
Black plate (16,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
1-16 In Brief
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date for the
radio with CD (MP3/WMA):
Press and hold the HR button until
the correct hour displays. Press and
hold the MN button until the correct
minute displays. The time can be
set with the ignition on or off.
To synchronize the time with an
FM station broadcasting Radio Data
System (RDS) information, press
and hold the HR and MN buttons at
the same time until RDS TIME
displays. To accept this time, press
and hold the HR and MN buttons, at
the same time, for another
two seconds. If the time is not
available from the station,
NO UPDAT (update) displays.
RDS time is broadcast once a
minute. After tuning to an RDS
broadcast station, it could take a
few minutes for the time to update.
For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for your specific audio
system, seeClock on page 5‑4.
Satellite Radio
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces.
XM satellite radio has a wide variety
of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to:
.www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See Satellite Radio on page 7‑12.
Cruise Control
The cruise controls are located at
the end of the multifunction lever.
9:Turns the system off.
R:Turns the system on.
+ (Resume/Accelerate): Use to
make the vehicle accelerate or
resume a previously set speed.
r T(Set): Press the button at
the end of the lever to set the
speed.
For more information, see Cruise
Control on page 9‑47.

Black plate (17,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-17
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC is located on the
instrument panel cluster. It displays
the status of many vehicle systems
and enables some features to be
personalized.
Use the trip reset stem located on
the instrument panel cluster to scroll
through the available functions.
For more information, seeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑20.
Vehicle Personalization
Some vehicle features can be
personalized through the DIC.
These features include:
.Language: English, Spanish,
or French
.Automatic Door Locks
.RKE Feedback
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑20.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle may have an accessory
power outlet located below the
climate control system and on the
rear of the center console.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑5.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.
.To turn off traction control, press
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button
don the instrument
panel.
gilluminates and the
appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑26.
.Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on traction control.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑44.

Black plate (19,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-19
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,with the engine off.
2. Press and release the stem in the lower center of the
instrument cluster until the OIL
LIFE message is displayed.
3. Once the alternating OIL LIFE and RESET messages appear,
press and hold the stem until
several beeps sound. This
confirms that the oil life system
has been reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-888-881-3302
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0801
As the owner of a new GMC, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10 for more
information.

Black plate (20,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
1-20 In Brief
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
Qbutton
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
U.S.: gmc.com (click on
“Owners,” then“Manage My
GMC/Owners Login”)
Canada: gmcowner.ca
OnStar®
For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
Advisors to provide a wide range of
safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built‐in sensors
automatically alert an OnStar
Advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see if
you need help.
How OnStar Service Works
Q: Push this blue button to
connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to answer
questions.
]: Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.
X: Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available on
all vehicles. For more information,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide; visit
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact

Black plate (1,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Safety Locks (Crew Cab) . . . . . 2-6
Doors
Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-10
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Immobilizer Operation (PASS-Key III+
Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Immobilizer Operation (Passlock U.S. Only) . . . . . . . 2-12
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-14
Automatic Dimming RearviewMirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Black plate (2,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key can be used for the ignition,
all door locks, and the tailgate.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in your vehicle.If locked out of your vehicle, call the
Roadside Assistance Center. See
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S.
and Canada) on page 13‑8
or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
®on
page 1‑20.

Black plate (3,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑22 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
Vehicles with Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE), transmitter functions
work up to 9 m (30 ft) away from the
vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3.
UNLOCK: Press to unlock the
driver door and turn on the interior
lamps. The parking lamps may flash
and the horn may sound.
Press UNLOCK again within
three seconds and all of the doors
unlock.
LOCK: Press to lock all the doors.
The parking lamps may flash and
the horn may sound.
If a door is open or ajar when LOCK
is pressed, the horn sounds several
times to let you know the doors did
not lock and the content theft‐

Black plate (4,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
deterrent system is not armed.
Pressing LOCK again while the horn
is sounding or within three seconds
after the horn stops sounding, the
doors lock but the content theft‐
deterrent system does not arm until
the opened door is closed.
Different feedback modes can be
programmed through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
“Remote Keyless Entry Feedback”
underDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 5‑20.
L(Panic): Press to make the
horn sound and the headlamps and
taillamps flash for up to 30 seconds.
To turn them off wait for 30 seconds,
or press
Lagain, or start the
vehicle.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to the vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
programmed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters no longer work once the
new transmitter is programmed.
Each vehicle can have up to four
transmitters programmed to it.
Battery Replacement
Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter. To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object inserted in the
slot between the covers of the
transmitter housing.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent
battery.
4. Put the transmitter back together.