transmission GMC CANYON 2023 Owner's Manual

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 167
Structural members (1) and (2) are included
in the pickup box design. Additional
accessories should use these load points.
Depending on the accessory design, use a
spacer under the accessory at the load
points to remove gap. The holes for GM
approved accessories (3) are not intended for
aftermarket equipment. See
www.gmupfitter.com for additional pickup
box load bearing structural information.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
The vehicle was neither designed nor
intended to carry a slide-in camper.Caution
Adding a slide-in camper or similar
equipment to the vehicle can damage it,
and the repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not install a
slide-in camper or similar equipment on
the vehicle.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTrailer Towing 0231 for the trailer
towing capabilities of the vehicle and
more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased. On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a
“break-in”
period during the first 6,400 km
(4,000 miles) of routine driving. As the
vehicle is driven, the mechanical systems
adjust to provide optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy.
Ignition Positions

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 169
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding ENGINE START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the
vehicle will not be able to be driven. The
engine will not start in Service Mode. Press
the button again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any
other position. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment 0251.
Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Access system, the
remote key must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the brake pedal
applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button. There
may be a minor, and temporary, brake
pedal kickback when starting the vehicle.
This is normal.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
If the remote key is not in the vehicle,
if there is interference, or if the remote
key battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
message. When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the DIC, press ENGINE
START/STOP to continue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by trying to start the engine
immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
press ENGINE START/STOP, for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the button
and the accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate

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 173
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set
before you leave it. After you move the
shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can
move the shift lever away from P (Park)
without pressing the button on the shift
lever. If you can, it means that the shift
lever was not fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat. To
find out how, seeShifting Into Park0172.
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before you release
the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission. You will
then be able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to prevent movement of
the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See
Jump Starting
- North America 0312 for more information.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0183.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever.
If unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button. 2. While holding down the brake pedal,
press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever.
If equipped, the Buckle to Drive feature may
prevent shifting from P (Park). See Buckle To
Drive 034.
If the shift lever will not move from P (Park),
consult your dealer or a professional towing
service.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management
This vehicle's engine may be equipped with
Active Fuel Management, which allows the
engine to operate on either all of its
cylinders, or in reduced cylinder operation
mode, depending on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as
cruising at a constant vehicle speed, the
system will operate in reduced cylinder
operation mode, allowing the vehicle to

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 175
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift lever
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. This display comes on when the
vehicle is on or in accessory mode.
P :This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily. When
parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle
has a heavy load, you might notice an
increase in the effort to shift out of P (Park).
See “Torque Lock” underShifting Into Park
0 172.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0172 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 227.
{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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
High or Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low—not in
N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park 0172.
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
0 161.
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.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
176 Driving and Operating
{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 0177.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” underLoss of Control 0153.
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, 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 Mode0177.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 177
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. When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode), a number
displays next to the L, indicating the current
transmission range.
This number is the highest gear that the
transmission will command while operating
in L (Manual Mode). All gears below that
number are available. As driving conditions
change, the transmission can automatically
shift to lower gears. For example, when L5 is
selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are
automatically shifted by the transmission,
but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until the
plus/minus button on the shift lever is used
to change to the range.
When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode), a downshift
may occur. The gear that the transmission is
operating in when the shift lever is moved
from D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode)
determines if a downshift occurs. See the
following chart.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
178 Driving and Operating
8-Speed Automatic TransmissionGear before shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range after shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) –
Tow/Haul not engaged L6 L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L2 L1
Range after shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) –
Tow/Haul engaged L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L3 L2 L1
Grade Braking is not available when Range
Selection Mode is active. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0178.
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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
Driver Mode Control Light 095 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0159.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
180 Driving and Operating
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0316 or
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0314.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive) : Use
when road surface conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front axle is
engaged, and the vehicle's power is sent to
the front and rear wheels automatically
based on driving conditions. This setting
provides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2
m.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This setting
engages the front axle and delivers extra
torque. Choose 4
nwhen driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, or deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills.
While driving in 4
n, keep vehicle speed
below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0185.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays to
indicate that the 4x4 transfer case has been
requested to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
When a shift to 2
mis completed successfully
while in P (Park), the parking brake will
engage. To resume driving, shift the
transmission to the desired gear and
manually release the parking brake or press
the accelerator pedal to begin driving. See
Electric Parking Brake 0183. If equipped, use 4
n, AUTO, or 4mto provide
additional traction when parking on a steep
grade with poor traction such as ice, snow,
mud, or gravel.
Shifting Into 4
n
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
n. The actual 4x4 shift request is
only made after the button is released.
The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing
until the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays to indicate that
the 4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift request
occurs, a DIC message displays. Reduce
vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, a DIC message
displays. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 181
for the shift to occur. After this time, a
graphic in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
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. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. The actual 4x4
shift request is only made after the
button is released. The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays
to indicate the state of the request.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing, and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message displays.
Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, DIC messages will
display. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for
this shift to occur. After this time, a graphic
in the instrument cluster will indicate that
the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster. 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 into N (Neutral):
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds until
the N (Neutral) graphic starts flashing in
the instrument cluster. When the shift is
complete, the graphic stops flashing.
If the parking brake and/or brake pedal
is not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the original
state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed
to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds,
the transfer case will remain in its
original state. This will be indicated in
the instrument cluster.