by
pushing the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into
another gear. SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-36.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-30.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
2-24

Shifting from Two-Wheel High to
Four-Wheel High
Press and release the Four-Wheel High button. This can
be done at any speed, and the front axle will lock
automatically.
Shifting from Four-Wheel High to
Two-Wheel High
Press and release the Two-Wheel High button. This can
be done at any speed, and the front axle will unlock
automatically.
It is normal to hear and feel your vehicle’s transfer case
shift into Four-Wheel High. If you shift with the vehicle
stopped, the indicator light may still ash slowly. It may
be necessary to shift the transmission momentarily into
REVERSE (R) and DRIVE (D), for an automatic
transmission, or REVERSE (R) and FIRST (1) for a
manual transmission to have the light stop ashing.
Shifting from Two-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel High to Four-Wheel Low
To shift from Two-Wheel High or Four-Wheel High to
Four-Wheel Low, the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N) for an automatic transmission or the
clutch pedal pressed for a manual transmission. The
preferred method for shifting into Four-Wheel Low is to
have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the Four-Wheel Low button. You
must wait for the Four-Wheel Low indicator light to stop
ashing and stay on before shifting the transmission into
gear or releasing the clutch pedal.
If the Four-Wheel Low button is pressed when your
vehicle is in gear and/or moving faster than 3 mph
(5 km/h), the four-wheel low indicator light will ash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift.
2-30