power steering GMC CANYON 2012 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: GMC, Model Year: 2012, Model line: CANYON, Model: GMC CANYON 2012Pages: 404, PDF Size: 5.25 MB
Page 213 of 404

Black plate (33,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-33
Automatic
Transmission
The vehicle has a shift lever on the
steering column.
It features an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display is
powered anytime the shift lever is
capable of being moved out of
P (Park). This means that if the
ignition is turned off, but not in
LOCK/OFF, there will be a small
current drain on the battery which
could discharge the battery over a
period of time. If you need to leave
the key in the ignition but not in
LOCK/OFF for an extended period,
it is recommended that youdisconnect the battery cable from
the battery to prevent discharging
the battery.
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
P (Park):
This position locks the
rear wheels. It is the best position to
use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{WARNING
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. 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
you are on fairly level ground,
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 9‑28.
If you are pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips on page 9‑54.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You must fully apply the
brake pedal before you can shift
from P (Park) when the ignition key
is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out
of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever by pushing the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into another
gear. See Shifting out of Park
(Automatic Transmission) on
page 9‑30.
Page 217 of 404

Black plate (37,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-37
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive,
you can send the engine's driving
power to all four wheels for
extra traction. To get the best
performance out of four-wheel drive,
you must be familiar with its
operation. Read this section before
using four-wheel drive. You should
use two-wheel drive high for most
normal driving conditions.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry
pavement in four-wheel drive for
an extended period of time can
cause premature wear on the
vehicle's powertrain. Do not drive
on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel Drive for extended
periods of time. Notice:
If the vehicle has
four-wheel drive and a different
size spare tire is installed, do not
drive in four-wheel drive until the
flat tire is repaired and/or
replaced. The vehicle could be
damaged and the repairs would
not be covered by the warranty.
Never use four-wheel drive when
a different size spare tire is
installed on the vehicle.
Notice: If the vehicle has
four-wheel drive and the compact
spare tire is installed on the
vehicle, do not drive in four-wheel
drive until you can have the flat
tire repaired and/or replaced. You
could damage the vehicle, and
the repair costs would not be
covered by your warranty. Never
use four-wheel drive when the
compact spare tire is installed on
the vehicle.
The transfer case buttons are
located to the right of the steering
wheel on the instrument panel.
Page 245 of 404

Black plate (1,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15 Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-17
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-23
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-25
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-32
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-34
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Taillamps, Turn Signal,Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . 10-38
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-39
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Page 251 of 404

Black plate (7,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-7
A. Windshield Washer Fluid. See“Adding Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid on page 10‑26.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑19.
C. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑17.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine compartment).
See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑25. E. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑13.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 10‑18.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See Jump Starting on
page 10‑87. I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑87.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on page 10‑28.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑41.
M. Battery on page 10‑30.
N. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See Hydraulic
Clutch on page 10‑16.
Page 253 of 404

Black plate (9,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑17.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑17.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑26.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑19.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑13. F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on page 10‑28.
I. Battery on page 10‑30.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑25.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑41.
L. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 10‑18.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Page 269 of 404

Black plate (25,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-25
Engine Fan
This vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the clutch is not engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan
noise. This is normal and should not
be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts.
It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling
is not required and the clutch
disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when the engine is started. It will go
away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
located near the front of the engine
compartment, behind the radiator.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be between the
ADD and FULL marks. If necessary,
add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to the proper range.
Page 295 of 404

Black plate (51,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-51
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following is an example of a
typical passenger vehicle
tire size.
(A) Passenger (P‐Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width
:The three‐digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall. (C) Aspect Ratio
:A two‐digit
number that indicates the tire
height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:
A letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in
the tire. The letter R means
radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias
ply construction; and the letter B
means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch
of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Page 343 of 404

Black plate (99,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-99
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect the power
steering for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually
check constant velocity joints,
rubber boots, and axle seals for
leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Page 359 of 404

Black plate (13,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-13
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specfication, or equivalent, of
the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is
recommended. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑19.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 89021184, in Canada 89021186).
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 89021806, in Canada 89021807).
Hydraulic Clutch System Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No. 12345347, in Canada 10953517) or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Page 396 of 404

Black plate (4,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
i-4 INDEX
Engine (cont'd)Cooling System Messages . . . 5-24
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-32
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-63
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-20
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 6-2F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-4
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-69 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-102
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . 10-13
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Four-Wheel DriveTransfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . 10-30, 9-37
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31 Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . 9-50
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Requirements, California . . . . . 9-50
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Fuses
Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41