Automatic brake system GMC CANYON 2023 User Guide

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
170 Driving and Operating
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Stop/Start System
The Stop/Start system shuts off the engine
to help conserve fuel. The system is
designed to manage the increased number
of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer082. When the
brake pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will restart. To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery needs to charge.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The transmission is shifted out of
D (Drive) to any gear other than P (Park).
.Certain driver modes have been selected.
See
Driver Mode Control 0187 and
Four-Wheel Drive 0179.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or driver
seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time.
Auto Stop/Start Disable Switch
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature can
be disabled and enabled by pressing
h.
Auto Stop/Start is enabled each time you
start the vehicle.
When the
hindicator is illuminated, the
system is enabled.
Engine Heater
If equipped, the engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up in cold weather

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 179
Also see“Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing
Equipment 0236.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the
front axle for extra traction.
Read the appropriate section for transfer
case operation before using.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in
4
mand 4n(if equipped) for an extended
period of time. These conditions may
cause 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.
{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 0172.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in 4n
may damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain.
An engagement noise and bump is normal
when shifting between 4
nand 4mor
N (Neutral), with the engine running.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0185.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two-Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls are
used to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the desired
button. The graphic in the instrument
cluster will flash while a shift is in progress.
The graphic displayed will change to indicate
the setting requested.
When the shift is complete the graphic will
stop flashing. The DIC message turns off
once the shift is complete. If the transfer
case cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
184 Driving and Operating
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the vehicle on.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
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.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
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
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 185
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 151.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel spin and
assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the drive
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the
brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces
vehicle power to limit wheel spin.
The TCS and ESC calibrations are different
while in Off Road, Terrain, or Baja mode,
if equipped. They provide optimum
performance in various off-road
environments.
ESC activates when the vehicle senses a
difference between the intended path and
the direction the vehicle is actually traveling.
ESC selectively applies braking pressure to
one or more of the vehicle wheel brakes to
assist the driver in keeping the vehicle on
the intended path. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically when the
vehicle is started. See
Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) 0242.
If using cruise control and ESC begins
limiting wheel spin, cruise control will
automatically disengage. You can turn cruise
control back on when road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0161 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
186 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light:
.Flashes when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Flashes when ESC is activated
.Turns on and stays on when either
system is not working
See Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic
Stability Control Light 094.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the vehicle off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the vehicle.
4. Drive the vehicle.
If the above steps does not remove
d, see
your dealer as soon as possible.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn Traction (TCS) on and off, in the
controls app on the infotainment home
screen, select Controls > DRIVE & PARK >
Traction Control. To turn ESC on or off,
select
Tnext to the Traction Control menu.
The following options appear:
.Traction Control Off
.ESC Off and Traction Control Off
.ESC On and Traction Control On
.Traction Control and ESC On
The traction control off light
idisplays in
the instrument cluster when the traction
control is turned off. When the traction
control is turned back on, the traction
control off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off. See Traction
Off Light 094.
If TCS is actively limiting wheel spin when
disabled, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning. To turn ESC off, select
Tnext to the
Traction Control menu. Select the Traction
Control and ESC Off option. The ESC off light
gwill display in the instrument cluster. See
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light
0 95.
The light strategy may differ depending on
the vehicle model, trim, and mode the
vehicle is in. The ESC light may be on in
addition to the TCS light on certain vehicle
models, trims, and/or in certain modes. See
Driver Mode Control 0187.
TCS cannot be on when ESC is off.
In Normal mode, ESC will automatically turn
on if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph)
and cannot be turned off again until speed
is reduced. Traction control will remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
feature and a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature.
See Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0242 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0185.
Entering Teen Driver will automatically
enable both TCS and ESC, and prevent these
safety features from being turned off. See
Teen Driver 0137.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 187
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications 0253.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
If equipped, HDC can be used when driving
downhill. It sets and maintains vehicle speed
while descending a very steep incline in a
forward or reverse gear.
To activate HDC, in the controls app on the
infotainment home screen, select Controls >
Drive & Park > Hill Descent Control.
Press ON or OFF to enable or disable HDC.
Vehicle speed must be below 60 km/h
(37 mph).
The HDC light displays on the instrument
cluster when enabled.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds between
4 and 30 km/h (3 and 19 mph) on an incline
greater than or equal to a 10% grade. A blinking HDC light indicates that the
system is actively applying the brakes to
maintain vehicle speed.
Set speed is established as soon as you
enable HDC. Apply the accelerator to
increase, or the brake pedal to decrease, the
set speed.
Smaller HDC speed control adjustments are
accomplished using the cruise up or down
buttons. Each tap of the +RES will increase
the set speed by 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph), while
each tap of the SET–
will decrease the set
speed by 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph). This adjusted
speed becomes the new set speed.
HDC will remain enabled between 30 and
60 km/h (19 and 37 mph); however, vehicle
speed cannot be set or maintained in this
range. It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h (50 mph) or
above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least
30 seconds.
5must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a speed
above 30 km/h (19 mph) and less than
60 km/h (37 mph), a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message will display instructing
the driver to reduce speed for HDC
operation. Cruise control will not function while HDC is
enabled and vehicle speed is below 40 km/h
(25 mph).
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows you to
adjust the overall driving experience by
selecting different driving modes.
If equipped, driver mode control may have
the following modes: Normal, Off-Road,
Tow/Haul, Terrain, and Baja. Drive mode
availability and affected vehicle subsystems
are dependent upon vehicle trim level,
region, and optional features.
All modes, other than the default (Normal),
display a unique and persistent indicator on
the instrument cluster when selected.
When entering a mode, there is an
information icon on the infotainment screen.
Select the information icon to get more
information and helpful hints on the
selected mode.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
188 Driving and Operating
Mode Activation
To activate each mode, turn the MODE knob
on the center console in either direction.
Mode Descriptions
Normal Mode :Use this mode for normal
city and highway driving. This setting
provides balance between comfort and
handling. This is the setting the vehicle will
default to every time it is started, unless
Tow/Haul mode has been activated within
the last four hours. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
later in this section.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode only
for off-road recreational driving. Off-Road
Mode should be used to improve driving at
moderate speeds on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or deep snow. If equipped,
this mode modifies steering, pedal map,
transmission shift points, Four-Wheel Drive
AUTO, Antilock Brake System (ABS),
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and
Traction Control System (TCS) performance.
Off-Road mode optimizes ABS performance
to decrease stopping distances for
deformable or loose surfaces.
For more information on off-road driving,
see Off-Road Driving 0153.
gTerrain Mode : Use this mode when
traveling on challenging road conditions at
lower speeds, such as a two-track, difficult
terrain, or rock crawling. This mode allows
for one pedal driving which automatically
applies the vehicle brakes when the
accelerator pedal position is decreased. This
can also be used for pulling a boat out of
the water on a trailer. Terrain mode functions when the vehicle is
in 4
mor 4n, and in D (Drive), R (Reverse),
or L (Low). When the vehicle is in L (Low),
the lower the gear, the more aggressive the
braking.
The following are the braking calibrations
for each gear:
.L1: Most aggressive
.L2 or D (Drive): Moderately aggressive
.L3–L8: Least aggressive
The vehicle uses more aggressive braking
calibrations for the above drive states when
it is in 4
ncompared to 4m.
When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle shifts
automatically, but holds a lower gear longer
to maximize engine torque. This is done so
vehicle momentum is not lost when driving
up a hill. This mode modifies steering, pedal
map, transmission shift points, ABS, ESC, and
TCS performance for better control at lower
speeds and over rough terrain.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 193
Caution
If you try to lock the axle while the
vehicle is stuck and the tires are spinning,
the vehicle’s drivetrain could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always lock the axle
before attempting situations and/or
navigating terrain that could cause the
vehicle to become stuck.
Caution
If the vehicle’s axle is locked while driving
on pavement, the drivetrain could be
damaged. Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not use the
locking axle on pavement.
{Warning
Driving on pavement with a locked front
axle may cause reduction to or complete
loss of steering assist, which could result
in serious injury, death, or property
damage. Do not use the locking front
axle on pavement.Before the front axle can be locked, the
transfer case must be in 4
n.
To lock the front axle, press the front/rear
axle locking switch. If it was not already
locked, the rear axle will lock first followed
by the front axle
To lock the front and rear axles: 1. Place the transfer case in 4
n. This is the
only mode that allows the front axle to
lock. See Four-Wheel Drive 0179 for
more information regarding the transfer
case and four-wheel drive low operation.
2. Press the front/rear axle locking switch with the vehicle stopped or moving less
than 30 km/h (20 mph).
3. Wait for the light in the switch to stop flashing and remain illuminated to show
that the front axle is locked. Engagement
of the front axle lock will disable the
Antilock Brake System (ABS) and
illuminate the ABS warning light. The
wheels may lock up in this condition
when decelerating from either applying
the brake pedal or automatic braking in
Terrain Mode. See Driver Mode Control
0 187. If this occurs, press the accelerator pedal to unlock the wheels. Hill Decent
Control (HDC) will also be disabled when
the front axle lock is engaged.
If the electronic locking differential has
difficulty engaging, release the
accelerator pedal.
To unlock the front axle, perform one of the
following actions:
‐ Press the rear axle locking switch. The
front axle unlocks and the rear axle
remains locked. See Locking Rear Axle
0 191.
‐ Press the front/rear axle locking switch.
The front and rear axles both unlock.
The locking front axle will be disengaged
when the vehicle speed exceeds 30 km/h
(20 mph) or the transfer case is shifted out
of 4
n.
ABS will be automatically enabled and the
ABS warning light will turn off when the
locking front axle is disengaged.
Do not lock the front axle while in Terrain
Mode when driving on slippery roads. If the
front axle is locked while in Terrain mode,
the ABS warning light appears indicating

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
194 Driving and Operating
that ABS is off, which may result in the
wheels locking during deceleration. See
Driver Mode Control0187.
If HDC was enabled prior to axle lock, it will
be automatically enabled when the locking
front axle is disengaged.
After pressing the switch to unlock the axle,
it may remain locked due to torque in the
driveline. The axle is more easily unlocked
by turning the steering wheel to the right
and to the left while traveling at a low
speed.
Cruise Control
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If the cruise control is being used and the
Traction Control (TCS) system or StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0185. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0215.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If equipped with Hill Descent Control (HDC),
cruise control will disengage if HDC is Active.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise control
disengages.
5: Press to turn the system on or off.
A white indicator comes on in the
instrument cluster when cruise control is
turned on.
+RES : If there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume to that speed or
press and hold to accelerate. If cruise control
is already active, use to increase vehicle
speed.
−SET : Press briefly to set the speed and
activate cruise control. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
196 Driving and Operating
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The
following gap is the following time between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected directly
ahead in your path, moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in your
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0185. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”
later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0151.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the sensors are blocked by snow, ice,
or dirt. The system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the entire front of
the vehicle clean.
.Visibility is poor due to rain, snow,
fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust; when
other foreign objects obscure the
camera and/or radar; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip.
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat, or when
the vehicle is loaded in excess of load
limits. See Vehicle Load Limits 0162.