light GMC CANYON 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 2/18/21
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, CANYON, and DENALI are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC wherever it appears in
this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
If this vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement
for additional and specific information on
this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84426904 C Third Printing©2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
2 Introduction
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0169.
2. Trailer Brake Control Panel (If Equipped) (Out of View). See “Integrated Trailer
Brake Control System” underTowing
Equipment 0224.
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0105.
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) Controls (If Equipped). See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 94 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
4. Instrument Cluster 081.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer 077.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0103.
Vehicle Alarm System Indicator (If
Equipped). See Vehicle Alarm System
0 14.
7. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 110.
8. Climate Control Systems 0164 (If
Equipped).
Automatic Climate Control System 0166
(If Equipped). 9.
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 025
(If Equipped).
10. Power Outlets 078 (If Equipped).
11. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 192 or
Manual Mode 0195.
12. Auxiliary Jack. See the infotainment manual.
USB Port. See the infotainment manual.
13. Hazard Warning Flashers 0104.
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0204.
Exterior Cargo Lamps 0105.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0213 (If
Equipped).
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 0205 (If
Equipped).
Tow/Haul Mode 0196 (If Equipped).
14. Steering Wheel Controls 076 (If
Equipped).
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
Controls (If Equipped). See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 94 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
15. Horn 077. 16.
Steering Wheel Adjustment 076 (Out
of View).
17. Cruise Control 0206.
18. Transfer Case Knob (If Equipped). See Four-Wheel Drive 0197.
19. Hood Release. See Hood0236.
20. Parking Brake 0203.
21. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 087.
22. Exterior Lamp Controls 0102.
Fog Lamps 0105 (If Equipped).
23. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0106.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
{Warning
If the key is unintentionally rotated while
the vehicle is running, the ignition could
be moved out of the RUN position. This
could be caused by heavy items hanging
from the key ring, or by large or long
items attached to the key ring that could
be contacted by the driver or steering
wheel. If the ignition moves out of the
RUN position, the engine will shut off,
braking and steering power assist may be
impacted, and airbags may not deploy.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
rotation of the ignition key, do not
change the way the ignition key and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if equipped, are connected to the
provided key rings.
The ignition key and key rings, and RKE
transmitter, if equipped, are designed to
work together as a system to reduce the
risk of unintentionally moving the key out
of the RUN position. The ignition key has a
small hole to allow attachment of the
provided key ring. It is important that any replacement ignition keys have a small hole.
See your dealer if a replacement key is
required.
The combination and size of the rings that
came with your keys were specifically
selected for your vehicle. The rings are
connected to the key like two links of a
chain to reduce the risk of unintentionally
moving the key out of the RUN position. Do
not add any additional items to the ring
attached to the ignition key. Attach
additional items only to the second ring,
and limit added items to a few essential
keys or small, light items no larger than an
RKE transmitter.
Interference from radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tags may prevent the
key from starting the vehicle. Keep RFID
tags away from the key when starting the
vehicle.
The key is used for the ignition and all door
locks.
Programming Keys
Follow these procedures to program up to
eight keys to the vehicle.
Programming with Two Recognized Keys
To program a new key:
1. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition and turn the
ignition on.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
2. Turn the ignition off and removethe key.
3. Quickly, within five seconds, insert the second original already programmed key
in the ignition and turn the ignition on.
4. Turn the ignition off, and remove the key.
5. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within
five seconds.
The security light will turn off once the
key has been programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1–5 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If a key is lost or damaged, see your dealer
to have a new key made.
Programming without Two Recognized Keys
Program a new key to the vehicle when a
recognized key is not available. Canadian
regulations require that owners see their
dealer.
If two currently recognized keys are not
available, follow this procedure to program
the first key. This procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete for the first key.
The vehicle must be off and all of the keys
you wish to program must be with you.
1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition on. The security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn the ignition on; the
key is learned and all previously known
keys will no longer work with the
vehicle.
6. To learn the second key, turn the ignition off. Insert the second key to be
learned and turn the ignition on.
After two keys are learned, the remaining
keys can be learned by following the
procedure in “Programming with Two
Recognized Keys.”
If it becomes difficult to turn a key, inspect
the key blade for debris. Periodically clean
with a brush or pick. See your dealer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside
Assistance Program 0330.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 339.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0335.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
WhenQis pressed on the power door lock
switch with the door open, a chime will
sound three times indicating that delayed
locking is active.
The doors will then lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are closed. If a
door is reopened before five seconds have
elapsed, the five-second timer will reset once
all the doors are closed again.
Press
Qon the door lock switch again,
or press
Qon the RKE transmitter, to
override this feature and lock the doors
immediately.
Delayed locking can be programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization 099.
Automatic Door Locks
If equipped, the doors will lock
automatically when all doors are closed, the
ignition is on, and the shift lever is moved
out of P (Park). If a vehicle door is unlocked
and then opened and closed, the doors will
lock either when your foot is removed from
the brake or the vehicle speed becomes
faster than 13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon a power door lock switch.
.Shift the transmission into P (Park).
Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. See Vehicle Personalization
0 99.
Lockout Protection
When locking is requested with the driver
door open and the key in the ignition, all
the doors will lock and then the driver door
will unlock. This can be manually overridden
by pressing and holding
Qon the power
door lock switch.
Open Door Anti-Lockout
If Open Door Anti-Lockout has been turned
on and the vehicle is off, the driver door is
open, and locking is requested, all the doors
will lock and the driver door will remain
unlocked. The Open Door Anti-Lockout
feature can be turned on or off. See Vehicle
Personalization 099.
Safety Locks
If equipped, the rear door safety locks
prevent passengers from opening the rear
doors from inside the vehicle.
Press{to activate the safety locks on the
rear doors. The indicator light comes on
when activated. The vehicle must be on, in
ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0190.
If the indicator light flashes, the feature
may not be working properly.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Doors
Tailgate
{Warning
It is extremely dangerous to ride on the
tailgate, even when the vehicle is
operated at low speeds. People riding on
the tailgate can easily lose their balance
and fall in response to vehicle maneuvers.
Falling from a moving vehicle may result
in serious injuries or death. Do not allow
people to ride on the tailgate. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
On vehicles with a lock on the tailgate, use
the key to lock or unlock the tailgate.
If equipped, to lock or unlock the tailgate,
use the RKE transmitter or the key. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 09
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle
while pulling the tailgate down.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward
until it latches. After closing the tailgate, pull it back to be
sure it latches securely.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
If equipped with the anti-theft alarm
system, the indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the windshield,
indicates the status of the system.
Off :
Alarm system is disarmed. On Solid :
Vehicle is secured during the
delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured. A door or
the hood is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle with one of the
following:
.Use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
.With a door open, pressQon the
interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will bypass
the 30-second delay and immediately
arm the alarm system.
The theft-deterrent alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with the key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the RKE transmitter, the horn
will chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started,

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
or the door is not unlocked by pressingK
on the RKE transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
If a door or the hood is opened without first
disarming the system, the turn signals will
flash and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will then
re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized
event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
left the vehicle and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.
Detecting a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE transmitter and
the horn chirps three times, an alarm
occurred previously while the alarm system
was armed.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0335.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The system is automatically disarmed when
the ignition is turned from off to on.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system. When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the
key appears to be undamaged, try another
ignition key. It may be necessary to check
the fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
0 259. If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs service.
If the vehicle does start, the first key may
be faulty. See your dealer.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement keys. Up to eight
keys can be programmed for the vehicle. To
program additional transmitters, see Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 09.
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the vehicle
theft-deterent system in the vehicle.
See your dealer to get a new key blank cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the
system.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14430430) - 2021 - CRC - 9/9/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Windows{
Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the extreme
heat and suffer permanent injuries or
even death from heat stroke.
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to
improve fuel economy performance. This
may result in a pulsing sound when either
rear window is down and the front windows
are up. To reduce the sound, open either a
front window or the sunroof, if equipped.
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Never leave keys in a vehicle
with children. When there are children in
the rear seat, use the window lockout
button to prevent operation of the
windows. See Keys06.
Crew Cab Shown, Extended Cab Similar
Power windows work when the ignition is
on, in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0190. Using the window switch, press to open or
pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily disabled if
they are used repeatedly within a
short time.
Rear Window Lockout (Crew Cab Only)
This feature stops the rear passenger
windows from working.
.PressZto engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
.PressZagain to disengage.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Seats and Restraints 25
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats
{Warning
If temperature change or pain to the skin
cannot be felt, the seat heater may cause
burns. To reduce the risk of burns, use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of time. Do
not place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, cover, or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat. An
overheated seat heater may cause a burn
or may damage the seat.
If equipped, the buttons are on the center
stack. To operate, the engine must be
running.
If equipped, press
+to heat the driver or
passenger seatback only.
Press
zto heat the driver or passenger
cushion and seatback.
If equipped, press
{to ventilate the driver
or passenger seat. A ventilated seat has a
fan that pulls or pushes air through the
seat. The air is not cooled.
The indicator light on the button comes on
when this feature is on.
Press the button once for the highest
setting. With each press of the button, the
seat will change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The indicator
lights next to the buttons indicate three for
the highest setting and one for the lowest.
If the heated seats are on high for an
extended time, their level may automatically
be lowered.
Remote Start Auto Heated and Ventilated
Seats
During a remote start, the heated or
ventilated seats can be turned on
automatically. When it is cold outside, the heated seats turn on, and when it is hot
outside the ventilated seats turn on. The
heated or ventilated seats are canceled
when the ignition is turned on. Press the
heated or ventilated seat button to use the
heated or ventilated seats after the vehicle
is started.
The heated or ventilated seat indicator lights
do not turn on during a remote start.
The temperature performance of an
unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is
normal.
The heated or ventilated seats will not turn
on during a remote start unless they are
enabled in the vehicle personalization menu.
Rear Seats
Rear Seat Reminder
If equipped, the message REAR SEAT
REMINDER LOOK IN REAR SEAT displays
under certain conditions indicating there
may be an item or passenger in the rear
seat. Check before exiting the vehicle.
This feature will activate when a second row
door is opened while the vehicle is on or up
to 10 minutes before the vehicle is turned
on. There will be an alert when the vehicle