Page 209 of 417

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
2017 - crc - 1/20/17
208 Climate Controls
Air Delivery Mode Control :PressY,\,[, or-to change the
direction of the airflow. An indicator
light comes on in the selected mode
button.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
\: Air is divided between the
instrument panel and floor outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor
outlets, with some air directed to the
windshield, outboard instrument
panel, and side window outlets.
-: This mode clears the windows
of fog or moisture. Air is directed to
the windshield, with some air
directed to the floor, outboard
instrument panel outlets, and side
window outlets.
0: Press to clear the windshield
of fog or frost more quickly. Air is
directed to the windshield and side
window vents, with some air
directed to the outboard instrument
panel. The system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle and the air conditioning compressor
will run, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
See
Air Vents 0211.
@:Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle. It can also be
used to help reduce outside air and
odors that enter the vehicle.
8: If equipped, press to turn on
outside air. An indicator light comes
on. Outside air is circulated
throughout the vehicle.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is enabled.
If the fan is turned off, the air
conditioner will not run. The A/C
light will stay on even if the outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Rear Window Defogger
K: If equipped, press to turn the
rear window defogger on or off. An
indicator light on the button comes
on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is in ON/
RUN. The defogger also turns off if
the ignition is turned to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
Heated Mirror : If equipped with
heated outside mirrors, the mirrors
heat to help clear fog or frost from
the surface of the mirror when the
rear window defog button is
pressed. See Heated Mirrors 038.
Page 210 of 417

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
2017 - crc - 1/20/17
Climate Controls 209
Automatic Climate Control System
With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be
controlled.
1. Fan Control
2. A/C (Air Conditioning)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. Defrost
5. Temperature Control
6. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Air Recirculation
9. Power ButtonAutomatic Operation
The system automatically heats or
cools the vehicle to the desired
temperature:
.
Fan Speed
. Air Delivery Mode
. Air Conditioning
. Recirculation When AUTO is lit, all functions
operate automatically. Each function
can also be manually set. Functions
not manually set will continue to be
automatically controlled.
To place the system in full automatic
operation:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. To find your comfort setting,
start with 22 °C (72 °F) and
allow the system time to
stabilize. Then adjust the
temperature as needed for best
comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to
cool the vehicle faster, recirculation
may be automatically selected in
warm weather.
The recirculation light will not come
on when automatically controlled.
Press
@to manually select
recirculation; press it again to select
outside air.
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GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
2017 - crc - 1/20/17
210 Climate Controls
Do not cover the solar sensor on the
top of the instrument panel near the
windshield. This sensor regulates
air temperature based on sun load.
See“Sensors” later in this section.
Manual Operation
O:Press to turn the climate control
system on or off. When the system
is turned off, air will stop flowing into
the cabin. Press
Oagain or adjust
any of the climate controls to turn
the system back on and the airflow
will continue based on the selected
climate control settings.
A: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. There is
about a five second delay when the
fan is turned on. Press the knob to
turn the fan off. Press AUTO to
return to automatic operation.
Temperature Control : Turn the
knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease temperature
setting. Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press
Y,\,[, or-to change
the direction of the airflow. An
indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button.
Changing the mode cancels the
automatic operation and the system
goes into manual mode.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
\: Air is divided between the
instrument panel and floor outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor
outlets, with some to the windshield,
outboard instrument panel outlets,
side window outlets, and second
row floor outlets.
-: This mode clears the windows
of fog or moisture. Air is directed to
the windshield, floor outlets,
outboard instrument panel outlets,
and side window outlets. The
system automatically forces outside
air into the vehicle and the air conditioning compressor will run,
unless the outside temperature is
close to freezing.
0:
Press to clear the windshield
of fog or frost more quickly. Air is
directed to the windshield and the
side window vents, with some air
directed to the outboard instrument
panel outlets. The system
automatically forces outside air into
the vehicle and the air conditioning
compressor will run, unless the
outside temperature is below
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
See Air Vents 0211.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is enabled.
The A/C light will stay on even if the
outside temperatures are below
freezing. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run. Press
AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
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GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
2017 - crc - 1/20/17
Climate Controls 211
@:Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle. It can also be
used to help reduce outside air and
odors that enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Auto Defog : The climate control
system may have a sensor to
automatically detect high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust air
delivery modes, outside air supply,
and turn on the air conditioner. If the
climate control system does not
detect possible window fogging, it
returns to normal operation. To turn
Auto Defog off or on, see “Climate
and Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0138.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
K:Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is in ON/
RUN. The defogger also turns off if
the ignition is turned to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
Heated Mirror : If equipped with
heated outside mirrors, the mirrors
heat to help clear fog or frost from
the surface of the mirror when the
rear window defog button is
pressed. See Heated Mirrors 038.
Air Vents
Adjustable air vents are in the
center and on the side of the
instrument panel. Use the sliding
knobs on the air vents to change
the direction of the airflow. Slide the
knob up or down to open or close
off the airflow.
Air vents blow warm air on the side
windows in cold weather. If Floor,
Defog, or Defrost modes are
selected, a small amount of air will
come from the vents close to the
window. If the airflow is shut off
using the sliding knobs, warm air
will be directed to the other
instrument panel vents. This is
normal operation.
Use the sliding knobs to turn vent
airflow on or off based on the mode
selected.
Operation Tips
.
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
Page 213 of 417
GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
2017 - crc - 1/20/17
212 Climate Controls
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter reduces dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air
that is pulled into the vehicle. The
filter will need to be replaced
periodically. See Maintenance
Schedule 0364.
Using the climate control system
without an air filter installed is not
recommended. Water or other
debris could enter the system and
result in leaks or noises. Always
install a new filter when removing
the old filter.
For more information on filter
replacement, see your dealer.
Page 214 of 417

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
2017 - crc - 1/20/17
Driving and Operating 213
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 221
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 222
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 224
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 231
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 240
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 245
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 252
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . 255
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 258
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 264
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 275
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Page 215 of 417

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
2017 - crc - 1/20/17
214 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices. .
Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
. Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving. Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means
“always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety Belts
0 50.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
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GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122677) -
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Driving and Operating 215
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious—or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time. Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.
Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages under Steering System
Messages 0135. See your dealer if
there is a problem.