GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
188 Driving and Operating
Mode Activation
To activate each mode, turn the MODE knob
on the center console in either direction.
Mode Descriptions
Normal Mode :Use this mode for normal
city and highway driving. This setting
provides balance between comfort and
handling. This is the setting the vehicle will
default to every time it is started, unless
Tow/Haul mode has been activated within
the last four hours. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
later in this section.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode only
for off-road recreational driving. Off-Road
Mode should be used to improve driving at
moderate speeds on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or deep snow. If equipped,
this mode modifies steering, pedal map,
transmission shift points, Four-Wheel Drive
AUTO, Antilock Brake System (ABS),
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and
Traction Control System (TCS) performance.
Off-Road mode optimizes ABS performance
to decrease stopping distances for
deformable or loose surfaces.
For more information on off-road driving,
see Off-Road Driving 0153.
gTerrain Mode : Use this mode when
traveling on challenging road conditions at
lower speeds, such as a two-track, difficult
terrain, or rock crawling. This mode allows
for one pedal driving which automatically
applies the vehicle brakes when the
accelerator pedal position is decreased. This
can also be used for pulling a boat out of
the water on a trailer. Terrain mode functions when the vehicle is
in 4
mor 4n, and in D (Drive), R (Reverse),
or L (Low). When the vehicle is in L (Low),
the lower the gear, the more aggressive the
braking.
The following are the braking calibrations
for each gear:
.L1: Most aggressive
.L2 or D (Drive): Moderately aggressive
.L3–L8: Least aggressive
The vehicle uses more aggressive braking
calibrations for the above drive states when
it is in 4
ncompared to 4m.
When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle shifts
automatically, but holds a lower gear longer
to maximize engine torque. This is done so
vehicle momentum is not lost when driving
up a hill. This mode modifies steering, pedal
map, transmission shift points, ABS, ESC, and
TCS performance for better control at lower
speeds and over rough terrain.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 193
Caution
If you try to lock the axle while the
vehicle is stuck and the tires are spinning,
the vehicle’s drivetrain could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always lock the axle
before attempting situations and/or
navigating terrain that could cause the
vehicle to become stuck.
Caution
If the vehicle’s axle is locked while driving
on pavement, the drivetrain could be
damaged. Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not use the
locking axle on pavement.
{Warning
Driving on pavement with a locked front
axle may cause reduction to or complete
loss of steering assist, which could result
in serious injury, death, or property
damage. Do not use the locking front
axle on pavement.Before the front axle can be locked, the
transfer case must be in 4
n.
To lock the front axle, press the front/rear
axle locking switch. If it was not already
locked, the rear axle will lock first followed
by the front axle
To lock the front and rear axles: 1. Place the transfer case in 4
n. This is the
only mode that allows the front axle to
lock. See Four-Wheel Drive 0179 for
more information regarding the transfer
case and four-wheel drive low operation.
2. Press the front/rear axle locking switch with the vehicle stopped or moving less
than 30 km/h (20 mph).
3. Wait for the light in the switch to stop flashing and remain illuminated to show
that the front axle is locked. Engagement
of the front axle lock will disable the
Antilock Brake System (ABS) and
illuminate the ABS warning light. The
wheels may lock up in this condition
when decelerating from either applying
the brake pedal or automatic braking in
Terrain Mode. See Driver Mode Control
0 187. If this occurs, press the accelerator pedal to unlock the wheels. Hill Decent
Control (HDC) will also be disabled when
the front axle lock is engaged.
If the electronic locking differential has
difficulty engaging, release the
accelerator pedal.
To unlock the front axle, perform one of the
following actions:
‐ Press the rear axle locking switch. The
front axle unlocks and the rear axle
remains locked. See Locking Rear Axle
0 191.
‐ Press the front/rear axle locking switch.
The front and rear axles both unlock.
The locking front axle will be disengaged
when the vehicle speed exceeds 30 km/h
(20 mph) or the transfer case is shifted out
of 4
n.
ABS will be automatically enabled and the
ABS warning light will turn off when the
locking front axle is disengaged.
Do not lock the front axle while in Terrain
Mode when driving on slippery roads. If the
front axle is locked while in Terrain mode,
the ABS warning light appears indicating
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
194 Driving and Operating
that ABS is off, which may result in the
wheels locking during deceleration. See
Driver Mode Control0187.
If HDC was enabled prior to axle lock, it will
be automatically enabled when the locking
front axle is disengaged.
After pressing the switch to unlock the axle,
it may remain locked due to torque in the
driveline. The axle is more easily unlocked
by turning the steering wheel to the right
and to the left while traveling at a low
speed.
Cruise Control
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If the cruise control is being used and the
Traction Control (TCS) system or StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0185. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0215.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If equipped with Hill Descent Control (HDC),
cruise control will disengage if HDC is Active.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise control
disengages.
5: Press to turn the system on or off.
A white indicator comes on in the
instrument cluster when cruise control is
turned on.
+RES : If there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume to that speed or
press and hold to accelerate. If cruise control
is already active, use to increase vehicle
speed.
−SET : Press briefly to set the speed and
activate cruise control. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
196 Driving and Operating
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The
following gap is the following time between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected directly
ahead in your path, moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in your
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0185. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”
later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0151.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the sensors are blocked by snow, ice,
or dirt. The system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the entire front of
the vehicle clean.
.Visibility is poor due to rain, snow,
fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust; when
other foreign objects obscure the
camera and/or radar; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip.
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat, or when
the vehicle is loaded in excess of load
limits. See Vehicle Load Limits 0162.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 197
J:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
+RES : Press briefly to resume the previous
set speed or to increase vehicle speed if ACC
is already activated. To increase speed by
about 1 km/h (1 mph), press +RES briefly. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph)
mark on the speedometer, hold +RES.
–SET : Press briefly to set the speed and
activate ACC or to decrease vehicle speed if
ACC is already activated. To decrease speed
by about 1 km/h (1 mph), press –SET briefly.
To decrease speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer, hold
–SET.
*: Press to disengage ACC without erasing
the selected set speed.
[: Press to select a following gap setting
for ACC of Far, Medium, or Near.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See Settings
0 135. The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Switching Between ACC and Regular Cruise
Control
To switch between ACC and regular cruise
control, press and hold
*. A Driver
Information Display (DIC) message displays.
ACC IndicatorRegular Cruise Control
Indicator
When ACC is engaged, a green
\
indicator will be lit on the instrument cluster
and the following gap will be displayed.
When the regular cruise control is engaged, a green
Jindicator will be lit on the
instrument cluster; the following gap will
not display.
When the vehicle is turned on, the cruise
control mode will be set to the last mode
used before the vehicle was turned off.
{Warning
Always check the cruise control indicator
on the instrument cluster to determine
which mode cruise control is in before
using the feature. If ACC is not active, the
vehicle will not automatically brake for
other vehicles, which could cause a crash
if the brakes are not applied manually.
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If
Jis on when not in use, –SET/+RES
could be pressed by mistake and engage
ACC when not desired. Keep
Joff when
cruise is not being used.
Select the set speed desired for ACC. This is
the vehicle speed when no vehicle is
detected in your path.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 201
Courtesy Gap
Press and hold
[on the steering wheel
when vehicle is moving to temporarily
increase the gap with the vehicle ahead to
allow for merging traffic.
Press and hold
[when stopped to cancel
ACC from resuming automatically (if the
stop is brief) and remain stationary. This can
be used to allow traffic to merge between
you and the vehicle ahead. Press +RES or
the accelerator pedal to resume ACC.
Following distance gap will return to the
original selection after hold.
Alerting the Driver
With Head-Up Display
Without Head-Up Display
If ACC is engaged, driver action may be
required when ACC cannot apply sufficient
braking because of approaching a vehicle
too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the collision
alert symbol will flash on the windshield.
Either eight beeps will sound from the front,
or both sides of the Safety Alert Seat,
if equipped, will pulse five times. To view
available settings for this feature, touch the
Settings icon on the infotainment home
page. Select “Vehicle”to display the list of
available options and select “Collision/
Detection Systems”.
See Defensive Driving 0151. Approaching and Following a Vehicle
The vehicle ahead indicator is in the
instrument cluster and HUD (if equipped).
It only displays when a vehicle is detected
in your vehicle’s path moving in the same
direction. If this symbol is not displaying,
ACC will not respond to or brake for vehicles
ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
and adjusts vehicle speed to follow a
detected vehicle ahead at the selected
following gap. The vehicle speed increases or
decreases to follow a detected vehicle in
front of your vehicle when that vehicle is
traveling slower than your vehicle set speed.
It may apply limited braking, if necessary.
When braking is active, the brake lamps will
come on. The automatic braking may feel or
sound different than if the brakes were
applied manually. This is normal.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
202 Driving and Operating
Passing a Vehicle While Using ACC
If the set speed is high enough, and the left
turn signal is used to pass a vehicle ahead
in the selected following gap, ACC may
assist by gradually accelerating the vehicle
prior to the lane change.
{Warning
When using ACC to pass a vehicle or
perform a lane change, the following
distance to the vehicle being passed may
be reduced. ACC may not apply sufficient
acceleration or braking when passing a
vehicle or performing a lane change.
Always be ready to manually accelerate
or brake to complete the pass or lane
change.
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving Objects
{Warning
ACC may not detect and react to stopped
or slow-moving vehicles ahead of you. For
example, the system may not brake for a
vehicle it has never detected moving. This
can occur in stop-and-go traffic or when a
vehicle suddenly appears due to a vehicle (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
ahead changing lanes. Your vehicle may
not stop and could cause a crash. Use
caution when using ACC. Your complete
attention is always required while driving
and you should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes.
Irregular Objects Affecting ACC
ACC may have difficulty detecting the
following objects:
.Vehicles in front of your vehicle that have
a rear aspect that is low, small,
or irregular
.An empty truck or trailer that has no
cargo in the cargo bed
.Vehicles with cargo extending from the
back end
.Non-standard shaped vehicles, such as
vehicle transport, vehicles with a side car
fitted, or horse carriages
.Vehicles that are low to the road surface
.Objects that are close to the front of your
vehicle
.Vehicles on which extremely heavy cargo
is loaded in the cargo area or rear seat
ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage and the
driver will need to manually apply the
brakes to slow the vehicle if:
.The front camera is blocked or visibility is
reduced.
.The Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/ESC system has activated or
been disabled.
.There is a fault in the system.
.A DIC message displays to indicate that
ACC is temporarily unavailable.
The ACC indicator will turn white when ACC
is no longer active.
In some cases, when ACC is temporarily
unavailable, regular cruise control may be
used. See “Switching Between ACC and
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 203
Regular Cruise Control”previously in this
section. Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control system.
Notification to Resume ACC
ACC will maintain a follow gap behind a
detected vehicle and slow your vehicle to a
stop behind that vehicle.
If the stopped vehicle ahead has driven
away and ACC has not resumed, the vehicle
ahead indicator will flash as a reminder to
check traffic ahead before proceeding. In
addition, the left and right sides of the
Safety Alert Seat (if equipped) will pulse
three times, or three beeps will sound.
Touch the Settings icon on the infotainment
home page. Select “Vehicle”to display the
list of available options and select ”Alert
Type” and“Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier” in
“Collision/Detection Systems”.
When the vehicle ahead drives away, ACC
resumes automatically if the stop was brief.
If necessary, press +RES or the accelerator
pedal to resume ACC. If stopped for more
than two minutes or if the driver door is
opened and the driver seat belt is
unbuckled, the ACC automatically applies the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle. The EPB status light will turn on.
See
Electric Parking Brake 0183. To release
the EPB, press the accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may display
indicating to shift to P (Park) before exiting
the vehicle.
{Warning
If ACC has stopped the vehicle, and if ACC
is disengaged, turned off, or canceled, the
vehicle will no longer be held at a stop.
The vehicle can move. When ACC is
holding the vehicle at a stop, always be
prepared to manually apply the brakes.
{Warning
Leaving the vehicle without placing it in
P (Park) can be dangerous. Do not leave
the vehicle while it is being held at a
stop by ACC. Always place the vehicle in
P (Park) and turn off the ignition before
leaving the vehicle. ACC Override
If using the accelerator pedal while ACC is
active, the ACC indicator turns blue on the
instrument cluster and in the HUD,
if equipped, to indicate that automatic
braking will not occur. ACC will resume
operation when the accelerator pedal is not
being pressed.
{Warning
The ACC will not automatically apply the
brakes if your foot is resting on the
accelerator pedal. You could crash into a
vehicle ahead of you.
Curves in the Road
{Warning
On curves, ACC may not detect a vehicle
ahead in your lane. You could be startled
if the vehicle accelerates up to the set
speed, especially when following a vehicle
exiting or entering exit ramps. You could
lose control of the vehicle or crash. Do
not use ACC while driving on an entrance
or exit ramp. Always be ready to use the
brakes if necessary.