
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/5/19
Vehicle Care 295
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is in the overheat zone or an
engine overheat DIC message is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
. Stops after high-speed driving
. Idles for long periods in traffic
. Tows a trailer
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is in the overheat zone and
an overheat DIC message is
displayed with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary. 3. When it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat DIC message
no longer displays, the vehicle can
be driven. Continue to drive the
vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes.
Keep a safe distance from the
vehicle in front. If the engine coolant
temperature gauge does not go
back to the overheat zone or an
overheat DIC message does not
display, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is still in the overheat zone or
an overheat DIC message still
displays, pull over, stop, and park
the vehicle right away. If overheat
messages appear repeatedly, see
your dealer.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the engine coolant
temperature gauge is still in the

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/5/19
334 Vehicle Care
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.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause loss of
control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
368 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0283.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 321.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0328.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 296.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0287.
On vehicles with diesel engines, it is
recommended to drain the diesel
fuel filter of water when the oil is
changed or when the WATER IN
FUEL CONTACT SERVICE
message displays.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0328.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0283 and
Engine Oil Life System 0287.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0290.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0296.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0321.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0328.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 288.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
370 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Drain the diesel fuel filter of water. (Diesel Only)@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Diesel Engine Only: Replace fuel filter. (3)@@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (4)@ @@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (5)@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (6)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (7)@
Replace brake fluid. (8)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (9)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. (10)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (11)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Service and Maintenance 371
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or as indicated by the Driver
Information Center (DIC) or
two years whichever comes first.
The fuel filter may need to be
replaced more often based on
biodiesel usage, driving in climates
with severe dust, off-road driving,
or towing a trailer for extended
periods. (4)
Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0288.
(5) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the
life of the transfer case and/or axles
and should be replaced.
(6) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 290.
(7) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(8) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0297.
(9) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0300.
(10) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0302. (11)
Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
372 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Drain the diesel fuel filter of water. (Diesel Only)@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Diesel Engine Only: Replace fuel filter. (3)@@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (4)@ @@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (5)@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (6)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (7)@
Replace brake fluid. (8)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (9)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. (10)@@
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (11)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Service and Maintenance 373
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or as indicated by the Driver
Information Center (DIC) or
two years whichever comes first.
The fuel filter may need to be
replaced more often based on
biodiesel usage, driving in climates
with severe dust, off-road driving,
or towing a trailer for extended
periods. (4)
Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0288.
(5) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the
life of the transfer case and/or axles
and should be replaced.
(6) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 290.
(7) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(8) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0297.
(9) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0300.
(10) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0302. (11)
Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13556230) - 2020 - CRC - 9/4/19
Service and Maintenance 377
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment System Diesel Exhaust Fluid (GM Part No. 19286291, in Canada 88865751) or diesel exhaust fluid that meets ISO 22241 or displays the API Diesel
Exhaust Fluid Certification Mark.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See Cooling System 0290.
Engine Oil (Diesel) Engine oil meeting the dexos2 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos2 is recommended. See Engine Oil0283.
Engine Oil (Gasoline) Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 283.
Hood and Door Hinges, and Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19353127).
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Transfer Case Fluid (GM Part No. 19351882, in Canada 19351883).