2021 GMC CANYON check engine light

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
232 Driving and Operating
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 087.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment. Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 042 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 043.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Vehicle Care 243
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
your dealer. Contact your dealer for
additional information.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0319.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule 0310, and
be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0319.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 237.
When to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air cleaner/filter, see Maintenance
Schedule 0310.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris.
Remove the engine air cleaner/filter. Lightly
tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter
(away from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air cleaner/
filter for damage, and replace if damaged.
Do not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air. To inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter:
2.5L L4 Gas Engine Shown, 2.8L L4 Diesel
Engine Similar
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connector
3. Air Duct Clamp
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/
filter:
1. Remove the screws (1) on top of the engine air cleaner/filter housing.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector (2).
3. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct clamp (3).

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
250 Vehicle Care
{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 0324.
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 0237 for the
location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Vehicle Care 295
The positive jump start connection for the
discharged battery is under a trim cover.
Pull the small cover (
1on top of it)
outboard.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting. 2. Position the two vehicles so that they
are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or N (Neutral) with a
manual transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Service and Maintenance 317
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0319 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Index 347
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 316
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . 169
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 38
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 37
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 37
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 43
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Airbags (cont'd)
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 42
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Antenna
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . 146
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Audio
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
348 Index
Automatic TransmissionManual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 253
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 119
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 108
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . .251, 294
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141, 142
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Bulb Replacement
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp(CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 256
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Backup Lamps . . . . . . . 257
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 234
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234, 251, 294, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 87
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 69
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
350 Index
Electrical System (cont'd)Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 87
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . 108
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . 197
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . 211
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197, 252
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 216
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 92, 93
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 260
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 264
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
GaugesEngine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84