brakes GMC CANYON 2006 Owner's Manual

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever by pushing the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the
shift lever into the gear you want. SeeShifting Out of
Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-30.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
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.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-42.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
2-21

THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D).
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on. You can
also use SECOND (2) for starting your vehicle from a
stop on slippery road surfaces.
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving
forward, the transmission will not shift into FIRST (1)
until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Manual Transmission Operation
This is your shift pattern.
Here is how to operate your manual transmission:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you slowly press down on the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you have come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Then press
the clutch pedal back down and shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
2-22

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move
the shift lever away from PARK (P) without rst pulling it
toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever
was not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-29.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system which locks the shift lever in PARK (P)
when the ignition is in the LOCK position. In addition,
you have to fully apply the regular brakes before you can
shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-20.
2-30

Cruise Control
Your vehicle may be equipped with cruise control.
9(Off):This position
turns the system off.
R(On):This position activates the system.
+ (Resume/Accelerate):Move the lever to this symbol
to make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a
previously set speed.
rT(Set):Press this button to set the speed.
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).Cruise control will not work if your parking brake is set,
or if the master cylinder brake uid level is low.
If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system (if equipped) begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
turn cruise control back on.
3-11

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-28for more information.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does not
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push, or the pedal may go closer to the
oor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on briey when you
start your engine to show it
is working. Then it will
turn off. This is normal.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake
system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but
you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on, you don’t have anti-lock
brakes and there’s a problem with your regular
brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-30.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briey when you turn the ignition key to ON. If
the light doesn’t come on then, have it xed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-31

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.
3-43

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.
3-44

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.
4-6

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

The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and road
conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.Remember: Anti-lock does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to
the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock brakes, you can steer and brake at the
same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
4-8