GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 2/18/21
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, CANYON, and DENALI are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC wherever it appears in
this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
If this vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement
for additional and specific information on
this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84426904 C Third Printing©2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Doors
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 17
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous and children or
others could be seriously injured or killed.
They could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the vehicle
move. The windows will function with
the keys in the ignition, and children or
others could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave children in
a vehicle with the ignition key.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
{Warning
If the key is unintentionally rotated while
the vehicle is running, the ignition could
be moved out of the RUN position. This
could be caused by heavy items hanging
from the key ring, or by large or long
items attached to the key ring that could
be contacted by the driver or steering
wheel. If the ignition moves out of the
RUN position, the engine will shut off,
braking and steering power assist may be
impacted, and airbags may not deploy.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
rotation of the ignition key, do not
change the way the ignition key and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if equipped, are connected to the
provided key rings.
The ignition key and key rings, and RKE
transmitter, if equipped, are designed to
work together as a system to reduce the
risk of unintentionally moving the key out
of the RUN position. The ignition key has a
small hole to allow attachment of the
provided key ring. It is important that any replacement ignition keys have a small hole.
See your dealer if a replacement key is
required.
The combination and size of the rings that
came with your keys were specifically
selected for your vehicle. The rings are
connected to the key like two links of a
chain to reduce the risk of unintentionally
moving the key out of the RUN position. Do
not add any additional items to the ring
attached to the ignition key. Attach
additional items only to the second ring,
and limit added items to a few essential
keys or small, light items no larger than an
RKE transmitter.
Interference from radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tags may prevent the
key from starting the vehicle. Keep RFID
tags away from the key when starting the
vehicle.
The key is used for the ignition and all door
locks.
Programming Keys
Follow these procedures to program up to
eight keys to the vehicle.
Programming with Two Recognized Keys
To program a new key:
1. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition and turn the
ignition on.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
2. Turn the ignition off and removethe key.
3. Quickly, within five seconds, insert the second original already programmed key
in the ignition and turn the ignition on.
4. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
5. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within
five seconds.
The security light will turn off once the
key has been programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1–5 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If a key is lost or damaged, see your dealer
to have a new key made.
Programming without Two Recognized Keys
Program a new key to the vehicle when a
recognized key is not available. Canadian
regulations require that owners see their
dealer.
If two currently recognized keys are not
available, follow this procedure to program
the first key. This procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete for the first key.
The vehicle must be off and all of the keys
you wish to program must be with you.
1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition on. The security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn the ignition on; the
key is learned and all previously known
keys will no longer work with the
vehicle.
6. To learn the second key, turn the ignition off. Insert the second key to be
learned and turn the ignition on.
After two keys are learned, the remaining
keys can be learned by following the
procedure in “Programming with Two
Recognized Keys.”
If it becomes difficult to turn a key, inspect
the key blade for debris. Periodically clean
with a brush or pick. See your dealer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside
Assistance Program 0330.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 339.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0335.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The RKE transmitter functions may work up
to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08.
With Remote Start, without Similar
/:If equipped,/is used to start the
engine from outside the vehicle using the
RKE transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start
0 11.
Q:Press to lock all doors and the tailgate. If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash once
to indicate locking has occurred. If enabled,
the horn chirps when
Qis pressed again
within three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization 099.
Pressing
Qarms the vehicle alarm system.
See Vehicle Alarm System 014.
K:Press once to unlock only the driver
door. If
Kis pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors and the
tailgate unlock. The interior lamps may
come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until
the ignition is turned on.
If enabled, the turn signal lamps flash twice
to indicate unlocking has occurred.
If enabled, the exterior lamps may turn on.
See Vehicle Personalization 099.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms
the vehicle alarm system. See Vehicle Alarm
System 014.
7:Press and release one time to initiate
vehicle locator. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
7for at least three seconds
to sound the panic alarm. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm turns off when
the ignition is turned on or
7is pressed
again. The ignition must be off for the panic
alarm to work.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to this
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer for
transmitter programming.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C
(138 °F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate and remove the back cover of
the transmitter with a flat, thin object,
such as a coin.
2. Press and slide the battery down towardthe pocket of the transmitter in the
direction of the key ring. Do not use a
metal object.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Push together the transmitter back cover top side first, and then the bottom
toward the key ring.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be started from
outside of the vehicle. The climate controls
and rear window defogger may also
come on.
If the vehicle has heated and ventilated
seats and the feature is turned on in vehicle
personalization, the heated or ventilated
seats will turn on during cold or hot outside
temperatures and will shut off when the
ignition is turned on. SeeHeated and
Ventilated Front Seats 025.
Laws in some communities may restrict the
use of remote starters. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote
starting of vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the
remote start feature. The vehicle may run
out of fuel.
The vehicle cannot be remote started if:
.The key is in the ignition.
.The hood is not closed.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction and the malfunction indicator
lamp is on.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.Two remote vehicle starts, or a single
remote start with an extension, have
already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
The engine will turn off during a remote
vehicle start if:
.The coolant temperature gets too high.
.The oil pressure gets low.
The RKE transmitter range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08or
Vehicle Personalization 099.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately press and hold
/until the
turn signal lamps flash or for at least
four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on. The doors will be
locked and the climate control system
may come on. The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. Repeat the steps for one
15-minute time extension. Turn the ignition
on to operate the vehicle.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be extended by
15 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes,
if during the first 15 minutes Steps 1 and 2
are repeated while the engine is still
running. An extension can be requested
30 seconds after starting.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
single start with an extension, is allowed
between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and then
back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.To lock or unlock a door from the outside
press
QorKon the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter or use the key in the
driver door.
To lock a door from the inside, push down
on the door lock knob. To unlock, pull the
door handle once to unlock the door and
again to unlatch it. The power door lock
switch on the interior of the door can also
be used to lock or unlock the doors from
the inside.
Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when
either the wrong key is used, or the correct
key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from
being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it
to the vertical position with the correct key
fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it
again. If this does not reset the lock, turn
the key halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.Power Door Locks
Crew Cab Shown, Extended Cab Similar
If equipped with power door locks:
Q: Press to lock the doors.
K:Press to unlock the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the actual locking of the
doors until five seconds after all doors are
closed.
Delayed locking can only be turned on when
the Open Door Anti-Lockout feature has
been turned off.