warning GMC CANYON 2009 Owner's Guide

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.
Trip Information
Odometer
The odometer is automatically displayed on the DIC
when you start the vehicle. The odometer shows
the total distance the vehicle has been driven in either
miles for the United States or kilometers for Canada.
Trip Odometer
Press and release the reset stem until TRIP appears on
the DIC display. The trip odometer shows the current
distance traveled since the last reset of the trip odometer
in either miles for the United States or kilometers for
Canada.
To reset the trip odometer, press and hold the reset
stem until the display returns to zero.
Engine Oil Life System
With the engine off, turn the key to ON/RUN and
then press the reset stem until OIL LIFE RESET
appears — alternating between OIL LIFE and
RESET — on the DIC display. The CHANGE OIL
message alerts you to change the oil on a schedule
consistent with your driving conditions. Always reset the
OIL LIFE message after an oil change. To reset the
message, seeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
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DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver
that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct
the condition. Multiple messages may appear
one after another. The messages are displayed for
several seconds each.
Some messages may not require immediate action, but
you should press and release the trip odometer reset
stem to acknowledge that you received the messages
and to clear them from the display. Each message must
be acknowledged individually.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC display
because they are more urgent. These messages require
action before they can be cleared. You should take any
messages that appear on the display seriously and
remember that clearing the messages only makes the
messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
AC (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too high and the air conditioning in your
vehicle needs to be turned off. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-32andClimate Control System on
page 3-18for more information. This message displays
along with the ENG HOT message.
ABS (Antilock Brake System) FAULT
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). Check the ABS as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. SeeBrakes on page 5-36andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-28for more
information. Press and release the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.
BRAKES
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brakes. Check the brakes as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes
on page 5-36andBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-27for more information. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from
the display.
CHANGE OIL
This message displays when the oil needs to be
changed. Check the oil in your vehicle as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for more
information. Press and release the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.
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OIL
This message displays when the oil pressure is low.
SeeOil Pressure Light on page 3-32andEngine Oil
on page 5-15for more information.
PARK BRK (Brake)
This message displays when the parking brake is set.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-31andBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-27for more information.
The message clears from the display after the parking
brake is released or by pressing and releasing the
reset stem.
REDUCED POWER
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine power
is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the display.
SERV (Service) 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transfer case control system. Check the transfer
case on your vehicle and have it serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-26for
more information about the transfer case. Press and
release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and
clear it from the display.
SERV (Service) TPM
(Tire Pressure Monitor)
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-29. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-65for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERV (Service) VEH (Vehicle)
This message displays if your vehicle needs service.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
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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

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-27.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second.
But that is only an average. It might be less with
one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more
with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between the
vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with
the traffic and allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to
stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
4-4

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent
a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on.
This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-28.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
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If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak, a
SERVICE STAB SYS message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-38for more information. When this
message is displayed, the system is not working.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak and Traction Control (TCS) come on
automatically whenever the vehicle is started and the
systems are reset with each ignition cycle. However,
when the transfer case is placed in Four-Wheel-Low
mode, StabiliTrak is automatically disabled. See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-26for more information. It is
recommended to leave the system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the TCS
portion of the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow, and it is necessary to″rock″the
vehicle to attempt to free it. If traction control is turned off,
only the brake-traction control portion of traction control
will work. The engine speed management will be
disabled. In this mode, engine power is not reduced
automatically and the drive wheels can spin more freely.
This can cause the brake-traction control to activate
constantly. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-31.The StabiliTrak/TCS light
will ash on the instrument
panel cluster when the
TCS system or StabiliTrak
is both on and activated.
The StabiliTrak/TCS
button is located on
the instrument panel.
To turn off TCS, press and release the StabiliTrak/TCS
button. The StabiliTrak/TCS light comes on in the
instrument panel cluster, and TRAC OFF comes on
the DIC. To turn TCS back on, press and release the
StabiliTrak/TCS button.
4-7

To turn off TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the
StabiliTrak/TCS button until the TRAC OFF and
STAB SYS OFF messages come on the DIC and the
StabiliTrak/TCS light comes on the instrument panel.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak back on, press and release
the StabiliTrak/TCS button.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off, the
StabiliTrak/TCS light and the appropriate TRAC OFF or
STAB SYS OFF message will be displayed on the DIC.
The vehicle will still have brake-traction control when TCS
or StabiliTrak is off, but will not be able to use the engine
speed management system. The StabiliTrak/TCS light
ashes when either system is actively working. See
Traction Control Operation following for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) is part of StabiliTrak.
TCS limits wheel slip which is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the brakes to
limit wheel spin and also reduces engine power. The
system may be heard or felt while it is working. This is
normal and does not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to
spin excessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS
and brake warning lights and any relevant DIC
messages are displayed, the transfer case could be
damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine power and do
not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these
lights and messages are displayed.
TCS can operate on dry roads under some conditions.
When this happens, the system may be heard
working or a reduction in acceleration may be noticed.
This is normal and does not mean there is a problem
with the vehicle. Examples of these conditions include
hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or
downshift of the transmission or driving on rough roads.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control automatically
disengages. The cruise control can be re-engaged
when road conditions allow. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
4-8

The message TRACTION FAULT appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when a TCS or Antilock Brake
System (ABS) problem has been detected and the
vehicle needs service. When this message is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-38.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
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.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
If you need to reduce speed, do it before you enter the
curve, while the front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-9

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance is longer and
vehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You might not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with four-wheel drive can be used for off-road
driving. Vehicles without four-wheel drive should not
be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface.
The airbag system is designed to work properly under a
wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and observe safe driving
speeds, especially on rough terrain.
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