
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
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/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 191
Mode Selection Attributes
MODESNormal
Default Off-Road Tow/Haul Terrain Baja
Steering Normal Normal Tow/Haul Terrain Normal
Transmission (2WD/4WD High) Normal Tow/Haul Tow/Haul Crawl Baja with DPM
Locking Rear Axle Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Unlimited Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph)Up to 80 km/h
(50 mph) Unlimited
Locking Front Axle Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph)
Throttle Progression (2WD/4WD High) Normal Normal Normal Crawl Baja
Traction Control (TCS) Normal Off-Road Normal Terrain Off-Road
Stability Control (ESC) Normal Off-Road Normal Off-Road Baja
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Normal Off-Road Normal Normal Baja
Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the limited-slip differential can
give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, thisfeature allows the drive wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle. For
vehicles with the limited-slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the rear axle
fluid should be changed. See
Maintenance
Schedule 0328.
Locking Rear Axle
If equipped, the locking rear axle can give
the vehicle additional traction from the rear
wheels when traveling in off-road situations
such as mud, snow, steep hills, and uneven
terrain.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 231
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 0328. 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 0264.
Trailer Towing
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 affects 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/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
260 Vehicle Care
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows:1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 098 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 100.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
If the display shows 100%, the system is
reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible. There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
your dealer. Contact your dealer for
additional information.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0332.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in the Maintenance Schedule 0328,
and be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0332.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 098 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 100.
3. Press
Ton the steering wheel, or press
the trip odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC controls, to
move to the Reset/Disable display area.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Vehicle Care 261
Select Reset then press the thumbwheel
or press the reset stem for several
seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel or the reset stem to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 256.
When to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air cleaner/filter, see Maintenance
Schedule 0328.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Loosen the three screws on top of the
engine air cleaner/filter housing.
2. Lift and slide the filter cover housing away from the engine air cleaner/filter
housing in the hinge.
3. Pull out the filter.
{Warning
If part replacement is necessary, the part
must be replaced with one of the same
part number or with an equivalent part.
Use of a replacement part without the (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
same fit, form, and function may result
in personal injury or damage to the
vehicle.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Reverse Steps 1-2 to reinstall the filter cover housing.
If equipped, reset the engine air filter life
system after replacing the engine air filter.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0260.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. Use caution when working
on the engine. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/
filter off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
262 Vehicle Care
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air
cleaner/filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to
maintain the correct working temperature.
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant mixture. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0332
and
Maintenance Schedule 0328. The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0264.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F) outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F) engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
268 Vehicle Care
How to Disable the Brake Pad Life
System
The brake pad life system can be turned off.
This may be necessary if aftermarket brake
pads without wear sensors are installed.
When the system is turned off, the front
and rear brake pad life percentages will not
display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn can
still determine when the pads should be
replaced. SeeBrakes0266.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 098 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 100.
2. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back on,
follow the above steps but select ENABLE in
Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0256 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 091.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0328.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
270 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0312 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule 0328 to
determine when to check the lubricant. How to Check Lubricant
Automatic Transfer Case
1. Drain Plug
2. Fill Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the fill
plug (2) hole, located on the transfer case,
some lubricant will need to be added. Add
enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (2) hole. Use care not
to overtighten the plug.When to Change Lubricant
Refer to
Maintenance Schedule 0328 to
determine how often to change the
lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 332 to determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
front axle fluid unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.