2010 GMC TERRAIN overheating

Instruments and Controls 4-31
Rear Access Open
This message will display along with
a symbol when the liftgate is open.
Close the liftgate completely.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
A/C Off Due to High
Engine Temp
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning
compressor automatically turns off.
When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns
back on. You can continue to
drive the vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible
to avoid damage to the engine.
Coolant Level Low Add
Coolant
This message will display if the
coolant is low, seeEngine Coolant
on page 9‑16.
Engine Overheated —Idle
Engine
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down.
Engine Overheated —Stop
Engine
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches
unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
High Coolant Temperature
This message displays if the coolant
temperature is hot, see Engine
Overheating on page 9‑20.
Engine Oil Messages
Change Engine Oil Soon
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the Oil Life System.
See Engine Oil Life System
on
page 9‑12and Driver Information
Center (DIC)on page 4‑25for
information on how to reset the
system. See Engine Oil
on
page 9‑10and Scheduled
Maintenanceon page 10‑2for
more information.
Engine Oil Hot, Idle Engine
This message displays when the
engine oil temperature is too hot.
Stop and allow the vehicle to idle
until it cools down.

Instruments and Controls 4-33
Key and Lock Messages
Replace Battery In Remote Key
This message displays when the
battery in the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter needs to be
replaced.
Transport Mode On
This message displays when the
ignition is held in START for
15 seconds. The battery light may
also be flashing when this message
is displayed. To turn this message
off, start the vehicle and hold the
key in the START position for
15 seconds.
Object Detection System
Messages
Park Assist Off
This message is displayed when the
park assist system has been turned
off. SeeUltrasonic Parking Assist
on page 8‑47.
Service Park Assist
This message is displayed if there is
a problem with the park assist
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer for service.
Ride Control System
Messages
All Wheel Drive Off
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays when the rear drive system
is overheating. This message turns
off when the rear drive system cools
down. If the warning message stays
on for a while, you need to reset the
warning message. To reset the
warning message, turn the ignition
off and then back on again. If the
message stays on, see your dealer/
retailer right away. See All-Wheel
Drive
on page 8‑38for more
information.
Service All Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays if a problem occurs with
this system. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message
is still displayed or appears again
when you begin driving, the AWD
system needs service. See your
dealer/retailer.
Service Traction Control
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer/
retailer for service.

Driving and Operating 8-61
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long
or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down,
the brakes might have to be used
so much that they would get hot and
no longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
will boil at a lower temperature than
at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle may show
signs similar to engine overheating.To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 9‑20.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.

8-62 Driving and Operating
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual's Maintenance Schedule or
Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
on page 9‑20.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, there are
three important considerations that
have to do with weight:
.The weight of the trailer
.The weight of the trailer tongue
.The total weight on the vehicle's
tires

Vehicle Care 9-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 9-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 9-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . 9-13
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Power Steering Fluid
(2.4L L4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Power Steering Fluid (3.0L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . 9-26
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . 9-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps,and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . 9-34
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Electrical System
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . 9-46
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49

9-16 Vehicle Care
If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a
level surface.
The coolant level should be at the
COLD FILL line. If it is not, you may
have a leak at the radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling
system.
{WARNING
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.If there seems to be no leak,
with the engine on, check to see
if the electric engine cooling
fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, your vehicle
needs service. Turn off the engine.
Notice:
Using coolant other
than DEX-COOL
®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner, at 50 000 km
(30,000 miles) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle
is filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for five years
or 240 000 km (150,000 miles),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating
on
page 9‑20.

9-18 Vehicle Care
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Notice:This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If you have not found a problem
yet, check to see if coolant is visible
in the coolant surge tank. If coolant
is visible but the coolant level is
not at the COLD FILL line, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at
the coolant surge tank, but be sure
the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. See Engine
Overheating
on page 9‑20for more
information.
{WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap —even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
{WARNING
Adding only plain water to
the cooling system can be
dangerous. Plain water, or some
other liquid such as alcohol, can
boil before the proper coolant
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
mixture will. The vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the
engine could get too hot but you
would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant.
{WARNING
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.

9-20 Vehicle Care
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating. There is an
engine coolant temperature warning
light on the vehicle's instrument
panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 4‑14.
The decision may be made not
to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service
help right away. See Roadside
Assistance Program on page 12‑6.
If the decision to lift the hood is
made, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine
and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.
If Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
{WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming From
The Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.