light GMC CANYON 2008 User Guide

Removing the Tailgate
Follow these steps if you want to remove the tailgate:
1. With the tailgate fully open, lift up slightly on the
entire tailgate assembly.
Remove the retaining
cables from both sides of
the tailgate by pulling the
clips away from the bolt
heads while pushing the
cable bracket forward.
When the larger part of the
hole on the bracket is over
the bolt, slide the bracket
off of the bolt.
2. With the tailgate partially down, lift up on the
passenger’s side and pull the tailgate toward
you, then move the tailgate to the right to release
the driver’s side. You can then remove the
entire tailgate assembly.
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the tailgate. Make
sure it is secure.To partially lower the tailgate do the following:
1. With the tailgate fully open, lift up slightly on the
entire tailgate assembly.
2. Remove the retaining
cable from the
passenger side of the
tailgate by pulling the
clip away from the bolt
head while pushing the
cable bracket forward.
When the larger part of the hole on the bracket is
over the bolt, slide the bracket off of the bolt.
3. Slide the lower end tting onto the top bolt. The
tailgate will now stay in the partially opened
position.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the driver side.
If you would like to close the tailgate, the bracket
cannot be in the partially opened position and must be
anchored on the bottom bolt, using the top position
on the bracket.
Tailgate Partially Down
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Visor Vanity Mirror
The passenger’s side sun visor may have a mirror. Pull
down the visor to access the mirror.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
If your vehicle has
the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) system, the
vehicle has a content
theft-deterrent alarm
system.To activate the content theft-deterrent system:
1. Close all the doors.
2. Lock the doors with the RKE transmitter. The
security light, located on the instrument panel
cluster, will ash.
If the lock button on the RKE transmitter is pressed, but
a door is open, the horn will chirp six times. Press
the lock button again, within three seconds, and the
doors will lock. Close the open door and the system will
be activated.
If a locked door is not opened using the RKE transmitter,
or by OnStar
®, the pre-alarm will go off. If the engine
is not started or unlock not pressed within 10 seconds,
the front turn signal lamps will ash for two minutes, and
the horn will sound for two minutes, then will turn off to
save the battery power.
Remember, the theft-deterrent system will not activate if
you lock the doors with a key, the manual door lock,
or power door lock switch. The system can only
be activated using the RKE transmitter, or by OnStar
®.
SeeOnStar®System on page 2-47for additional
information. You should also remember that you can
start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm
has been set off.
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Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the
door key after the doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking a door any other way will set off the
alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, you can turn off the
alarm by pressing unlock on the RKE transmitter.
The alarm will not stop if you try to unlock a door any
other way.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, activate the system by
locking the doors with the RKE transmitter.
2. Unlock the door with the manual door lock and
open the door. This should set off the alarm.
3. To turn the alarm off, press the unlock button on
the RKE transmitter or start the engine.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the lights
ash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse
may be blown. To replace the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-110.
If the alarm does not sound or the front turn signal
lamps do not ash, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Passlock®(U. S. Only)
Your vehicle has the Passlock®theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock®enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned with a valid key. If an incorrect key is used or the
ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, the fuel system is
disabled and the vehicle will not start.
During normal operation, the security light will turn off
approximately ve seconds after the engine is started.
SeeSecurity Light on page 3-37.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes, wait
about 10 minutes until the light stops ashing before
trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the
key from START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle
needs service.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the
engine off. However, your Passlock
®system is not
working properly and must be serviced by your dealer/
retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock
®at this
time. See your dealer/retailer for service.
In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
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PASS-Key®III+
The PASS-Key®III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
(Canada Only)
Your vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem with
arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. Only the correct key will
start the vehicle. If the key is ever damaged, you may
not be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, there may be
a problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-110. If the engine still does
not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
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If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See
your dealer/retailer who can service the theft-deterrent
system and have a new key made.
It is possible for the theft-deterrent system decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or replacement
key. Up to 10 keys can be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only.
Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your keys,
only a dealer/retailer can service the theft-deterrent
system to have new keys made. To program additional
keys you will require two current driver’s keys.
To program a new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3+ stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver’s key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start see
your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.4. Insert the second current driver’s key in the ignition
and start the engine within ten seconds of removing
the previous key. If the engine will not start see
your dealer/retailer for service.
5. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key. Insert the key to
be programmed and turn it to ON/RUN within
ten seconds of removing the previous key.
The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
6. Repeat the Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are
to be programmed.
If the security light comes on and stays on while driving,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn it off.
The theft-deterrent system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle is not protected by the theft-deterrent
system at this time.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-18

If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to left
and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
(B) ACC/ACCESSORY:This is the position in which
you can operate your electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory power outlets. On automatic
transmission vehicles, this position unlocks the ignition.
On manual transmission vehicles, it unlocks the ignition
and steering wheel. Use this position if your vehicle must
be pushed or towed.
(C) ON/RUN:This is the position that the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can use
ON/RUN to operate the electrical accessories and
to display some instrument panel cluster warning and
indicator lights. The transmission is also unlocked in
this position on automatic transmission vehicles.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.START (D):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC/ACCESSORY
and ON/RUN allows you to operate the electrical
accessories, such as the radio or items plugged into
the accessory power outlets.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the key in
the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will sound,
when you open the driver’s door. Always remember to
remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transmission. Also, always
remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
2-20

Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
Use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for
parking your vehicle.
Up-Shift Light
This light will show you
when to shift to the next
higher gear for best fuel
economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift
when the light comes on.While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on
and off if you quickly change the position of the
accelerator. Ignore the shift light when you downshift.
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and has a manual
transmission, disregard the shift light when the transfer
case is in four-wheel low.
For more information, seeUp-Shift Light on page 3-30.
Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
2-27

Use these buttons to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive. You can choose from the following:
2
m(Two-Wheel High):This setting is for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle is not
engaged in two-wheel drive.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P), or if you have a
manual transmission, even if you are in gear.
You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-32.
N (NEUTRAL):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle.4
m(Four-Wheel High):This setting engages your
front axle to help drive your vehicle. Use four-wheel high
when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or
icy roads, or in most off-road situations.
4
n(Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages
your front axle to give you extra traction. It sends
the maximum power to all four wheels. You might
choose four-wheel low if you were driving off-road in
sand, mud, or deep snow and while climbing or
descending steep hills.
Indicator lights in the buttons show you which setting
you are in. The indicator lights will come on briey
when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on the
selected setting. If the lights do not come on, you should
take your vehicle in for service. An indicator light will ash
while shifting. It will stay on when the shift is completed.
If for some reason the transfer case does not shift, it will
return to the last chosen setting.
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Shifting from Two-Wheel High to
Four-Wheel High
Press and release the Four-Wheel High button. This can
be done at any speed, and the front axle will lock
automatically.
Shifting from Four-Wheel High to
Two-Wheel High
Press and release the Two-Wheel High button. This can
be done at any speed, and the front axle will unlock
automatically.
It is normal to hear and feel your vehicle’s transfer case
shift into Four-Wheel High. If you shift with the vehicle
stopped, the indicator light may still ash slowly. It may
be necessary to shift the transmission momentarily into
REVERSE (R) and DRIVE (D), for an automatic
transmission, or REVERSE (R) and FIRST (1) for a
manual transmission to have the light stop ashing.
Shifting from Two-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel High to Four-Wheel Low
To shift from Two-Wheel High or Four-Wheel High to
Four-Wheel Low, the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N) for an automatic transmission or the
clutch pedal pressed for a manual transmission. The
preferred method for shifting into Four-Wheel Low is to
have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the Four-Wheel Low button. You
must wait for the Four-Wheel Low indicator light to stop
ashing and stay on before shifting the transmission into
gear or releasing the clutch pedal.
If the Four-Wheel Low button is pressed when your
vehicle is in gear and/or moving faster than 3 mph
(5 km/h), the four-wheel low indicator light will ash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift.
2-30

Shifting from Four-Wheel Low to
Two-Wheel High or Four-Wheel High
To shift from Four-Wheel Low to Two-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel High, your vehicle must be stopped
or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) for an automatic
transmission or the clutch pedal pressed for a manual
transmission. The preferred method for shifting out of
four-wheel low is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph
(1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the Four-Wheel High or Two-Wheel
High button. You must wait for the Four-Wheel High
or Two-Wheel High indicator light to stop ashing and
stay on before shifting the transmission into gear or
releasing the clutch pedal.
If the Four-Wheel High or Two-Wheel High button is
pressed when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving
faster than 3 mph (5km/h), the Four-Wheel High or Two
Wheel High indicator light will ash for 30 seconds but
not complete the shift.
Shifting to NEUTRAL
Use NEUTRAL when you plan to tow your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-38for towing
instructions. To shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL do
the following:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Press the regular brake pedal and shift the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), or press in the clutch
for vehicles with a manual transmission.
4. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel High.
5. Press and hold the Two-Wheel High and
Four-Wheel Low buttons at the same time for
10 seconds. The NEUTRAL (N) light will come on
when the transfer case shift to NEUTRAL (N)
is complete.
6. Press and hold the regular brake pedal and shift
the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one second,
then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for one
second, or FIRST (1) for vehicles with manual
transmissions, and let out the clutch to insure the
transfer case is in NEUTRAL. If the vehicle is not in
NEUTRAL, repeat this procedure starting at Step 3.
2-31