
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
Vehicle Care 259
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 260
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 261
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 273
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 274
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 280
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Battery - North America . . . . . . 284
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 285
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 286
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 286
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 287
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . 289
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 291
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 292
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 292
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 319
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
300 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
F18 Left trailer turn signal lamp
F19 All-wheel drive
F20 Lumbar
F21 Rear auxiliary power outlet
F22 Rear drive unit
Relays Usage
K1 Right trailer stoplamp/Turn
signal lamp
K2 Trailer reverse lamps
K3 Left trailer stoplamp/Turn
signal lamp
K4 Park lamps
K5 Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) –
(diesel only)Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. See
the warranty manual for
information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get
service. For additional
information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can
cause overheating as a
result of too much
flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious
crash. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0181.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Underinflated tires pose
the same danger as
overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could
cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently
to maintain the
recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires
are cold.
.Overinflated tires are
more likely to be cut,
punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such
as when hitting a pothole.
Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can
cause a crash. If the
tread is badly worn,
replace them.
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 309
could be damaged and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function
properly.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0310.
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 379.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 311
sensors. SeeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0322 for
information regarding the inflator kit
materials and instructions.
TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the
low tire pressure warning light
flashes for about one minute and
then stays on for the remainder of
the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message also displays. The
malfunction light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected.
Some of the conditions that can
cause these to come on are:
. One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a
TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and DIC message should
go off after the road tire is
replaced and the sensor
matching process is performed successfully. See
“TPMS Sensor
Matching Process” later in this
section.
. The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or not
completed successfully after
rotating the tires. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off after
successfully completing the
sensor matching process. See
"TPMS Sensor Matching
Process" later in this section.
. One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
your dealer for service.
. Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires 0315. .
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly it cannot detect or signal a
low tire pressure condition. See
your dealer for service if the TPMS
malfunction light and DIC message
come on and stay on.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and
audible alerts outside the vehicle to
help when inflating an underinflated
tire to the recommended cold tire
pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning
light comes on:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal
lamp will flash.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
314 Vehicle Care
.The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or
fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of
the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule0353.
Tires are rotated to achieve a
more uniform wear for all tires.
The first rotation is the most
important.
Anytime unusual wear is
noticed, rotate the tires as soon
as possible, check for proper tire
inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel
alignment.
See
When It Is Time for New
Tires 0315 andWheel
Replacement 0319.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after the tires have been rotated.
See
Tire Pressure 0307 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0181.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation 0310.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications 0366.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
316 Vehicle Care
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow. SeeTire Sidewall
Labeling 0302.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See
Tire
Rotation 0314. However, if it is
necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’ maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting
to mount or dismount a tire
could cause injury or death.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should
mount or dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may cause
loss of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Warning (Continued)
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0309.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 181.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0315 and
Accessories and Modifications
0 261.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 319
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or thevehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.