GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Instruments and Controls 95
Vehicle Information Menu (VEHICLE)
Items
Press MENU on the turn signal lever until
the VEHICLE menu is displayed. Use
w x
to scroll through the menu items. Not all
items are available on every vehicle. The
following is a list of all possible menu items:
Remaining Oil Life :Displays an estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life. If REMAINING
OIL LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99%
of the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 238. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. See
Maintenance Schedule 0311.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. Do not reset the Oil Life display
accidentally at any time other than when
the oil has just been changed. It cannot be
reset accurately until the next oil change. To
reset the engine oil life system, see Engine
Oil Life System 0240. Oil Pressure :
Oil pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).
Tire Pressure : Displays a vehicle with the
approximate pressures of all four tires. Tire
pressure is displayed in either
kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per square
inch (psi). See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 274 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0274.
Battery Voltage : Displays the current
battery voltage, if equipped. Battery voltage
changes are normal while driving. See
Charging System Light 087. If there is a
problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Engine Hours : Shows the total number of
hours the engine has run.
Transmission Fluid Temperature : Shows the
temperature of the automatic transmission
fluid in either degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Trailer Brake (If Equipped) : TRAILER GAIN
shows the trailer gain setting. This setting
can be adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either
a trailer connected or disconnected. OUTPUT shows the power output to the
trailer anytime a trailer with electric brakes
is connected. Output is displayed as a bar
graph. Dashes may appear in the OUTPUT
display if a trailer is not connected.
Units :
Movew xto change between
Metric or US when the Unit display is active.
Press SET/CLR to confirm the setting. This
will change the displays on the DIC to the
type of measurements you select.
ECO Drive Assist Menu (ECO) Items
This menu is only available on some
vehicles. Press MENU on the turn signal
lever until the ECO menu is displayed. Use
w xto scroll through the menu items.
Not all items are available on every vehicle.
The following is a list of all possible menu
items:
Best Average Fuel Economy : The bottom
displays the best average fuel economy
(AFE) that is achieved for a selected
distance. The top displays a running average
of fuel economy for the most recently
traveled selected distance. The center bar
graph displays the instantaneous fuel
economy. Quickly press the SET/CLR button
to change the settings for the distance
options.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
98 Instruments and Controls
select“Reset Best Score.” PressVto reset
the best average fuel economy. After reset,
the best value displays “-,-”until the
selected distance has been traveled.
The display provides information on how
current driving behavior affects the running
average and how well recent driving
compares to the best that has been
achieved for the selected distance.
Engine Hours (Hourmeter) : Shows the total
number of hours the engine has run. This
display also shows the engine idle hours.
Timer : This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press
Vwhile this
display is active. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed since the
timer was last reset. To stop the timer,
press
Vbriefly while this display is active
and the timer is running. To reset the timer
to zero, press and hold
Vwhile this display
is active.
Battery Voltage : Displays the current
battery voltage, if equipped. Battery voltage
changes are normal while driving. See
Charging System Light 087. If there is a
problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message. Oil Pressure :
Oil pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).
Engine Hours : Shows the total number of
hours the engine has run.
Transmission Fluid Temperature : Shows the
temperature of the automatic transmission
fluid in either degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Trailer Brake (If Equipped) : TRAILER GAIN
shows the trailer gain setting. This setting
can be adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either
a trailer connected or disconnected.
OUTPUT shows the power output to the
trailer anytime a trailer with electric brakes
is connected. Output is displayed as a bar
graph. Dashes may appear in the OUTPUT
display if a trailer is not connected.
Blank Page : Shows no information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another. The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
186 Driving and Operating
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment 0230.
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any
other position. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When
the engine starts, let go of the key. The
idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there while
holding the key in START for up to
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator
pedal. If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting. An
internal thermostat in the plug-end of the
cord may exist, which will prevent engine
heater operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
194 Driving and Operating
Grade Braking is not available when Range
Selection Mode is active. SeeTow/Haul
Mode 0194.
While using Range Selection Mode, cruise
control and the Tow/Haul Mode can
be used.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
If equipped, Low Traction Mode assists in
vehicle acceleration when road conditions
are slippery, such as with ice or snow. While
the vehicle is at a stop, select L2 using
Range Selection Mode. This will limit torque
to the wheels and help to prevent the tires
from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
If equipped, Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling. While towing heavy loads, this
mode provides increased performance and
vehicle control.
Turn the Tow/Haul Mode on and off by
pressing the button on the center stack.
When the Tow/Haul Mode is enabled, a
light on the instrument cluster will come on.
See Tow/Haul Mode Light 090 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0176.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing
Equipment 0223.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, the
Tow/Haul button activates the exhaust
brake system simultaneously. See “Exhaust
Brake” in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the
front axle for extra traction.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in 4
m, or 4nfor an extended period of time.
These conditions may cause:
.Overheating.
.Oil leakage.
.Damage to internal and external
components of the front axle.
.Premature wear on the vehicle’s
powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
mor
4
nmay:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
.Cause additional driveline noise.
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.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 217
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0223. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle. Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0246.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 219
5. Gradually release the brake pedal toallow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer of the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedals.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0311. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0246.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
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.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
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