steering wheel GMC CANYON 2023 Owner's Guide

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
158 Driving and Operating
Off-Road App
Overview
The vehicle is equipped with an Off-Road
App to assist in monitoring the motion and
status of your vehicle, which can be
beneficial in off-road environments. See
Off-Road Driving0153.
The Off-Road App displays data such as the
vehicle’s compass bearing, altitude, axle
locker status, pitch/roll angle, and more,
depending on how your vehicle is equipped.
Some gauges track of the maximum values
you have achieved, and you can reset the
values to start over.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for too
long or too often while using any
infotainment feature can cause a crash.
You or others could be injured or killed.
Do not give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving. Limit
your glances at the vehicle displays and
focus your attention on driving. Use voice
commands whenever possible.
Getting Started
To open the app, select the OFF ROAD icon
from the infotainment home screen. The
available off-road tools are displayed
horizontally across the screen. Scroll left or
right to view more tools. Additionally, the
tools are grouped by labels Baja, Terrain,
and Overlanding at the top of the screen.
These labels are shortcuts to the tools that
may be helpful in those respective driving
conditions, although all tools are actively
collecting data at all times. Baja and Terrain
are also selectable as a driving mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0187.
.Baja –High-speed driving on low traction
surfaces
.Terrain –For rough terrain at low speeds
.Overlanding –For exploring without using
roads
Certain tools save minimum and maximum
values for the data they are collecting,
which you can reset as needed. Touch the
Reset symbol
jon the screen to reset the
values. Depending on how the vehicle is equipped,
the off-road tools in the app may include:
Altimeter :
Displays current elevation.
Maintains lowest and highest values, which
can be reset as needed.
Axle locker status : Identifies each axle as
locked or unlocked. A tire will be highlighted
if slip due to low traction is detected. See
Locking Front Axle 0192 and
Locking Rear Axle 0191.
Camera app shortcut : Launches the Camera
App for exterior camera views. See Surround
Vision System 0209.
Compass : Displays direction of travel. If the
vehicle navigation system is actively routing
to a destination, an indicator on the
compass shows the bearing to the
destination. See Compass075.
G-Force : Displays longitudinal and lateral
acceleration and max G-force.
Pitch and roll : Shows real-time vehicle pitch
and roll in a 3D gauge.
Steering angle : Displays degrees of steering
rotation for the front wheels.
Tire pressure : Displays real-time tire
pressure plus indicator for under-inflation.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System 0291.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
160 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding roads,
long grades, passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or IceCaution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving. Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0185.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0183.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 341. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 161
Warning (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0174.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow. See
“Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out” later in this section.
If equipped, the front and rear axles may be
locked to improve traction. See Locking Front
Axle 0192 and
Locking Rear Axle 0191.
The Traction Control System (TCS) can often
help to free a stuck vehicle. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0185.
If TCS cannot free the vehicle, see “Rocking
the Vehicle to Get it Out” following.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph). For information about using tire chains on
the vehicle, see
Tire Chains0302.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. For
four-wheel-drive vehicles, shift into
Four-Wheel Drive High. Turn the TCS off.
Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and
a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little
as possible. To prevent transmission wear,
wait until the wheels stop spinning before
shifting gears. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the vehicle.
If that does not get the vehicle out after a
few tries, it might need to be towed out.
See Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0314.
Recovery hooks can be used, if the vehicle
has them.
Recovery Hooks
{Warning
Never pull on recovery hooks from the
side. The hooks could break and you and
others could be injured. When using
recovery hooks, always pull the vehicle
from the front.

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
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/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 189
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
that ABS is off, which may result in the
wheels locking during deceleration. See
Locking Front Axle0192.
When the vehicle comes to a stop on an
upward grade, Automatic Vehicle Hold is
engaged until the accelerator pedal is
pressed. Start/Stop and cruise control are
disabled in Terrain Mode.
Active Braking will be engaged while in
Terrain Mode when vehicle speed is less
than 48 km/h (30 mph). Terrain mode will
not operate at speeds exceeding 80 km/h
(50 mph).
In D (Drive) and 4
n, moderate braking is
applied until the vehicle comes to a stop. In
D (Drive) and 4
m, moderate braking is
applied until the vehicle is at idle speeds. In
4
nor 4mand L1 or L2, the braking is applied
until the vehicle comes to a stop. In 4
nor
4
mand in L3-L8, the braking is applied until
the vehicle is at idle speeds. Terrain Mode will automatically exit to
Normal Mode if the brake or transmission
temperatures become too hot, the Electronic
Parking Brake (EPB) becomes inoperable, the
vehicle cannot perform braking or vehicle
hold, or if the transfer case is shifted out of
4
mor 4n.
For more information on off-road driving,
see Off-Road Driving 0153 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0159.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when towing heavy loads to provide
increased performance and vehicle control.
Tow/Haul mode adjusts steering, pedal map,
transmission shift points, ABS, ESC, TCS
performance, and uses Trailer Sway
Control (TSC).
If equipped with only Normal and Tow/Haul
modes, there may be a Tow/Haul mode
button on the drive mode control knob or
center stack. Press
_to enter the mode. If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/Haul
Mode active and then restarted within four
hours or less, Tow/Haul will remain active.
Otherwise, the vehicle will start in
Normal Mode.
For more information on Tow/Haul mode,
see
Towing Equipment 0236.
9BAJA Mode (AT4x) : Use this mode for
off-road recreational driving at higher
speeds. This mode is not designed for
on-road usage. Hard packed sand, dirt, and
gravel are examples of surfaces that support
high speed driving. Baja mode can be
activated in all transfer case states.
Baja mode adjusts the steering, pedal map,
Four-Wheel Drive Auto, transmission shift
points, ABS, ESC, and TCS performance in
order to maximize response at higher vehicle
speeds. If enabled, the rear lockers will
remain locked at all speeds.
Baja mode optimizes ABS performance to
decrease stopping distances for deformable
or loose surfaces.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
Driving and Operating 191
Mode Selection Attributes
MODESNormal
Default Off-Road Tow/Haul Terrain Baja
Steering Normal Normal Tow/Haul Terrain Normal
Transmission (2WD/4WD High) Normal Tow/Haul Tow/Haul Crawl Baja with DPM
Locking Rear Axle Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Unlimited Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph)Up to 80 km/h
(50 mph) Unlimited
Locking Front Axle Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph) Up to 40 km/h
(25 mph)
Throttle Progression (2WD/4WD High) Normal Normal Normal Crawl Baja
Traction Control (TCS) Normal Off-Road Normal Terrain Off-Road
Stability Control (ESC) Normal Off-Road Normal Off-Road Baja
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Normal Off-Road Normal Normal Baja
Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the limited-slip differential can
give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, thisfeature allows the drive wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle. For
vehicles with the limited-slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the rear axle
fluid should be changed. See
Maintenance
Schedule 0328.
Locking Rear Axle
If equipped, the locking rear axle can give
the vehicle additional traction from the rear
wheels when traveling in off-road situations
such as mud, snow, steep hills, and uneven
terrain.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
192 Driving and Operating
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.
Before the front axle can be locked, the rear
axle must be locked and the transfer case
must be in 4
n.
To lock the rear axle: 1. Press the rear axle locking switch with the vehicle moving less than 30 km/h
(20 mph).
2. Wait for the light in the switch to stop flashing and remain illuminated to show
that the rear axle is locked.
If the electronic locking differential has
difficulty engaging, release the
accelerator pedal.
The locking rear axle will be disengaged
when the vehicle speed exceeds 30 km/h
(20 mph). The Off-Road Mode allows the
axle lock to remain engaged at higher
vehicle speeds. 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.
Locking Front Axle
If equipped, the locking front axle can give
the vehicle additional traction when
traveling in off-road situations such as mud,
snow, steep hills, and uneven terrain.
The locking front axle must not be used on
high traction surfaces such as pavement.

GMC Canyon/Canyon Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16510661) - 2023 - CRC - 11/29/22
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.