starting vehicle GMC TERRAIN 2021 Owner's Manual

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/
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/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
54 Seats and Restraints
3. Remove any additional items from theseat such as blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to Securing Child
Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear
Seat) 069 or
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat
Belt in the Front Seat) 070.
Make sure the seat belt retractor is
locked by pulling the shoulder belt all
the way out of the retractor when
installing the child restraint, even if the
child restraint is equipped with a seat
belt lock off. When the retractor lock is
set, the belt can be tightened but not
pulled out of the retractor.
5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the ON
indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off.
Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback
and adjust the seat cushion,
if adjustable, to make sure that the
vehicle seatback is not pushing the child
restraint into the seat cushion. Also make sure the child restraint is not
trapped under the vehicle head restraint.
If this happens, adjust the head restraint.
See
Head Restraints 029.
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system may or may
not turn off the airbag for a child in a child
restraint depending upon the child’s size.
It is better to secure the child restraint in a
rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child
restraint in the front seat, even if the ON
indicator is not lit.
If the Off Indicator Is Lit for an
Adult-Sized Occupant
If a person of adult size is sitting in the
front outboard passenger seat, but the OFF
indicator is lit, it could be because that
person is not sitting properly in the seat or
that the child restraint locking feature is
engaged. Use the following steps to allow
the system to detect that person and enable
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag: 1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs
comfortably extended.
5. If the shoulder portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint
locking feature will be engaged. This
may unintentionally cause the passenger
sensing system to turn the airbag off for
some adult-sized occupants. If this
happens, unbuckle the belt, let the belt
go back all the way, and then buckle the
belt again without pulling the belt out
all the way.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
90 Instruments and Controls
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has
been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven since the trip
odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset
through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0100 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 105.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
For vehicles with the Stop/Start system,
when the ignition is on, the tachometer
indicates the vehicle status. When pointing
to AUTO STOP, the engine is off but the
vehicle is on and can move. The engine
could auto start at any time. When the
indicator points to OFF, the vehicle is off. When the engine is on, the tachometer will
indicate the engine’s revolutions per minute
(rpm). The tachometer may vary by several
hundred rpm, during Auto Stop mode, when
the engine is shutting off and restarting.
Fuel Gauge
Metric Uplevel Shown, Base and Midlevel
Similar
English Uplevel Shown, Base and Midlevel Similar
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates about how much fuel is left in
the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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94 Instruments and Controls
Caution (Continued)
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications0258.
Light Flashing
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Light on Steady
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless funnel adapter, make
sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0247. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel (LYX - 1.5L L4
Turbo Engine) 0246.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Instruments and Controls 97
LKA may assist by gently turning the
steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a
detected lane marking. The LKA light is
amber when assisting.
This light flashes amber as a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the
lane marking has been crossed.
LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal
is active in the direction of lane departure,
or if LKA detects that you are accelerating,
braking, or actively steering.
SeeLane Keep Assist (LKA) 0244.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green
when a vehicle is detected ahead.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 237.
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber
when a nearby pedestrian is detected in
front of the vehicle.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
0 240.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light then
turns off. The traction off light comes on when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has been
turned off through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
This light and the StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
come on when StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel speed will be limited
when necessary to protect the driveline
from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.
See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0214.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
108 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible. Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending on the
vehicle, some may not be available.
For System, Apps, and Personal features and
functions, see
Settings0160.
To access the vehicle personalization menu: 1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
2. Touch Vehicle to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Infotainment System 139
the top of the navigation map view.
Manually close the search bar by touching
z. When the vehicle is moving, the}(Search) icon will replace the search bar to
maximize the full map view.
Set Up My Places
From the Nav application, set up Home and
Work addresses to enable one-touch
navigation. To set up Home and Work
addresses, touch
Aand select Settings,
then Map and Navigation Settings, and then
Set Up My Places. Show My Places on Map
should be on by default. Select and enter
Home and/or Work address and save.
Touch
B(current vehicle position). This
symbol can also be used to set up Home
and Work addresses by touching the
bubbles above it. Touch the pop-up message
that appears. The message will
automatically close after 15 seconds of
inactivity.
To turn off the My Places bubbles, switch
Show My Places on Map to Off.
If the vehicle’s system is not signed into a
customized profile, the current location icon
uses a generic symbol. Once signed into a
customized profile, the current location
symbol will show a customized icon. See
Navigation Symbols 0141.
Touch the drive To Home or drive To Work
pop-up to start either route. Only one will
show if the vehicle is already at Home
or Work.
Map and Navigation Settings
Touch
Awhile in the map view to display
options. The following may display:
.3D Heading Up, 2D Heading Up, 2D North
.Show on Map
.Traffic Events (available with OnStar
Connected Navigation)
.Settings
.Edit Destination (if a route has been set)
.Avoid on Route (if a route has been set)
Touch Settings to view Map and Navigation
Settings. The following may display:
.Set Up My Places. See “Set Up My Places”
previously in this section.
.Map Preferences
.Route Preferences
.Navigation Voice Control
.Traffic Preferences
.Alert Preferences
.Manage History
.Predictive Navigation: See “Predictive
Navigation (If Equipped)” previously in
this section.
.Map Updates
.About
To exit a list, touch
zin the top right
corner to return to the main map view.
Make sure to set up preferences before
setting a destination and starting active
guidance.
Map Preferences
Touch to choose between basic map feature
configurations:

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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150 Infotainment System
1-877-NAV-DISC (1-877-628-3472) or see
www.gmnavdisc.com. If updates are needed,
call the GM Nav Disc Center or order online.
Over-the-Air-Vehicle Map Updates
If equipped, the infotainment system can
receive map updates over the air. Map
updates occur within a 161 km (100 mi)
radius around the home address on file. This
boundary will adjust over time based on
driving patterns. The vehicle uses a
Cloud-connected service to receive the date
and downloads it to the system’s onboard
SD card, if equipped. A data plan or
compatible mobile device hotspot is
required. The SD card is required for
navigation system function.
When a map update is available, a prompt
will appear on the infotainment display.
Once the update is accepted, it will
download and run in the background
without interruption any infotainment
functions. The download will carry over
ignition cycles, stopping and starting where
it left off. The updates can be set to
download automatically.See www.gmnavdisc.com for information on
ordering, purchasing, and installing a new or
replacement SD card. Features are subject to
change. For more information on this
feature, see my.gmc.com/learn.Database Coverage Explanations
Coverage areas vary with respect to the
level of map detail available for any given
area. Some areas feature greater levels of
detail than others. If this happens, it does
not mean there is a problem with the
system. As the map data is updated, more
detail can become available for areas that
previously had limited detail. See
Map Data
Updates 0149.
Voice Recognition
If equipped, voice recognition allows for
hands-free operation within the navigation,
audio, phone, and weather applications. This
feature can be started by pressing
gon the
steering wheel or touching
gon the
infotainment display. However, not all features within these areas
are supported by voice commands.
Generally, only complex tasks that require
multiple manual interactions to complete
are supported by voice commands.
For example, tasks that take more than one
or two touches, such as a song or artist to
play from a media device, would be
supported by voice commands. Other tasks,
like adjusting the volume or seeking up or
down, are audio features that are easily
performed by touching one or two options,
and are not supported by voice commands.
In general there are flexible ways to speak
commands for completing the tasks.
If your language supports it, try stating a
one-shot command, such as
“Directions to
address province>.” Do not include the ZIP code
while stating the address during the
command. Another example of a one-shot
Destination Entry command is, “Directions to
Place of Interest at .” If these
commands do not work, try saying, “Take
me to Place of Interest” or“Find address”
and the system will walk you through by
asking additional questions.

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