
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
Climate Controls 139
Caution
Do not use a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window. Do not adhere anything
to the defogger grid lines in the
rear glass. These actions may
damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Automatic Climate Control System
The vehicle's heating, cooling, defrosting, and ventilation can be controlled
with this system.
1. Fan Control
2. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. Front Defrost
5. Recirculation
6. Temperature Control
7. A/C (Air Conditioning)
8. Driver and Passenger HeatedSeats (If Equipped) 9. Rear Window Defogger
10. Power
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls
the fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation to
heat or cool the vehicle to the
selected temperature.
When the AUTO indicator light is
on, the system is in full automatic
operation.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
140 Climate Controls
To place the system in
automatic mode:1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature to 22° C (72° F) and allow the system
time to stabilize. Then adjust
the temperature as needed.
To improve fuel efficiency and
to cool the vehicle faster,
recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm
weather. The recirculation light
will not come on. Press
hto
select recirculation; press it
again to select outside air.
Manual Operation
O(Power) : Press to turn the
climate control system on or off.
A(Fan Control) : Turn to increase
or decrease the fan speed.
Adjusting the fan speed while in
automatic mode places the fan
under manual control. The AUTO
indicator light turns off. The air
delivery mode remains in automatic
control. Temperature Control :
Turn to
increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
H/G(Air Delivery Mode
Control) : Press mode up or mode
down to cycle through the different
air delivery modes. The current
mode is shown on the display.
Select from the following:
F (Vent) : Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
* (Bi-Level) : Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and the
floor outlets.
7 (Floor) : Air is directed to the
floor outlets with some air directed
to the windshield and the side
window outlets.
W(Defog) : Clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield with some air directed to
the floor and side window outlets.
0FRONT (Front Defrost) : Press
to clear the windshield of fog or frost
more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window outlets.
The system allows outside air into
the vehicle and the air conditioning compressor will run, unless the
outside temperature is below
freezing.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
For vehicles with Fuel Economy
Mode, the climate controls may take
longer to heat or cool the cabin and
the rear window defogger will turn
off sooner, when this feature is in
use. See
Fuel Economy
Mode 0169.
Air Conditioning
A/C (Air Conditioning) : Press to
turn the air conditioning on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is enabled.
If the fan is turned off, the air
conditioner will not run. The A/C
indicator light will stay on even if the
outside temperature is below
freezing.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
Climate Controls 141
h(Recirculation) :Press to turn
on the recirculation. Press to
alternate between recirculation and
outside air, if the vehicle does not
have a separate outside air button.
The indicator light turns on when
recirculation is selected. Air is
recirculated inside the vehicle.
It helps to quickly cool the air inside
the vehicle and reduce the outside
air and odors that might enter.
%(Outside Air, If Equipped) :
Press to turn on the outside air. An
indicator light comes on. Outside air
is circulated throughout the vehicle.
Auto Defog : The climate control
system has a sensor to
automatically detect high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust to
outside air supply and turn on the
air conditioner. If the climate control
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation. To turn Auto Defog on or
off, see “Climate and Air Quality”
under Vehicle
Personalization 0120.
Rear Window Defogger
1REAR (Rear Defogger) : Press
to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. An indicator light on the
button comes on to show that the
rear window defogger is on. It turns
off if the ignition is put in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
The ignition must be on to use the
rear window defogger.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Caution
Do not use a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window. Do not adhere anything
to the defogger grid lines in the
rear glass. These actions may
damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
z/J(Driver and Passenger
Heated Seats) : If equipped with
heated seats, see Heated Front
Seats 050.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with the
remote start feature, the climate
control system may run when the
vehicle is started remotely. The
system uses the driver ’s previous
settings to heat or cool the inside of
the vehicle. The rear defog may
come on during remote start based
on cold ambient conditions. The
rear defog indicator light does not
come on during a remote start. If the
vehicle has heated front seats, they
may come on during a remote start.
See Remote Vehicle Start 028 and
Heated Front Seats 050.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
142 Climate Controls
Sensors
The solar sensor, located on top of
the instrument panel near the
windshield, monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses the
information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode.
Do not cover the solar sensor or the
system will not work properly.
Air Vents
Center Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow. Use the thumbwheels to
open or close off the airflow.
Side Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow or to open or close off the
airflow.Operation Tips
.
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
. Do not attach any devices to the
air vent slats. This restricts
airflow and may cause damage
to the air vents.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
Climate Controls 143
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces the dust, pollen,
and other airborne irritants from
outside air that is pulled into the
vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeMaintenance Schedule 0274
for replacement intervals. To find out
what type of filter to use, see
Maintenance Replacement
Parts 0284.
The passenger compartment air
filter can be accessed by removing
the entire glove box.
1. Open the glove box completely and locate the stop tab on top
of the glove box door.
2. Push the stop tab upward until
the stop tab is under the
instrument panel assembly and
the glove box is released.
3. Unsnap the tabs beneath the glove box that connect it to the
bottom of the instrument panel
assembly.
4. Remove the glove box.
5. Locate the service door for the passenger compartment air
filter.6. Push the two tabs upward andrelease the latches holding the
service door. Lift the
service door.
7. Remove the old air filter.
8. Install the new air filter.
9. Close the service door and latches.
10. Reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
Driving and Operating 145
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving. Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means
“always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety
Belts 052.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
Driving and Operating 155
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0166.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0172.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9234776) - 2016 - crc - 10/12/15
170 Driving and Operating
.The vehicle's computer will more
aggressively shut off fuel to the
engine under deceleration.
. The engine idle speed will be
lower.
. Driving performance is more
conservative.
. The climate controls may take
longer to heat or cool the cabin.
. The rear defogger will stay on
for shorter periods of time.Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature transfer
engine power, as required, to all
four wheels. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
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
with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See Compact Spare
Tire 0257.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light 0106.
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to