🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

GMC

Model:

Canyon

Year:

2008

Generation:

First Generation (GMT355)

Platform Code:

GMT355

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Competitors 2008:

Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado

Key Selling Points Canyon:

Off-road capability (with Z85 suspension), powerful inline-5 engine option, strong towing capacity for its class, availability of 4WD

Body Styles:

Extended Cab, Crew Cab

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (6'1"), Long Bed (7'4")

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Seats and Restraint Systems, Features and Controls, Instrument Panel, Driving Your Vehicle, Service and Appearance Care, Maintenance Schedule, Customer Assistance Information

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 160-180 (based on typical owner's manual structure and chapter lengths)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Instant Download, Printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Restraint Systems:

Front Seats, Rear Seats, Safety Belts, Child Restraints, Airbag System, Restraint System Check

Controls And Features:

Keys, Doors and Locks, Windows, Theft-Deterrent Systems, Starting and Operating, Mirrors, OnStar® System, Storage Areas, Sunroof

Instrumentation:

Instrument Panel Overview, Climate Controls, Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators, Driver Information Center (DIC), Audio System(s)

Driving And Operation:

Driving Techniques, Road Conditions, Towing

Maintenance And Care:

Service, Fuel, Underhood Checks, Rear Axle, Four-Wheel Drive System, Front Axle, Headlamp Aiming, Bulb Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement, Tires, Appearance Care, Vehicle Identification

Electrical System:

Electrical System Overview

Capacities And Specs:

Capacities and Specifications

Maintenance Schedule:

Maintenance Schedule

Customer Support:

Customer Assistance and Information, Reporting Safety Defects, Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy

Operation:

Starting the engine, driving, operating various controls (climate, audio, lights, wipers), using keyless entry, door and window operation, adjusting mirrors, using sunroof, interacting with the Driver Information Center (DIC)

Safety:

Proper use of seat belts, child restraint installation and usage, understanding airbag system operation and limitations, safe towing practices

Maintenance Basic:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, basic underhood component identification

Maintenance Schedule:

Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other scheduled maintenance tasks

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lights and gages, understanding DIC messages, basic troubleshooting for common vehicle issues (though advanced diagnostics are typically in a service manual)

Depth:

Covers user-level operation, basic maintenance, safety features, and general information. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation instructions, or specific torque specifications for repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within Adobe Reader

Printability:

Printable on standard home or office printers

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.9L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4 (LLR)

Base Engine Horsepower:

185 hp @ 5600 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

190 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Optional Engine 2:

3.7L DOHC 20-Valve Inline-5 (LLM)

Optional Engine 2 Horsepower:

242 hp @ 5600 rpm

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

242 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Emission System:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (for 2.9L I4)

Optional Transmission Auto:

4-Speed Automatic (4L60-E) (for 3.7L I5)

Optional Transmission Manual:

6-Speed Manual (M73) (for 3.7L I5)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

111.3 inches

Wheelbase Crew Cab:

126.2 inches

Length Short Bed:

192.4 inches

Length Long Bed:

211.4 inches

Width:

74.7 inches

Height:

70.5 inches (approximate, varies by configuration)

Bed Volume Short Bed:

44.7 cu ft

Bed Volume Long Bed:

53.3 cu ft

Curb Weight Base Rwd:

3,890 lbs (approximate)

Max Payload Capacity:

1,400 - 1,600 lbs (depending on configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,200 lbs (with 3.7L I5, 4WD, and proper equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2008 GMC Canyon Extended Cab 2WD)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2008 GMC Canyon Extended Cab 2WD)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

4 Stars (2008 GMC Canyon Extended Cab 2WD)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

4 Stars (2008 GMC Canyon Extended Cab 2WD)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

3 Stars (2008 GMC Canyon Extended Cab 2WD)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

3 Stars (2008 GMC Canyon Extended Cab 2WD)

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 Stars (2008 GMC Canyon 2WD)

Braking System:

Front Disc / Rear Drum Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (Standard)

Traction Control:

StabiliTrak (available on some trims/configurations)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger

Seat Belts:

Three-point lap and shoulder belts with pretensioners for front seats, three-point belts for outboard rear seats (if equipped)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats

Anti Theft:

Theft-Deterrent Immobilizer System

💡 Technology Features

Audio Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional CD/MP3 player, optional satellite radio (XM)

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim and cab configuration

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Parking Assist:

Not commonly available for 2008 model year

Onstar System:

Available (integrated into rearview mirror), offering services like emergency assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, and remote diagnostics. Requires subscription.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Refer to the manual for specific guidance.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Refer to manual; often around 60,000-100,000 miles for severe duty, or as indicated by the transmission fluid life monitor.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Synthetic Oil

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5 quarts (4.7 liters) for 2.9L I4, 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) for 3.7L I5 (check manual for exact capacity with filter change)

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool® (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Dexron® VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Rear Axle Fluid Type:

Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 80W-90 (GL-5)

Common Problems:

Some reports of front suspension wear (ball joints, control arms), potential for catalytic converter issues, minor interior trim rattles, and issues with the anti-lock brake system sensor/module on higher mileage units.

Common Problems 2:

Rear main seal leaks can occur on some engines. Schrader valve on fuel rail can leak.

📚 Vehicle History

Gmc Truck Legacy:

GMC has a long history of producing robust trucks and commercial vehicles, often positioned as more premium or work-oriented than their Chevrolet counterparts.

Canyon Debut:

The GMC Canyon was introduced for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the GMC Sonoma. It was developed in conjunction with the Chevrolet Colorado.

Canyon 2008 Updates:

For 2008, minor updates included revised exterior styling, potentially new wheel options, and interior refinements. The engine lineup (2.9L I4 and 3.7L I5) remained largely the same from the previous year.

Manufacturing Location:

Shreveport, Louisiana, USA (primarily)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While the Canyon (and Colorado) platform received various accolades during its run, specific prominent awards for the 2008 model year are not widely highlighted as groundbreaking.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimated 29L Rwd Auto:

17 MPG City / 23 MPG Highway

Fuel Economy Epa Estimated 37L Rwd Auto:

15 MPG City / 21 MPG Highway