brake GMC CANYON 2009 User Guide

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-47.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-31for more
information.
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, the vehicle will
be free to roll — even if the shift lever is in
P (Park) — if the transfer case is in N (Neutral).
So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear,
two-wheel high (2H) or four-wheel high (4H) or
four-wheel low (4L) — not in N (Neutral).
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the
lever toward you and moving it up as far as it
will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the key, the vehicle is in
P (Park).
2-32

Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) 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 the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you have
moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without rst pulling it toward
you. If you can, the shift lever was not fully locked
into P (Park).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
transmission into P (Park) 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 P (Park). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the
driver seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-32.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) 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 P (Park).
2-33

Shifting Out of Park
(Automatic Transmission)
The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply the brake pedal
before you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition
is ON/RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 2-22.
The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in P (Park).
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system is always functional
except in the case of a dead battery or low voltage
(less than 9 V) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-40for more information.To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park)
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have the
vehicle serviced.Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, before you get
out of the vehicle, move the shift lever into R (Reverse),
and rmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift
lever has been placed into R (Reverse) with the clutch
pedal pressed in, turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF,
remove the key and release the clutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if the vehicle is pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-47.
2-34

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-35.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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 it
is on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the automatic transmission shift
lever to P (Park), or the manual transmission shift
lever to Neutral.
{CAUTION:
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer case in
N (Neutral) will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
automatic transmission shift lever is in P (Park). So,
be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not in
N (Neutral). Always set the parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
on page 2-32.
If pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-47.
2-36

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-13
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-14
Exterior Cargo Lamps....................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-16
Exit Lighting.................................................3-16
Electric Power Management...........................3-16Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-17
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-20
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-20
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-21
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-22
Trip Odometer..............................................3-22
Tachometer.................................................3-22
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-23
Airbag Readiness Light.................................
.3-24
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-25
Charging System Light..................................3-26
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-26
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light...........................................3-28
StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light..................................3-28
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-20.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-21.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Passenger Side Airbag. SeeAirbag System on
page 1-62.
F.Exterior Lamps on page 3-12.Fog Lamps on
page 3-14(If Equipped).Exterior Cargo Lamps
on page 3-15.
G.Parking Brake on page 2-31.
H.Horn on page 3-6.I.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6andFour-Wheel
Drive on page 2-26.
J.Audio System(s) on page 3-42.
K. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and
Cigarette Lighter on page 3-18.
L.Climate Control System on page 3-18.
M.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-17.
N.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-25.
O.Glove Box on page 2-44.
3-5

Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
Cruise control will not work if the parking brake is set, or
if the master cylinder brake uid level is low.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise control shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
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 excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
If the vehicle’s StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System
(TCS) begins to limit wheel spin while the cruise control
is on, the cruise control automatically disengages.SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6orTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-8. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, the cruise
control can be turned back on.
These controls are located at the end of the
multifunction lever.
9(Off):Turns the system off.
R(On):Turns the system on.
+ (Resume/Accelerate):Use to make the vehicle
accelerate or resume a previously set speed.
rT(Set):Press the button at the end of the lever
to set the speed.
3-10

Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you are
not using cruise, you might hit a button and go
into cruise when you do not want to. You could be
startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want to use cruise
control.
1. Move the cruise control lever to on.
2. Get up to the speed desired.
3. Press
rTat the end of the lever and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
This light on the instrument panel cluster comes on
while the cruise control is on.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set to a desired speed and then
the brake is applied, the cruise control is disengaged.
But it does not need to be reset.
Once the vehicle is going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more, move the cruise control switch briey from
RtoS.
The vehicle will go right back up to your chosen
speed and stay there.
If the lever is held at resume/accelerate the vehicle
keeps going faster until the lever is released or the brake
is applied. Do not hold the lever at resume/accelerate,
unless you want the vehicle to go faster.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed:
Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher
speed. Press
rTat the end of the lever,
then release the button and the accelerator pedal.
The vehicle will cruise at the higher speed.
If the accelerator pedal is held longer than
60 seconds, cruise control will turn off.
Move the cruise lever fromRtoS. Hold it there until
the desired speed is reached, and then release the
lever. To increase the vehicle speed in very
small amounts, move the lever briey to
S.
3-11

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control

Press and holdrTuntil the lower speed
desired is reached, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts,
briey press
rT.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, the vehicle
slows down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills depends
upon the vehicle speed, load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep hills, you might
have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain the
vehicle speed. When going downhill, you might have
to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep the vehicle
speed down. Applying the brake will turn off the
cruise control.
Ending Cruise Control
To turn off the cruise control, do one of the following:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Move the cruise control lever to9.
Lightly tap or press the clutch, if you have a manual
transmission.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamp control is located on the instrument
panel on the left side of the steering wheel.
3-12

Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part
can still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking
though, both parts need to be working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light comes on briey when the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. If it does not, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn if there is a problem.When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
comes on when the parking brake is set. SeeParking
Brake on page 2-31for more information. The light stays
on if the parking brake does not release fully. If it stays
on after the parking brake is fully released, it means
there is a brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or it
might go closer to the oor. It can take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-40.
{CAUTION:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service. United StatesCanada
3-27