The initial problem is that the vehicle ignition engages on its own while parked without the key being in the ignition. I would notice the radio playing on occasion. When I opened the door the bells sound like the key is in the ignition but it is not. On other occasions the battery would just be drained dead. I took it in to several different gmc dealer several times and each time I was told since they could not duplicate the problem there was nothing they could do. Soon after, and this has occurred on several occasions, the cruise control would disengage while driving down the highway. On several other occasions the security light lights in the dashboard. Note: this vehicle does not have a security system. The light would clear when I stopped the truck and restarted it. For several years since I have been going through taillight bulbs at a rate of about one per month. Finally a gmc dealer discovered that the plug for the light bulb had melted / burned. All these incidents seem related to the ignition / electrical system and seem too similar to all the other issues recalled to not have been included in previous recalls.
2008 GMC Canyon electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 15 of 15, newest first, as owners wrote them.
At the time of original discovery of a problem the vehicles cruise control would work intermittently. Months after the original discovery, a friend stated I had no brake lights. I checked the fuses and bulbs both were satisfactory. I conducted a check of the brake light switch with a volt meter and the switch is bad. There is no indication to the operator that the brake lights are not functioning. Further research indicates there is a known problem in this make of vehicle. I have conducted a VIN search of my vehicle and it is not covered in current or past recalls of this known issue. I believe the scope of the recall is not inclusive of all affected vehicles. I would also like to know if this issue translates to vehicles that come factory equipped with towing packages, in that if an operator is towing and using the factory installed towing connectors would the lighting of the towed vehicle be affected as well.
I purchased my canyon in nov 2007. After a year of having it, it would not start. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the starter and replaced it. It started doing the same thing a few months after that. I replaced the battery. I've purchased three batteries since owning the truck. The problem is when trying to start it wont start until after sitting in the truck for exactly 10 minutes. After that it will start. I never noticed the time delay previously and bought unnecessary batteries and had a starter changed. If you look on google all canyons and colorado owners report the same problem won't start for 10 minutes. I recently took it to dealer and they said its a faulty passlock that's not covered under warranty $380.00. If all the trucks are having the same problem it should be recalled. The alarm system prevents the starting of the truck for exactly 10 minutes.this can be a matter of life and death in an emergency. More info can be found online in the search. Please help.
Truck was parked & locked. Upon unlocking truck & trying to start it, discovered that vehicle theft deterrent system light was flashing & vehicle would not start. Waited ten minutes & restarted truck. Each time vehicle stopped & parked that day, same thing happened again. After checking internet discovered that this is very common problem for canyons & colorados!!! Two suggestions offered on internet - 1) take to dealer & spend big bucks for new computer chip. 2) once truck running, cut wire to theft deterrent system (be advised vehicle will no longer have a theft deterrent system). Went with option 2. Can't believe this is common vehicle problem & no federal action taken?
Following the first incident noted above, there were several other such incidents, where turning the ignition switch resulted in no starter engagement, dead battery indication. Following the first incident, the original battery had been replaced with a new battery. After the second incident following a jump start, the engine started. The vehicle was driven about 3 miles to an automotive parts store where the new battery (about 1 month old) was tested and found to be fully charged and in good condition. Following a third incident about a month aftter the second incident, the vehicle was taken to the gm deaaler for diagnosing. The dealer said the ignition switch was defective based upon the computer code. Despite the vehicle's 2008 year, the vehicle only had 14,769 miles. My out-of-pocket cost was $386. This defective switch should not have failed at such a low mileage. An internet search revealed other gm products reporting the same switch failure problem.
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