engine GMC TERRAIN 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual in the
section called“Driving and Operating” and
specifically Driver Behavior 0186, Driving
Environment 0186, and Vehicle Design
0 186.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable

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
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Q:Press to lock all doors. The turn signal
indicators may flash and/or the horn may
sound on the second press to indicate
locking. See Vehicle Personalization 0108.
If the driver door is open when
Qis pressed
and Open Door Anti-Lockout is enabled, all
doors will lock and then the driver door will
immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0108. If the passenger door
is open when
Qis pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 022.
K:Press to unlock the driver door. Press
unlock again within five seconds to unlock
all doors. The RKE transmitter can be
programmed to unlock all doors on the first
button press. See Vehicle Personalization
0 108. When remotely unlocking the vehicle
at night the fog lamps and back-up lamps
will come on for about 20 seconds to light
your approach to the vehicle. The turn
signal indicators may flash to indicate
unlocking. See Vehicle Personalization 0108.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 022. If equipped, press and hold
Kto remotely
open all of the windows, if enabled. See
Vehicle Personalization 0108.
/:If equipped, press and releaseQand
then immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start 013.
7:Press and release one time to initiate
vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and
the horn chirps three times. Press and hold
7for three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signal
lamps flash for 30 seconds, or until
7is
pressed again or the vehicle is started.
b: Press twice quickly to open or close
the liftgate.
Press once to stop the liftgate from moving.
Keyless Access Operation
With the Keyless Access system, you can
lock and unlock the doors and access the
liftgate without removing the RKE
transmitter from your pocket, purse,
briefcase, etc. The RKE transmitter should be
within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being
opened. Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock
press from the driver door. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0108.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to the
seating positions of memory 1 or 2. See
Memory Seats 033.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the driver
door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button
on the driver door handle will unlock the
driver door. If the lock/unlock button is
pressed again within five seconds, all
passenger doors will unlock.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead transmitter
battery, seeDoor Locks014.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off and all
of the transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be with you.
1. Remove the key from the RKE transmitter.
2. Place the two recognized transmitters inthe cupholder.
3. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks014.
Insert the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock cylinder on
the driver door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, 5, ETC.
4. Remove the two recognized transmitters from the cupholder.
5. Place the new transmitter into the cupholder. 6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the
transmitter is learned the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press
KorQon the RKE
transmitter.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
8. Put the key back into the transmitter.
9. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 014.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized transmitters are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight transmitters. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters you wish
to program must be with you.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
1. Remove the key from the RKEtransmitter.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks014.
Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter
into the key lock cylinder on the driver
door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC display will again show REMOTE
LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time all previously known
transmitters will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be
relearned during the next steps.
The DIC display should now show READY
FOR REMOTE # 1.
5. Place the new transmitter into thecupholder.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press
KorQon the RKE
transmitter.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
8. Put the key back into the transmitter. 9. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See
Door Locks 014.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
When the vehicle is started, if the
transmitter battery is weak, the DIC may
display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO
REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:
1. Place the transmitter in the cupholder.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) orN (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138
°F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY.
To replace the battery: 1. Press the button on the side of the RKE transmitter to pull out the key. Never
pull the key out without pressing the
button.
2. Insert a flat, thin object in the center ofthe transmitter to separate and remove
the back cover.
3. Lift the battery with a flat object.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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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/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction.
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts or a start with
an extension have already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Remote Start Ready
If the vehicle does not have the remote
vehicle start feature, it may have the
remote start ready feature. This feature
allows your dealer to add the
manufacturer's remote vehicle start feature.
See your dealer to add the manufacturer's
remote vehicle start feature to the vehicle.
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock the door from outside the
vehicle:
.PressQorKon the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
.Use the key in the driver door. The key
cylinder is covered with a cap. To lock or unlock the door from inside the
vehicle:
.PressQorKon the power door lock
switch.
.Push down on a door lock knob to lock
a door.
.Pull the door handle once to unlock the
door. Pull the handle again to unlatch it.
Keyless Access
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened.
Press the button on the door handle to
open. See “Keyless Access Operation” in
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.

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/
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18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Warning (Continued)
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0207.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate, pressKon the
power door lock switch or press
Kon the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
twice within five seconds. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
To open the liftgate, press the touch pad on
the bottom of the liftgate and lift up.
Use the pull cup to lower and close the
liftgate. Do not press the touch pad while
closing the liftgate. This may cause the
liftgate to be unlatched.
If equipped with Keyless Access, the liftgate
can be opened when locked if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the
liftgate. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If the
battery is disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will
resume operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged. Always close the liftgate before driving.
Power Liftgate Operation
{Warning
You or others could be injured if caught
in the path of the power liftgate. Make
sure there is no one in the way of the
liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured
liftgate may result in damage to the
power liftgate components.