engine GMC CANYON 2006 Owner's Guide

AC (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message will be displayed when the engine coolant
temperature is too high and the air conditioning in
your vehicle needs to be turned off. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-28andClimate Control System
on page 3-19for more information. It will be displayed
along with the ENG HOT message.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This message will be displayed if there is a problem
with your anti-lock brake system. Check your anti-lock
brake system as soon as possible and have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer. SeeBrakes on page 5-37
andAnti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on
page 3-31for more information. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display.
BATTERY
This message will be displayed when there is a problem
with your vehicle’s battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41
andBattery Warning Light on page 3-29for more
information.
BRAKES
This message will be displayed if there is a problem
with your brakes. Check your brakes as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer. SeeBrakes on page 5-37andBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-30for more information.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
CHANGE OIL
This message will be displayed when the oil needs to
be changed. Check the oil in your vehicle as soon
as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information. Press
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
DOORS
This message will be displayed on your DIC when one
or more of your doors is ajar. You should check all
the doors on your vehicle to make sure they are closed.
The message will clear from the display after all of
the doors are closed.
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ENG (Engine) HOT
This message will be displayed when your engine
coolant temperature is hot. Check your engine coolant
temperature gage. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-32for more information. You should
have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon
as possible if you suspect your engine is overheating.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28for more
information.
FLUID
This message will be displayed if your brake uid is low.
Check the brake uid as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-37for more information. Press the reset stem
to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display.
FUEL CAP
This message will be displayed if your vehicle’s fuel cap
is either off or loose. You should pull over and check
to see if your vehicle’s fuel cap is secure as soon
as possible. You may also see the check engine light
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-32for more information.
Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and
clear it from the display.
LOW FUEL
This message will be displayed if the level of fuel in
your vehicle is low. You should also check your
fuel gage. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-38for more
information. You should ll your vehicle’s tank as soon
as possible.
LOW TRAC (Traction)
If you have the Traction Control System (TCS), you will
see this message when a low traction condition is
detected. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9for more information. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display.
OIL
This message will be displayed when your oil pressure
is low. SeeOil Pressure Light on page 3-36and
Engine Oil on page 5-13for more information.
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PARK BRK (Brake)
This message will be displayed when your vehicle’s
parking brake is active. SeeParking Brake on page 2-28
andBrake System Warning Light on page 3-30for
more information. The message will clear from
the display after the parking brake is released.
REDUCED POWER
This message will be displayed when your vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Press the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.
SERV (Service) 4WD
(Four-Wheel Drive)
This message will be displayed when there is a problem
with your transfer case control system. Check the
transfer case on your vehicle and have it serviced by
your GM dealer. SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-24for
more information about your transfer case. Press the
reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear
it from the display.
TRACTION FAULT
If you have the Traction Control System (TCS), you may
see this message if there is a problem with your
Traction Control System (TCS). Check your TCS as
soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9for more information. Press the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
display.
SERV (Service) VEH (Vehicle)
This message will be displayed if your vehicle needs
service. You should have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
TURN SIGNAL
This message will be displayed when your turn signal is
on for approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel.
Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and
clear it from the display.
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Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls (if equipped).
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.Notice:The chime signals related to seat belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the GM radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional
equipment is added to your vehicle, the chimes may
not work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications on
page 5-3.
Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, nd
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears on the
display. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute
appears on the display. There is an initial two-second
delay before the clock goes into time-set mode. Display
the time with the ignition off, by pressing RCL, HR,
or MIN.
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Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-30.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of asecond, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
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Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-31.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
4-7

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that one or both of the rear wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system reduces engine power and may
also upshift the transmission to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
The TCS button is located
on your instrument panel.
Press this button to
turn the TCS off and on.
When the traction control system is turned off, an
indicator light on the button will illuminate.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-11.TCS operates in all transmission shift lever positions.
But the system can upshift the transmission only as high
as the shift lever position you have chosen, so you
should use the lower gears only when necessary.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-20
and/orManual Transmission Operation on page 2-22for
more information.
If there is a problem with TCS, TRACTION FAULT will
be displayed on your Driver Information Center
(DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42
for more information.
When this warning is displayed, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave TCS on. But you
can turn the system off if you ever need to. You should
turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in
sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-42
andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-42for more information.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3for more information.
4-9

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Adding
the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
4-10

Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored surface — and
slow down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-14

Environmental Concerns
Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying
recreation. However, it also raises environmental
concerns. We recognize these concerns and urge every
off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting
the environment:
Always use established trails, roads, and areas that
have been specially set aside for public off-road
recreational driving; obey all posted regulations.
Avoid any driving practice that could damage
the environment — shrubs, owers, trees,
grasses — or disturb wildlife. This includes
wheel-spinning, breaking down trees, or
unnecessary driving through streams or over soft
ground.
Always carry a litter bag — make sure all refuse is
removed from any campsite before leaving.
Take extreme care with open res where permitted,
camp stoves, and lanterns.
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials that could catch re from
the heat of the vehicle’s exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going
to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your
route. You are much less likely to get bad surprises.
Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn of
any blocked or closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel with at least one other
vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the other
can help quickly.
Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure to read
the winch instructions. In a remote area, a winch
can be handy if you get stuck. But you will want to know
how to use it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an area that is safe
and close to home before you go into the wilderness.
Off-road driving does require some new and different
skills. Here is what we mean.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your
eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain
for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen
for unusual tire or engine sounds. With your arms,
hands, feet, and body, you will need to respond to
vibrations and vehicle bounce.
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