
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Seats and Restraints 81
But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. SeeWhen
Should an Airbag Inflate? 079.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to seat belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After frontal and seat-mounted side
impact airbags inflate, they quickly
deflate, so quickly that some people
may not even realize the airbags
inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still
be at least partially inflated for some
time after they inflate. Some
components of the airbag module
may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 078.
The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the
fuel system after the airbags inflate. The feature may also activate,
without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition
off and then on again, the fuel
system will return to normal
operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off,
and the hazard warning flashers can
be turned off using the controls for
those features. If any of these
systems are damaged in the crash
they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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128 Instruments and Controls
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
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(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 Modifications
0261.
Light Flashing (Gasoline
Engine Only)
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 (All Engines)
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 (Gasoline)
0 247 orFilling the Tank (Diesel)
0 248. 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

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Driving and Operating 169
Fuels in Foreign Countries(Gasoline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Fuel for Diesel Engines . . . . . . . 238
What Fuel to Use in the U.S. (Diesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
What Fuel to Use in Canada and Mexico (Diesel) . . . . . . . . . 240
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Cold Weather Operation (Diesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Water in Fuel (Diesel) . . . . . . . . 243
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fuel Filter Replacement (Diesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Filling the Tank (Gasoline) . . . . 247
Filling the Tank (Diesel) . . . . . . . 248
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 257
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257Driving Information
Driver Behavior
Driving is an important
responsibility. Driver behavior, the
driving environment, and the
vehicle's design all affect how well a
vehicle performs.
Being aware of these factors can
help in understanding how the
vehicle handles and what can be
done to avoid many types of
crashes, including a rollover crash.
Most serious injuries and fatalities to
unbelted occupants can be reduced
or prevented by the use of seat
belts. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person
wearing a seat belt. In addition,
avoiding excessive speed, sudden
or abrupt turns, and drunken or
aggressive driving can help make
trips safer and avoid the possibility
of a crash.

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Driving and Operating 197
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0192 and
Engine Exhaust 0196.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0251.
Diesel Particulate
Filter
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
system filters soot particles out of
the exhaust gases. The DPF is
under the vehicle in the exhaust
system.
Depending on a number of factors
monitored by the engine computer,
the DPF will need to be cleaned of
accumulated solids. When a
cleaning is needed, the engine
computer will initiate a self-cleaning
function that runs automatically
during driving without any
notification. The filter is cleaned by
periodically burning off the soot
particles at high temperature. This
process takes place automatically
under set driving conditions and
may take up to 25 minutes. Fuel
consumption may be higher during
this period.
While the DPF cleaning is
automatically controlled by the
engine computer, the vehicle will
need to operate continuously for
approximately 25 minutes and at

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 217
Driver Mode Control Knobfor AWD
q(Vehicles without AWD) or5(AWD equipped vehicles) Tour
Mode :Use Tour Mode during
normal driving conditions. Tour
Mode either puts the vehicle in
Front-Wheel Drive (AWD vehicles)
or is the normal drive mode (FWD
vehicles). Tour Mode is the most
fuel efficient drive mode. See
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
0 26. When selecting Tour Mode,
the AWD light will flash briefly while
the system disables, and then
stays off.
4AWD Mode : In AWD Mode, the
AWD system delivers power to all
four wheels and the system adjusts
as needed to improve traction.
Selecting AWD Mode will activate
the system. The AWD light will flash
briefly while the system is engaging
and stay on to indicate AWD is
active. AWD Mode will stay selected
until the mode is changed. AWD is
active in Tow/Haul and Off-Road
Modes. AWD Mode is only available
on vehicles equipped with All-Wheel
Drive.
Tow/Haul and Off-Road Modes are
canceled with each ignition cycle
and will return to the Tour Mode.
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. See Compact Spare Tire
0 334.6Snow Mode : Snow Mode
improves vehicle acceleration on
snow and ice-covered roads. Snow
Mode is not available on vehicles
equipped with all wheel drive.
7Off-Road Mode : Use Off-Road
Mode for public off-road recreational
driving. See Off-Road Driving 0174.
Off-Road Mode is only available on
vehicles equipped with All-Wheel
Drive.
_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.
When Tow/Haul is activated, the
Tow/Haul symbol will come on in the
instrument cluster. See Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 251. Tow/Haul Mode is only
available on vehicles with the towing
package.

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Driving and Operating 251
Warning (Continued)
.Use approved fuel
containers.
. Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
. Place the container on the
ground.
. Place the nozzle inside the
fill opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
. Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
. Do not smoke, light
matches, or use lighters
while pumping fuel.
. Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle 0337. For
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0339.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply
specifically to trailer towing. .
Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi), to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
. Then, during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
. Turn off Parking Assist when
towing.
. Do not use the compact spare
while towing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 295
FusesUsage
F27 Antilock brake VAL
F28 LD trailer
F29 Rear window defogger
F30 Mirror defroster
F31 –
F32 Variable functions
F33 –
F34 Horn
F35 Vacuum pump
F36 Right high-beam headlamp
F37 Left high-beam headlamp
F38 Automatic headlamp leveling
F39 Fog lamps
F40 –
F41 Transmission range control module
F42 Motorized headlamp Fuses
Usage
F43 Fuel pump
F44 Interior rearview mirror
F45 Canister vent solenoid
F46 Driver side Ventilated Seat
F47 Steering column lock assembly
F48 Rear wiper
F49 –
F50 Heated steering wheel
F51 Right headlamp
F52 Engine control module/
Transmission control
F53 –
F54 Front wiper
F55 Front wiper speed/ Control
F56 – Fuses
Usage
F57 Left headlamp
Relays Usage
K01 Starter solenoid
K02 Air conditioning control
K03 –
K04 Wiper control
K05 Starter Solenoid
K06 –/Fuel
heater (diesel only)
K07 –
K08 –
K09 Wiper speed
K10 –
K11 –
K12 High-beam headlamps
K13 Headlamps/Daytime running lamps
K14 Run/Crank

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Vehicle Care 299
Remove the trim plate to access the
fuse block.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses and relays
shown.
FusesUsage
F1 Exhaust fuel heater
F2 Liftgate Fuses
Usage
F3 Trailer auxiliary power
F4 Power seats
F5 Memory seat module
F6 Sunroof
F7 Side blind zone alert
F8 Trailer reverse lamps
F9 Rear heated seat 1
F10 Parking assist F11 Rear heated seat 2
F12 –
F13 Trailer parking lamp
F14 Right trailer turn signal lamp
F15 Left parking lamp
F16 Right parking lamp
F17 –