GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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172 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used for
off-road driving. Vehicles without four-wheel
drive and vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful off-road
driving is to control the speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily
throw you out of position. This could
cause you to lose control and crash. You
and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance and
service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check
inflation pressure in all tires, including the
spare, if equipped.
.Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.
.Remove any underbody air deflector,
if equipped. Re-attach the air deflector
after off-road driving.
.Know the local laws that apply to off-road
driving.
To gain more ground clearance if needed, it
may be necessary to remove the front fascia
lower air dam, if equipped. However, driving
without the air dam reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia lower air
dam installed can cause improper airflow
to the engine. Reattach the front fascia
air dam after off-road driving.
Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
{Warning
.Unsecured cargo on the load floor can
be tossed about when driving over
rough terrain. You or your passengers
can be struck by flying objects. Secure
the cargo properly.
.Keep cargo in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible. The
heaviest things should be on the floor,
forward of the rear axle.
.Heavy loads on the roof raise the
vehicle's center of gravity, making it
more likely to roll over. You can be
(Continued)
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 179
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
B-pillar or on the forward edge of the
rear door. The Tire and Loading
Information label shows the number of
occupant seating positions (1), and the
maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information label
also shows the size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more information on
tires and inflation see Tires0267 and
Tire Pressure 0273.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle Certification/
Tire label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axles. See
“Certification/Tire Label” later in this
section.“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit–
1.
Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 181
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label
is attached to the B-pillar or on the
forward edge of the rear door. The label
may show the size of the vehicle's
original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle. This is called
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may also
show the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross AxleWeight Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on the front and rear axles,
weigh the vehicle at a weigh station.
Your dealer can help with this. Be sure
to spread the load equally on both
sides of the centerline.
{Warning
In the case of a sudden stop or
collision, things carried in the bed of
your truck could shift forward and
come into the passenger area,
injuring you and others. If you put
things in the bed of your truck, you
should make sure they are properly
secured.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help load the vehicle the
right way.
{Warning
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
(Continued)
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 195
{Warning
If equipped with four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll if the transfer
case is in N (Neutral), even when the shift
lever is in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear—2
m, 4m,
or 4
n— or set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
See Shifting Into Park 0188.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in 4n
may damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when shifting
between 4
nand 4mor from N (Neutral),
with the engine running, is normal.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0201.
Electronic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob, next to the
steering wheel, to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive for extra traction.
All of the lights will flash on then off
momentarily when the ignition is turned on.
The light that remains on will indicate the
state of the transfer case.
If the indicator mark on the knob does not
match up with the light then that likely
means the knob was moved when the
ignition was off.
The indicator mark on the knob must line
up with the indicator light before a shift can
be commanded. To command a shift rotate
the transfer case knob to the new desired position. The light will flash meaning that
the shift is in progress. When the shift is
completed the new position will be
illuminated. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift command, it will go back to
its last chosen setting.
In extreme cold weather, it may be
necessary to slow or stop the vehicle to
shift from 2
mto 4m.
Delayed shift from 4
mto 2mmay be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low
tire pressure, high vehicle loading, or cold
temperatures.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0298 or
Towing the Vehicle 0297.
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230 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Ask the device or trailer manufacturer
if the device has been thoroughly
tested for compatibility with the
make, model, and year of your vehicle
and any optional equipment installed
on your vehicle.
.Before driving, check the trailer brakes
are working properly, if equipped.
Drive the vehicle with the trailer
attached on a level road surface that
is free of traffic at about 32-40 km/h
(20-25 mph) and fully apply the
manual trailer brake apply lever. Also,
check the trailer brake lamps and
other lamps are functioning correctly.
.If the trailer brakes are not operating
properly at any time, or if a DIC
message indicates problems with the
trailer connections or trailer brakes,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road when traffic
conditions allow.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blowouts.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blowouts. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction
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.
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232 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 233
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 233
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 241
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 252 Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 254
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 259
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 264
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 271
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 274
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 278
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 280
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 281
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 282
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 294
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
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Vehicle Care 267
Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has high-quality
tires made by a leading tire
manufacturer. See the warranty manual
for information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get service. For
additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can cause
overheating as a result of too
much flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious crash. See
Vehicle Load Limits0178.
.Underinflated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires are cold.
.Overinflated tires are more likely
to be cut, punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such as when
hitting a pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can cause a
crash. If the tread is badly worn,
replace them.
.Replace any tires that have been
damaged by impacts with
potholes, curbs, etc.
.Improperly repaired tires can cause
a crash. Only your dealer or an
authorized tire service center
should repair, replace, dismount,
and mount the tires.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not spin the tires in excess of
56 km/h (35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow, mud, ice,
etc. Excessive spinning may cause
the tires to explode.
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with all-season tires.
These tires are designed to provide good
overall performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original equipment
tires designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be identified
by the last two characters of this TPC code,
which will be “MS.”
Consider installing winter tires on the
vehicle if frequent driving on snow or
ice-covered roads is expected. All-season tires
provide adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they may not
offer the same level of traction or
performance as winter tires on snow or
ice-covered roads. See Winter Tires0268.
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Vehicle Care 269
(3) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The Department of
Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of Manufacture
:The last
four digits of the TIN indicate the tire
manufactured date. The first two digits
represent the week and the last two
digits, the year. For example, the third
week of the year 2020 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is
the first full week (Sunday through
Saturday) of each year.
(4) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
:
The letters and numbers following the
DOT (Department of Transportation)
code are the Tire Identification Number
(TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the tire,
although only one side may have the
date of manufacture. (5) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG)
:Tire manufacturers are
required to grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature resistance.
For more information see Uniform Tire
Quality Grading 0281.
(7) Maximum Cold Inflation Load
Limit
:Maximum load that can be
carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(8) Temporary Use Only
:Only use a
temporary spare tire until the road tire
is repaired and replaced. This spare tire
should not be driven on over 112 km/h
(70 mph), or 88 km/h (55 mph) when
pulling a trailer, with the proper
inflation pressure. See Full-Size Spare
Tire 0294.
Compact Spare Tire Example
(1) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(2) Temporary Use Only
:The compact
spare tire or temporary use tire should
not be driven at speeds over 80 km/h
(50 mph). The compact spare tire is for
emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone flat. If the vehicle
has a compact spare tire, see Compact
Spare Tire 0293 and
If a Tire Goes Flat 0283.