check engine light GMC TERRAIN 2020 User Guide

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Instruments and Controls 133
Economy Trend :Shows history of
the Average Fuel Economy from the
last 50 km (30 mi). Each bar
represents about 5 km (3 mi) of
driving. During driving the bars will
shift to always reflect the most
recent distance on the right side.
Press
Vto open the menu while
this display is active to clear the
graph. Select yes or no and
press
V.
Timer : This display can be used as
a timer. To start the timer, press
V
to open the menu while this display
is active. Use
wandxto select
Start Timer or Reset. Press
V. To
stop the timer, press
Vwhile this
display is active. The display will
show the amount of time that has
passed since the timer was last
reset. Speed Limit :
Shows sign
information, which comes from a
roadway database in the onboard
navigation, if equipped. The sign will
show “− −”when there is no
detected speed limit or the system
is unavailable.
Press
Vwhile this display is active
to toggle Speed Limit sign on or off.
Battery Voltage : Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. See Charging System
Light 0115. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system, a
DIC will display a message.
Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or DIC message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Coolant Temperature :
Displays
the coolant temperature in degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit
(°F).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
Percent (Diesel Engine Only) :
If equipped, the DEF level will be
displayed as either OK, XX%,
or LOW. When LOW appears on the
display, add DEF as soon as
possible. See Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0 195.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
Gauge (Diesel Engine Only) :
If equipped, the DEF level displays
as a horizontal bar gauge with E or
0 and F or 1 at both ends. If more of
the bar is filled green, the vehicle
has a higher level of DEF. When the
estimated level is low, the gauge will
turn red and LOW will display above

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
172 Driving and Operating
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0314.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 183
Caution
If the wait-to-start light stays on
after starting the vehicle, the
vehicle may not run properly.
Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
2. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking,
wait one minute for the
cranking motor to cool, then try
the same steps again.
If you are trying to start the engine
after the vehicle has run out of fuel,
follow the steps in Running Out of
Fuel (Diesel) 0256.
When the engine is cold, let it run
for a few minutes before driving.
This lets oil pressure build up. The
engine will sound louder when it
is cold.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel
Engine)
Use the recommended engine oil
when the outside temperature drops
below freezing. See Engine Oil
0 283. When the outside
temperature drops below –18°C
(0°F), use of the engine heater is
recommended.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0250
for information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not
Start
If the vehicle has run out of fuel, see
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel) 0256.
If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and
the engine will not start:
Press ENGINE START/STOP.
Immediately after the wait-to-start
light goes off, press ENGINE
START/STOP to start the vehicle.
If the light does not go off, wait a
few seconds, then try starting the
engine again. See your dealer for a
starting system check. If the light comes on and then goes
off, and it is known that the battery
is charged, but the engine still will
not start, the vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when
the engine is cold, the vehicle
needs service.
If the battery does not have enough
charge to start the engine, see
Battery - North America
0298.
Check that the correct engine oil
has been used and changed at
appropriate intervals. If the wrong oil
is used, the engine may be harder
to start.
Be sure to use the proper fuel for
existing weather conditions. See
Fuel for Diesel Engines 0250.
If the engine starts, runs a short
time, then stops, the vehicle needs
service.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 193
{Warning
During DPF self-cleaning or
during extended idling in P (Park),
the exhaust system and exhaust
gases are very hot. Things that
burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite.
You or others could be burned.
Do not park, or idle for an
extended period of time, near or
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Keep the exhaust area clear of
material that could ignite or burn.
SeeParking over Things That
Burn 0190.
Caution
Avoid extended idling because
the DPF system is not capable of
self-cleaning at idle. During
extended idling, monitor the
instrument cluster lights and DIC
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
for messages and take
appropriate action. Continued
idling with the warning light/
message on could cause damage
to the DPF requiring repair and
possible replacement that might
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
During self-cleaning there will be a
change in the exhaust sound and
engine idle speed. Along with this, a
burning smell and reduction in fuel
economy may be noticed. This is
normal.
If the vehicle is idled or driven on
very short trips with the DPF
warning message on and the
exhaust filter is not cleaned as
required, the malfunction indicator
lamp and a DIC message will
display. See your dealer. Also see
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0115. If equipped with Power
Take-Off (PTO), monitor the
instrument cluster for lights related
to the DPF.
See
Accessories and Modifications
0 275 if you are adding accessories
or modifying the vehicle.
Manual Regeneration of Diesel
Particulate Filter
This feature is only available on
Fleet and Commercial vehicles.
To verify that the vehicle has this
feature, refer to the Vehicle Service
Parts Identification label (SPID) for
RPO code FPF or see
www.gmupfitter.com to contact the
GM Upfitter Integration Group.
If equipped, this feature allows for
manual cleaning/regeneration of the
DPF when it is unable to clean
itself. It may be necessary to
perform manual regeneration if
driving conditions —such as
extended slow speed, stop-and-go
traffic, extended idling, short drive
cycles, or stationary PTO operation
— prevent DPF self-cleaning.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 207
ABS does not change the time
needed to get a foot on the brake
pedal and does not always
decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop,
even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly.
Hearing or feeling ABS operate is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at
the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The EPB can always
be activated, even if the ignition is
off. To prevent draining the battery,
avoid repeated cycles of the EPB
system when the engine is not
running.
The system has a
Yor PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a
8
Service Parking Brake light or
Service Parking Brake message. See
Electric Parking Brake Light
0 118 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 118.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the
Yor PARK light to ensure that
the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The
Yor PARK light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the
Yor PARK light
flashes continuously, then the EPB
is only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
will display. Release the EPB and
try to apply it again. If the light does
not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not
drive the vehicle if the
Yor PARK

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
210 Driving and Operating
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to
limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck 0174
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly. If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and
On (Uplevel Cluster)
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
At speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
above, this ability to turn off or on is
disabled.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 271
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each
trip, and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are
designed with stiff sidewalls to help
prevent sway and to support heavy
loads. These features can make it
difficult to determine if the trailer tire
pressures are low only based on a
visual inspection.Always check all trailer tire
pressures before each trip when the
tires are cool. Low trailer tire
pressure is a leading cause of trailer
tire blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time.
The trailer tire sidewall will show the
week and year the tire was
manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0115.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/5/19
Vehicle Care 273
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 274
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 275
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 287
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 288
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 294
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Battery - North America . . . . . . 298
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 299
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 300
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 301
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 303
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . 304
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 305
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 306
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 307
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 333
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/5/19
288 Vehicle Care
2. Display REMAINING OIL LIFEon the DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0130.
3. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
4. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible. Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in
Maintenance Schedule
0 368, and be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0377.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0377.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done by your dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 278.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 368.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/5/19
Vehicle Care 297
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0382.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0278 for
the location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are