GMC CANYON 2009 Owner's Manual

(A) LOCK/OFF:This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission on automatic transmission
vehicles. It locks the steering wheel on manual
transmission vehicles. The key can on be removed in
LOCK/OFF.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift
lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch
to LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
(B) ACC/ACCESSORY:This is the position in which
you can operate the electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory power outlets. On automatic
transmission vehicles, this position unlocks the
ignition. On manual transmission vehicles, it unlocks the
ignition and steering wheel. Use this position if the
vehicle must be pushed or towed.
(C) ON/RUN:This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running.
The transmission is also unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start your vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
START (D):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
20 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Wipers
Power Windows
These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, power to these features
continue to work for up to 20 minutes or until a door
is opened.
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Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral).
The engine will not start in any other position.
To restart the vehicle when it is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when
the vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down to the oor
and start the engine. The vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch
to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
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Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the oor and holding
it there as you hold the key in START for a maximum
of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool. When
the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briey but then stops again,
repeat the procedure. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should be plugged
in at least four hours before starting. An internal
thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist which
will prevent engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0° F (−18°C).
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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located in the engine compartment
behind the underhood fuse block on the driver side
of the vehicle.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord to prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in
the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the
best advice on this.
Automatic Transmission Operation
The vehicle has a shift lever on the steering column.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display is powered anytime
the shift lever is capable of being moved out of P (Park).
This means that if the ignition is turned off, but not in
LOCK/OFF, there will be a small current drain on
the battery which could discharge the battery over a
period of time. If you need to leave the key in the ignition
but not in LOCK/OFF for an extended period, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging the battery.
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There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-32.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-47.Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply the brake pedal before you can shift from P (Park)
when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever by
pushing the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-34.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-31.
2-23

N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicle is are already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to the next gear and
the vehicle will have more power.Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-11.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive)
without using the brakes. You might choose 3 (Third)
instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly, winding roads,
or when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears and when going down a steep hill.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can
use 2 (Second) to help control vehicle speed on
steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to
use the brakes off and on.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission will not shift into rst
gear 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. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a
hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
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Manual Transmission Operation
This is your shift pattern.
Here is how to operate the manual transmission:
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you slowly
press down on the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into 1 (First) 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 1 (First), put the shift lever
in Neutral and let up on the clutch. Then press the
clutch pedal back down and shift into 1 (First).
2 (Second):Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth):Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth) the same way you do for
2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to
Neutral.
Neutral:Use this position when you start or idle
the engine.
R (Reverse):To back up, press the clutch pedal.
After the vehicle stops, shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let
up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal. If it is hard to shift, let the shift lever return
to Neutral and release the clutch pedal. Then press
the clutch again and shift into R (Reverse). Do not
attempt to shift into 5 (Fifth) prior to shifting into
R (Reverse). The transmission has a lock out feature
which prevents a 5 (Fifth) gear to R (Reverse) gear shift.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Use R (Reverse), along with the parking brake, for
parking the vehicle.
2-25

Up-Shift Light
This light will show you
when to shift to the next
higher gear for best
fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift
when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on
and off if you quickly change the position of the
accelerator. Ignore the shift light when you downshift.
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive and has a manual
transmission, disregard the shift light when the transfer
case is in four-wheel low.
Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
Four-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send the
engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra
traction. To get the best performance out of four-wheel
drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read this
section before using four-wheel drive. You should use
two-wheel-drive high for most normal driving conditions.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive for an extended period of time can
cause premature wear on the vehicle’s powertrain.
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel
Drive for extended periods of time.
2-26

Notice:If the vehicle has four-wheel drive and the
different size spare tire is installed on the vehicle, do
not drive in four-wheel drive until you can have your
at tire repaired and/or replaced. You could damage
the vehicle, and the repair costs would not be
covered by your warranty. Never use four-wheel drive
when the different size spare tire is installed on the
vehicle.
Notice:If the vehicle has four-wheel drive and the
compact spare tire is installed on the vehicle, do not
drive in four-wheel drive until you can have the at
tire repaired and/or replaced. You could damage the
vehicle, and the repair costs would not be covered by
your warranty. Never use four-wheel drive when the
compact spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
The transfer case buttons are located to the right of the
steering wheel on the instrument panel.Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2m4m4nN
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-41or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-40for further
information.
Shifting into Four-Wheel Low will turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak
®off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8andStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6for
more information.
2-27

Use these buttons to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive. You can choose from the following:
2
m(Two-Wheel High):This setting is for driving in
most street and highway situations. The front axle is not
engaged in two-wheel drive.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park), or if you have a manual transmission,
even if you are in gear. You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the
parking brake before placing the transfer case in
Neutral. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31.
N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle.
4
m(Four-Wheel High):This setting engages the front
axle to help drive the vehicle. Use four-wheel high
when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy
roads, or in most off-road situations.4
n(Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages the
front axle to give you extra traction. It sends the
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
four-wheel low if you were driving off-road in sand, mud,
or deep snow and while climbing or descending
steep hills.
Shifting into Four-Wheel Low will turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak
®off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8andStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6for
more information.
Indicator lights in the buttons show you which setting
you are in. The indicator lights will come on briey when
you turn on the ignition and one will stay on the
selected setting. If the lights do not come on, you should
take the vehicle in for service. An indicator light will
ash while shifting. It will stay on when the shift
is completed.
If the transfer case does not shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting.
2-28