
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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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.

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304 Vehicle Care
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, steel fuel door hinge, and
power assist step hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. Refer to
“Finish Care”previously in
this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately
remove any soils. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. Using a mild soap solution,
immediately remove hand lotions,
sunscreen, and insect repellent from all
interior surfaces or permanent damage may
result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray
cleaners on any switches or controls.
Remove cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow all
safety instructions on the label. While
cleaning the interior, open the doors and
windows to get proper ventilation.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Service and Maintenance 311
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System 0242.
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used in a way that
requires extended idle time, one hour of use
shall be deemed the same as 33 miles. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
094 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96 for hourmeter.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air filter
removes dust, pollen, and other airborne
irritants from outside air that is pulled into
the vehicle. The filter should be replaced as
part of routine scheduled maintenance.
Inspect the passenger compartment air filter
every 36 000 km (22,500 mi) or two years,
whichever comes first. Replace if necessary.
More frequent replacement may be needed
if the vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality, or areas
with high dust levels. Replacement may also
be needed if there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
See Tire Rotation 0277.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0240 and
Engine Oil Life System 0242.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0245.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0249.
.Check tire inflation pressures, including
the spare. See Tire Pressure0272.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 276.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0243.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 300.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0300.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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312 Service and Maintenance
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and driveshafts
for excessive wear, lubricant leaks, and/or
damage including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center bearing
excessive looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check033.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0300.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0253.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0253.
.Check ignition transmission lock. See
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 0253.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 253.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0254.
.Verify spare tire key lock operation and
lubricate as needed. See Tire Changing
0 284.
.Visually inspect the spare tire to ensure
that it is tightly stowed under the vehicle.
Push, pull, and try to turn the tire. If the
spare tire moves, tighten as necessary.
See Tire Changing 0284.

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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-
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334 Customer Information
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call emergency
services for help. Do not leave the scene of
a crash until all matters have been taken
care of. Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary information to
police and other parties involved in the
crash.
For emergency towing seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0330.
Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and telephone
number
.Driver license number
.Owner name, address, and telephone
number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the
other vehicle Choose a reputable repair facility that uses
quality replacement parts. See
“Collision
Parts” earlier in this section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You
See after an Airbag Inflates? 038.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that you
take an active role in its repair. If you have
a pre-determined repair facility of choice,
take the vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be
covered by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but
you must live with the repair. Depending on
your policy limits, your insurance company
may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with the
repair professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance company is
paying for the repairs, you are not obligated
to accept a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy repair
limits, as you have no contractual limits
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.

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Index 349
CompartmentsStorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Control Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 204
Control Light Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Controls Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 332
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Customer Assistance (cont'd)
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 334
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 327
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . 136
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Differential, Limited-Slip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Door (cont'd)
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Driver Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . 94, 96
Driving
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . 217
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
E
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Electrical SystemEngine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 260
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 264

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Index 351
Gauges (cont'd)Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 80
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . .134
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 103
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 256 Headlamps (cont'd)
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . .25
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Heater
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 28
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . 253
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Indicator Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 45
Information
Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 109
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 294
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Exterior Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 103
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 108