
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
166 Climate Controls
\:Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some to the windshield, outboard
instrument panel outlets, side window
outlets, and second row floor outlets.
-: This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield,
floor outlets, outboard instrument panel
outlets, and side window outlets. The
system automatically forces outside air into
the vehicle and the air conditioning
compressor will run, unless the outside
temperature is close to or below freezing.
0: Press to clear the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window vents, with
some air directed to the outboard
instrument panel outlets. The system
automatically forces outside air into the
vehicle and the air conditioning compressor
will run, unless the outside temperature is
close to or below freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows
are clear.
See Air Vents 0167. A/C :
Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is
enabled. The A/C light will stay on even if
the outside temperatures are below freezing.
If the fan is turned off, the air conditioner
will not run. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
It can also be used to help reduce outside
air and odors that enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes on
when this mode is activated. Press AUTO to
return to automatic operation.
Auto Defog : The climate control system
may have a sensor to automatically detect
high humidity inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate control
system may adjust air delivery modes,
outside air supply, and turn on the air
conditioner. If the climate control system
does not detect possible window fogging, it
returns to normal operation. To turn Auto
Defog off or on, see “Climate and Air
Quality” underVehicle Personalization 099.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming
grid to remove fog from the rear window.
K:Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works when
the ignition is on. The defogger also turns
off if the ignition is turned to off or
ACC/ACCESSORY.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not clear the inside rear window with
sharp objects.
Heated Mirrors : If equipped with heated
outside mirrors, the mirrors heat to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed. See Heated Mirrors 017.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Climate Controls 167
Afterblow Feature
Under certain conditions, the fan may stay
on or may turn on and off several times
after you turn off and lock the vehicle. This
is normal.
Air Vents
Adjustable air vents are in the center and on
the side of the instrument panel. Use the
sliding knobs on the air vents to change the
direction of the airflow. Slide the knob up or
down to open or close off the airflow.
Air vents blow warm air on the side
windows in cold weather. If Floor, Defog,
or Defrost modes are selected, a small
amount of air will come from the vents
close to the window. If the airflow is shut
off using the sliding knobs, warm air will be
directed to the other instrument panel
vents. This is normal operation.
Use the sliding knobs to turn vent airflow
on or off based on the mode selected.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
air inlets at the base of the windshield
that could block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear
of objects to help circulate the air inside
of the vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system. Check with your dealer
before adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air filter
reduces dust, pollen, and other airborne
irritants from outside air that is pulled into
the vehicle. The filter will need to be
replaced periodically. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0311.
Using the climate control system without an
air filter installed is not recommended.
Water or other debris could enter the
system and result in leaks or noises. Always
install a new filter when removing the old
filter. For more information on filter replacement,
see your dealer.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0 311.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
168 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . 169
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Truck-Camper Loading Information . . . . . 183
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 187
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 189
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 190
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 199
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . 210
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . 211
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 215
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 230

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 189
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.
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. (Continued)

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 197
5. Shift the transfer case to 2m.
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
0 298.
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). 4. Turn the transfer case knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has shifted out of
N (Neutral), the N (Neutral) light will
go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob next to the
steering wheel to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.
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.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0298 or
Towing the Vehicle 0297.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
198 Driving and Operating
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive) : Use
when road surface traction conditions are
variable. When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's power is
sent to the front and rear wheels
automatically based on driving conditions.
This setting provides slightly lower fuel
economy than 2
m.
Do not use AUTO mode, if equipped, to park
on a steep grade with poor traction such as
ice, snow, mud, or gravel. In AUTO mode
only the rear wheels will hold the vehicle
from sliding when parked. If parking on a
steep grade, use 4
mto keep all four wheels
engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : This setting
engages the front axle. Use this position
when extra traction is needed, such as when
driving on snowy or icy roads, or when
off-roading. 4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :
This setting
engages the front axle and delivers extra
torque. Choose 4
nwhen driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, or deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep hills.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0201.
Shifting Into 4
mor AUTO
Turn the knob to the 4
mor AUTO position
at any speed, except from 4
n. The indicator
light will flash while shifting and will remain
on when the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 2
m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed, except
when shifting from 4
n. The indicator light
will flash while shifting and will remain on
when the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, keep vehicle speed
below 72 km/h (45 mph). To shift into 4
n:
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.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
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 display the indicator. With the
vehicle moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
and the transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 199
Shifting Out of 4n
To shift:1. The 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
m, AUTO, or 2m. Wait
for the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
to stop flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or moving
more than 5 km/h (3 mph), the 4
m, AUTO,
or 2
mindicator 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
0 200.
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
0 298.
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.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
216 Driving and Operating
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0194. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0192.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer. If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See
“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0189.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.