brake GMC CANYON 2010 Workshop Manual

Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is needed.
Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
A step bumper hitch can be used for trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) total weight, and 200 lbs (90 kg)
tongue weight.
Notice:If a step-bumper hitch is used, the bumper
could be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is
ample room when turning to avoid contact between
the trailer and the bumper.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to
help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions aboutsafety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or by the trailer manufacturer. For trailers up to 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) safety chains may be attached to the attaching
points on the bumper. For heavier trailers, follow the
trailer or hitch manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack
so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) needs to have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak
®,
the trailer cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system.
5-55

Driving with a Trailer
{WARNING:
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect
at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing a trailer:
•Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks
and make necessary repairs before starting
a trip.
•Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or
rear-most window open.
•Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
•Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air and set the fan
speed to the highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-34.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the floor of the truck bed may become
very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.
5-56

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions can tow in
D (Drive), but you may want to shift to a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts too often (e.g., under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). If the vehicle has
a manual transmission it is better not to use the
highest gear.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run whileparked, preferably on level ground, with an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
N (Neutral) with the parking brake applied, for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, seeEngine Overheating on page 6-35.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.
5-58

If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet for vehicles with an automatic transmission, or
into gear for vehicles with a manual transmission.
Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park) for vehicles with an
automatic transmission or into gear for vehicles with
a manual transmission.5. If the vehicle has four-wheel-drive, be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear and not in
N (Neutral). SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 3-25
for more information.
6. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•Start the engine
•Shift into a gear
•Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
5-59

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3or the
Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle may be equipped with a four-pin trailer
towing harness. This harness has a four-pin trailer
connector that is attached to a bracket on the hitch
platform. The four-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:
•Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
•Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
•Brown: Taillamps/Park lamps
•White: Ground
Trailer Recommendations
Subtract the hitch loads from the Cargo Weight Rating
(CWR). CWR is the maximum weight of the load
the vehicle can carry. It does not include the weight of
the people inside, but you can figure about 150 lbs.
(68 kg) for each passenger. The total cargo load must
not be more than the vehicles CWR.
Weigh the vehicle with the trailer attached, so the
GVWR or GAWR are not exceeded. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without the
spring bars in place.
The best performance is obtained by correctly spreading
out the weight of the load and choosing the correct
hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information seeTowing a Trailer on page 5-48.
5-60

Service............................................................6-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................6-5
Fuel................................................................6-5
Gasoline Octane............................................6-5
Gasoline Specifications....................................6-6
California Fuel...............................................6-6
Additives.......................................................6-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................6-7
Filling the Tank..............................................6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................6-10
Hood Release..............................................6-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-12
Engine Oil...................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................6-21
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................6-25
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................6-26
Cooling System............................................6-27Engine Coolant.............................................6-29
Engine Overheating.......................................6-35
Engine Fan Noise.........................................6-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................6-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................6-38
Brakes........................................................6-39
Battery........................................................6-42
Jump Starting...............................................6-43
Rear Axle.......................................................6-47
Four-Wheel Drive
............................................6-48
Front Axle......................................................6-49
Headlamp Aiming...........................................6-50
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................6-50
Headlamps..................................................6-51
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL)................................6-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........6-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................6-53
License Plate Lamp......................................6-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................6-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-55
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, are not covered under the
terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine
GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer/
retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will know
that GM-trained and supported service technicians
will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 2-80.
6-3

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{WARNING:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be
badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
•Dispense fuel only into approved containers.
•Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than the ground.
•Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside
of the fill opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the filling
is complete.
•Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
•Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{WARNING:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other
fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.
6-10

A. Windshield Washer Fluid. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid on page 6-38.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 6-29.
C.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 6-37.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-21.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on
page 6-27.H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 6-43.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 6-43.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 6-39.
L.Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 6-112.
M.Battery on page 0-0.
N. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped).
SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 6-26.
6-13

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-38.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 6-29.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-21.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 6-39.
I.Battery on page 0-0.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 6-37.
K.Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 6-112.
L. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on
page 6-27.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-15