2019 GMC TERRAIN emissions system

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
28 In Brief
Special DPF Driver Messages
If the vehicle is used for numerous
short trips or extended slow-speed
operation, the engine computer may
not be able to clean the DPF
effectively. If this happens, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
will display.
If the vehicle continues to be driven
in a manner that prevents effective
DPF cleaning, the DPF will become
plugged. If this occurs, the engine
computer will turn on the
malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and a DIC
message will display. SeeDiesel
Particulate Filter 0207, Fuel for
Diesel Engines 0262 andEngine
Oil 0294.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used
with diesel engines to reduce the
amount of regulated emissions
produced. The DEF system must be
maintained for the vehicle to run properly. It is normal to hear the
DEF system purge fluid back into
the tank after the vehicle is shut off.
Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF can be purchased at a GMC
dealer. It can also be purchased at
authorized vehicle dealerships.
Additionally, some diesel fueling
stations or retailers may have DEF.
For vehicles with an active OnStar
service plan, OnStar can help to
locate a DEF retailer. See
Customer
Assistance Offices 0397 for phone
numbers to assist you in contacting
a GM dealer. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0387.
As the DEF tank becomes low on
fluid, warnings begin with
approximately 1 600 km (1,000 mi)
of remaining range. These warnings
will increase in intensity as the tank
becomes empty. Once the tank is
empty, the vehicle speed will be
limited. If there is an issue with the
quality of the fluid or the exhaust
fluid system, warnings will be
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Diesel Exhaust
Fluid 0208.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-888-881-3302
TTY Users (U.S. Only):
1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
New GMC owners are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance
Program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
0 399.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
134 Instruments and Controls
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
0286.
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)
0 268 orFilling the Tank (Diesel)
0 270. 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 away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off.
See
Recommended Fuel (LYX -
1.5L L4 Turbo Engine) 0260 or
Recommended Fuel (LTG - 2.0L
L4 Turbo Engine) 0260 orFuel
for Diesel Engines 0262.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
Instruments and Controls 135
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. SeeAdd-On
Electrical Equipment 0282. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
. The light is on when the engine
is running.
. The light does not come on
when the ignition is in
Service Mode.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced. See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set. The light stays on if the parking brake
does not fully release. If it stays on
after the parking brake is fully
released, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately.
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
If the light comes on while driving, a
chime sounds. Pull off the road and
stop. The pedal might be harder to
push or go closer to the floor.
It might also take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See
Towing the Vehicle 0363.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
208 Driving and Operating
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
{Warning
Avoid getting Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) on your skin or in
your eyes as it could cause
irritation. For more safety,
handling, and storage information,
see the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
container label.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used
with diesel engines to reduce the
amount of regulated emissions
produced. Products such as AdBlue
are types of DEF, and are approved
for use in the vehicle as long as
they have an API certification label
or meet ISO 22241.The fluid level in
the DEF tank must be maintained
for the vehicle to run properly. DEF
is not a fuel additive. DEF should
not be mixed with or added to diesel
fuel. DEF freezes when exposed to
temperatures below −11 °C (12 ° F).It is normal to hear the DEF system
purge fluid back into the tank after
the vehicle is shut off.
Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF can be purchased at your
dealer. It can also be purchased at
authorized vehicle and truck
dealerships. Additionally, some
diesel truck fueling stations or
retailers may have DEF for
purchase. For vehicles with an
active OnStar or connected services
plan, OnStar can help to locate a
DEF retailer. See
Customer
Assistance Offices 0397 for phone
numbers to assist in contacting a
GM dealer. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0387. Filling the DEF Tank
Caution
Use only DEF that is GM
approved, or fluid containing the
API certified or ISO 22241 label.
The use of other fluids could
damage the system, requiring
costly repairs that will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
Driving and Operating 261
Using unleaded gasoline rated
below 93 octane, however, will lead
to reduced acceleration and fuel
economy. If knocking occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 93 octane as soon
as possible, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 93 octane rating, the
engine needs service.
Prohibited Fuels
(Gasoline)
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:. For vehicles that are not
FlexFuel, fuel labeled
greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level
ethanol blends (16–50%
ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal,
ferrocene, and aniline.
These fuels can corrode
metal fuel system parts or
damage plastic and rubber
parts.
. Fuel containing metals such
as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which can damage
the emissions control
system and spark plugs.
. Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel
economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of
the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see Prohibited
Fuels (Gasoline) 0261.
Fuel Additives (Gasoline)
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’ s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15,000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
Driving and Operating 271
The fuel cap is behind a hinged fuel
door on the driver side of the
vehicle. To open the fuel door, push
and release the rearward center
edge of the door.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise
to remove. Reinstall the cap by
turning it clockwise until it clicks.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:. Fuel spills
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Potential fuel fires
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0367.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)0133.
Diesel fuel can foam when filling the
tank. This can cause the automatic
pump nozzle to shut off, even if the
tank is not full. If this happens, wait
for the foaming to stop, and then fill
the tank more slowly.
{Warning
Heat coming from the engine can
cause the fuel to expand and
force the fuel out of the tank.
If something ignites the fuel, a fire
could start. To help avoid this, fill
the tank slowly and only until the
nozzle shuts off. Do not top it off.
Clean up any spilled fuel.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
272 Driving and Operating
Accidental Refueling with
Gasoline
If the vehicle is accidentally refueled
with gasoline, do not continue
driving the vehicle except to get to a
location where it can be stopped
safely. Driving the vehicle will
damage the fuel system. Have the
vehicle towed to a qualified
technician to have the gasoline
removed from the tank and fuel
system. Flush the fuel system with
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel to
ensure all gasoline is removed.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
DEF is a non-toxic solution that is
sprayed into the exhaust stream of
diesel vehicles to cause a chemical
reaction and break down NOx
emissions into harmless nitrogen
and water.
DEF is not a fuel additive and never
comes into contact with diesel fuel.
It is stored in a separate tank. The
fill port is behind the fuel door next
to the regular fuel cap. It has a blue
filler cap. SeeDiesel Exhaust Fluid
0 208.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container (Gasoline)
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
vapor. You can be badly burned
and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
. Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
. Bring the fill nozzle in
contact with the inside of
the fill opening before
operating the nozzle.
Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.
. Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
. Avoid using electronic
devices.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-12146071) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
286 Vehicle Care
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 089.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner ’s manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
0 404.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 089.