
In Brief........................................................... 1-1
Instrument Panel
........................................ 1-2
Initial Drive Information
............................... 1-3
Vehicle Features
......................................1-15
Performance and Maintenance
...................1-17
Seats and Restraint System............................. 2-1
Front Seats
............................................... 2-2
Rear Seats
..............................................2-10
Safety Belts
.............................................2-13
Child Restraints
.......................................2-35
Airbag System
.........................................2-64
Restraint System Check
............................2-81
Features and Controls..................................... 3-1
Keys
........................................................ 3-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 3-5
Windows
.................................................3-10
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................3-13
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........3-16
Mirrors
....................................................3-36
Storage Areas
.........................................3-40
Sunroof
..................................................3-42Instrument Panel............................................. 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 4-3
Climate Controls
......................................4-16
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........4-18
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................4-33
Audio System(s)
.......................................4-42
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 5-2
Towing
...................................................5-41
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 6-1
Service
..................................................... 6-3
Fuel
......................................................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............6-10
Rear Axle
...............................................6-47
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................6-48
Front Axle
...............................................6-49
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................6-50
Bulb Replacement
....................................
6-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........6-55
Tires
......................................................6-57
2010 GMC Canyon Owner ManualM

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the ignition to ON/RUN and
apply the regular brake pedal.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.
(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. The key can on be removed
in LOCK/OFF.On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift
lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch
to LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
(B) ACC/ACCESSORY:This is the position in which
you can operate the 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 the
vehicle must be pushed or towed.
(C) ON/RUN:This position can be used to operate
the electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel cluster warning and indicator lights.
The switch stays in this position when the engine
is running. The transmission is also unlocked in this
position on automatic transmission vehicles.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start your vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
3-17

Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn .............................................................4-3
Tilt Wheel.....................................................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................4-10
Headlamps on Reminder................................4-11
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................4-11
Automatic Headlamp System..........................4-12
Fog Lamps ..................................................4-12
Exterior Cargo Lamps....................................4-13
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-13
Dome Lamp .................................................4-13
Dome Lamp Override....................................4-14
Exit Lighting.................................................4-14
Electric Power Management...........................4-14
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................4-15
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-15
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................4-16Climate Controls............................................4-16
Climate Control System.................................4-16
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-18
Instrument Panel Cluster................................4-19
Speedometer and Odometer...........................4-20
Trip Odometer..............................................4-20
Tachometer.................................................4-20
Safety Belt Reminders...................................4-21
Airbag Readiness Light.................................
.4-22
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-23
Charging System Light..................................4-24
Up-Shift Light...............................................4-24
Brake System Warning Light..........................4-25
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-26
StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................4-26
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-27
Tire Pressure Light.......................................4-28
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................4-28
Oil Pressure Light.........................................4-31
Security Light...............................................4-32
Cruise Control Light......................................4-32
Highbeam On Light.......................................4-32
Fuel Gage...................................................4-32
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-1

The recirculation mode cannot be used with floor/defog,
defrost, or defogging modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator will flash or not come on.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheel on the outlets to change the
direction of the air flow.
Lift up or push down on the thumbwheel located in the
center of the outlet to direct the air up or down, or
slide the thumbwheel to the left or right to direct the
airflow from side-to-side.
Operation Tips
•
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into the vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
•Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention
to the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there might be or there
is a problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there might be or there is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to indicate a problem
with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
could be a problem, check the section that explains
what to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
4-18

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
If the vehicle has one of the passenger airbag status
indicators pictured in the following illustrations, then the
vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right
front passenger position. The passenger airbag status
indicator is on the instrument panel. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 2-73for important safety
information.
In addition, if the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, the label
on the vehicle’s sun visors refer to “ADVANCED
AIRBAGS”.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and
off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator will light either
ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know
the status of the right front passenger frontal airbag.If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be
a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 4-22
for more information, including important safety
information. United States
Canada
4-23

Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) is part of StabiliTrak.
TCS limits wheel slip which is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that any of the wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to limit wheel spin and also reduces
engine power. The system may be heard or felt while
it is working. This is normal and does not mean there is
a problem with the vehicle.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to
spin excessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS
and brake warning lights and any relevant DIC
messages are displayed, the transfer case could be
damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine power and do
not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these
lights and messages are displayed.
TCS can operate on dry roads under some conditions.
When this happens, the system may be heard
working or a reduction in acceleration may be noticed.This is normal and does not mean there is a problem
with the vehicle. Examples of these conditions include
hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or
downshift of the transmission or driving on rough roads.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control automatically
disengages. The cruise control can be re-engaged
when road conditions allow. SeeCruise Control
on page 4-7.
The message TRACTION FAULT appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when a TCS or Antilock Brake
System (ABS) problem has been detected and the
vehicle needs service. When this message is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 4-37.
The StabiliTrak/TCS light
will flash on the instrument
panel cluster when the
TCS system or StabiliTrak
is both on and activated.
5-8

Some things to consider:
•Is the path ahead clear?
•Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
•Does the travel take you uphill or downhill?
•Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction
quickly?
When driving over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm
grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface
features can jerk the wheel out of your hands.
When driving over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, the
wheels can leave the ground. If this happens, even
with one or two wheels, you cannot control the vehicle
as well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it is
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden turns, or sudden braking.
Off-roading requires a different kind of alertness from
driving on paved roads and highways. There are no road
signs, posted speed limits, or signal lights. Use good
judgment about what is safe and what is not.
Driving on Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or across a
hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment
and an understanding of what the vehicle can and
cannot do. There are some hills that simply cannot be
driven, no matter how well built the vehicle.
{WARNING:
Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. If
you drive up them, you will stall. If you drive down
them, you cannot control your speed. If you drive
across them, you will roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt
about the steepness, do not drive the hill.
5-17

J
Jump Starting.................................................6-43
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System................................... 3-3
Keyless Entry System....................................... 3-3
Keys............................................................... 3-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................6-58
Lamps
Daytime Running (DRL)................................4-11
Dome ........................................................4-13
Dome Lamp Override...................................4-14
Exterior Cargo.............................................4-13
License Plate..............................................6-54
Malfunction Indicator....................................4-28
Lap Belt........................................................2-33
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................2-27
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................2-46
Latches, Seatback............................................ 2-9
Leaving After Parking on a Hill.........................5-59Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine Running
(Automatic Transmission)..............................3-32
Lighting
Exit...........................................................4-14
Lights
Airbag Readiness........................................4-22
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............4-26
Brake System Warning.................................4-25
Charging System.........................................4-24
Cruise Control.............................................4-32
Exterior Lamps............................................4-10
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 4-5
Highbeam On.............................................4-32
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 4-5
Oil Pressure...............................................4-31
On Reminder..............................................4-11
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................4-23
Safety Belt Reminders..................................4-21
Security.....................................................4-32
StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light..........................................4-26
Tire Pressure..............................................4-28
Up-Shift.....................................................4-24
Limited-Slip Rear Axle....................................... 5-9
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................5-33
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........5-14
9