Warning Indicators: 2018 GMC Canyon Instrument Cluster
In modern cars, the instrument cluster is one of the most important ways for the driver to interact with the car’s safety, speed, and health features. For owners and fans of the 2018 GMC Canyon, knowing how the instrument cluster works is important for a safe and enjoyable drive experience. This model year added a lot of new warning lights, each carefully made to let drivers know about different parts of the car’s operation, like the brakes, airbags, and how well the engine is running and how much gas is left. These indicators not only protect against possible mechanical failures, but they also make sure that safety standards are met, which improves both driving safety and care overall. By looking into the specific symbols, colors, and situations that cause these signs to appear, drivers can learn what they need to do right away and in the future to keep their car safe, reliable, and in good shape. This knowledge isn’t just about fixing problems as they come up; it’s also about encouraging a proactive approach to vehicle care, which will make the car last longer and keep you safe while you drive.
2023 – 2024 GMC CANYON Review, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel)
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement for more information.
Cluster Menu
There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open and scroll through the different items and displays. Press
to access the cluster applications. Use
to scroll through the list of available applications. Not all applications will be available on all vehicles.
- Info app. This is where you can view the selected Driver Information Center (DIC) displays.
- Audio
- Phone
- Navigation
- Options
Audio
In the main view of the Audio app, press to scroll through radio stations or move to the next/ previous track of a CD/USB/ Bluetooth device that is connected to the vehicle. Press
to select the Audio app, then press
to enter the Audio menu. In the Audio menu browse for music, select from the favorites, or change the audio source.
Phone
Press to select the Phone app, then press to enter the Phone menu. In the Phone menu, if there is no active phone call, view recent calls, scroll through contacts, or select from the favorites. If there is an active call, mute or unmute the phone or switch to handset or hands-free operation.
Navigation
Press to select the Navigation app, then press to enter the Navigation menu. If there is no active route, you can resume the last route and turn the voice prompts on/off. If there is an active route, press to cancel route guidance or turn the voice prompts on/off.
Options
Press to select the Options app. Use to scroll through the items in the Options menu.
Units: Press while Units is displayed to enter the Units menu. Choose U.S. or metric units by pressing while the desired item is highlighted.
Info Pages: Press while Info Pages is displayed to enter the Info Pages menu and select the items to be displayed in the Info app.
Speed Warning: The Speed Warning display allows the driver to set a speed that they do not want to exceed. To set the Speed Warning, press when the Speed Warning is displayed. Press to adjust the value. Press to set the speed. Once the speed is set, this feature can be turned off by pressing while viewing this page. If the selected speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is displayed with a chime.
Instrument Cluster (Base Level)
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement for more information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates about how much fuel is left in the tank. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light comes on. There is a small amount of fuel left, but the fuel tank should be filled soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:
- At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
- It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
- The gauge moves a little while turning a corner or speeding up.
- The gauge takes a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on, and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the pointer moves toward the warning area at the high end of the gauge, the engine is too hot. This reading indicates the same thing as the warning light. It means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a passenger seat belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.
Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag. If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag is allowed to inflate. If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag. If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.
Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. The light turns off when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery. When this light comes on, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message. If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control onboard diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable. Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with this light on, the emission control system may not work as well, the fuel economy may be lower, and the vehicle may not run smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Modifications to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tires that do not meet the original tire specifications, can cause this light to come on. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions Inspection/ Maintenance test.
If the light is flashing: A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady: A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Check the following:
- If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. The diagnostic system can detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light. - Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test, the test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The light is on when the engine is running.
- The light does not come on when the ignition is on while the engine is off.
- Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle would not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is not working, the remaining circuit can still work to stop the vehicle. For normal braking performance, both circuits need to be working. If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briefly when the engine is started. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light also comes on when the parking brake is set. The light stays on if the parking brake does not fully release. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully released, it means the vehicle has a brake problem. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal might be harder to push, or the pedal can go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
Warning
The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the vehicle. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light comes on steady. If the ABS light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but the antilock brakes are not functioning. If both the ABS and the brake system warning light are on, the vehicle’s antilock brakes are not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transmission)
This light comes on when an up-shift is recommended for best fuel economy. The number displayed with the arrow indicates the recommended gear.
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
The four-wheel-drive light comes on when a vehicle with a manual transfer case is shifted into four-wheel drive and the front axle engages. Some delay between the shifting and the light coming on is normal.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.
Hill Descent Control Light
If equipped, the Hill Descent Control light comes on when the system is ready for use. When the light flashes, the system is active.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
If equipped, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced. This light is green if LDW is on and ready to operate. This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off. The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak button. This light and the StabiliTrak OFF light come on when StabiliTrak is turned off. If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. This light comes on when the StabiliTrak system is turned off. If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. If StabiliTrak and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak systems, and the warning light turns off.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak system have been disabled. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may display. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also display. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base Level)
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on as a check to indicate it is working. If it does not come on, have it fixed. The low fuel warning light comes on and a chime sounds when the vehicle is low on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is added to the fuel tank.
Low Fuel Warning Light (Uplevel)
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. It also comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
Front Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light comes on when the fog lamps are in use. The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active. The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off.
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel Cluster)
This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.
FAQs
This light signifies low engine oil pressure. Immediate attention is needed to prevent potential engine damage.
If this light comes on, it means the engine is overheating. Pull over safely and allow the engine to cool down before checking coolant levels.
The battery/charging system warning light will illuminate. If this happens, it’s advisable to check the battery and charging system as soon as possible.
This light indicates a potential issue with the brake system. It could mean the parking brake is engaged, brake fluid is low, or there is an ABS problem.
It means one or more tires are significantly under-inflated. Check tire pressure and inflate them to the proper levels.
This light signals a problem with the airbag system. Airbags may not deploy in a crash if this light is on. Have the system checked promptly.
It indicates traction control is active, which may engage during slippery conditions to maintain vehicle control.
This light flashes or stays on if there’s an issue with the vehicle’s anti-theft system.
The low fuel warning light will illuminate, indicating the fuel level is low and refueling is necessary soon.
The check engine light will come on if there’s a problem with the emission control system.
This light indicates a problem with the power steering system, which may make steering harder.
A light will illuminate on the instrument cluster when the lane departure warning system is active.
It means the forward collision alert system is active and may warn you of potential collisions.
This light suggests a non-emission-related vehicle issue or scheduled maintenance is needed.
It means the stability control system has been manually turned off.
A transmission warning light will illuminate if there is a problem that requires immediate attention.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2018 GMC Canyon Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 – 2024 GMC CANYON Review, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)