2021 GMC CANYON ECU

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Vehicle Care 247
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill
procedure could cause the engine to
overheat and could cause system
damage. If coolant is not visible in the
surge tank, contact your dealer.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap can be
removed when the cooling system, including
the surge tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot.
1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise. If a hiss is heard, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the mark pointed to
on the front of the coolant surge tank. 4. With the coolant surge tank cap off,
start the engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose starts getting hot.
Watch out for the engine cooling fan. By
this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the mark pointed to on
the front of the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster to warn of engine overheating. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 085.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
282 Vehicle Care
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 255/55R20, 255/65R17
AT, 265/60R18, or 265/65R17 size tires, do
not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance
can cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for use
on the vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
manufacturer's instructions. To avoid
vehicle damage, drive slow and readjust
or remove the traction device if it
contacts the vehicle. Do not spin the
wheels.
If traction devices are used, install them
on the rear tires.
Caution
If the vehicle has a tire size other than
255/55R20, 255/65R17 AT, 265/60R18,
or 265/65R17, use tire chains only where
legal and only when necessary. Use
chains that are the proper size for the
tires. Install them on the tires of the rear
axle. Do not use chains on the tires of
the front axle. Tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely fastened.
Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If the chains
contact the vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving too fast or
spinning the wheels with chains on will
damage the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if there
ever is a blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
on while severely underinflated or flat
(Continued)

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Vehicle Care 287
Front Position
4. Position the jack under the vehicle, as shown. If the flat tire is on the front of
the vehicle, position the jack on the
depression in the vehicle's frame, behind
the flat tire.Rear Position
5. If the flat tire is on the rear, position the jack under the rear axle about 5 cm
(2 in) inboard of the shock absorber
bracket.
Make sure that the jack head is
positioned so that the rear axle is resting
securely between the grooves that are
on the jack head.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is lifted
on a jack is dangerous. If the vehicle slips
off the jack, you could be badly injured
or killed. Never get under a vehicle when
it is supported only by a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can damage the
vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To
help avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head
into the proper location before raising
the vehicle.
{Warning
The jack has a feature to limit its travel
to prevent overextension. When the
height limit is reached, an increase in
resistance if felt when attempting to
raise the jack farther. Raising the jack
past the height limit can damage the jack
pin and cause the jack to lock into an
overextended position or not lower fully.
Do not attempt to force the jack higher
once the height limit is reached.
6. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground so there is enough room
for the spare tire to fit under the
wheel well.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Vehicle Care 289
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause the
wheels to become loose or come off. The
wheel nuts should be tightened with a
torque wrench to the proper torque
specification after replacing. Follow the
torque specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when using
accessory locking wheel nuts. See
Capacities and Specifications0324 for
original equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To
avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly
tighten the wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper torque
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications 0324 for the wheel nut
torque specification.
13. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown, by turning the
wheel wrench clockwise.
When reinstalling the regular wheel and tire,
also reinstall the center cap. Place the cap
on the wheel and push it into place until it
seats. The cap may only go on one way. Be
sure to line up any tabs on the center cap
with corresponding indentations on the
wheel.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of the
vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in the
proper place.
{Warning
Failure to follow these tire storage
instructions carefully could result in
personal injury or property damage if the
hoist cable fails or if the tire comes loose.
Make sure the tire is stored securely
before driving.
Caution
Storing an aluminum wheel with a flat
tire under your vehicle for an extended
period of time or with the valve stem
pointing up can damage the wheel.
Always stow the wheel with the valve
stem pointing down and have the wheel/
tire repaired as soon as possible.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Vehicle Care 291
4. Insert the hoist end (10) through thehole (9) in the rear bumper and onto the
hoist shaft.
Do not use the chiseled end of the wheel
wrench.
5. Raise the tire part way upward. Make sure the retainer is seated in the wheel
opening.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle by turning the wheel
wrench clockwise until you hear two
clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot
overtighten the cable.
7. Make sure the tire is stored securely andflush in the radius (2) of the spare tire
support bracket (1). Push, pull, and then try to turn the tire. If the tire moves,
use the wheel wrench to tighten the
cable.
Repeat this tightness check procedure
when checking the spare tire pressure
according to the scheduled maintenance
information or any time the spare tire is
handled due to service of other
components.
Correctly Stored

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
292 Vehicle Care
Incorrectly Stored
8. Reinstall the spare tire lock, if the vehicle has one. To store the jack and tools, reverse the
steps for removing them.1. Wheel Wrench
2. Jack Handle
3. Jack Handle Extensions
4. Wing Nut
For extended cab models, be sure to replace
the wheel wrench (1), jack handle (2), and
two jack handle extensions (3) in the bag, as
shown, so it can be properly stored in the
storage compartment.
Be sure to fully tighten the wing nut (4) so
the tool bag cover can be properly and
securely closed.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
296 Vehicle Care
7. Connect one end of the blacknegative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
grounding stud for the discharged
battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables. After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
Close the small cover (
1on top of it).
Ensure the locking feature (located inboard)
latches completely with the rest of the
cover.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may
cause damage. The damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
lash or hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle. Do not drag a locked
wheel/tire. Use tire skates or dollies
under any locked wheel/tire while
loading the vehicle. Do not use a sling
type lift to tow the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can damage
the vehicle. If equipped, use the tow eye
to load a disabled vehicle onto a flatbed
tow truck from a flat road surface, or to
move the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The transmission
must be in (N) Neutral when moving the
vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its drive wheels
off the ground. Contact Roadside Assistance
or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
298 Vehicle Care
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be
towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive vehicles
that have an N (Neutral) and a Four-Wheel
Drive Low (4 (
n) setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or others
could be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral).To dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a
level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into N (Neutral)” under
Four-Wheel Drive 0197. Check that the
vehicle is in N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse) and then to
D (Drive). There should be no movement
of the vehicle while shifting.
5. With the engine off, leave the key in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the steering
column from locking.
Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative battery
cable or to have it contact the terminals
can cause damage to the vehicle.
6. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the nut and bolt.
Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked, vehicle
damage may occur.
Move the steering wheel to make sure
the steering column is unlocked.
8. With a foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake.
9. Keep the ignition key in the towed vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the
steering column from locking.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake, then shift the transmission to P (Park), and move the
ignition key to OFF.
3. Connect the battery.
4. With your foot off the brake, turn the ignition on with the engine off.