2008 GMC CANYON engine coolant

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

If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at temperatures above
0° F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located in the engine compartment behind
the underhood fuse block on the driver’s side of the
vehicle.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
2-22

{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

Up-Shift Light...............................................3-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-32
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-33
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-33
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-34
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-36
Security Light...............................................3-37
Cruise Control Light......................................3-37
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-37
Fuel Gage...................................................3-38Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-38
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-38
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-42
Audio System(s).............................................3-46
Setting the Time...........................................3-47
Radio(s)......................................................3-48
Using an MP3..............................................3-64
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-69
Radio Reception...........................................3-69
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-70
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-70
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-70
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the
engine coolant
temperature.
If the gage pointer is near the top of the gage, the
engine is too hot. It means that your engine coolant
has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle
under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the
road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon
as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-29for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light comes on briey
when the engine is started.
This light will also come on when one or more of your
tires are signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-42for more
information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to
do so. If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-56for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System, this light will ash for approximately 60 seconds
and then stay on solid for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-65
for more information.
3-33

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed
and that some action may be needed by the driver
to correct the condition. Multiple messages may appear
one after another. The messages are displayed for
several seconds each.
Some messages may not require immediate action, but
you should press and release the trip odometer reset
stem to acknowledge that you received the messages
and to clear them from the display. Each message must
be acknowledged individually.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared. You should
take any messages that appear on the display seriously
and remember that clearing the messages only makes
the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
AC (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too high and the air conditioning in your
vehicle needs to be turned off. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-29andClimate Control System on page 3-20
for more information. This message displays along with
the ENG HOT message.
ABS (Antilock Brake System) FAULT
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). Check the ABS as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. SeeBrakes on page 5-38andAntilock Brake
System Warning Light on page 3-32for more information.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the display.
BRAKES
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brakes. Check the brakes as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes
on page 5-38andBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-31for more information. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from
the display.
CHANGE OIL
This message displays when the oil needs to be
changed. Check the oil in your vehicle as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information. Press
and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message
and clear it from the display.
3-42

DOORS
This message displays when one or more of the doors
is ajar. Check all the doors on your vehicle to make
sure they are closed. The message clears from
the display after all of the doors are closed.
ENG (Engine) HOT
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is hot. Check the engine coolant
temperature gage. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-33. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible if you suspect the
engine is overheating. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29for more information.
FLUID
This message displays if the brake uid is low. Check
the brake uid as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-38for more information. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
FUEL CAP
This message displays if the vehicle’s fuel cap is either off
or loose. Pull over as soon as possible and check to see
if the fuel cap is secure. You may also see the check
engine light on the instrument panel cluster. If the check
engine light does come on when the fuel cap was loose,
it may take a few driving trips before the light turns off.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-34for more
information if the light still remains on. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
LOW FUEL
This message displays if the level of fuel in the vehicle
is low. Also check the fuel gage. SeeFuel Gage on
page 3-38for more information. Rell the fuel tank
as soon as possible.
LOW TIRE
This message displays if a low tire pressure is detected in
any of the vehicle’s tires. Press and release the reset
stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the
display. The message appears at each ignition cycle until
the tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-56andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-62for more information on tires and the correct
ination pressures.
3-43

When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) (or
the manual transmission out of gear and the parking
brake applied) for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If you do get the overheat warning,
seeEngine Overheating on page 5-29.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.
When parking uphill, turn your wheels away from the
curb. When parking downhill, turn your wheels into
the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift into PARK (P), or
REVERSE (R) for a manual transmission. See
Parking Brake on page 2-32for more information.
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear and not in
NEUTRAL. SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-28
for more information.
6. Release the regular brakes.
4-55