ABS GMC CANYON 2010 Owner's Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn .............................................................4-3
Tilt Wheel.....................................................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................4-10
Headlamps on Reminder................................4-11
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................4-11
Automatic Headlamp System..........................4-12
Fog Lamps ..................................................4-12
Exterior Cargo Lamps....................................4-13
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-13
Dome Lamp .................................................4-13
Dome Lamp Override....................................4-14
Exit Lighting.................................................4-14
Electric Power Management...........................4-14
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................4-15
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-15
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................4-16Climate Controls............................................4-16
Climate Control System.................................4-16
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-18
Instrument Panel Cluster................................4-19
Speedometer and Odometer...........................4-20
Trip Odometer..............................................4-20
Tachometer.................................................4-20
Safety Belt Reminders...................................4-21
Airbag Readiness Light.................................
.4-22
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-23
Charging System Light..................................4-24
Up-Shift Light...............................................4-24
Brake System Warning Light..........................4-25
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-26
StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................4-26
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-27
Tire Pressure Light.......................................4-28
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................4-28
Oil Pressure Light.........................................4-31
Security Light...............................................4-32
Cruise Control Light......................................4-32
Highbeam On Light.......................................4-32
Fuel Gage...................................................4-32
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-1

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
The Antilock Brake
System (ABS) light
comes on briefly when
the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on, or
comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the
vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle
does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with
the regular brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 4-25.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-37for all
brake related DIC messages.
StabiliTrak®/Traction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light
The StabiliTrak and
Traction Control System
(TCS) indicator/warning
light comes on briefly while
starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally
the indicator light then goes off.
The light flashes while the StabiliTrak system and TCS
are working to assist the driver with directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
4-26

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 6-35andClimate Control System on page 4-16
for 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 6-39andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 4-26for more
information. Press and release the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.
4-37

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-8
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................5-9
Steering........................................................5-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-11
Passing.......................................................5-11
Loss of Control.............................................5-12
Off-Road Driving...........................................5-13
Driving at Night............................................5-25
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-26Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-27
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-27
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-28
Winter Driving..............................................5-29
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................5-31
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-32
Recovery Hooks...........................................5-32
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-33
Truck-Camper Loading Information..................5-40
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab..................5-40
Towing..........................................................5-41
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-41
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-41
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-48
Trailer Recommendations...............................5-60
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps 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 4-26.
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.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. The brakes might
vibrate or some noise might be heard, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
5-5

Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied
the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow
down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic
brake control module increases brake pressure at each
corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor
brake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during this
time is normal and the driver should continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates
The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage
when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal
pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has an electronic stability control system
called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer controlled
system that assists the driver with directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to assist the driver with keeping the vehicle on
the intended path.
When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the
system performs several diagnostic checks to insure
there are no problems. 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. The system should
initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h).
In some cases, it may take approximately two miles of
driving before the system initializes.
If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak activates,
the cruise control automatically disengages. The cruise
control can be re-engaged when road conditions allow.
SeeCruise Control on page 4-7.
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 4-37for more information. When this
message is displayed, the system is not working.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
5-6

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 4-7.
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 4-37.
The StabiliTrak/TCS light
will flash on the instrument
panel cluster when the
TCS system or StabiliTrak
is both on and activated.
5-8

Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
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 the 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.
Remember: StabiliTrak
®assists the driver with
directional control. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 5-6. If the StabiliTrak®System is off, then a
steering or cornering skid will need to be handledentirely by the driver using counter steering techniques
and an acceleration skid will be best handled by
easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the 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,
the 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, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be 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 may not realize the surface is slippery until
the 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.
5-12

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.TheStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-6improves the
ability to accelerate on slippery roads, but slow down
and adjust your driving to the road conditions. When
driving through deep snow, it might be beneficial to turn
off the traction control part of the StabiliTrak
®System
to help maintain vehicle motion at lower speeds.
Once beyond the deep snow, push the StabiliTrak
®
button again to turn traction control back on.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-5improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,
but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry
pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
5-29