instrument panel GMC CANYON 2008 Owner's Guide

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system
for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. The system check includes the
airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-60.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. The light
should go out and the
system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start
the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,
your airbag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few seconds
when you start the engine. If the light does not come on
then, have it xed immediately. If there is a problem
with the airbag system, an airbag Driver Information
Center (DIC) message may also come on. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-42for more
information.
3-27

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Your vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
Your instrument panel has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
When you start the vehicle, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and
off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator will light either
ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know
the status of the right front passenger’s frontal airbag.If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger’s frontal airbag is enabled (may inate).
{CAUTION:
If the on indicator comes on when you have a
rear-facing child restraint installed in the right
front passenger’s seat, it means that the
passenger sensing system has not turned off
the passenger’s frontal airbag. A child in a
rear-facing child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front passenger’s
airbag inates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very close
to the inating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat
if the airbag is turned on. United States
Canada
3-28

{CAUTION:
Even though the passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing
child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no
one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual circumstance, even
though it is turned off. We recommend that
rear-facing child restraints be secured in the
rear seat, even if the airbag is off.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal
airbag. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-69
for more on this, including important safety information.If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may
be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 3-27for more on this, including important
safety information.
3-29

Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on,
the fuel gage tells you
about how much fuel you
have remaining in the
fuel tank.
Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these indicate a problem with your fuel gage:
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to
ll the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
The gage does not go back to empty when you turn
off the ignition.When the fuel in the fuel tank is low, you will see
a LOW FUEL message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-42for more information.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays information
such as the trip odometer, personalization features,
and warning messages. The DIC display is located
on the instrument panel cluster.
DIC Operation and Displays
The Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on when the
ignition is on.
If a problem is detected, a warning message appears
on the display. Pressing and releasing the trip odometer
reset stem on the DIC acknowledges some current
warnings or service messages. Some messages only
clear after the required action has been taken.
The DIC has different modes which can be accessed by
pressing the trip odometer reset stem on the DIC. These
modes are explained in the following section. The DIC trip
odometer reset stem is located on the instrument panel
cluster next to the DIC display. To scroll through the
available functions, press and release the reset stem.
3-38

DOORS
This message displays when one or more of the doors
is ajar. Check all the doors on your vehicle to make
sure they are closed. The message clears from
the display after all of the doors are closed.
ENG (Engine) HOT
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is hot. Check the engine coolant
temperature gage. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-33. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible if you suspect the
engine is overheating. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29for more information.
FLUID
This message displays if the brake uid is low. Check
the brake uid as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-38for more information. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
FUEL CAP
This message displays if the vehicle’s fuel cap is either off
or loose. Pull over as soon as possible and check to see
if the fuel cap is secure. You may also see the check
engine light on the instrument panel cluster. If the check
engine light does come on when the fuel cap was loose,
it may take a few driving trips before the light turns off.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-34for more
information if the light still remains on. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
LOW FUEL
This message displays if the level of fuel in the vehicle
is low. Also check the fuel gage. SeeFuel Gage on
page 3-38for more information. Rell the fuel tank
as soon as possible.
LOW TIRE
This message displays if a low tire pressure is detected in
any of the vehicle’s tires. Press and release the reset
stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the
display. The message appears at each ignition cycle until
the tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-56andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-62for more information on tires and the correct
ination pressures.
3-43

SERV (Service) VEH (Vehicle)
This message displays if your vehicle needs service.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
SERVICE CHARG (Charge) SYS
(System)
This message displays if there is a problem with the
battery charging system. Under certain conditions, the
battery warning light may also turn on in the instrument
panel cluster. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-30.
The battery will not be charging at an optimal rate and
the vehicle will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy
mode. The vehicle is safe to drive, however have the
electrical system checked by your dealer/retailer. Press
and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message
and clear it from the display.
TRAC (Traction) OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned off by pressing the TCS button.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5for
more information.
TRACTION FAULT
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message may display if there is a problem with the
TCS. Check the TCS as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-5for more information.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the display.
TURN SIGNAL
This message displays when the turn signal is on for
about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
3-45

The TCS button is located
on your instrument panel.
Press this button to turn
the TCS off and on.
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 3-10.
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 2-23
and/orManual Transmission Operation on page 2-26for
more information.If there is a problem with TCS, the warning light will
come on, and TRACTION FAULT will be displayed on
your Driver Information Center (DIC). 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 4-30and
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-30for more information.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for 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.
4-6

Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
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.
4-54

White: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Red: Battery Feed
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If you are charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery, turn
on the headlamps to boost the vehicle system voltage
to properly charge the battery.
Trailer Brake Control Wiring Harness
The wires for the trailer brake control are taped to a
wiring harness under the instrument panel. The trailer
brake control harness will contain the following
labeled wires:
Dark Blue Wire (#47): Trailer Brake
Red Wire (#242): Batt ‘‘+’’
Light Blue Wire (#20): Brake Lights
Black Wire (#2050): Brake Ground
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch load from the CWR for
your vehicle. Weigh your vehicle with your trailer
attached, so that you won’t go over the GVWR or
the GAWR.
You’ll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-44
later in this section.
4-57

Tires..............................................................5-56
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-57
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-59
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-62
High-Speed Operation...................................5-64
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-65
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-66
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-70
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-71
Buying New Tires.........................................5-72
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-74
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-74
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-76
Wheel Replacement......................................5-76
Tire Chains..................................................5-78
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-79
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-80
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-81
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-84
Secondary Latch System...............................5-91
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-94
Spare Tire...................................................5-98
Appearance Care............................................5-99
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-99
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-101
Leather......................................................5-102Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-102
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-103
Weatherstrips.............................................5-103
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-103
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-104
Finish Care................................................5-104
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................5-105
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim................................................5-106
Tires.........................................................5-107
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-107
Finish Damage...........................................5-107
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-107
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-107
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-108
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-109
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-109
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-109
Electrical System..........................................5-110
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-110
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-110
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-110
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-111
Capacities and Specications........................5-116
Capacities and Specications........................5-116
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2