GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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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/
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214 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Rear Pedestrian Alert does not
automatically brake the vehicle. It also
does not provide an alert unless it
detects a pedestrian, and it may not
detect all pedestrians if:
.The pedestrian is not directly behind
the vehicle, fully visible to the Rear
Vision Camera (RVC), or standing
upright.
.The pedestrian is part of a group.
.The pedestrian is a child.
.Visibility is poor, including nighttime
conditions, fog, rain, or snow.
.The RVC is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice.
.The RVC, taillamps, or back-up lamps
are not cleaned or in proper working
condition.
.The vehicle is not in R (Reverse).
To help avoid death or injury, always
check for pedestrians around the vehicle
before backing up. Be ready to take (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0151. Keep the RVC,
taillamps, and back-up lamps clean and in
good repair.
Rear Pedestrian Alert can be set to Off or
Alert. To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems > Rear
Pedestrian Detection. If equipped, alerts can
be set to beeps or seat pulses. To view
available settings from the infotainment
screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Collision/
Detection Systems > Alert Type.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System
If equipped, when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), RCTA shows a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
either three beeps sound from the left or right or three Safety Alert Seat pulses occur
on the left or right side, depending on the
direction of the detected vehicle.
Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB)
If equipped, RCTB displays a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment screen to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. The
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
three beeps sounds from the left or right,
depending on the direction of the detected
vehicle. RCTB will bring the vehicle to a full
stop if a collision is imminent.
Driving With a Trailer
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer. RCTA and RCTB are automatically
disabled when a trailer is attached to the
vehicle.
Turning the Feature On or Off
To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 215
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Zone Steering
Assist (BZSA), Lane Change Alert (LCA), Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB), and/or the
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can help
to avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps or pulses the drivers seat. FCA
also lights an amber visual alert if following
another vehicle much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 8 km/h (5 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. SeeDefensive Driving
0 151.
FCA can be disabled. To view available
settings from the infotainment screen, touch
Settings > Vehicle > Collision/Detection
Systems.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless the FCA
system detects a vehicle ahead. When a
vehicle is detected, the vehicle ahead
indicator will display green. Vehicles may not be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a
vehicle ahead is partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects. FCA will not
detect another vehicle ahead until it is
completely in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning to help
avoid a crash, unless it detects a vehicle.
FCA may not detect a vehicle ahead if
the FCA sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is damaged.
It may also not detect a vehicle on
winding or hilly roads, or in conditions
that can limit visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in proper
condition. Keep the windshield,
headlamps, and FCA sensors clean and in
good repair.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 219
Warning (Continued)
Be ready to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving0151. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FPB sensor
clean and in good repair.
FPB can be set to Off, Alert, or Alert and
Brake through vehicle settings. 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”.
Detecting the Pedestrian or Bicyclist
Ahead
FPB alerts and automatic braking will not
occur unless the FPB system detects a
pedestrian or bicyclist. When a nearby pedestrian or bicyclist is detected in front of
the vehicle, the pedestrian ahead indicator
will display amber.
Front Pedestrian Alert
With Head-Up Display
Without Head-Up Display
When the vehicle approaches a pedestrian
or bicyclist ahead too rapidly, the red FPB
alert display will flash on the windshield.
Eight rapid high-pitched beeps will sound
from the front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times. When this
Pedestrian Alert occurs, the brake system
may prepare for driver braking to occur
more rapidly which can cause a brief, mild deceleration. Continue to apply the brake
pedal as needed. Cruise control may be
disengaged when the Front Pedestrian Alert
occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash into a
pedestrian or bicyclist directly ahead, and
the brakes have not been applied, FPB may
automatically brake moderately or brake
hard. This can help to avoid some very low
speed pedestrian and bicyclist crashes or
reduce pedestrian injury. FPB can
automatically brake to detected pedestrians
or bicyclists between 8 km/h (5 mph) and
80 km/h (50 mph). Automatic braking levels
may be reduced under certain conditions,
such as higher speeds.
FPB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try and avoid a potential collision
with a pedestrian. If this happens, automatic
braking may hold the vehicle at a stop
momentarily. Firmly press the accelerator
pedal to release automatic braking.
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 223
marker, the LDW may not be given. Do not
expect the LDW to occur when you are
intentionally crossing a lane marker.
{Warning
The LKA system does not continuously
steer the vehicle. It may not keep the
vehicle in the lane or give a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.
The LKA and LDW systems may not:
.Provide an alert or enough steering
assist to avoid a lane departure or
crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
If LKA only detects lane markings on one
side of the road, it will only assist or
provide an LDW alert when approaching (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the lane on the side where it has
detected a lane marking. Even with LKA
and LDW, you must steer the vehicle.
Always keep your attention on the road
and maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always keep
the windshield, headlamps, and camera
sensors clean and in good repair. Do not
use LKA in bad weather conditions or on
roads with unclear lane markings, such as
construction zones.
{Warning
Using LKA on slippery roads could cause
loss of control of the vehicle and a crash.
Turn the system off.
{Warning
LKA will not alert the driver if a towed
trailer crosses into an adjacent lane of
travel. Serious injury or property damage
may occur if the trailer moves into(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
another lane. Always monitor the trailer
position while towing to make sure it is
within the same lane as the tow vehicle.
How the System Works
LKA uses a camera sensor installed on the
windshield ahead of the rearview mirror to
detect lane markings. It may provide brief
steering assist if it detects an unintended
lane departure. It may further provide an
audible alert or the driver seat may pulse
indicating that a lane marking has been
crossed. The system does not provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) when
intentionally steering across a lane marker.
To turn LKA on and off, press
Aon the
center stack. If equipped, the indicator light
on the button comes on when LKA is on and
turns off when LKA is disabled. In some
vehicles a long press of over three seconds
is required to turn LKA off.
When on,
Ais white, if equipped,
indicating that the system is not ready to
assist.
Ais green if LKA is ready to
assist. LKA may assist by gently turning the
steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a
GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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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/
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Driving and Operating 239
Integrated Trailer Brake Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system for use with
electric trailer brakes or most electric over
hydraulic trailer brake systems. These
instructions apply to both types of electric
trailer brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake Control
Panel on vehicles with an ITBC system. The
power output to the trailer brakes is
proportional to the amount of vehicle
braking. This available power output to the
trailer brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with the
vehicle’s brake, antilock brake, and
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
systems. In trailering conditions that cause
the vehicle’s antilock brake or StabiliTrak/
ESC systems to activate, power sent to the
trailer's brakes will be automaticallyadjusted to minimize trailer wheel lock-up.
This does not imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC.
If the vehicle brakes, anti-lock brakes,
or StabiliTrak/ESC systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC system may
not function fully or at all. Make sure all of
these systems are fully operational to allow
the ITBC system to function properly.
The ITBC system is powered through the
electrical system. Turning the ignition off
will also turn off the ITBC system. The ITBC
system is fully functional only when the
ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an air brake
system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking, including
increased stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in serious
injury, death, or property damage. Only
use the ITBC system with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer brake
systems.
Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual trailer brake apply lever
2. Trailer symbol
3. Trailer gain adjustment buttons
The trailer symbol on the control panel will
light amber when a trailer with electric
brakes is connected.
The ITBC control panel is on the instrument
panel. See
Instrument Panel Overview 04.
The control panel allows adjustment to the
amount of output, referred to as Trailer
Gain, available to the trailer brakes and
allows manual application of the trailer
brakes. Use the ITBC control panel and the
DIC trailer brake display page to adjust and
display power output to the trailer brakes.
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Driving and Operating 241
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the TrailerGain (+) or (-) adjustment buttons, to
just below the point of trailer wheel
lock-up, indicated by trailer wheel squeal
or tire smoke when a trailer wheel locks.
Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if
towing a heavily loaded trailer. Adjust
the Trailer Gain to the highest allowable
setting for the towing condition.
3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change or if trailer wheel
lock-up is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
TRAILER CONNECTED: This message will
briefly display when a trailer with electric
brakes is first connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off in about
10 seconds. This message can be
acknowledged before it automatically
turns off.
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This message will
display if:
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with electric brakes
and then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle. If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is stationary, this message will
automatically turn off in about
30 seconds. This message will also turn
off if it is acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is moving, this message will continue
until the ignition is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer harness is
reconnected.
.There is an electrical fault in the wiring to
the trailer brakes. This message will
continue as long as there is an electrical
fault in the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of the
trailer wiring harness connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical fault is on the
vehicle side. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message only
reappears when connecting the trailer wiring
harness to the vehicle, the electrical fault is
on the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM: This
message will display when there is a
problem with the ITBC system. If this
message continues over multiple ignition
cycles, have the vehicle serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER WIRING or
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM message
displays while driving, the ITBC system may
not be fully functional or may not function
at all. When traffic conditions allow,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the side of
the road and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and turn the
ignition back on. If either of these messages
continues, either the vehicle or trailer needs
service.
A GM dealer may be able to diagnose and
repair problems with the trailer. However,
any diagnosis and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty. Contact
your trailer dealer for assistance with trailer
repairs and trailer warranty information.