trailer GMC CANYON 2015 Owner's Guide

Black plate (63,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Driving and Operating 9-63
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the inflation pressures
found on the Certification/Tire label
on the center pillar or seeVehicle
Load Limits on page 9-14. Make
sure not to exceed the GVWR limit
for the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with
the tow vehicle and trailer fully
loaded for the trip including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using
a weight-distributing hitch, make
sure not to exceed the RGAWR
before applying the weight
distribution spring bars.
Weight of the Trailering
Combination
It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer does
not exceed any of its weight
ratings —GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Trailer Weight Rating, or Tongue
Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings
is to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for
the trip, getting individual weights
for each of these items.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Many
trailers can be towed with a
weight-carrying hitch which simply
features a coupler latched to the
hitch ball, or a tow eye latched to a
pintle hook. Other trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch
that uses spring bars to distribute
the trailer tongue weight among the
tow vehicle and trailer axles.
If a step-bumper hitch will be 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.
A step-bumper hitch is limited to
1587 kg (3,500 lb) total weight.
Consider using sway controls with
any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
A weight distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers.
1. Body to Ground Distance
2. Front of Vehicle

Black plate (64,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
9-64 Driving and Operating
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the spring bars should be
adjusted so the distance (1) is the
same after coupling the trailer to the
tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.
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 about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Always leave just
enough slack so the combination
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lb) needs to have
its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and followthe instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Trailer Wiring Harness
For vehicles not equipped with
heavy-duty trailering, a harness is
secured underneath the left side of
the vehicle, next to the spare tire.
The harness requires the installation
of a trailer connector, which is
available through your dealer. The
seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
.Brown: Taillamps/Parking Lamps
.Black: Ground
.Gray: Back-up Lamps
.Orange: Battery Feed
.Blue: Trailer Brake
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the Tow/Haul Mode
button, if equipped, on the center
stack. This will boost the vehicle system voltage and properly charge
the battery. If the trailer is too light
for Tow/Haul Mode, or the vehicle is
not equipped with Tow/Haul, turn on
the headlamps as a second way to
boost the vehicle system and
charge the battery.
Trailer Brake Control Wiring
Harness
A four-wire harness, without
connector, is secured behind the left
side kick panel. The harness
contains the following circuits:
.Red/Green: Battery Feed

Black plate (65,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Driving and Operating 9-65
.Black: Ground
.White/Blue: Brake signal to
controller
.Blue: Trailer Brake power to
trailer connector
To remove the left side kick panel,
start at the front of the panel pulling
toward the rear of the vehicle and lift
upward to disengage the integral
clips.
Tow/Haul Mode
Press this button on the center
stack to turn on and off the Tow/
Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
cluster comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. See Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9-34.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75 percent of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing on page 9-60. Tow/
Haul is most useful under the
following driving conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through
rolling terrain.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in
stop-and-go traffic.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to the
selection of Tow/Haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may
result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load.

Black plate (66,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
9-66 Driving and Operating
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
TSC feature. Trailer sway is
unintended side-to-side motion of a
trailer while being towed. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the
TSC detects that sway is increasing,
the vehicle brakes are selectively
applied at each wheel, to help
reduce excessive trailer sway.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on the
instrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-43.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment on page 9-63 for
trailer ratings and hitch setup
recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical
equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-27 andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-28.

Black plate (21,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Vehicle Care 10-21
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Engine Fan
The vehicle has an electric cooling
fan. The fan may be heard spinning
at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fan may turn off if no
cooling is required. Under heavy
vehicle loading, trailer towing, high
outside temperatures, or operation
of the air conditioning system, the
fan may change to high speed and
an increase in fan noise may be
heard. This is normal and indicates
that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fan will
change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fan may
run after the engine has been
turned off. This is normal and no
service is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-6 for reservoir location.
{Caution
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is completely full.

Black plate (36,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
10-36 Vehicle Care
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Mini Fuses (2 pin) Usage
F01 Traction Control Module Power
F02 Engine Control Module Power
F03 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
F04 Not Used
F05 Fuel Module Ignition
F07 Cargo Lamp
F08 Fuel Injectors - Even
F09 Fuel Injectors - Odd
F10 Engine Control Module
F11 Miscellaneous 1 Ignition Mini Fuses
(2 pin) Usage
F13 Traction Control Module
F14 Not Used
F15 Not Used
F16 Not Used
F17 Front Axle Actuator
F18 Not Used
F19 Aeroshutters
F20 Not Used
F23 Not Used
F29 Not Used
F30 Heated Seat Power 1
F31 Not Used
F32 Heated Seat Power 2
F33 Body Control Module 3 Mini Fuses
(2 pin) Usage
F34 Fuel System Control Module
F35 Not Used
F36 Center High Mounted
Stop Lamp
F37 Right High-Beam Headlamp
F38 Left High-Beam Headlamp
F39 Not Used
F40 Not Used
F46 Not Used
F47 Miscellaneous 2 Ignition
F48 Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
F49 Not Used
F50 Trailer Park Lamps
F51 Horn

Black plate (37,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
Vehicle Care 10-37
Mini Fuses(2 pin) Usage
F52 Not Used
F53 Not Used
F54 Not Used
F55 Not Used
F56 Washer Pump
F57 Not Used
F58 Not Used
F60 Mirrors Defogger
F61 Not Used
F62 Canister Vent Solenoid
F63 Not Used
F64 Trailer Reverse Lamp
F65 Left Trailer Stop/ Turn Lamps
F66 Right Trailer Stop/ Turn Lamps Mini Fuses
(2 pin) Usage
F67 Electric Power Steering
F68 Not Used
F69 Battery Regulated Voltage Control
F70 Not Used
F71 Not Used
J-Case Fuses
(Low Profile) Usage
F06 Wipers
F12 Starter
F21 Front Blower
F22 Antilock Brake System Valves
F24 Trailer
F25 Transfer Case Electronic Control J-Case
Fuses
(Low Profile) Usage
F26 Antilock Brake System Pump
F27 Trailer Brake Control Module
F28 Rear Window Defogger
F41 Not Used
F42 Not Used
F43 Cooling Fan
F44 Not Used
F45 Brake Vacuum Pump
F59 Not Used
Midi Fuses Usage F72 Not Used
F73 Not Used
F74 Generator

Black plate (44,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
10-44 Vehicle Care
digits represent the week (01–
52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third
week of the year 2010 would
have a four-digit DOT date
of 0310.
(4) Tire Identification Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code are the
Tire Identification Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code,
tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.
(5) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in
the sidewall and under the tread. (6) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature
resistance. For more information
see Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 10-59.
(7) Maximum Cold Inflation
Load Limit
:Maximum load that
can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to
support that load.
(8) Temporary Use Only
:Only
use a temporary spare tire until
the road tire is repaired and
replaced. This spare tire should
not be driven on over 112 km/h
(70 mph), or 88 km/h (55 mph)
when pulling a trailer, with the
proper inflation pressure. See
Full-Size Spare Tire on
page 10-74.
Compact Spare Tire Example
(1) Tire Ply Material:The type
of cord and number of plies in
the sidewall and under the tread.
(2) Temporary Use Only
:The
compact spare tire or temporary
use tire should not be driven at
speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph).
The compact spare tire is for
emergency use when a regular
road tire has lost air and gone
flat. If the vehicle has a compact

Black plate (74,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
10-74 Vehicle Care
{Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
{Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
{Caution
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.
Full-Size Spare Tire
If this vehicle came with a full-size
spare tire, it was fully inflated when
new, however, it can lose air over
time. Check the inflation pressure
regularly. See Tire Pressure on
page 10-49 andVehicle Load Limits
on page 9-14. For instructions on
how to remove, install, or store a
spare tire, see Tire Changing on
page 10-64. If equipped with a temporary use
full-size spare tire, it is indicated on
the tire sidewall. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling on page 10-43. This spare
tire should not be driven on over
112 km/h (70 mph), or 88 km/h
(55 mph) when pulling a trailer, at
the proper inflation pressure. Repair
and replace the road tire as soon as
it is convenient, and stow the spare
tire for future use.
{Caution
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.

Black plate (78,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7587000) -
2015 - CRC - 3/17/15
10-78 Vehicle Care
{Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
Towing the Vehicle
{Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
car carrier or a wheel lift tow truck. If
a wheel lift tow truck is used, the
drive wheels cannot contact the
road while the vehicle is being
towed. A wheel dolly must be used
to lift all drive wheels off the ground.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a motor home. The
two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are
dinghy and dolly towing. Dinghy
towing is towing the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground. Dolly
towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two
wheels on a dolly.
Follow the tow vehicle
manufacturer
’s instructions. See
your dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
{Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.