towing GMC CANYON 2022 User Guide

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 191
{Warning
If you have four-wheel drive, the vehicle
will be free to roll—even if the shift
lever is in P (Park) —if the transfer case
is in N (Neutral). So, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear, Two-Wheel Drive
High or Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low —not in
N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park 0188.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 177.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
D (Drive) can be used when towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the transmission to
a lower gear range selection if the
transmission shifts too often. See Manual
Mode 0192.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” underLoss of Control 0171.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature
that adjusts the transmission shifting to the
current driving conditions in order to reduce
rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift, if the
engine is able to maintain vehicle speed by
analyzing things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load. If the
shift stabilization feature determines that a
current vehicle speed cannot be maintained,

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
192 Driving and Operating
the transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear. In some
cases, this could appear to be a delayed
shift, however the transmission is operating
normally.
The transmission uses adaptive shift
controls. The adaptive shift control process
continually compares key shift parameters
to pre-programmed ideal shifts stored in the
transmission’s computer. The transmission
constantly makes adjustments to improve
vehicle performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy
load or when the temperature changes.
During this adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the
transmission's gear shifting could be delayed
providing more stable shifts until the engine
warms up. Shifts could be more noticeable
with a cold transmission. This difference in
shifting is normal.
L :This position allows selection of a range
of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. See Manual Mode0192.Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
Normal Mode Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started, but is not
enabled in Range Selection Mode. It assists
in maintaining desired vehicle speeds when
driving on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the vehicle.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
Range Selection Mode helps control the
vehicle's transmission and vehicle speed
while driving downhill or towing a trailer by
letting you select a desired range of gears.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever to select the desired range of gears
for current driving conditions.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
194 Driving and Operating
Grade Braking is not available when Range
Selection Mode is active. SeeTow/Haul
Mode 0194.
While using Range Selection Mode, cruise
control and the Tow/Haul Mode can
be used.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
If equipped, Low Traction Mode assists in
vehicle acceleration when road conditions
are slippery, such as with ice or snow. While
the vehicle is at a stop, select L2 using
Range Selection Mode. This will limit torque
to the wheels and help to prevent the tires
from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
If equipped, Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling. While towing heavy loads, this
mode provides increased performance and
vehicle control.
Turn the Tow/Haul Mode on and off by
pressing the button on the center stack.
When the Tow/Haul Mode is enabled, a
light on the instrument cluster will come on.
See Tow/Haul Mode Light 090 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0176.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing
Equipment 0223.
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.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the
front axle for extra traction.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in 4
m, or 4nfor an extended period of time.
These conditions may cause:
.Overheating.
.Oil leakage.
.Damage to internal and external
components of the front axle.
.Premature wear on the vehicle’s
powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
mor
4
nmay:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
.Cause additional driveline noise.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 195
{Warning
If equipped with four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll if the transfer
case is in N (Neutral), even when the shift
lever is in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear—2
m, 4m,
or 4
n— or set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
See Shifting Into Park 0188.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in 4n
may damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when shifting
between 4
nand 4mor from N (Neutral),
with the engine running, is normal.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0201.
Electronic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob, next to the
steering wheel, to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive for extra traction.
All of the lights will flash on then off
momentarily when the ignition is turned on.
The light that remains on will indicate the
state of the transfer case.
If the indicator mark on the knob does not
match up with the light then that likely
means the knob was moved when the
ignition was off.
The indicator mark on the knob must line
up with the indicator light before a shift can
be commanded. To command a shift rotate
the transfer case knob to the new desired position. The light will flash meaning that
the shift is in progress. When the shift is
completed the new position will be
illuminated. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift command, it will go back to
its last chosen setting.
In extreme cold weather, it may be
necessary to slow or stop the vehicle to
shift from 2
mto 4m.
Delayed shift from 4
mto 2mmay be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low
tire pressure, high vehicle loading, or cold
temperatures.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0298 or
Towing the Vehicle 0297.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 197
5. Shift the transfer case to 2m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it stops and hold it
there until the N (Neutral) light starts
flashing. This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly release the knob
to the 4
nposition. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer case
shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in N (Neutral) by shifting
the transmission to R (Reverse), then to
D (Drive). There should be no movement
of the vehicle while shifting the
transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 298.
10. Turn the ignition off.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). 4. Turn the transfer case knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has shifted out of
N (Neutral), the N (Neutral) light will
go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob next to the
steering wheel to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will flash on then off
momentarily when the ignition is turned on.
The light that remains on will indicate the
state of the transfer case.
If the indicator mark on the knob does not
match up with the light then that likely
means the knob was moved when the
ignition was off.
The indicator mark on the knob must line
up with the indicator light before a shift can
be commanded. To command a shift rotate
the transfer case knob to the new desired
position. The light will flash meaning that
the shift is in progress. When the shift is
completed the new position will be
illuminated. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift command, it will go back to
its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0298 or
Towing the Vehicle 0297.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 199
Shifting Out of 4n
To shift:1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition on. It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. Wait
for the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
to stop flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or moving
more than 5 km/h (3 mph), the 4
m, AUTO,
or 2
mindicator light will flash for
30 seconds but will not complete the shift.
With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again. Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake pedal. See Parking Brake
0 200.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition on.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it stops and hold it
there until the N (Neutral) light starts
flashing. This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly release the knob
to the 4
nposition. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer case
shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in N (Neutral) by shifting
the transmission to R (Reverse), then
shift the transmission to D (Drive). There
should be no movement of the vehicle
while shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY. 9. Place the transmission shift lever in
P (Park). See Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 298.
10. Turn the ignition to off.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired setting.
After the transfer case has shifted out of
N (Neutral), the N (Neutral) light will
go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired gear.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
200 Driving and Operating
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 089.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Parking Brake
Set the parking brake by holding the regular
brake pedal down, then pushing down the
parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system
warning light will come on. See Brake
System Warning Light 088.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold the
regular brake pedal down, then push down
momentarily on the parking brake pedal
until you feel the pedal release. Slowly pull
your foot up off the parking brake pedal.
If the parking brake is not released when
you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light will flash and a chime will
sound warning you that the parking brake is
still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0215.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
208 Driving and Operating
camera. Touch X to exit the view or it will
be removed automatically after
eight seconds.
{Warning
Use Hitch Guidance only to help back the
vehicle to a trailer hitch or, when
traveling above 12 km/h (8 mph), to
briefly check the status of your trailer. Do
not use for any other purpose, such as
making lane change decisions. Before
making a lane change, always check the
mirrors and glance over your shoulder.
Improper use could result in serious
injury to you or others.
Park Assist
With RPA, as the vehicle backs up at speeds
of less than 8 km/h (5 mph), the sensors on
the rear bumper may detect objects up to
2.5 m (8 ft) behind the vehicle within a zone
25 cm (10 in) high off the ground and below
bumper level. These detection distances may
be shorter during warmer or humid weather.Blocked sensors will not detect objects and
can also cause false detections. Keep the
sensors clean of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and
slush; and clean sensors after a car wash in
freezing temperatures.
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects below the bumper or that are
too close or too far from the vehicle. It is
not available at speeds greater than
8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent injury, death,
or vehicle damage, even with Park Assist,
always check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before backing.
The instrument cluster may have a park
assist display with bars that show
“distance
to object” and object location information for RPA. As the object gets closer, more bars
light up and the bars change color from
yellow to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in the rear,
one beep will be heard from the rear. When
an object is very close, <0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, continuous beeps will sound
from the rear.
Turning the Features On or Off
RPA can be turned on and off. See
Vehicle
Personalization 099.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield, and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph).

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
15275607) - 2022 - CRC - 11/2/21
Driving and Operating 211
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake pedal is
applied quickly by providing a boost to
braking based on the speed of approach and
distance to a vehicle ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. See “Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization 099.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid crashes
due to unintentional lane departures. It may
provide an alert if the vehicle is crossing a
lane marking without using a turn signal in
that direction. LDW uses a camera sensor to
detect the lane markings at speeds of
56 km/h (35 mph) or greater. The LDW light
will not alert if the turn signal is active in
the direction of lane departure, or if LDW
detects that you are accelerating, braking or
actively steering.
{Warning
The LDW system does not steer the
vehicle. The LDW system may not:
.Provide enough time to avoid a crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads. (Continued)

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 215
Warning (Continued)
damage the capless fuel system. This
could cause a fire. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged.
3. Remove and clean the funnel adapter and return it to the storage location.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
.When transporting a fuel container or
other material that can catch fire in
the truck bed, secure the container to
prevent spills.
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 to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see Towing the
Vehicle 0297. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0298.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.