2021 GMC TERRAIN brakes

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 271
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 overheat zone or an overheat DIC
message displays, turn off the engine until
it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be
sure to read the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0261 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators
that make a high-pitched warning sound
when the brake pads are worn and new

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
272 Vehicle Care
pads are needed. The sound can come and
go or can be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied or lightly applied. This does not
mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0343.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are installed
or if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0261 for the
location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 301
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 tires. Never exceed the
winter tires’maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a lower
speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be replaced
with a tire that does not have a TPC
Spec number, make sure they are the
same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the original
tires.
The Tire and Loading Information label
indicates the original equipment tires
on the vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 196.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are a
different size than the original equipment
wheels and tires, vehicle performance,
including its braking, ride and handling
characteristics, stability, and resistance to
rollover may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock brakes,
rollover airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, or All-Wheel Drive, the
performance of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used, there
may not be an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are
selected. This increases the chance of a
crash and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems developed
for the vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0300 and
Accessories and Modifications 0258.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), which grades
tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies
only to vehicles sold in the United
States. The grades are molded on the
sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply to deep
tread, winter tires, compact spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General
Motors passenger cars and light trucks
may vary with respect to these grades,
they must also conform to federal
safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) standards.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to
Federal Safety Requirements In Addition
To These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 303
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, resulting in 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,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0287. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
330 Service and Maintenance
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Additional Maintenance and Care
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . 336
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . 340
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
General Information
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
the dealer is the place for routine
maintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required Services are
the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is
recommended to have your dealer perform
these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition,
improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle
emissions.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Service and Maintenance 337
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0339 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns. Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Customer Information 353
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call emergency
services for help. Do not leave the scene of
a crash until all matters have been taken
care of. Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary information to
police and other parties involved in the
crash.
For emergency towing seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0349.
Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and telephone
number
.Driver license number
.Owner name, address, and telephone
number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the
other vehicle Choose a reputable repair facility that uses
quality replacement parts. See
“Collision
Parts” earlier in this section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You
See after an Airbag Inflates? 051.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that you
take an active role in its repair. If you have
a pre-determined repair facility of choice,
take the vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be
covered by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but
you must live with the repair. Depending on
your policy limits, your insurance company
may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with the
repair professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance company is
paying for the repairs, you are not obligated
to accept a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy repair
limits, as you have no contractual limits
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
366 Index
Auto StopStop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . .134
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 122
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273, 316
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155, 156
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Brakes (cont'd)
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Bulb Replacement Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
High Intensity Discharge (HID)Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 258
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258, 273, 316, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 93
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 70
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178