GMC TERRAIN 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
180 Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled.
1. Driver Temperature Control
2. A/C (Air Conditioning)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. Fan Control
5. Defrost
6. Passenger Temperature Control
7. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
8. Rear Window Defogger
9. Power Button
10. Air Recirculation
11. AUTO (Automatic Operation) Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls the
following four functions to heat or cool the
vehicle to the desired temperature:
.Fan Speed
.Air Delivery Mode
.Air Conditioning
.Recirculation
When the AUTO indicator light is lit, all four
functions are operating automatically. Each
function can be manually set and the
selected setting will be shown. This cancels full automatic operation and the AUTO
indicator light turns off. Functions that are
not manually set will continue to be
automatically controlled, although the AUTO
indicator light will not be lit.
To place the system in automatic mode:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the driver and passenger temperature.
To find your comfort setting, start with
22 °C (72 °F) and allow the system time
to stabilize. Then adjust the temperature
as needed for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the
vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm weather.
The recirculation light will not come on
when automatically controlled. Press
@to
manually select recirculation; press it again
to select outside air.
Do not cover the solar sensor on the top of
the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based
on sun load. See “Sensor”later in this
section.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Climate Controls 181
Manual Operation
O:Press to turn the climate control system
on or off. When off, no air will flow into the
vehicle. Turning the fan on, pressing any
other button, or turning a knob will turn the
system back on.
9: Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed. Press the
knob to turn the fan off.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Driver and Passenger Temperature Control :
The temperature can be adjusted separately
for the driver and passenger.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the driver or
passenger temperature setting.
SYNC : Press to link the passenger
temperature settings to the driver setting.
The SYNC indicator light will turn on. When
the passenger temperature settings are
adjusted, the SYNC indicator light is off.
The driver side or passenger side
temperature display shows the temperature
setting increasing or decreasing. Air Delivery Mode Control :
Press
Y,\,
[, or-to change the direction of the
airflow. An indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button.
Changing the mode cancels the automatic
operation and the system goes into manual
mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
\: Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some to the windshield, side window
outlets, and second row floor outlets.
-: This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield,
floor outlets, and side window vents.
0: Press to clear the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window vents. The
air conditioning compressor also comes on,
unless the outside temperature is below
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows
are clear. See
Air Vents 0182.
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is
enabled. If the fan is turned off, the air
conditioner will not run. The A/C light will
stay on even if the outside temperatures are
below freezing and the A/C compressor may
be off.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
It can also be used to help reduce outside
air and odors that enter the vehicle.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming
grid to remove fog from the rear window.
K: Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works when
the ignition is on. The defogger turns off if
the ignition is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
182 Climate Controls
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not clear the inside rear window with
sharp objects.
Heated Mirror : If equipped with heated
outside mirrors, the mirrors heat to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed. See Heated Mirrors 025.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the instrument
panel near the windshield, monitors the
solar heat.
The climate control system uses the sensor
information to adjust the temperature, fan
speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort. The automatic recirculation
mode sensitivity can be adjusted. See “Air
Quality Sensor” underVehicle
Personalization 0108.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise the
automatic climate control system may not
work properly.
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air vents to
change the direction of the airflow.
To open or close off the airflow:
.On the center air vents, move the slider
knobs up or down.
.On the outer and rear air vents, move the
slider knobs right or left.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
air inlets at the base of the windshield
that could block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle, which may
improve long term system performance.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear
of objects to help circulate the air inside
of the vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system. Check with your dealer
before adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
.Do not attach any devices to the air vent
slats. This restricts airflow and may cause
damage to the air vents.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air that is
pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part of
routine scheduled maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0331. To find out
what type of filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0340.
1. Open the glove box.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Climate Controls 183
2. Disconnect the glove box doordamper (1) from the glove box door
assembly by squeezing the pivot (2) to
release the damper ring.
3. Squeeze both sides of the glove box bininward to lower beyond the stops.
4. Remove the two screws securingthe door. 5. Press the latches on either side of the
service door inward to release. Open the
service door and remove the old filter.
6. Install the new air filter.
7. Close the service door completely.
8. Reverse the steps to reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
184 Climate Controls
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 331.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 185
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 187
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . 204
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 207
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . 208
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) . . . . . . 222
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 237
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Recommended Fuel (LYX - 1.5L L4 Turbo Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 248

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
186 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . 248
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Driving Information
Driver Behavior
Driving is an important responsibility. Driver
behavior, the driving environment, and the
vehicle's design all affect how well a vehicle
performs.
Being aware of these factors can help in
understanding how the vehicle handles and
what can be done to avoid many types of
crashes, including a rollover crash.
Most serious injuries and fatalities to
unbelted occupants can be reduced or
prevented by the use of seat belts. In a
rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. In addition,
avoiding excessive speed, sudden or abrupt
turns, and drunken or aggressive driving can
help make trips safer and avoid the
possibility of a crash.
Driving Environment
Be prepared for driving in inclement
weather, at night, or during other times
where visibility or traction may be limited, such as on curves, slippery roads, or hilly
terrain. Unfamiliar surroundings can also
have hidden hazards.
Learn more about driving in different
conditions and off-road driving in this
section.
Vehicle Design
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
This is because they have a higher ground
clearance and a narrower track or shorter
wheelbase than passenger cars, which makes
them more capable for off-road driving.
While these design characteristics provide
the driver with a better view of the road,
these vehicles do have a higher center of
gravity than other types of vehicles.
A utility vehicle does not handle the same
as a vehicle with a lower center of gravity,
like a car, in similar situations.
Safe driver behavior and understanding of
the environment can help avoid a rollover
crash in any type of vehicle, including utility
vehicles.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 187
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 040.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
188 Driving and Operating
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious—or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is
being driven, brake normally but do not
pump the brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the engine
stops, there will be some power brake assist
but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 189
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is held
against that position for an extended period
of time, power steering assist may be
reduced.Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.