
Black plate (33,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Driving and Operating 9-33
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
Range Selection Mode helps control
the vehicle's transmission and
vehicle speed while driving downhill
or towing a trailer by letting you
select a desired range of gears.To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever to select the
desired range of gears for
current driving conditions.
When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode), a
number displays next to the M,
indicating the current transmission
range.
This number is the highest gear that
the transmission will command while
operating in M (Manual Mode).
All gears below that number are
available. As driving conditions
change, the transmission can
automatically shift to lower gears.
For example, when 5 (Fifth) is
selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth)
gears are automatically shifted by
the transmission, but 6 (Sixth)
cannot be used until the plus/minus
button on the shift lever is used to
change to the range. When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode), a
downshift may occur. The gear that
the transmission is operating in
when the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode)
determines if a downshift occurs.
See the following chart.

Black plate (38,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
9-38 Driving and Operating
The settings are:
N (Neutral):Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10-78 orTowing the Vehicle
on page 10-78.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High): Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive): Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's
power is sent to the front and rear
wheels automatically based on
driving conditions. This setting
provides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2
m.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High): This
setting engages the front axle. Use
this position when extra traction is needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, or when
off-roading.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):
This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4
n
when driving off-road in deep sand,
deep mud, or deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-43.
Shifting Into 4
mor AUTO
Turn the knob to the 4
mor AUTO
position at any speed, except from 4
n. The indicator light will flash while
shifting and will remain on when the
shift is completed. Shifting Into 2
m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed,
except when shifting from 4
n. The
indicator light will flash while shifting
and will remain on when the shift is
completed.
Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, keep vehicle
speed below 72 km/h (45 mph).
To shift into 4
n:
1. The ignition must be in ON/RUN and the vehicle must be stopped
or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the
vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
n. Wait for the
4
nindicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.

Black plate (47,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Driving and Operating 9-47
SET−(Set/Coast): Press briefly to
set the speed and activate cruise
control. If cruise control is already
active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
*(Cancel): Press to disengage
cruise control without erasing the
set speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5is on when not in use, SET− or
+RES could get pressed and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep
5
off when cruise is not being used.
1. Press
5to turn the cruise
system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET−.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after
cruise control has been set to the
desired speed. See InstrumentCluster (Base Level) on page 5-10
or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) on
page 5-10.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied or
*is pressed, the
cruise control is disengaged without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more,
press the +RES button briefly. The
vehicle returns to the previous set
speed.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold +RES until the
desired speed is reached, then
release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
+RES. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) on page 5-27 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) on page 5-29. The
increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold SET– until the
desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
.To slow down in small
increments, briefly press SET– .
For each press, the vehicle goes
about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) slower.

Black plate (48,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
9-48 Driving and Operating
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. SeeDriver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) on page 5-27 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) on page 5-29. The
increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing the SET– button will result
in cruise control set to the current
vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills,
you might have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your
speed. When going downhill, you
might have to brake or shift to a
lower gear to keep your speed
down. If the brake pedal is applied,
cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Press the clutch pedal for
several seconds or shift the
transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control,
press
5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
5is pressed
or if the ignition is turned off.
Driver Assistance
Systems
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
If equipped, the FCA system may
help to avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield, and rapidly
beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another
vehicle much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds
above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
(Continued)

Black plate (54,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
9-54 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. When
driving in the U.S. and Canada, to
help keep the engine clean and
maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend using
TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
See www.toptiergas.com for a list of
TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
Use regular unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM specification D4814
with a posted octane rating of 87 orhigher. Do not use gasoline with an
octane rating below 87, as it may
cause engine damage and will lower
fuel economy.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. The fuels
industry automatically modifies the
fuel for the appropriate season.
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for
long periods of time, driving or
starting could be affected. Drive the
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half
tank or less, then refuel with the
current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines, are
available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.
{Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.

Black plate (58,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
9-58 Driving and Operating
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/
or hilly conditions.
.If equipped with 4WD, see
Four-Wheel Drive on page 9-36
before pulling a trailer.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-29.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road. Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.

Black plate (59,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Driving and Operating 9-59
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
{Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance. If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9-34.
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 the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see
Engine Overheating on
page 10-19.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.

Black plate (5,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Vehicle Care 10-5
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever withthis symbol on it. It is inside the
vehicle to the lower left of the
steering wheel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle tofind the secondary hood release
handle. The handle is under the
front edge of the hood near the
center. Push the handle to the
right and at the same time raise
the hood. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure
all the filler caps are properly
installed.
2. Lower the hood to 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release it
so it fully latches. Check to
make sure the hood is firmly
closed by lifting up on the front
edge of the hood. Repeat the
process if necessary.