automatic transmission GMC CANYON 2007 Owner's Guide

Remember: ABS 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 ABS.
Using ABS
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 ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
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.
249

When road conditions allow you to safely use it
again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 163.
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 120and/or
Manual Transmission Operation on page 124for
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 198for 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 284andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 284for more
information.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 316for more information.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your limited-slip
rear axle can give you additional traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard
axle most of the time, but when one of the
rear wheels has no traction and the other does,
this feature will allow the wheel with traction
to move the vehicle.
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.
250

Q:Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down
the hill and decide I just cannot do it.
What should I do?
A:Set the parking brake, put the automatic
transmission in PARK (P), or the manual
transmission in FIRST (1), and turn off the
engine. Leave the vehicle and go get some
help. Exit on the uphill side and stay clear of the
path the vehicle would take if it rolled downhill.
Driving Downhill
When off-roading takes you downhill, you will want
to consider a number of things:
How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to
maintain vehicle control?
What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough?
Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?
Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts?
Logs? Boulders?
What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a
hidden creek bank or even a river bottom
with large rocks?If you decide you can go down a hill safely, then
try to keep your vehicle headed straight down, and
use a low gear. This way, engine drag can help
the brakes and they will not have to do all
the work. Descend slowly, keeping your vehicle
under control at all times.
{CAUTION:
Heavy braking when going down a hill can
cause your brakes to overheat and fade.
This could cause loss of control and a
serious accident. Apply the brakes lightly
when descending a hill and use a low
gear to keep vehicle speed under control.
264

3. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P)
or a manual transmission in FIRST (1).
4. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
tow vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s
transfer case into NEUTRAL can cause
your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or if your
vehicle is in gear, for a manual
transmission. You or others could be
injured. Make sure the parking brake is
rmly set before you shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL.5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 126for
more information.
6. Release the parking brake only after the
vehicle being towed is rmly attached to
the tow vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven
for six weeks or more, remove the battery
cable from the negative terminal (post) of the
battery to prevent your battery from draining
while towing.
After towing see “Shifting Out of NEUTRAL” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 126.
295

3. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P)
or a manual transmission in FIRST (1).
4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions
to attach and secure the vehicle being towed
to the dolly and then the loaded dolly to
the tow vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s
transfer case into NEUTRAL can cause
your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or if your
vehicle is in gear, for a manual
transmission. You or others could be
injured. Make sure the parking brake is
rmly set before you shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL.5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 126for more
information.
6. Release the parking brake only after the
vehicle being towed is rmly attached to
the tow vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven
for six weeks or more, remove the battery
cable from the negative terminal (post) of the
battery to prevent your battery from draining
while towing.
After towing see “Shifting Out of NEUTRAL” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 126.
297

Rear Towing
(Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle
from the rear:
1. Drive the vehicle onto the dolly.
2. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking
Brake on page 130for more information.3. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P)
or a manual transmission in FIRST (1).
4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions to
attach and secure the vehicle being towed to
the dolly and then the loaded dolly to the
tow vehicle. Make sure the wheels are straight
before towing.
For manual transmission vehicles, make sure
the wheels are straight before proceeding
to the next steps. On automatic transmission
vehicles, use an adequate clamping device
to ensure that the front wheels are locked into
the straight position.
5. Release the parking brake only after the
vehicle being towed is rmly attached to
the tow vehicle.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven
for six weeks or more, remove the battery
cable from the negative terminal (post) of the
battery to prevent your battery from draining
while towing.
298

Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle
from the rear:
1. Drive the vehicle onto the dolly.
2. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking
Brake on page 130for more information.
3. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P)
or a manual transmission in FIRST (1).
4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions
to attach and secure the vehicle being towed
to the dolly and then the loaded dolly to
the tow vehicle.For manual transmission vehicles, make sure
the wheels are straight before proceeding
to the next steps. On automatic transmission
vehicles, use an adequate clamping device
to ensure that the front wheels are locked into
the straight position.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s
transfer case into NEUTRAL can cause
your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or if your vehicle
is in gear, for a manual transmission.
You or others could be injured. Make sure
the parking brake is rmly set before you
shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 126for more
information.
6. Release the parking brake only after the
vehicle being towed is rmly attached to the
tow vehicle.
299

The following charts show how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
2WD Regular Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 3,300 lbs (1 497 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 3.7L Engine 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 2,300 lbs (1 043 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
2WD Reg. Cab/Mid-box Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 3,200 lbs (1 451 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 3.7L Engine 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 2,200 lbs (997 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
2WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 3.7L Engine 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 2,100 lbs (952 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
2WD Crew Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 3.7L Engine 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 1,900 lbs (862 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
302

4WD Regular Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 4.10 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 3.7L Engine 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 4.10 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
4WD Extended Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 2.9L Engine 4.10 2,900 lbs (1 315 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
Automatic Transmission, 3.7L Engine 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 3.73 1,900 lbs (861 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
Manual Transmission, 2.9L Engine 4.10 1,900 lbs (861 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
4WD Crew Cab Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Automatic Transmission, 3.7L Engine 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded
vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your
vehicle should not be exceeded.
303

Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just
move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making very sharp
turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer
won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,
trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have
extra wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal asher.
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
ash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop.When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
don’t shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, consider the following: Engine coolant
will boil at a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
your vehicle may show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while
parked (preferably on level ground) with the
automatic transmission in PARK (P) (or the manual
transmission out of gear and the parking brake
applied) for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If you do get the overheat warning,
seeEngine Overheating on page 340.
309