
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
202 Driving and Operating
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle 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.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, 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
0236.Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible. When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 203
3. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving
a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out
of the vehicle before
backing onto the sloped part
of the ramp. Lower the
driver and passenger side
windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape
in the unlikely event the
vehicle slides into the water.
. If the boat launch surface is
slippery, have the driver
remain in the vehicle with
the brake pedal applied
while the boat is being
launched. The boat launch
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the
ramp was previously
submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to
launch the boat if you are
not sure the vehicle can
maintain traction.
. Do not move the vehicle if
someone is in the path of
the trailer. Some parts of the
trailer might be underwater
and not visible to people
who are assisting in
launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the
water to prevent damage to the
electrical circuits on the trailer.
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the
water. If the trailer has electric
brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave the electrical trailer connector
attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating,
but no further than necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into
P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the
vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to
absorb the load of the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
204 Driving and Operating
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer of the water:1. Press and hold the brake pedals.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the
sloped part of the boat ramp,
the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into
the drive mode that is
appropriate for the road
conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin
and the vehicle begins to slide
toward the water, remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal
and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0311. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all
nuts and bolts on the trailer hitch
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 236.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
214 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
crash. Always follow the
instructions to set the Trailer Gain
for the proper trailer stopping
performance.
To adjust Trailer Gain for each
towing condition: 1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road
surface representative of the
towing condition and free of
traffic at about 32–40 km/h
(20–25 mph) and fully apply
the Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever.
Adjusting Trailer Gain at
speeds lower than 32–40 km/h
(20–25 mph) may result in an
incorrect gain setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain (+) or (-)
adjustment buttons, to just
below the point of trailer wheel
lock-up, indicated by trailer
wheel squeal or tire smoke
when a trailer wheel locks. Trailer wheel lock-up may not
occur if towing a heavily loaded
trailer. Adjust the Trailer Gain
to the highest allowable setting
for the towing condition.
3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading,
or road surface conditions
change or if trailer wheel
lock-up is noticed at any time
while towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC
Messages
TRAILER CONNECTED: This
message will briefly display when a
trailer with electric brakes is first
connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off
in about 10 seconds. This message
can be acknowledged before it
automatically turns off.
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This
message will display if:
.The ITBC system first
determines connection to a
trailer with electric brakes and
then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle. If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is stationary, this
message will automatically turn
off in about 30 seconds. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is moving, this
message will continue until the
ignition is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
. There is an electrical fault in the
wiring to the trailer brakes. This
message will continue as long
as there is an electrical fault in
the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is
acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical
fault is on the vehicle side or trailer
side of the trailer wiring harness
connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 219
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 221
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 229
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 231
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Battery - North America . . . . . . 240 Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 242
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 243
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 243
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 244
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 246
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 249
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 239
Caution (Continued)
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
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.
Caution
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 0326.
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 may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0224 for
the location of the reservoir.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 241
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0224 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0220 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0291 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule
0 311 to determine when to check
the lubricant. How to Check Lubricant
Automatic Transfer Case
1. Drain Plug
2. Fill Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug (2) hole, located on the
transfer case, some lubricant will
need to be added. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (2) hole. Use
care not to overtighten the plug.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
256 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
F13 OnStar/HVAC
F14 Radio/Infotainment
F15 RAP accessory relay control/Shifter control/
Shifter solenoid/Wiper
relay control/Washer
pump relay control/
Rear defog relay
control
F16 CGM
F17 Left rear side marker/ Right front turn lamp/
Left rear stop lamp/
Left front turn lamp/
Right rear stop lamp
F18 Airbag/Sensing and diagnostic module/
Automatic occupant
sensing module
F19 –
F20 Amplifier
F21 –
F22 – Fuses
Usage
F23 Data link connector/ USB front
F24 HVAC ignition
F25 Driver door latch
F26 –
F27 –
F28 Instrument panel cluster/Automatic
sensing display
F29 Rear vision camera/ Transfer case control
module (4WD)/Inside
rear view
F30 –
F31 Front camera/Rear park assist
F32 Steering wheel controls backlighting
F33 Heated steering wheel/Spare
F34 Front ventilated seats Fuses
Usage
F35 Park/Reverse/Neutral/ Drive/Low display/
Wireless charging
module/USB rear
F36 Discrete logic ignition sensor
F37 –
F38 –
F39 Auxiliary power outlet 2
F40 –
F41 Auxiliary power outlet 1/Cigarette
lighter
F42 Left power window
F43 Driver power seat
F44 Auxillary power outlet
F45 Right power window
F46 Passenger power seat