
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
152 Infotainment System
restrictions will not be applied if this
transmitter key is used to operate
the vehicle.
In vehicles with a pushbutton start system,
if a Teen Driver and a non-Teen Driver key
are both present at start up, the vehicle will
recognize the non-Teen Driver key to start
the vehicle. The Teen Driver settings will not
be active.
For a keyed ignition system: 1. Start the engine.
2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle must be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Touch Setup Keys. The system displays instructions for registering or
unregistering a key. A confirmation
message displays.
Manage Settings
Audio Volume Limit : Allows the audio
volume limit to be turned on or off. Touch
Set Audio Volume Limit to choose the
maximum allowable audio volume level. Set Audio Volume Limit :
Allows a
maximum radio volume to be set. Use the
arrows to choose the maximum allowable
level for the audio volume.
Teen Driver Speed Limiter : Limits the
maximum speed of the vehicle. When the
speed limiter is turned on and the vehicle is
started with a Teen Driver key, the DIC
displays a message that the top speed is
limited.
On certain vehicles, when the Speed Limiter
is turned ON, the vehicle’s maximum
acceleration will be limited. The DIC will
display a message that the acceleration is
limited.
Teen Driver Speed Warning : Allows the
speed warning to be turned on or off. Touch
Set Teen Driver Speed Warning to set the
warning speed.
Set Teen Driver Speed Warning : Displays a
warning in the DIC when exceeding a
selectable speed. Choose the desired speed
warning level. The speed warning does not
limit the speed of the vehicle.
SiriusXM Explicit Content Filter (if
equipped) : Allows the SiriusXM Explicit
Content Filter to be turned ON or OFF.
When ON, the teen driver will not be able to listen to SiriusXM stations that contain
explicit content, and the Explicit Content
Filter selection in the Audio Settings will be
unavailable for change.
When Teen Driver is Active:
.If equipped with Buckle to Drive, shifting
out of P (Park) will be prevented if the
driver seat belt, and in some vehicles the
front passenger seat belt, is not buckled.
.The radio will mute when the driver seat
belt, and in some vehicles the front
passenger seat belt, is not buckled. The
audio from any device paired to the
vehicle will also be muted.
.An object placed on the front passenger
seat, such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device, could cause the passenger sensing
system to falsely sense an unbuckled
front passenger and mute the radio.
If this happens, remove the object from
the seat. See
Passenger Sensing System
0 39.
.Some safety systems, such as Forward
Collision Alert, if equipped, cannot be
turned off.
.The gap setting for the Forward Collision
Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control,
if equipped, cannot be changed.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Climate Controls 163
Air Delivery Mode Control :PressY,\,
[, or-to change the direction of the
airflow. An indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
\: Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some air directed to the windshield,
outboard instrument panel, and side window
outlets.
-: This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield,
with some air directed to the floor, outboard
instrument panel outlets, and side window
outlets.
0: Press to clear the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window vents, with
some air directed to the outboard
instrument panel. The system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle and the
air conditioning compressor will run, unless
the outside temperature is close to freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear. See
Air Vents 0167.
@: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.
8: If equipped, press to turn on outside
air. An indicator light comes on. Outside air
is circulated throughout the vehicle.
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. If the fan is turned off, the air
conditioner will not run. The A/C light will
stay on even if the outside temperatures are
below freezing.
Rear Window Defogger
K: If equipped, 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.
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.

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
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 175
This affects steering, accelerating, and
braking. Drive at a reduced speed and avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
Traction is reduced on hard packed snow
and ice and it is easy to lose control. Reduce
vehicle speed when driving on hard packed
snow and ice.
{Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers
can be dangerous. Ice conditions vary
greatly and the vehicle could fall through
the ice; you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
Driving in Water
{Warning
Driving through rushing water can be
dangerous. Deep water can sweep your
vehicle downstream and you and your
passengers could drown. If it is only
shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires. Traction
could be lost, and the vehicle could roll
over. Do not drive through rushing water.
Caution
Do not drive through standing water if it
is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs,
axles, or exhaust pipe. Deep water can
damage the axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep, drive
through it slowly. At faster speeds, water
can get into the engine and cause it to stall.
Stalling can occur if the exhaust pipe is
under water. Do not turn off the ignition
when driving through water. If the exhaust
pipe is under water, the engine will not
start. When going through water, the brakes
get wet and it may take longer to stop. See
“Driving on Wet Roads” later in this section.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody or chassis,
or under the hood. These accumulations can
be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the
brake linings cleaned and checked. These
substances can cause glazing and uneven
braking. Check the body structure, driveline,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system for damage and check the
fuel lines and cooling system for any
leakage.
More frequent maintenance service is
required. See the
Maintenance Schedule
0 311.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
(Continued)

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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176 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires 0267.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, and
cooling system.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Caution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
184 Driving and Operating
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a“break-in”
period during the first 6,400 km
(4,000 miles) of routine driving. As the
vehicle is driven, the mechanical systems
adjust to provide optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy.
Ignition Positions
0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
1. ACC/ACCESSORY
2. ON/RUN
3. START
The ignition switch has four positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
ON/RUN and the brake pedal must be
applied.
0 (Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF) : This
position turns off the vehicle. It also locks
the ignition, the transmission, and the
steering column, if equipped with a locking
steering column.To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park).
3. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 200.
4. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key.
6. Release the brake pedal.
See your dealer if the key can be removed
in any other position.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 187.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering column,
the steering can bind with the front wheels
turned off center, which may prevent key
rotation out of LOCK/OFF. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this does not work, then the vehicle needs
service.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 185
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, turn off the
vehicle only in an emergency.
In an emergency, if the vehicle cannot be
pulled over and must be turned off while
driving: 1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
Continue braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop.
5. Shift to P (Park).
6. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column (1), then turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF (2). 7. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake
0 200.
8. Remove the key.
9. Release the brake pedal.
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in —or pushed all the way in
toward the steering column when turning
off the vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This position allows
features such as the infotainment system to
operate while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column, if equipped
with a locking steering column. Use this
position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 187.
From ON/RUN, push the key all the way in
toward the steering column, then turn the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/ACCESSORY with the
engine off, the battery could drain and the
vehicle may not start. A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
2 (ON/RUN) :
This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories and to
display some instrument cluster warning
and indicator lights. This position can also
be used for service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the
engine is running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position.
If the key is left in ON/RUN with the engine
off, the battery could drain and the vehicle
may not start.
3 (START) : This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts, release
the key. The ignition returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.