2023 GMC CANYON Owners Manual

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
176 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
D (Drive) can be used when towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the transmission to
a lower gear range selection if the
transmission shifts too often. See Manual
Mode 0177.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” underLoss of Control 0153.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature
that adjusts the transmission shifting to the
current driving conditions in order to reduce
rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift, if the
engine is able to maintain vehicle speed by
analyzing things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load. If the
shift stabilization feature determines that a
current vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear. In some
cases, this could appear to be a delayed
shift, however the transmission is operating
normally.
The transmission uses adaptive shift
controls. The adaptive shift control process
continually compares key shift parameters
to pre-programmed ideal shifts stored in the
transmission’s computer. The transmission
constantly makes adjustments to improve
vehicle performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy
load or when the temperature changes.
During this adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the
transmission's gear shifting could be delayed
providing more stable shifts until the engine
warms up. Shifts could be more noticeable
with a cold transmission. This difference in
shifting is normal.
L :
This position allows selection of a range
of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. See Manual Mode0177.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 177
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.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
Normal Mode Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started, but is not
enabled in Range Selection Mode. It assists
in maintaining desired vehicle speeds when
driving on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the vehicle.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
Range Selection Mode helps control the
vehicle's transmission and vehicle speed
while driving downhill or towing a trailer by
letting you select a desired range of gears.
To use this feature:1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever to select the desired range of gears
for current driving conditions. When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode), a number
displays next to the L, indicating the current
transmission range.
This number is the highest gear that the
transmission will command while operating
in L (Manual Mode). All gears below that
number are available. As driving conditions
change, the transmission can automatically
shift to lower gears. For example, when L5 is
selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are
automatically shifted by the transmission,
but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until the
plus/minus button on the shift lever is used
to change to the range.
When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode), a downshift
may occur. The gear that the transmission is
operating in when the shift lever is moved
from D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode)
determines if a downshift occurs. See the
following chart.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
178 Driving and Operating
8-Speed Automatic TransmissionGear before shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range after shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) –
Tow/Haul not engaged L6 L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L2 L1
Range after shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) –
Tow/Haul engaged L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L3 L2 L1
Grade Braking is not available when Range
Selection Mode is active. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0178.
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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
Driver Mode Control Light 095 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0159.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 179
Also see“Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing
Equipment 0236.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the
front axle for extra traction.
Read the appropriate section for transfer
case operation before using.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in
4
mand 4n(if equipped) for an extended
period of time. These conditions may
cause 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.
{Warning
If equipped with four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll if the transfer
case is in N (Neutral), even when the shift
lever is in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear —2
m, 4m,
or 4
n— or set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
See Shifting Into Park 0172.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in 4n
may damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain.
An engagement noise and bump is normal
when shifting between 4
nand 4mor
N (Neutral), with the engine running.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0185.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two-Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls are
used to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the desired
button. The graphic in the instrument
cluster will flash while a shift is in progress.
The graphic displayed will change to indicate
the setting requested.
When the shift is complete the graphic will
stop flashing. The DIC message turns off
once the shift is complete. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
180 Driving and Operating
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0316 or
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0314.
2
m(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 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.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
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.
While driving in 4
n, keep vehicle speed
below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0185.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays to
indicate that the 4x4 transfer case has been
requested to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
When a shift to 2
mis completed successfully
while in P (Park), the parking brake will
engage. To resume driving, shift the
transmission to the desired gear and
manually release the parking brake or press
the accelerator pedal to begin driving. See
Electric Parking Brake 0183. If equipped, use 4
n, AUTO, or 4mto provide
additional traction when parking on a steep
grade with poor traction such as ice, snow,
mud, or gravel.
Shifting 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. Press 4
n. The actual 4x4 shift request is
only made after the button is released.
The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing
until the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays to indicate that
the 4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift request
occurs, a DIC message displays. Reduce
vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, a DIC message
displays. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 181
for the shift to occur. After this time, a
graphic in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
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. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. The actual 4x4
shift request is only made after the
button is released. The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays
to indicate the state of the request.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing, and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message displays.
Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, DIC messages will
display. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for
this shift to occur. After this time, a graphic
in the instrument cluster will indicate that
the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster. 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 into N (Neutral):
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds until
the N (Neutral) graphic starts flashing in
the instrument cluster. When the shift is
complete, the graphic stops flashing.
If the parking brake and/or brake pedal
is not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the original
state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed
to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds,
the transfer case will remain in its
original state. This will be indicated in
the instrument cluster.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
182 Driving and Operating
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition Positions 0167.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0183.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m. Transfer
case shifts out of N (Neutral) can only be
made into 2
m. When the shift to 2mis
complete, the graphic in the instrument
cluster will stop flashing. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift, the graphic
will return to the previously selected
setting. Single Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls are
used to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the desired
button. The graphic in the instrument
cluster will flash while a shift is in progress.
The graphic displayed will change to indicate
the setting requested.
When the shift is complete the graphic will
stop flashing. The DIC message turns off
once the shift is complete. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting. The settings are:
2
m(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.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Use when road surface 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.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 183
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed.
A DIC message displays. Once the 4x4 shift
has completed, the DIC message disappears,
the 4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 092. ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake
Light 091 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 092.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.