gas GMC CANYON 2018 User Guide

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
256 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0344. For
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0345.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply to
trailer towing. .
Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
. Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/
or hilly conditions.
. If equipped with 4WD, see
Four-Wheel Drive 0232 before
pulling 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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
When towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside
air. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0224.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 271
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 272
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 273
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 280
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 282
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 283
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 288
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Battery - North America . . . . . . 292
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 295
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 296
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 297
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 297
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 302
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 302
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 283
Do not remove the cap to check the
fluid level or to top-off the fluid level.
Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0275.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 361.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter:
2.5L L4 Gas Engine Shown, 2.8L
L4 Diesel Engine Similar
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connector 3. Air Duct Clamp
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Remove the screws (1) on top of the engine air cleaner/filter
housing.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector (2).
3. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct
clamp (3).
4. Lift the filter cover housing away from the engine air
cleaner/filter housing.
5. Pull out the filter.
6. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
7. Reverse Steps 2–5 to reinstall the filter cover housing.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 285
2.5L L4 Gas Engine Shown, 2.8LL4 Diesel Engine Similar
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant mixture.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0370 andMaintenance
Schedule 0361.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0288.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 293
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0275 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0272 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0342 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule
0 361 to determine when to check
the lubricant. How to Check Lubricant
Automatic Transfer Case
1. Drain Plug
2. Fill Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug (2) hole, located on the
transfer case, some lubricant will
need to be added. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (2) hole. Use
care not to overtighten the plug.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 297
.To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and
type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0372.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Do not allow
the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the windshield wiper
blade: 1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the
windshield.
2. Press the release lever in themiddle of the wiper blade
where the wiper blade
attaches. 3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper
blade replacement.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be
replaced and the vehicle is
equipped with a front camera sensor
for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in
lifting and holding open the hood/
trunk/liftgate system in full open
position.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
298 Vehicle Care
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open
the hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail,
you or others could be seriously
injured. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service immediately.
Visually inspect the gas struts for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to
make sure the hood/trunk/liftgate
is held open with enough force.
If struts are failing to hold the
hood/trunk/liftgate, do not
operate. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do
not push down or pull on gas
struts. This may cause damage to
the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0361.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 299
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing
procedure not listed in this section,
contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps
Driver Side
1. Low-Beam Headlamp
2. High-Beam Headlamp
3. Front Turn Signal/Sidemarker/Parking Lamp
See your dealer for passenger side
replacement.
Headlamp
1. Open the hood.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
324 Vehicle Care
SeeTire Inspection 0322 andTire
Rotation 0322 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The
first two 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.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free
of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0311 for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354423) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
342 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, seeBattery - North
America 0292.
If the battery has run down, try to
use another vehicle and some
jumper cables to start your vehicle.
Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
HANDLING.For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0272 and the back
cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
. They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result
in costly damage to the vehicle
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Trying to start
the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage
the vehicle.
1. Discharged Battery Negative Grounding Stud
2. Discharged Battery Positive Terminal