2023 GMC CANYON stop start

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 175
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift lever
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. This display comes on when the
vehicle is on or in accessory mode.
P :This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily. When
parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle
has a heavy load, you might notice an
increase in the effort to shift out of P (Park).
See “Torque Lock” underShifting Into Park
0 172.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0172 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 227.
{Warning
If you have four-wheel drive, the vehicle
will be free to roll —even if the shift
lever is in P (Park) —if the transfer case
is in N (Neutral). So, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear, Two-Wheel Drive (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
High or Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low—not in
N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park 0172.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 161.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.

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
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
Driving and Operating 185
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 151.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel spin and
assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the drive
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the
brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces
vehicle power to limit wheel spin.
The TCS and ESC calibrations are different
while in Off Road, Terrain, or Baja mode,
if equipped. They provide optimum
performance in various off-road
environments.
ESC activates when the vehicle senses a
difference between the intended path and
the direction the vehicle is actually traveling.
ESC selectively applies braking pressure to
one or more of the vehicle wheel brakes to
assist the driver in keeping the vehicle on
the intended path. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically when the
vehicle is started. See
Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) 0242.
If using cruise control and ESC begins
limiting wheel spin, cruise control will
automatically disengage. You can turn cruise
control back on when road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0161 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
186 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light:
.Flashes when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Flashes when ESC is activated
.Turns on and stays on when either
system is not working
See Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic
Stability Control Light 094.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the vehicle off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the vehicle.
4. Drive the vehicle.
If the above steps does not remove
d, see
your dealer as soon as possible.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn Traction (TCS) on and off, in the
controls app on the infotainment home
screen, select Controls > DRIVE & PARK >
Traction Control. To turn ESC on or off,
select
Tnext to the Traction Control menu.
The following options appear:
.Traction Control Off
.ESC Off and Traction Control Off
.ESC On and Traction Control On
.Traction Control and ESC On
The traction control off light
idisplays in
the instrument cluster when the traction
control is turned off. When the traction
control is turned back on, the traction
control off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off. See Traction
Off Light 094.
If TCS is actively limiting wheel spin when
disabled, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning. To turn ESC off, select
Tnext to the
Traction Control menu. Select the Traction
Control and ESC Off option. The ESC off light
gwill display in the instrument cluster. See
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light
0 95.
The light strategy may differ depending on
the vehicle model, trim, and mode the
vehicle is in. The ESC light may be on in
addition to the TCS light on certain vehicle
models, trims, and/or in certain modes. See
Driver Mode Control 0187.
TCS cannot be on when ESC is off.
In Normal mode, ESC will automatically turn
on if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph)
and cannot be turned off again until speed
is reduced. Traction control will remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
feature and a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature.
See Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0242 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0185.
Entering Teen Driver will automatically
enable both TCS and ESC, and prevent these
safety features from being turned off. See
Teen Driver 0137.

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 189
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
that ABS is off, which may result in the
wheels locking during deceleration. See
Locking Front Axle0192.
When the vehicle comes to a stop on an
upward grade, Automatic Vehicle Hold is
engaged until the accelerator pedal is
pressed. Start/Stop and cruise control are
disabled in Terrain Mode.
Active Braking will be engaged while in
Terrain Mode when vehicle speed is less
than 48 km/h (30 mph). Terrain mode will
not operate at speeds exceeding 80 km/h
(50 mph).
In D (Drive) and 4
n, moderate braking is
applied until the vehicle comes to a stop. In
D (Drive) and 4
m, moderate braking is
applied until the vehicle is at idle speeds. In
4
nor 4mand L1 or L2, the braking is applied
until the vehicle comes to a stop. In 4
nor
4
mand in L3-L8, the braking is applied until
the vehicle is at idle speeds. Terrain Mode will automatically exit to
Normal Mode if the brake or transmission
temperatures become too hot, the Electronic
Parking Brake (EPB) becomes inoperable, the
vehicle cannot perform braking or vehicle
hold, or if the transfer case is shifted out of
4
mor 4n.
For more information on off-road driving,
see Off-Road Driving 0153 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0159.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when towing heavy loads to provide
increased performance and vehicle control.
Tow/Haul mode adjusts steering, pedal map,
transmission shift points, ABS, ESC, TCS
performance, and uses Trailer Sway
Control (TSC).
If equipped with only Normal and Tow/Haul
modes, there may be a Tow/Haul mode
button on the drive mode control knob or
center stack. Press
_to enter the mode. If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/Haul
Mode active and then restarted within four
hours or less, Tow/Haul will remain active.
Otherwise, the vehicle will start in
Normal Mode.
For more information on Tow/Haul mode,
see
Towing Equipment 0236.
9BAJA Mode (AT4x) : Use this mode for
off-road recreational driving at higher
speeds. This mode is not designed for
on-road usage. Hard packed sand, dirt, and
gravel are examples of surfaces that support
high speed driving. Baja mode can be
activated in all transfer case states.
Baja mode adjusts the steering, pedal map,
Four-Wheel Drive Auto, transmission shift
points, ABS, ESC, and TCS performance in
order to maximize response at higher vehicle
speeds. If enabled, the rear lockers will
remain locked at all speeds.
Baja mode optimizes ABS performance to
decrease stopping distances for deformable
or loose surfaces.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
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.