
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/30/22
96 Instruments and Controls
This light comes on when Terrain Mode is
selected.
This light comes on when the Tow/Haul
Mode is selected.
SeeDriver Mode Control 0187.
Tire Pressure Light
If equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the vehicle is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
Tire Pressure
0 290.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,
the light will come on every time the
vehicle is started. See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0292.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Driving the vehicle with low engine oil
pressure can damage the engine and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If the engine oil pressure light comes on
while driving:
1. Stop in a safe location and turn off the engine.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
2. Check the oil level. See Engine Oil
0 257.
3. Add oil if the oil level is below the normal operating range.
4. Restart the vehicle. If the engine oil pressure light stays on for more
than 10 seconds, turn the vehicle
back off. Do not restart the vehicle.
See your dealer for service.
This light should come on briefly when the
engine starts. When the engine is off and
the vehicle is on, the light should remain
illuminated. If it does not come on under
either condition, contact your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on when the
engine is running, it may not have adequate
oil pressure. The oil level may be low or
there may be some other oil system
problem. Turn the engine off when it is safe
to do so and contact your dealer.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Instruments and Controls 97
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Auto Stop Indicator
This light comes on when the engine is in
an Auto Stop.
SeeStop/Start System 0170.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See Immobilizer
Operation 019.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer 0110.
IntelliBeam Light
If equipped, this light comes on when the
IntelliBeam system is enabled. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0109.
Front Fog Lamp Light
For vehicles with fog lamps, this light comes
on when the fog lamps are turned on.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are
turned off. See Fog Lamps0112.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Instruments and Controls 107
lane status information. In addition to driver
assistance graphics, pedestrian advisory and
trailer sway indicators are displayed.
English Shown, Metric Similar
Navigation View : This displays the speed
view along with indicators for vehicle ahead,
Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keep Assist,
trailer sway, and pedestrian advisory.
Turn-by-Turn Navigation information is
shown during active route. The compass
heading is displayed when navigation
routing is not active.
Navigation turn-by-turn Alerts shown in the
instrument cluster may also be displayed in
any HUD view.
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield to remove
any dirt or film that could reduce the
sharpness or clarity of the HUD image. Clean the HUD lens with a soft cloth
sprayed with glass cleaner. Wipe the lens
gently, then dry it.
HUD Troubleshooting
Check that:
.Nothing is covering the HUD lens.
.The HUD brightness setting is not too
dim or too bright.
.The HUD is adjusted to the proper height.
.Polarized sunglasses are not worn.
.The windshield and HUD lens are clean.
If the HUD image is not correct, contact
your dealer.
The windshield is part of the HUD system.
See Windshield Replacement 0272.
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 the thumbwheel. 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
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
154 Driving and Operating
Before Driving Your Vehicle 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
seriously or fatally injured if the
vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads
inside the cargo area, not on the roof.
For more information about loading the
vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits 0162 and
Tires 0284.
Environmental Concerns
Always use established trails, roads, and
areas that are reserved for public off-road
recreational driving. Obey all posted
regulations. Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees,
or grasses or disturb wildlife.
Do not park over things that burn. See
Parking over Things That Burn
0173.
Driving on Hills
Driving safely on hills requires good
judgment and an understanding of the
vehicle’s capabilities.
{Warning
Many hills are simply too steep for any
vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the
vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can
cause loss of control. Driving across hills
can cause a rollover. You could be injured
or killed. Do not drive on steep hills.
Before driving on a hill, assess the
steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the
terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the
vehicle and walk the hill before driving
further.
When driving on hills:
.Maintain a slow speed and keep a firm
grip on the steering wheel.
.Use headlamps even during the day to
make the vehicle more visible.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 157
Warning (Continued)
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.
Always drive in the direction of waves.
Avoid oncoming vehicles as they will
increase the water depth hitting your
vehicle. Be aware of submerged obstacles as they
can damage your vehicle or cause loss of
control.
Never open the vehicle doors while in the
water.
When going through water, the brakes get
wet and it may take longer to stop. After
exiting the water, repeatedly and gently
apply the brakes to dry them off and
restore effectiveness. See
Driving on Wet
Roads 0159.
After Driving Your Vehicle Off-Road
Be sure to switch out of Off-Road Mode or
Terrain Mode on your Driver Mode Control
to return to normal driving. See Driver Mode
Control 0187.
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody or chassis,
or under the hood. Clean the lens of the
underbody camera. 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.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
The extreme conditions of off-road driving
require more frequent maintenance service.
See "Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance" and "Additional
Required Services —Severe Service" on
Maintenance Schedule 0328.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 159
Transfer case status :Displays the setting of
the four-wheel drive (4WD) transfer case.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0179.
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.
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0284.
.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.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 171
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).
{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.
Base Model Shown, Others Similar
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug the heater cord into the connector on the vehicle.
4. Plug the cord into a grounded 110-volt AC outlet that is protected by a ground
fault detection function.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
5. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 229
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 Equipment0236. 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.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
turn the steering wheel to the left. To move
the trailer to the right, turn the steering
wheel 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 the trailer does 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
resulting 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 0264.