2020 GMC TERRAIN gasoline

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Driving and Operating 249
Recommended Fuel (LTG
- 2.0L L4 Turbo Engine)
Premium unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM specification D4814
with a posted octane rating of 93—
(R+M)/2 —is highly recommended
for best performance and fuel
economy. Unleaded gasoline with
an octane rated as low as 87 can be
used. 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. Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or
FlexFuel. Do not use gasoline with
ethanol levels greater than 15% by
volume.
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.
. Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal,
ferrocene, and aniline.
These fuels can corrode
metal fuel system parts or
damage plastic and rubber
parts.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.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) 0249.

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 257
8. Start the engine and let it idlefor five minutes. Check the fuel
filter and air bleed valve for
leaks.
9. Reset the fuel filter monitor. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base and Midlevel)
0 124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0130.
Filling the Tank
(Gasoline)
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates which side of the vehicle
the fuel door is on. See Fuel Gauge
0 111.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
Follow these guidelines to help
avoid injuries to you and others:
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Read and follow all the
instructions on the fuel
pump island.
. Turn off the engine when
refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
. Avoid using electronic
devices while refueling.
. Do not re-enter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
. Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
. Before touching the fill
nozzle, touch a metallic
object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if the fill
nozzle is inserted too
quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Insert the fill nozzle
slowly and wait for any hiss
noise to stop before
beginning to flow fuel.
To open the fuel door, push and
release the rearward center edge of
the door.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
260 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Under certain conditions,
fuel fires.
Diesel fuel can foam when filling the
tank. The automatic pump nozzle
may shut off, even if the tank is not
full. Wait for the foaming to stop,
and then fill the tank more slowly.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait
five seconds after pumping before
removing the fill nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as
possible. See Exterior Care0356.
Reinstall the cap by turning it
clockwise until it clicks. Push the
fuel door closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the fill
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
of fuel cap may not fit properly
and could damage the fuel
system. Accidental Refueling with
Gasoline
Caution
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
engine. Tow the vehicle for
service. Have the gasoline
removed from the tank and fuel
system.
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 or others could be
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
262 Driving and Operating
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 to tow a trailer. Read the
entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0352. To tow
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0353.
When towing with the 2.0L L4
engine, only use unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 89 or
higher. Using gasoline with a lower
octane rating while towing may
damage the engine and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
a trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not
driven properly. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/5/19
Vehicle Care 285
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
(Gasoline Engines)
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0377.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
For the LYX 1.5L turbo engine, use
SAE 0W20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
For the LTG 2.0L turbo engine, use
SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine
oil. Cold Temperature Operation: In
an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29 °C
(−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be
used. An oil of this viscosity grade
will provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
(Diesel Engines)
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos2 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos2 specification are marked
with the dexos2 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if
dexos2 is unavailable: In the event
that dexos2-approved engine oil is
not available at an oil change or for
maintaining proper oil level, you
may use substitute engine oil that
meets ACEA C3 of the appropriate
viscosity grade.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/5/19
330 Vehicle Care
years, regardless of tread wear. To
identify the age of a tire, use the tire
manufacture date which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire
Identification Number (TIN) which is
molded into one side of the tire
sidewall. The first two digits
represent the week (01–52) and the
last two digits, the year. For
example, the third week of the year
2010 would have a four-digit DOT
date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free
of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle forat least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
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. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0316.
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 0328. 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