All GMC CANYON 2016 Owner's Manual

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
2016 - crc - 8/25/15
Driving and Operating 251
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
1 587 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. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the spring bars should be
adjusted so the distance (2) 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

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
2016 - crc - 8/25/15
252 Driving and Operating
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 follow
the 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
To help charge a remote
(non-vehicle) battery, press the Tow/
Haul Mode button at the end of the
shift lever. If the trailer is too light for
Tow/Haul Mode, turn on the
headlamps to help 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: 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

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
2016 - crc - 8/25/15
Driving and Operating 253
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. SeeTow/Haul
Mode 0223
ii.
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 0248
ii. 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.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
the Tow/Haul button activates the
exhaust brake system
simultaneously. See “Exhaust
Brake” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
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 the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has
the electric actuated brake system,
StabiliTrak may also apply the trailer
brakes.
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. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0231
ii.

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Vehicle Care 255
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 256
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 256
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 264
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 266
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 266
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Battery - North America . . . . . . 276
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 278
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 280
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 284
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
2016 - crc - 8/25/15
Vehicle Care 257
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
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. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the warranty.Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
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. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 066
ii.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
0 366
ii.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 066
ii.

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
2016 - crc - 8/25/15
258 Vehicle Care
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records0353
ii.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with
this symbol on it. It is inside the
vehicle to the lower left of the
steering wheel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle tofind the secondary hood
release handle. The handle is
under the front edge of the
hood near the center. Push the
handle to the right and at the
same time raise the hood.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
properly installed.
2. Lower the hood to 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release
it so it fully latches. Check to
make sure the hood is firmly closed by lifting up on the front
edge of the hood. Repeat the
process if necessary.

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
2016 - crc - 8/25/15
262 Vehicle Care
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0269
ii.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0266
ii.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 268
ii.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0262
ii.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0262
ii.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0285
ii.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0275
ii.
8. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 273
ii.
9. Battery - North America 0276
ii.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement. 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:
.
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 0264
ii.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
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 vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0259
iifor the location of
the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all
the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and
check the level.

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
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Vehicle Care 263
When to Add Engine Oil
2.5L L4 Engine
3.6L V6 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
and then recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section for an explanation of
what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
0 355
ii.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 259
iifor the location of the engine
oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0350
ii.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos1™ specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
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264 Vehicle Care
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil for the 3.6L V6 engine.
Use SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil for the 2.5L L4 engine.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−29 °C
(−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be
used for the 3.6L V6 engine and
SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine
oil may be used for the 2.5L L4
engine. An oil of this viscosity grade
will provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures. When selecting an oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade, it
is recommended to select an oil of
the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection. Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system
has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on to
indicate that an oil change is
necessary. See
Engine Oil
Messages 0130
ii. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for
up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and, at this time, the system

GMC Canyon Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9159361) -
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Vehicle Care 265
must be reset. For vehicles without
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed
when the OIL LIFE REMAINING
percentage is near 0%. Your dealer
has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check
the oil regularly over the course of
an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the engine oil life system:1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0122
iior Driver
Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0125
ii. If the vehicle
does not have DIC buttons, the
vehicle must be in P (Park) to
access this display.
2. Press and hold the
Vbutton on
the DIC, or the SET/CLR
button on the turn signal lever if
the vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, for several seconds.
The oil life will change
to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows: 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the display
shows 100%, the system is
reset. If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine
oil life system has not been reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at your dealer. Contact your
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a