GMC TERRAIN 2020 Owner's Manual

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
258 Driving and Operating
The capless refueling system does
not have a fuel cap. Fully insert and
latch the fill nozzle, begin fueling.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Under certain conditions,
fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait
five seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the fill
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0356. Push the fuel
door closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the fill
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Filling the Tank with a Portable
Fuel Container
If the vehicle runs out of fuel and
must be filled from a portable fuel
container:
1. Locate the capless funnel adapter from under the
spare tire.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into the capless fuel system.
{Warning
Attempting to refuel from a
portable fuel container without
using the funnel adapter may
cause fuel spillage and damage
the capless fuel system. This
could cause a fire. You or others
could be badly burned and the
vehicle could be damaged.
3. Remove and clean the funnel adapter and return it to the
storage location.
Filling the Tank (Diesel)
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates which side of the vehicle
the fuel door is on. See Fuel Gauge
0 111. Do not refill the diesel fuel
and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at
the same time.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 259
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
Follow these guidelines to help
avoid injuries to you and others:. Read and follow all the
instructions on the fuel
pump island.
. Turn off the engine when
refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
. Avoid using electronic
devices while refueling.
. Do not re-enter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
. Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Before touching the fill
nozzle, touch a metallic
object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
. Fuel can spray out if the fuel
cap is opened too quickly.
This spray can happen if the
tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly
and wait for any hiss noise
to stop, then unscrew the
cap all the way.
To open the fuel door, push and
release the rearward center edge of
the door.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise
to remove. When refueling, hang the
fuel cap from the hook on the fuel
door. Fully insert and latch the fill
nozzle, begin fueling.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
260 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Under certain conditions,
fuel fires.
Diesel fuel can foam when filling the
tank. The automatic pump nozzle
may shut off, even if the tank is not
full. Wait for the foaming to stop,
and then fill the tank more slowly.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait
five seconds after pumping before
removing the fill nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as
possible. See Exterior Care0356.
Reinstall the cap by turning it
clockwise until it clicks. Push the
fuel door closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the fill
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly
and could damage the fuel
system. Accidental Refueling with
Gasoline
Caution
If the vehicle is accidentally
refueled with gasoline, do not
continue driving the vehicle
except to get to a location where
it can be stopped safely. Driving
the vehicle will damage the
engine. Tow the vehicle for
service. Have the gasoline
removed from the tank and fuel
system.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container (Gasoline)
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
vapor. You or others could be
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 261
Warning (Continued)
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. To help avoid
injury to you and others:. Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
. Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, in a pickup
bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
. Bring the fill nozzle in
contact with the inside of
the fill opening before
operating the nozzle.
Maintain contact until filling
is complete.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not use electronic
devices while pumping fuel.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container (Diesel)
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
. Use approved fuel
containers.
. Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
. Place the container on the
ground.
. Place the nozzle inside the
fill opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
. Do not smoke, light
matches, or use lighters
while pumping fuel.
. Do not use electronic
devices while pumping fuel.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
262 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read the
entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0352. To tow
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0353.
When towing with the 2.0L L4
engine, only use unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 89 or
higher. Using gasoline with a lower
octane rating while towing may
damage the engine and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
a trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not
driven properly. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 263
.It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission downshifts
too often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
See Manual Mode 0205.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB) If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO),
when towing a trailer: . Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0191.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
264 Driving and Operating
the combination by driving on a
level road surface before driving on
public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and
the brakes must be all be rated to
carry the intended cargo.
Inadequate trailer equipment can
cause the combination to operate in
an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. SeeTowing
Equipment 0269. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then
manually apply the trailer brake
controller to check that the trailer
brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo
and trailer are secure and that the
lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal
when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can
help to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly
and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass
on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 265
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0294.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible. When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0368. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 294.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
266 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature,
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle
contents, trailer, and trailer contents
must be below all of the maximum
weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
. GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
. Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
. Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0269 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight
is not exceeding any of these
ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle
and trailer combination, fully loaded
for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The
vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight
of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any fuel,
passengers, cargo, equipment, and
accessories. Do not exceed the
GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR
for the vehicle is on the Tow Rating
Chart following.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 267
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, seeVehicle
Load Limits 0175. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached,
the trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has a driver, a front seat passenger,
and all required trailering
equipment. This value represents
the heaviest trailer the vehicle can
tow, but it may be necessary to
reduce the trailer weight to stay
within the GCW, GVWR, maximum
trailer tongue load, or GAWR-RR for
the vehicle.
Use the tow rating chart to
determine how much the trailer can
weigh, based on the vehicle model
and options.