VEHICLE STARTING GMC TERRAIN 2017 Owner's Guide

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
210 Vehicle Care
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0212.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0206 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level. Follow these guidelines:
.
To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
. If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out
the dipstick, wipe it with a clean
paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
2.4L L4 Engine
3.6L V6 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and
the engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for
an explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, see Capacities and
Specifications 0293.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
Vehicle Care 211
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 206 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0289.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos1™ specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty. Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below
−29 °C
(−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be
used. An oil of this viscosity grade
will provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures. When selecting an oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade, it
is recommended to select an oil of
the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
Vehicle Care 223
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0109.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0280.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0289.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0206 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0203.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0263 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
224 Vehicle Care
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
Vehicle Care 263
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, seeBattery - North
America 0223.
Jump starting can be used on
vehicles with run-down batteries by
using jumper cables and another
vehicle.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0203.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
. They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light. (Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
264 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely. Ignoring these steps
could result in costly damage to the
vehicle that would not be covered
by the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by
pushing or pulling it will not work,
and it could damage the vehicle.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
1. Remote Positive (+) Terminal 2. Remote Negative (−)
Terminal
1. The vehicle used to jump start must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. The vehicles should be close enough for the jumper cables
to reach, but the vehicles
should not be touching.
Touching could cause
grounding and possible
electrical system damage.
Put both vehicles in P (Park)
and set the parking brake
firmly.
3. Unplug accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or the
accessory power outlet. Turn

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
Vehicle Care 265
off the radio and all lamps that
are not needed. Turn off the
ignition on both vehicles.
4. Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on both
vehicles. Some vehicles have
remote jump starting terminals.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
5. The remote positive (+) terminal (1) is located on the
underhood fuse block, on the
driver side. Lift the red cap to
uncover the terminal.
The remote negative (−)
terminal (2) is a stud behind
the metal tab stamped with
GND (−) near the driver side
strut tower. 6. The jumper cables should be in
good working condition with no
loose or missing insulation.
The vehicles could be
damaged if they are not.
7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
8. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the
positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
9. Connect the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−)
terminal of the good battery.
Use a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step.
The other end of the negative
(−) cable does not go to the
dead battery. It goes to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery.
10. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable away from
the dead battery, but not near
engine parts that move.
11. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine.
12. Press the unlock symbol on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to disarm the
security system, if equipped.
13. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it needs
service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
266 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will
occur. Use ramps to help reduce
approach angles if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its
drive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must
be towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle –such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
. The towing capacity of the
towing vehicle. Be sure to read
the tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far the vehicle will be
towed. Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
Index 323
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 131Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Gauges Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 279
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 137
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Headlamps (cont'd)
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . .114
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 135
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . .114
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Heater Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142, 144
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 158
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 177
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142, 144I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Indicator Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 41
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 121
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 27
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 238
Lamps
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 136
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 107
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9919509) - 2017 - crc - 8/16/16
Index 327
Seats (cont'd)Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 86, 88
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 142
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 204
Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 291
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 292
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 301
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 187
Sidemarker
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Special Application Services . . . . 286
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Fluid, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 92
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141, 308
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Taillamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 298
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 39 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235