GMC CANYON 2023 Owners Manual

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
180 Driving and Operating
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0316 or
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0314.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive) : Use
when road surface conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front axle is
engaged, and the vehicle's power is sent to
the front and rear wheels automatically
based on driving conditions. This setting
provides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2
m.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This setting
engages the front axle and delivers extra
torque. Choose 4
nwhen driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, or deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills.
While driving in 4
n, keep vehicle speed
below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0185.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
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 that the 4x4 transfer case has been
requested to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
When a shift to 2
mis completed successfully
while in P (Park), the parking brake will
engage. To resume driving, shift the
transmission to the desired gear and
manually release the parking brake or press
the accelerator pedal to begin driving. See
Electric Parking Brake 0183. If equipped, use 4
n, AUTO, or 4mto provide
additional traction when parking on a steep
grade with poor traction such as ice, snow,
mud, or gravel.
Shifting Into 4
n
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
n. 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 that
the 4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
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, a DIC message
displays. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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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
182 Driving and Operating
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition Positions 0167.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0183.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m. Transfer
case shifts out of N (Neutral) can only be
made into 2
m. When the shift to 2mis
complete, the graphic in the instrument
cluster will stop flashing. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift, the graphic
will return to the previously selected
setting. Single Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls are
used to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the desired
button. The graphic in the instrument
cluster will flash while a shift is in progress.
The graphic displayed will change to indicate
the setting requested.
When the shift is complete the graphic will
stop flashing. The DIC message turns off
once the shift is complete. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting. The settings are:
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :
Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Use when road surface conditions are
variable. When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's power is
sent to the front and rear wheels
automatically based on driving conditions.
This setting provides slightly lower fuel
economy than 2
m.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
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.

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Driving and Operating 183
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
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. Once the 4x4 shift
has completed, the DIC message disappears,
the 4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 092. ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake
Light 091 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 092.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
184 Driving and Operating
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the vehicle on.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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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/
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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/
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Driving and Operating 187
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications 0253.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
If equipped, HDC can be used when driving
downhill. It sets and maintains vehicle speed
while descending a very steep incline in a
forward or reverse gear.
To activate HDC, in the controls app on the
infotainment home screen, select Controls >
Drive & Park > Hill Descent Control.
Press ON or OFF to enable or disable HDC.
Vehicle speed must be below 60 km/h
(37 mph).
The HDC light displays on the instrument
cluster when enabled.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds between
4 and 30 km/h (3 and 19 mph) on an incline
greater than or equal to a 10% grade. A blinking HDC light indicates that the
system is actively applying the brakes to
maintain vehicle speed.
Set speed is established as soon as you
enable HDC. Apply the accelerator to
increase, or the brake pedal to decrease, the
set speed.
Smaller HDC speed control adjustments are
accomplished using the cruise up or down
buttons. Each tap of the +RES will increase
the set speed by 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph), while
each tap of the SET–
will decrease the set
speed by 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph). This adjusted
speed becomes the new set speed.
HDC will remain enabled between 30 and
60 km/h (19 and 37 mph); however, vehicle
speed cannot be set or maintained in this
range. It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h (50 mph) or
above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least
30 seconds.
5must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a speed
above 30 km/h (19 mph) and less than
60 km/h (37 mph), a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message will display instructing
the driver to reduce speed for HDC
operation. Cruise control will not function while HDC is
enabled and vehicle speed is below 40 km/h
(25 mph).
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows you to
adjust the overall driving experience by
selecting different driving modes.
If equipped, driver mode control may have
the following modes: Normal, Off-Road,
Tow/Haul, Terrain, and Baja. Drive mode
availability and affected vehicle subsystems
are dependent upon vehicle trim level,
region, and optional features.
All modes, other than the default (Normal),
display a unique and persistent indicator on
the instrument cluster when selected.
When entering a mode, there is an
information icon on the infotainment screen.
Select the information icon to get more
information and helpful hints on the
selected mode.

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.

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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.