
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Instruments and Controls 133
Economy Trend :Shows history of
the Average Fuel Economy from the
last 50 km (30 mi). Each bar
represents about 5 km (3 mi) of
driving. During driving the bars will
shift to always reflect the most
recent distance on the right side.
Press
Vto open the menu while
this display is active to clear the
graph. Select yes or no and
press
V.
Timer : This display can be used as
a timer. To start the timer, press
V
to open the menu while this display
is active. Use
wandxto select
Start Timer or Reset. Press
V. To
stop the timer, press
Vwhile this
display is active. The display will
show the amount of time that has
passed since the timer was last
reset. Speed Limit :
Shows sign
information, which comes from a
roadway database in the onboard
navigation, if equipped. The sign will
show “− −”when there is no
detected speed limit or the system
is unavailable.
Press
Vwhile this display is active
to toggle Speed Limit sign on or off.
Battery Voltage : Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. See Charging System
Light 0115. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system, a
DIC will display a message.
Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or DIC message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Coolant Temperature :
Displays
the coolant temperature in degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit
(°F).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
Percent (Diesel Engine Only) :
If equipped, the DEF level will be
displayed as either OK, XX%,
or LOW. When LOW appears on the
display, add DEF as soon as
possible. See Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0 195.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
Gauge (Diesel Engine Only) :
If equipped, the DEF level displays
as a horizontal bar gauge with E or
0 and F or 1 at both ends. If more of
the bar is filled green, the vehicle
has a higher level of DEF. When the
estimated level is low, the gauge will
turn red and LOW will display above

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
182 Driving and Operating
Gasoline Engine Starting
Procedure1. With the Keyless Access system, the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter must
be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
battery is low, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) will
display a message. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 08.Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by trying to start
the engine immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor,
and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each
try, to let the cranking motor
cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you press ENGINE START/
STOP. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts,
release the accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race
the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Diesel Engine Starting Procedure
The diesel engine starts differently
than a gasoline engine. 1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied to start. If it
is too cold, the wait-to-start
light will come on and there will
be a short delay before
starting. See Wait-to-Start Light
0 121. This light may not come
on if the engine is warm.
The engine has a fast warm-up
glow plug system. The
wait-to-start light will illuminate
for a much shorter time than
most diesel engines, due to the
rapid heating of the glow plug
system.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 183
Caution
If the wait-to-start light stays on
after starting the vehicle, the
vehicle may not run properly.
Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
2. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking,
wait one minute for the
cranking motor to cool, then try
the same steps again.
If you are trying to start the engine
after the vehicle has run out of fuel,
follow the steps in Running Out of
Fuel (Diesel) 0256.
When the engine is cold, let it run
for a few minutes before driving.
This lets oil pressure build up. The
engine will sound louder when it
is cold.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel
Engine)
Use the recommended engine oil
when the outside temperature drops
below freezing. See Engine Oil
0 283. When the outside
temperature drops below –18°C
(0°F), use of the engine heater is
recommended.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0250
for information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not
Start
If the vehicle has run out of fuel, see
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel) 0256.
If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and
the engine will not start:
Press ENGINE START/STOP.
Immediately after the wait-to-start
light goes off, press ENGINE
START/STOP to start the vehicle.
If the light does not go off, wait a
few seconds, then try starting the
engine again. See your dealer for a
starting system check. If the light comes on and then goes
off, and it is known that the battery
is charged, but the engine still will
not start, the vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when
the engine is cold, the vehicle
needs service.
If the battery does not have enough
charge to start the engine, see
Battery - North America
0298.
Check that the correct engine oil
has been used and changed at
appropriate intervals. If the wrong oil
is used, the engine may be harder
to start.
Be sure to use the proper fuel for
existing weather conditions. See
Fuel for Diesel Engines 0250.
If the engine starts, runs a short
time, then stops, the vehicle needs
service.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
192 Driving and Operating
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.
SeeShifting Into Park 0187 and
Engine Exhaust 0191.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0262.
Diesel Particulate
Filter
The exhaust system has a Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) to reduce
vehicle emissions. On some
exhaust systems with a DPF, the
exhaust cooler mixes air with the
exhaust to lower the temperature
before it leaves the tailpipe.
The DPF, the tailpipe, and other
exhaust system components must
not be altered. Inspect regularly and
clean any mud or dirt from the
exhaust cooler, especially where the
exhaust cooler connects to the
tailpipe and the openings where
fresh air enters the cooler.
The DPF will clean itself as part of
normal operation. Several factors
including fuel consumed, hours of
engine operation, and miles driven
are monitored by the Engine Control
Module (ECM). The self-cleaning
occurs approximately once per tank
of fuel. Vehicles with the DPF have specific
fuel and engine oil requirements.
See
Fuel for Diesel Engines 0250
and
Engine Oil 0283.
Caution
Damage can occur to the DPF
components if the required Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur
maximum) fuel and either CJ-4 or
CK-4 engine oil are not used.
This damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Under certain conditions, such as
idling or very short trips, the
self-cleaning process has less
efficiency and cannot be completed.
To resolve this, continue driving
safely at a steady speed as close to
the posted speed limit as possible,
preferably without stopping, until the
message turns off. This can take up
to 30 minutes.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
250 Driving and Operating
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.
Fuel Additives (Diesel)
TOP TIER Detergent Diesel is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your area does not
have TOP TIER Detergent Diesel,
GM recommends the use of
ACDelco Diesel Fuel Conditioner.
This will help maintain optimal
engine performance. GM does not
recommend other aftermarket diesel
additives. If low-quality diesel is used for
refueling, GM recommends adding
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus-Diesel to help clean engine
deposits. This is available only at
your GM dealer.
Fuel for Diesel Engines
The selection of a high-quality fuel
is important for maintaining optimum
vehicle performance. Diesel fuel
should meet or exceed the minimum
requirements in the most current
versions of the local fuel standards.
Do not use fuel with more than
15 ppm sulfur.
Do not use a diesel blend containing
more than 20% biodiesel by volume.
Caution
Use of fuel that does not comply
with the required technical
standards can lead to engine
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
power loss, increased wear,
or engine damage and may void
your warranty.
Some improper fuels are:
. Diesel fuel with the addition
of gasoline.
. Diesel fuel mixed with
engine oil or automatic
transmission fluid.
. Triglyceride fuels, such as
raw vegetable oil or animal
fat, in any form, including
with blends of diesel or
biodiesel.
. Marine diesel fuel and
fuel oils.
. Diesel-water emulsions,
such as Aquazole.
. Aftermarket diesel fuel
additives, which contain
alcohols, organo-metallic
additives, or water
emulsifiers.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 251
Caution
If the vehicle is accidentally
refueled with gasoline, do not
continue driving the vehicle.
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. Refuel
with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.
It is also recommended to have
the fuel system flushed with Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel, to ensure all
gasoline is removed.
Some conditions, such as dirty fuel,
may decrease fuel filter life and a
CHANGE FUEL FILTER message
may come on in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Climate Grade Diesel Fuels
At temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F),
avoid using biodiesel blends above
5% by volume. Using such a fuel
may cause fuel filter plugging, system gelling, and freezing, which
may adversely impact vehicle
starting.
Severe winter grade diesel fuel,
such as 1-D diesel fuel or Arctic
grade diesel fuel, can be used in
extreme cold temperatures (below
−18 °C or 0 °F); however, doing so
will reduce power and fuel economy.
Avoid using severe winter grade fuel
in warm or hot climates. It can result
in stalling, poor starting, and
damage to the fuel injection system.
Fuels improperly blended for cold
temperature operation may result in
restricted fuel filters. The vehicle is
equipped with a fuel heating system
to prevent gelling or waxing of
conventional diesel fuel and
biodiesel blends, but may not
prevent all cases.
In case of severe winter conditions,
the fuel filter may become clogged
by wax naturally present in the fuel.
To unclog it, move the vehicle to a
warm garage area and allow the
filter to warm up. The fuel filter may
need to be replaced. See
Fuel Filter
Replacement (Diesel) 0256.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel
produced from vegetable oils or
animal fats that have been
chemically modified to make it
compatible with diesel fuel.
Caution
Do not use home-made biodiesel
or home test kits because the
quality cannot be verified by
approved scientific methods. Do
not use raw vegetable oil or other
unmodified bio-oils, fats,
or blends of vegetable oil with
diesel. They could damage the
fuel system and engine, and
damages would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Biodiesel Blends
Fuels with a biodiesel content up
to 20% by volume may be used
(e.g., named B20). Only use
biodiesel blends up to 20% by
volume that comply with your
country’s or region’ s fuel standards.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 253
{Warning
Diesel fuel containing water is still
combustible. You or others could
be burned. If the fuel needs to be
drained, keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away from the
mixture.
Caution
Water in the diesel fuel can
corrode internal components of
the fuel system and lead to
severe damage. It can also
support fungus or bacteria
growth, which can damage the
fuel system and Fuel Operated
Heater (FOH), if equipped. Even
with a diesel fuel biocide, the fuel
system may still need to be
cleaned. Your dealer can advise
of the appropriate solution.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
If the fuel tank needs to be
purged to remove water, see your
dealer or a qualified technician.
Improper purging can damage the
fuel system and block the FOH.
As an added precaution, drain the
diesel fuel filter of residual water at
every engine oil change. If the
WATER IN FUEL - CONTACT
SERVICE message comes on
frequently, even after draining water
from the fuel filter, see your dealer. Water in Fuel Troubleshooting
If the WATER IN FUEL - CONTACT
SERVICE message comes on:
Problem Recommended
Action
Message
displays but
goes off during
the ignition
cycle. The fuel filter is
partially filled
with water. Drain
the water as
soon as
possible. See
"Removing
Water from the
Fuel Filter"
following.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 263
.It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. 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.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission downshifts
too often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
See Manual Mode 0205.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB) If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO),
when towing a trailer: . Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0191.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of