
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 177
and the ignition on. 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
mor 2m. Wait
for the 4
mor 2mindicator light
to stop flashing before shifting
the transmission into gear.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
mor 2mindicator light will flash
for 30 seconds, but will not complete
the shift. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake
pedal. See Parking Brake
0 181.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition on. 4. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts flashing.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the knob to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then to D (Drive). There should
be no movement of the vehicle
while shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle Towing
0295. 10. Turn the ignition off.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
178 Driving and Operating
6. Start the engine and shift thetransmission to the
desired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob next to
the steering wheel to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will flash on then off
momentarily when the ignition is
turned on. The light that remains on
will indicate the state of the
transfer case. If the indicator mark on the knob
does not match up with the light
then that likely means the knob was
moved when the ignition was off.
The indicator mark on the knob
must line up with the indicator light
before a shift can be commanded.
To command a shift rotate the
transfer case knob to the new
desired position. The light will flash
meaning that the shift is in progress.
When the shift is completed the new
position will be illuminated. If the
transfer case cannot complete a
shift command, it will go back to its
last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0295
or
Towing the Vehicle 0294.
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.
Do not use AUTO mode,
if equipped, to park on a steep
grade with poor traction such as ice,
snow, mud, or gravel. In AUTO
mode only the rear wheels will hold
the vehicle from sliding when
parked. If parking on a steep grade,
use 4
mto keep all four wheels
engaged.
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

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 179
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/ESC off.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0183.
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 on 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.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
nindicator light will flash for
30 seconds, but will not complete
the shift. After 30 seconds the
transfer case will shift to 4
m. Turn the knob to 4
mto display the
indicator. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
To shift:
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission
in N (Neutral) and the ignition
on. 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
m, AUTO,
or 2
m. Wait for the 4m, AUTO,
or 2
mindicator light to stop
flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
180 Driving and Operating
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
will flash for 30 seconds but will not
complete the shift. With the vehicle
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake
pedal. See Parking Brake
0 181.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition on. 4. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts flashing.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the knob to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then shift the transmission to
D (Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle Towing
0295. 10. Turn the ignition to off.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired setting.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired gear.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 181
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while
braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when
the vehicle is first driven.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and the brake pedal may move
slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 109. ABS does not change the time
needed to get a foot on the brake
pedal and does not always
decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop,
even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly.
Hearing or feeling ABS operate is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at
the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
even more than braking.
Parking Brake
Set the parking brake by holding the
regular brake pedal down, then
pushing down the parking brake
pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.
See
Brake System Warning Light
0 109.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
184 Driving and Operating
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and
stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC is on the center stack.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster. To
turn TCS on again, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn
off until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
guntil the
Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC Off light
gcome on and stay
on in the instrument cluster. To turn
TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off
light
gin the instrument cluster
turn off.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically
turn on if the vehicle exceeds
56 km/h (35 mph). TCS will remain
off until the driver presses
gor the
ignition is cycled Off then On.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 221.
Hill Descent
Control (HDC)
If equipped, HDC can be used when
driving downhill. It sets and
maintains vehicle speed while
descending a very steep incline in a
forward or reverse gear.
The HDC switch is on the center
stack, below the climate controls.
Press
5to enable or disable HDC.
Vehicle speed must be below
60 km/h (37 mph).

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
188 Driving and Operating
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 three ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. 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
This vehicle may have features that
work together to help avoid crashes
or reduce crash damage while
driving, backing, and parking. Read
this entire section before using
these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver
Assistance Systems. These
systems do not replace the need
for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see
alerts or warnings provided by
these systems. Failure to use
proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving
0 143.
Under many conditions, these
systems will not: (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect children,
pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
. Detect vehicles or objects
outside the area monitored
by the system.
. Work at all driving speeds.
. Warn you or provide you
with enough time to avoid a
crash.
. Work under poor visibility or
bad weather conditions.
. Work if the detection sensor
is not cleaned or is covered
by ice, snow, mud, or dirt.
. Work if the detection sensor
is covered up, such as with
a sticker, magnet, or metal
plate.
. Work if the area surrounding
the detection sensor is
damaged or not properly
repaired.
(Continued)

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
13566643) - 2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
212 Driving and Operating
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to
the trailer brakes is proportional to
the amount of vehicle braking. This
available power output to the trailer
brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak/ESC
systems to activate, power sent to
the trailer's brakes will be
automatically adjusted to minimize
trailer wheel lock-up. This does not
imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock
brake, or StabiliTrak/ESC systems
are not functioning properly, the ITBC system may not function fully
or at all. Make sure all of these
systems are fully operational to
allow the ITBC system to function
properly.
The ITBC system is powered
through the vehicle's electrical
system. Turning the ignition off will
also turn off the ITBC system. The
ITBC system is fully functional only
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an
air brake system may result in
reduced or complete loss of trailer
braking, including increased
stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in
serious injury, death, or property
damage. Only use the ITBC
system with electric or electric
over hydraulic trailer brake
systems.
Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever
2. Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons
The ITBC control panel is on the
instrument panel to the right of the
steering column. The control panel
allows adjustment to the amount of
output, referred to as Trailer Gain,
available to the trailer brakes and
allows manual application of the
trailer brakes. Use the ITBC control
panel and the DIC trailer brake
display page to adjust and display
power output to the trailer brakes.