towing GMC TERRAIN 2023 User Guide

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 209
To shift out of R (Reverse):1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0195.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral), press the
N (Neutral) switch until the N indicator
displays.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes. Car Wash Mode is not to be used for vehicle
towing. If the vehicle needs to be towed,
see
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0315.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park) if
left in Car Wash Mode.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 211
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the selection
of the range of gear positions. Use this
mode when driving downhill or towing a
trailer to limit the top gear and vehicle
speed. The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear under manual mode and the
driving conditions when manual mode was
selected.
To use this feature:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), press the L (Low) button. 2. Press the plus or minus button on the
center stack to increase or decrease the
gear range available.
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission
will shift to a preset lower gear range. For
this preset range, the highest gear available
is displayed next to the L in the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and
Midlevel) 0108 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel and
Denali) 0112. All gears below that number
are available to use. For example, when
4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L, 1 (First)
through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted
automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth) gear, press
the + (Plus) button or shift into D (Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too high.
If vehicle speed is not reduced within the
time allowed, the lower gear range shift will
not be completed. Slow the vehicle, then
press the −(Minus) button to the desired
lower gear range.
While using ERS, cruise control can be used.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
For information on All-Wheel Drive (AWD),
see Driver Mode Control 0218.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 213
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to accessory mode.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0252.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 187.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. HSA
brake hold duration may be selectable.
Standard Hold automatically releases the
brakes after a few seconds. Extended Hold
applies the Electric Parking Brake if the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes. If hold duration is selectable, go to
Settings > Vehicle > Comfort and
Convenience > Extended Hill Start Assist >

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 219
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as possible. SeeCompact Spare Tire
0 312.6Snow Mode : Snow Mode improves
vehicle acceleration on snow and ice-covered
roads. Snow Mode is not available on
vehicles equipped with AWD.
7Off-Road Mode : Use Off-Road Mode for
public off-road recreational driving. See
Off-Road Driving 0190. Off-Road Mode is
only available on vehicles equipped
with AWD.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Tow/Haul Mode can
assist when towing or hauling a heavy load.
It changes transmission shift patterns, turns
on AWD, if equipped, and increases trailer
sway control assistance. See Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0252. Tow/
Haul Mode is only available on vehicles with
the towing package. Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
a range to be selected and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/Haul
Mode. See
Manual Mode 0211.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
220 Driving and Operating
Mode Name In Cluster Menu:TourAWD Snow Off-Road Tow/Haul
Mode Availability AWD & FWD AWD FWD AWD Towing Package
(AWD & FWD)
Retained Across Ignition Cycles YesYesNoNo No
Pedal Map Normal Normal Off-Road Off-Road Normal
Auto Transmission Schedule Normal Normal Normal Normal Tow/Haul
AWD (If Equipped) Normal FWD Normal AWD NA Off-Road AWD Normal AWD
Steering Normal Normal Normal Normal Tow/Haul
Trailer Sway Control Normal Normal Normal Normal Tow/Haul
StabiliTrak Setting Normal Normal Normal Off-Road Normal
Traction Control Setting Normal Normal Normal Off-Road Normal
Cruise Control
The cruise control lets the vehicle maintain a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
With the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
the system may begin to limit wheel spin
while you are using cruise control. If this
happens, the cruise control will

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 223
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0214. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC
can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
while navigating the curve and may increase
speed out of the curve, but will not exceed
the set speed.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0187.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the camera sensor is blocked by snow,
ice, or dirt. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead. Keep the
windshield and headlamps clean.
.When visibility is poor due to rain,
snow, fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust;
when other foreign objects obscure
the camera’s view; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat
.When towing a trailer
J:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
230 Driving and Operating
When following a vehicle and entering a
curve, ACC may not detect the vehicle ahead
and accelerate to the set speed. When this
happens, the vehicle ahead indicator will not
appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not in your
lane and apply the brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an alert and/
or braking that is considered unnecessary.
It could respond to vehicles in different
lanes or stationary objects when entering or
exiting a curve. This is normal operation.
The vehicle does not need service.Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead until it
is completely in the lane. The brakes may
need to be manually applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of the
vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not within
your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not centered,
or is shifted to one side of the lane.
Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or roadside
objects may be incorrectly detected when
located along the roadway. Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When Towing a
Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
or when towing a trailer. ACC will not detect
a vehicle in the lane while driving on steep
hills. If the brakes are applied, ACC
disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The ACC set speed is erased from memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is turned off.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 237
Turn off Park Assist when towing a trailer to
prevent unwanted beeps and when a bike
rack is attached to ensure proper operation.
When the System Does Not Seem to Work
Properly
If a service message displays, check the
following conditions:
.The sensors may not be clean. Keep the
vehicle's front and rear bumpers free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush. For
cleaning instructions, seeExterior Care
0 319.
.The Park Assist sensors may be covered
by frost or ice. Frost or ice can form
around and behind the sensors and may
not always be seen; this can occur after
washing the vehicle in cold weather. The
message may not clear until the frost or
ice has melted.
If a service message displays and the above
conditions do not exist, take the vehicle to
your dealer for repairs.
If the Park Assist System does not activate
due to a temporary condition, a system off
message is shown on the display. This can
occur under the following conditions:
.The driver has disabled the system.
.An object is currently blocking the rear
sensors (for example, bike rack, tailgate,
trailer hitch, etc.). Once the object is
removed, Park Assist will return to normal
operation.
.The bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer for repairs.
.Other conditions, such as vibrations from
a jackhammer or the compression of air
brakes on a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
If equipped, under certain conditions
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) can use
sensors based on sonar technology along
the vehicle’s front, rear and sides to detect a
parking spot, and automatically park the
vehicle with some driver assistance. The
vehicle will automatically maneuver into a
detected spot moving at idle speed. It does
this by automatically steering while the
driver is responsible for braking, acceleration
and gear shifting as needed. The driver must
always be prepared to apply braking or
additional acceleration, as needed. A display
and beeps help to guide the parking
maneuvers.
{Warning
APA does not apply the brakes. APA may
not always detect objects in the parking
space, objects that are not rigid (e.g.
shrubs and chain-link fences), objects
below the bumper, objects high off the
ground (e.g. flatbed trucks), hanging
objects, objects below ground level such
(e.g. large potholes), or moving objects
(e.g. pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles).
Always verify that the parking space is
appropriate for parking a vehicle. APA
may not respond to changes in the
parking space, such as movement of an
adjacent vehicle, or a person or object
entering the parking space. APA does not
detect or avoid traffic that is behind or
alongside of the vehicle. Always be
prepared to stop the vehicle during the
parking maneuver.
How to Activate Automatic Parking
To activate APA, press the soft-touch button
or hard switch
Ofor the system to begin
searching for a parking space while driving
forward at no greater than
30 km/h (18 mph). By default, APA searches

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 239
Certain vehicle conditions and driver
interferences may also cancel automatic
parking:
.The driver manually steers the vehicle.
.The maximum allowed speed is exceeded.
.There is a failure with the APA system.
.Electronic stability control or antilock
brakes are activated.
.A high priority vehicle message is shown
in the display.
System Limitations
Automatic Parking Assist has certain
limitations. The system cannot:
.Maneuver the vehicle at speeds exceeding
8 km/h (5 mph).
.Detect whether a parking space is legal or
restricted.
.Detect pavement markings or lines.
.Park the vehicle closely lined up with the
vehicle next to it, particularly if the spot
is approached at an angle or if the
parking space is angled.
.Park exactly centered in a very large spot.
.Always detect short curbs.
.Operate while towing any trailer.
.Function when the vehicle is raised or
lowered by air suspension, if equipped. When the System Does Not Seem to Work
Properly
If the vehicle does not reverse into the
expected parking space, this may be because
the system is maneuvering the vehicle into
a previously detected space.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System
If equipped, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
displays a red warning triangle with a left
or right pointing arrow on the infotainment
display to warn of traffic coming from the
left or right. This system detects objects
coming from up to 20 m (65 ft) from the left
or right side of the vehicle. When an object
is detected, either three beeps sound from
the left or right or three Safety Alert Seat
pulses occur on the left or right side,
depending on the direction of the detected
vehicle.
Driving With a Trailer
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer. The RCTA feature is automatically
disabled when a trailer is attached to the
vehicle.
Turning the Features On or Off
RCTA can be turned on or off using the
infotainment system. To view available
settings from the infotainment screen, touch
Settings > Vehicle > Collision/Detection
Systems.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA), Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps or pulses the driver seat. FCA
also lights an amber visual alert if following
another vehicle much too closely.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 243
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen, touch Settings
> Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System
If equipped, the Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) system may help avoid or reduce the
harm caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in a
forward gear. FPB displays an amber
indicator,
~, when a nearby pedestrian is
detected ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly, FPB
provides a red flashing alert on the
windshield and rapidly beeps, or pulses the
driver seat. FPB can provide a boost to
braking or automatically brake the vehicle.
This system includes Intelligent Brake Assist
(IBA), and the Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) system may also respond to
pedestrians. See Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) 0242.
The FPB system can detect and alert to
pedestrians in a forward gear at speeds
between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph). During daytime driving, the
system detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft). During
nighttime driving, system performance is
very limited.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle, unless it
detects a pedestrian. FPB may not detect
pedestrians, including children:
.When the pedestrian is not directly
ahead, fully visible, or standing
upright, or when part of a group.
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield are not
cleaned or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving 0187. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FPB sensor
clean and in good repair.