climate control GMC TERRAIN 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, TERRAIN, and DENALI are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84443536 B Second Printing©2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0182.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0119.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0116.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
085 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 088.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0100 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 105.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 079.
5. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 124.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0118.
7. Hazard Warning Flashers 0119.
8. Climate Control Systems 0178 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 180 (If Equipped).
9. Shift Switches. See Automatic
Transmission 0208.
10. Power Outlets 081. 11.
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0232 (If Equipped).
12. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 035
(If Equipped).
13. Wireless Charging 082 (If Equipped).
14. Driver Mode Control 0218 (If Equipped).
15. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0244 (If
Equipped).
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 0217 (If
Equipped).
16. USB Port 0134.
17. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0199.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 0126.
19. Horn 079.
20. Steering Wheel Adjustment 079 (Out
of View).
21. Hood Release. See Hood0259.
22. Cruise Control 0220.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0222
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 079 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 237 (If Equipped). 23. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View).
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 093.
24. Electric Parking Brake 0212.
25. Exterior Lamp Controls 0116.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0 120.
Fog Lamps 0119 (If Equipped).

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
4. Remove the battery.
5. Insert the new battery, positive sidetoward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the transmitter.
7. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows you to start
the engine from outside the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start. The
rear defog may come on during remote
start based on cold ambient conditions. The
rear defog indicator light does not come on
during remote start.
If equipped with heated and ventilated front
seats, they may come on during a remote
start. See Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
0 35.
If equipped with a heated steering wheel, it
may come on during a remote start. See
Heated Steering Wheel 079. Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Do not use the remote start feature if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle could run
out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Qon the RKE
transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds or until the turn
signal lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
The parking lamps will turn on and
remain on as long as the engine is
running. The vehicle's doors will be
locked.
3. Turn the ignition on before driving. The engine will shut off after 15 minutes
unless a time extension is done or the
ignition is turned on. Extending Engine Run Time
For a 15-minute extension, after 30 seconds
repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the engine is still
running. The remote start can be
extended once.
When the remote start is extended, the
second 15 minutes will be added for a total
of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or a start
with an extension are allowed between
ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and then
back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To shut off the engine:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start Will
Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not
operate if:
.A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.The vehicle is on.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
door will unlock. The Open Door
Anti-Lockout feature can be turned on or off.
SeeVehicle Personalization 0108.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
If equipped, the safety lock is on the inside
edge of the rear doors. To use the
safety lock:
1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door. 3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock
switch, or by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch
open, or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.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
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Heated Mirrors
If equipped, the heated outside mirrors turn
on when the rear window defogger is on
and help to clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirrors.
K:This button is on the climate control
panel.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual
Automatic Climate Control System 0180.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
If the vehicle has the automatic dimming
mirror, the driver outside mirror
automatically adjusts for the glare of
headlamps behind you.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with reverse tilt mirrors and
memory seats, the passenger and/or driver
mirror tilts to a preselected position when
the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This allows the
curb to be seen when parallel parking.
The mirror(s) may move from their tilted
position when:
.The vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse),
or remains in R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
.The vehicle is turned off.
.The vehicle is driven in R (Reverse) above
a set speed.
To turn this feature on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 0108.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with
water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming reduces the
glare of headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Windows
{
Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the extreme
heat and suffer permanent injuries or
even death from heat stroke.
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to
improve fuel economy performance. This
may result in a pulsing sound when either
rear window is down and the front windows
are up. To reduce the sound, open either a
front window or the sunroof, if equipped.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Instruments and Controls 81
1:Push the windshield wiper lever
forward to spray washer fluid on the rear
window. The lever automatically returns to
its original position when released.
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use the
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
Rear Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the rear wiper control to OFF to disable the
rear wiper. In some vehicles, if the
transmission is in N (Neutral) and the
vehicle speed is very slow, the rear wiper
will automatically park.
The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.
Reverse Gear Wipes
If the rear wiper control is off, the rear
wiper will automatically operate
continuously when the transmission is in
R (Reverse), and the front windshield wiper
is performing low or high speed wipes.
If the rear wiper control is off, the transmission is in R (Reverse), and the front
windshield wiper is performing interval
wipes, then the rear wiper automatically
performs interval wipes.
This feature can be turned on or off. See
Vehicle Personalization
0108.
The windshield washer reservoir is used for
the windshield and rear window. Check the
fluid level if either washer is not working.
See Washer Fluid 0271.
Compass
The vehicle may have a compass display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). The
compass receives its heading and other
information from the Global Positioning
System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and vehicle speed
information.
The compass system is designed to operate
for a certain number of miles or degrees of
turn before needing a signal from the GPS
satellites. When the compass display shows
CAL, drive the vehicle for a short distance in
an open area where it can receive a GPS
signal. The compass system will
automatically determine when a GPS signal
is restored and provide a heading again.
Clock
Set the time and date using the
infotainment system. See "Time / Date"
under Settings 0160.
Power Outlets
The vehicle has two 12-volt accessory power
outlets, which can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or
MP3 player.
There are power outlets:
.On the center stack below the climate
control system.
.In the rear cargo area.
To use the outlet, remove the cover.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment plugged in
for an extended period of time while the
vehicle is off will drain the battery.
Always unplug electrical equipment when
not in use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum 20 amp
rating.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Instruments and Controls 109
4. Touch9orRto turn a feature off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level of the
Settings menu.
The menu may contain the following:
Rear Seat Reminder
This allows for a chime and a message when
the rear door has been opened before or
during operation of the vehicle.
Touch Off or On.
Climate and Air Quality
Touch and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed
.Air Quality Sensor
.Auto Cooled Seats
.Auto Heated Seats
.Auto Defog
.Auto Rear Defog
Auto Fan Speed
This setting specifies the amount of airflow
when the climate control fan setting is
Auto Fan.
Touch Low, Medium, or High. Air Quality Sensor
This setting switches the system into
Recirculation Mode based on the quality of
the outside air.
Touch Off, Low Sensitivity, or High
Sensitivity.
Auto Cooled Seats
When enabled, this feature will
automatically activate ventilated seats at
the level required by the interior
temperature. See
Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats 035.
Touch Off or On.
Auto Heated Seats
When enabled, this feature will
automatically activate the heated seats at
the level required by the interior
temperature. The auto heated seats can be
turned off by using the heated seat buttons
on the center console. See Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 035.
Touch Off or On.
Auto Defog
This setting automatically turns the front
defogger on when the engine is started.
Touch Off or On. Auto Rear Defog
This setting automatically turns the rear
defogger on when the engine is started.
Touch Off or On.
Collision/Detection Systems
Touch and the following may display:
.Alert Type
.Forward Collision System
.Front Pedestrian Detection
.Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
.Lane Change Alert
.Park Assist
.Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
.Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Alert Type
This feature will set the type of alert
received from the driver assistance systems
to help avoid crashes, either Beeps or Safety
Alert Seat vibration pulses.
Touch Beeps or Safety Alert Seat.
Forward Collision System
This setting can alert of a potential crash
with a detected vehicle ahead and can apply
brakes to help reduce a collision’s severity.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
122 Lighting
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or
down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all of the power
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of
the following are on, such as: headlamps,
high beams, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats,
engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads
plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of
the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator's output and the vehicle's
electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power
demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or
levels, without being noticeable. In rare
cases at the highest levels of corrective
action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might bedisplayed and it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as
possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the interior lamps if
they are left on for more than 10 minutes
when the ignition is off. This helps to
prevent the battery from running down.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned off, if the parking
lamps or headlamps have been manually
left on. This protects against draining the
battery. To restart the 10-minute timer, turn
the exterior lamp control to the off position
and then back to the parking lamp or
headlamp position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Infotainment System 127
g:Press to answer an incoming call or
start voice recognition (if equipped). Press to
activate Bluetooth Voice Recognition/Siri
Eyes Free when phone is connect to
Bluetooth. See Bluetooth (Pairing and Using
a Phone) 0156 or
Bluetooth (Overview) 0155 or
Voice Recognition 0150.
i:Press to decline an incoming call or
end a current call. Press to mute or unmute
the infotainment system when not on a call.
The favorites and volume switches are on
the back of the steering wheel. 1. Favorite: When on a radio source, press
to select the next or previous audio
broadcast favorite. When listening to a
media device, press to select the next or
previous track.
2. Volume: Press to increase or decrease the volume.
Using the System
Audio
Touch the Audio icon to display the active
audio source page. Examples of available
sources may include AM, FM, SXM (if
equipped), USB, and Bluetooth.
Phone
Touch the Phone icon to display the Phone
main page. See Bluetooth (Pairing and Using
a Phone) 0156 or
Bluetooth (Overview) 0155.
Nav
Touch the Nav icon (if equipped) to display
the navigation map. See Using the
Navigation System 0138.
Climate
Touch the Climate icon (if equipped) to
display the Climate main page. See Dual
Automatic Climate Control System 0180.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Touch the Wi-Fi Hotspot icon (if equipped)
to display the Wi-Fi Hotspot information.
See Settings 0160.
Users
If equipped, touch the Users icon to sign in
or create a new user profile, and follow the
on-screen instructions.
Only four user profiles can be active at one
time in the vehicle. It may be necessary to
remove a profile from the menu before
creating or signing into an existing profile.
The removed profile can be logged into at a
later time.
Settings
Touch the Settings icon to display the
Settings menu. See Settings0160.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Infotainment System 165
.Adaptive Volume: This feature adjusts the
volume based on the vehicle speed.
Touch Off, Low, Medium-Low, Medium,
Medium-High, or High.
.Bose AudioPilot Noise Compensation
Technology (If Equipped): This feature
adjusts the volume based on the noise in
the vehicle and the speed.
Touch Off or On.
.Manage Favorites: Touch to display a list
of Audio, Mobile Devices, and Navigation
favorites.
Favorites can be moved, renamed,
or deleted.
To move, touch and hold the favorite, and
then drag up or down to rearrange the
position.
.Set Number of Audio Favorites: Touch to
select how many favorites pages can be
viewed from the audio application. The
Auto setting will automatically adjust this
number based on the number of favorites
you have saved. Touch Auto, 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 35, or 40.
.RDS: This allows the Radio Data System
(RDS) to be turned on or off.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.HD Radio: This allows HD Radio reception
to be turned on or off.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.Explicit Content Filter: This setting allows
access to explicit content SiriusXM
channels.
Touch Off or On.
.Manage Phones: Select to connect to a
different phone source, disconnect a
phone, or delete a phone.
.Reset Music Index: This allows the music
index to be reset if you are having
difficulty accessing all of the media
content on your device.
Touch Yes or No.
Climate
Touch and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed: This setting specifies the
amount of airflow when the climate
control fan setting is Auto Fan.
Touch Low, Medium, or High.
.Air Quality Sensor: This setting switches
the system into Recirculation Mode based
on the quality of the outside air.
Touch Off, Low Sensitivity, or High
Sensitivity.
.Auto Cooled Seats: This setting
automatically turns on and regulates the
ventilated seats when the cabin
temperature is warm.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.Auto Heated Seats: This setting
automatically turns on and regulates the
heated seats when the cabin temperature
is cool. The auto heated seats can be
turned off by using the heated seat
controls on the center stack.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.Auto Defog: This setting automatically
turns the front defogger on when the
vehicle engine is started.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.Auto Rear Defog: This setting
automatically turns the rear window
defogger on when the vehicle engine is
started.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
Navigation
Touch and the following may display: