battery GMC CANYON 2009 User Guide

Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located below the
exterior lamps control.
E(Dome Lamp Override):Press this button in to
make the dome lamps remain off when the doors
are open. To return the lamps to automatic operation,
press
Eagain and return it to the out position.
Exit Lighting
The interior lamps will come on when the key is removed
from the ignition. The lamps will not come on if the dome
override button is pressed in.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM)
that estimates the battery’s temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best
performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the DriverInformation Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps,
rear window defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and
loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
3-16

LOW BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-38.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamp if it is left on for
more than 20 minutes when the ignition is in LOCK/OFF.
This helps to prevent the battery from running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone.
The vehicle may have an accessory power outlet
located below the climate control system and on the
rear of the center console. A small cap must be
pulled down to access an accessory power outlet.
When not using an outlet be sure to cover it with the
protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always
unplug electrical equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that exceeds the
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
3-17

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection.
This can happen if the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has run down. The
diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during normal driving.
This can take several days of routine driving. If this
has been done and the vehicle still does not pass
the inspection for lack of OBD II system readiness,
your dealer/retailer can prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
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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 3-26.
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.
SERVICE STAB (Stability) SYS
(System)
This message displays if there is a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6
for more information.
STAB (Stability) SYS (System) OFF
This message displays when the StabiliTrak system is
turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6for
more information.
TRAC (Traction) OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned off by pressing the StabiliTrak
button. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for more
information.
TRACTION FAULT
This message will display if there is a problem with the
TCS. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-8for
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.
3-41

XM Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception
from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States,
and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to
fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under
heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
loss of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with the
vehicle’s radio. This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls, charging the phone’s
battery, or simply having the phone on. This interference
causes an increased level of static while listening to
the radio. If static is received while listening to the radio,
unplug the cellular phone and turn it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The xed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged as long as it is securely attached
to the base. If the mast becomes slightly bent, straighten
it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, replace it.
Occasionally check to make sure the antenna is
tightened to its base. If tightening is required, tighten by
hand until fully seated plus one quarter turn.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof
of the vehicle. Keep the antenna clear of obstructions
for clear radio reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the
XM system may be affected if the sunroof is open.
Chime Level Adjustment
The radio is used to adjust the vehicle’s chime level.
To change the volume level of the chime, press and hold
pushbutton 6 with the ignition on and the radio power
off. The volume level will change from the normal
level to loud, and LOUD will appear on the radio display.
To change back to the default or normal setting,
press and hold pushbutton 6 again. The volume level
will change from the loud level to normal, and NORMAL
will appear on the radio display. Each time the chime
volume is changed, three chimes will sound to indicate
the new volume selected. Removing the radio and
not replacing it with a factory radio or chime module will
disable vehicle chimes.
3-61

To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to
keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then
when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal
slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle
and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-32.If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help to
free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s traction system
in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use
the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others could be
injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment re or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 5-76.
4-31

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dinghy tow a
four-wheel-drive vehicle:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow
vehicle.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in 1 (First).
3. Turn the engine off and rmly set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-31.
4. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow
vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a full-time four-wheel-drive vehicle’s
transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause the
vehicle to roll even if the automatic transmission is
in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in any
gear. You or others could be injured. Make sure
the parking brake is rmly set before the transfer
case is shifted to N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting to
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-26.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and remove the
key — the steering wheel will still turn.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the towing vehicle.
After towing see “Shifting Out of Neutral” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-26.
If the vehicle being towed 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 the
battery from draining.
4-42

Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dolly tow a
four-wheel-drive vehicle from the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the
dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in 1 (First).
4. Turn the engine off and rmly set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-31.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a full-time four-wheel-drive vehicle’s
transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause the
vehicle to roll even if the automatic transmission is
in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in any
gear. You or others could be injured. Make sure
the parking brake is rmly set before the transfer
case is shifted to N (Neutral).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting to
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-26.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the towing vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of Neutral” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-26.
If the vehicle being towed 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 the
battery from draining.
4-44

Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dolly tow a
two-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the
dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.3. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-31.
4. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in 1 (First).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for
towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
If the vehicle being towed 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 the battery from draining.
4-45

Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dolly tow a
four-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the
dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-31.
4. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in 1 (First).5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for
towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
{CAUTION:
Shifting a full-time four-wheel-drive vehicle’s
transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause the
vehicle to roll even if the automatic transmission is
in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in any
gear. You or others could be injured. Make sure
the parking brake is rmly set before the transfer
case is shifted to N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting to
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-26.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
If the vehicle being towed 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 the battery from draining.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of Neutral” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-26.
4-46