
Black plate (50,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
9-50 Driving and Operating
Gasoline Specifications
(U.S. and Canada Only)
At a minimum, gasoline
should meet ASTM specification
D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB‐3.5 or 3.511 in Canada.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. SeeFuel Additives
on page 9‑50 for additional
information.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog‐check test.
See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑12. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition
is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
Never use leaded gasoline or any
other fuel not recommended in the
previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives that
help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing the
emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, nothing
should have to be added to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain
only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean
and avoid problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. Look for the
TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced
detergency standards developed by
the auto companies. A list of
marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.

Black plate (17,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-17
When to Check and What
to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check the
fluid level in the clutch master
cylinder reservoir and for the proper
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑13.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper fluid should be added if
the level does not reach the bottom
of the diaphragm when it is in place
in the reservoir. See the instructions
on the reservoir cap.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is
located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑6 for more
information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. See Maintenance Schedule
on page 11‑3 for more information.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter, do the following:
1. Unfasten the clips that hold the cover on and remove the cover.
2. Lift out the engine air cleaner/ filter.
3. Inspect or replace the air filter. See Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 11‑15 to
determine which filter to use.

Black plate (23,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-23
6. Start the engine and let it rununtil the upper radiator hose can
be felt getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck
might be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX‐COOL coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the
level reaches the base of the
filler neck.
8. Replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if
coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the
pressure cap.
Notice:
If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has a coolant
temperature gauge displayed on the
instrument panel to warn if the
engine is overheating. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge on
page 5‑9. If the engine is too hot,
the air conditioning might stop
working. This is normal and helps
cool the engine.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when the warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10. If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
The engine cooling fan speed
should increase when idle speed is
doubled by pushing the accelerator
pedal down. If it does not, the
vehicle needs service. Turn off
the engine.
Notice:
Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by
the warranty.
Notice: If the engine catches fire
because of being driven with no
coolant, the vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Black plate (24,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-24 Vehicle Care
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer. See“Driving on
Grades” underTrailer Towing on
page 9‑58.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary. 3. In heavy traffic, let the engine
idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge
is no longer in the overheat zone or
an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until
it cools down.

Black plate (25,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-25
Engine Fan
This vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the clutch is not engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan
noise. This is normal and should not
be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts.
It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling
is not required and the clutch
disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when the engine is started. It will go
away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
located near the front of the engine
compartment, behind the radiator.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be between the
ADD and FULL marks. If necessary,
add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to the proper range.

Black plate (27,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-27
Brakes
This vehicle has front disc brakes
and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
Rear drum brakes do not have
wear indicators, but if a rear brake
rubbing noise is heard, have the
rear brake linings inspected
immediately. Rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected
each time the tires are removed for
rotation or changing. Drum brakes
have an inspection hole to inspect
lining wear during scheduled
maintenance. When the front brake
pads are replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too. Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts.

Black plate (42,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-42 Vehicle Care
The trailer brake relay is located on
the bottom side of the battery
harness.Fuses Usage
O2 SNSR Oxygen Sensors,
Air Injection
Reactor (AIR)
Relay
A/C Air Conditioning
Control Head,
Power Seats
A/C
CMPRSR Air Conditioning
Compressor Fuses Usage
ABS Antilock Brake
System (ABS),
ABS Module,
Four‐Wheel Drive,
Gravity Sensor
ABS 1 ABS 1 (ABS Logic)
ABS 2 ABS 2 (ABS Pump)
AUX PWR 1 Accessory Power 1
AUX PWR 2 Accessory Power 2
BCK/UP Back-up Lights
BLWR Climate
Control Fan
CLSTR Cluster
CNSTR
VENT Fuel Canister Vent
Solenoid
CRUISE Cruise Control
Switch, Inside
Rearview Mirror,
Transfer Case
Control Module,
Brake Switch,
Clutch Disable

Black plate (43,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-43
FusesUsage
DR/LCK Power Door
Locks (If Equipped)
DRL Daylight Running
Lamps
ERLS Mass Air
Flow (MAF)
Sensor, Can Purge
Solenoid,
Air Injector
Reactor (AIR)
Relay
ETC Electronic Throttle
Control (ETC)
FOG/LAMP Fog Lamps
(If Equipped)
FRT
PRK LAMP Front Park/Turn
Lamps, Driver and
Passenger Side
Power Window
Switches Lighting
FRT/AXLE Front Axle Actuator Fuses
Usage
FSCM Fuel System
Control Module
BACKUP
LAMP Backup Lamp
HORN Horn
HTD/SEAT Heated Seat
(If Equipped)
IGN Ignition, Clutch
Starter Switch,
Neutral Safety
Back‐Up Switch,
Ignition Coils 1‐5,
Air Conditioning
Relay
INJ Injectors
LT HDLP Driver Side
Headlamp
PCM B Power Control
Module (PCM) B
PCMI Power Control
Module (PCM) Fuses
Usage
PWR/SEAT Power Seat
Circuit Breaker
(If Equipped)
PWR/WNDW Power Windows
(If Equipped)
RDO Radio
REAR
PRK LAMP Rear Parking
Lamp 1, Passenger
Side Taillamp,
License Plate
Lamps
REAR PRK
LAMP2 Driver Side
Rear Taillamp,
Passenger Side
Airbag Indicator
Lighting,
Instrument Panel
Dimming Power
(2WD/4WD switch
lighting)