2021 GMC CANYON lock

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
188 Driving and Operating
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal,turn the ignition key to START. When
the engine starts, let go of the key. The
idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down. 2. If the engine does not start after five to
10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there while
holding the key in START for up to
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator
pedal. If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.Engine Heater
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting. An
internal thermostat in the plug-end of the
cord may exist, which will prevent engine
heater operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Driving and Operating 191
without pressing the button on the shift
lever. If you can, it means that the shift
lever was not fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat. To
find out how, seeShifting Into Park0190.
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before you release
the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission. You will
then be able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal unless the
shift lever is in P (Park).
.Prevent movement of the shift lever out
of P (Park), unless the ignition is on and
the regular brake pedal is applied.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the button on the shift lever.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal and pressing the shift lever button, move the
shift lever all the way into P (Park).
3. While holding the shift lever button, move the shift lever to the desired
position.
If you are still having a problem shifting,
then have the vehicle serviced soon.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management
This vehicle's engine may be equipped with
Active Fuel Management, which allows the
engine to operate on either all of its
cylinders, or in reduced cylinder operation
mode, depending on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as
cruising at a constant vehicle speed, the
system will operate in reduced cylinder
operation mode, allowing the vehicle to
achieve better fuel economy. When greater
power demands are required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing,
or merging onto a freeway, the system will
maintain full-cylinder operation. If the
vehicle has an Active Fuel Management
indicator, see Driver Information Center (DIC)
for more information on using this display.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
192 Driving and Operating
Engine Exhaust{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 190 and
Engine Exhaust 0192.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 217.
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift lever
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. This display comes on when the
ignition key is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN.
P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily. When
parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle
has a heavy load, you might notice an
increase in the effort to shift out of P (Park).
See “Torque Lock” underShifting Into Park
0 190.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Driving and Operating 199
Shifting Into 2m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed, except
when shifting from 4
n.
Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, vehicle speed should
be kept below 72 km/h (45 mph).
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 4n
indicator 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
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 see 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
1. To shift out of 4nthe 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
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 2m
indicator 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
0 203.
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
nposition. 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
0 297.
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).

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
202 Driving and Operating
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
0 203.
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
nposition. 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
0 297.
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.
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. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 089.
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.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Driving and Operating 203
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 089.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold the
regular brake pedal down, then push down
momentarily on the parking brake pedal
until you feel the pedal release. Slowly pull
your foot up off the parking brake pedal.
If the parking brake is not released when
you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light will flash and a chime will
sound warning you that the parking brake is
still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0217.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See Defensive Driving
0 171.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
208 Driving and Operating
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.To turn off cruise control, press5.
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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. SeeDefensive Driving 0171.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.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)
Warning (Continued)
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization 099.
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep these
areas of the vehicle clean to ensure the best
driver assistance feature performance. Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages may
display when the systems are unavailable or
blocked.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Driving and Operating 211
Blocked sensors will not detect objects and
can also cause false detections. Keep the
sensors clean of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and
slush; and clean sensors after a car wash in
freezing temperatures.
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects below the bumper or that are
too close or too far from the vehicle. It is
not available at speeds greater than
8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent injury, death,
or vehicle damage, even with Park Assist,
always check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before backing.
The instrument cluster may have a park
assist display with bars that show“distance
to object” and object location information for RPA. As the object gets closer, more bars
light up and the bars change color from
yellow to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in the rear,
one beep will be heard from the rear. When
an object is very close, <0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, continuous beeps will sound
from the rear.
Turning the Features On or Off
RPA can be turned on and off. See
Vehicle
Personalization 099.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield, and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive Driving
0 171.
FCA can be disabled with either the FCA
steering wheel control or, if equipped,
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 099.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead