
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
230 Driving and Operating
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and trailer on
a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park). Turn the wheels into the
curb if facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into the desired gear.
.Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits. Reconnect
the wiring to the trailer after removing the
trailer from the water. If the trailer has
electric brakes that can function when the
trailer is submerged, it might help to leave
the electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality while on
the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park).
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.

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
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
Vehicle Care 269
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0332.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid. The vehicle has an Absorbed Glass Mat
(AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation of a
standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life.
Some 12-volt battery chargers have an AGM
battery setting. If available, use the AGM
setting on the charger to limit charge
voltage to 14.8 volts.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0256 for battery location.
{Warning
Do not use a match or flame near a
vehicle's battery. If you need more light,
use a flashlight.
Do not smoke near a vehicle's battery.
When working around a vehicle’s battery,
shield your eyes with protective glasses.
Keep children away from vehicle
batteries.
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be hurt
badly if you are not careful.
Follow instructions carefully when
working around a battery.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which can cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 01.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Vehicle Care 309
13. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscrosssequence, as shown, by turning the
wheel wrench clockwise.
When reinstalling the regular wheel and tire,
also reinstall the center cap. Place the cap
on the wheel and push it into place until it
seats. The cap may only go on one way. Be
sure to line up any tabs on the center cap
with corresponding indentations on the
wheel.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of the
vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in the
proper place.
{Warning
Failure to follow these tire storage
instructions carefully could result in
personal injury or property damage if the
hoist cable fails or if the tire comes loose.
Make sure the tire is stored securely
before driving.
Caution
Storing an aluminum wheel with a flat
tire under your vehicle for an extended
period of time or with the valve stem
pointing up can damage the wheel.
Always stow the wheel with the valve
stem pointing down and have the
wheel/tire repaired as soon as possible.
Caution
The tire hoist can be damaged if there is
no tension on the cable when using it. To
have the necessary tension, the spare or
road tire and wheel assembly must be
installed on the tire hoist to use it.
{Warning
An improperly stored spare tire could
come loose and cause a crash. To avoid
personal injury or property damage,
always store the spare tire when the
vehicle is parked on a level surface.
Store the tire under the rear of the vehicle
in the spare tire carrier.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Vehicle Care 319
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0332.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle finish, wash it often
and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. If equipped, the
windshield wiper and rear window wiper
must be off. Remove any accessories that
may be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting. Cleaning Underhood ComponentsCaution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. These chemicals
should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but use
with care. The following criteria must be
followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14,000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Cana-
da/Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
358 Index
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
ActiveFuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Additional OnStar Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 148
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 44
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 44
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 43
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 49
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Replacing System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 49
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Rear Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . 133

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Cana-
da/Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
364 Index
LightingEntry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Off . . . 95
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Gauges and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Hill Descent Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Lights (cont'd)
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Traction Control System
(TCS)/Electronic Stability Control
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Locking Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328 Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Media
Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Messages Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Mirrors Automatic Dimming Rearview . . . . . . . . . . 20
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mode Driver Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 291