2021 GMC TERRAIN tow

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 219
If the vehicle is in Tour (FWD) or AWD, it
will stay in that mode through future
ignition cycles. If the vehicle is in any other
mode, it will revert back to Tour (FWD)
when the vehicle is restarted.
4AWD Mode :AWD Mode provides drive
torque to all four wheels. Select AWD to
improve traction and control on slippery
road surfaces, such as gravel, sand, wet
pavement, snow, and ice. When selecting
AWD Mode, the AWD light will flash briefly
while the system is engaging and then stay
on to indicate AWD is active. AWD is active
in Tow/Haul and Off-Road Modes. AWD
Mode is only available on vehicles equipped
with AWD.
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as possible. See Compact Spare Tire
0 315.
6Snow Mode : Snow Mode improves
vehicle acceleration on snow and ice-covered
roads. Snow Mode is not available on
vehicles equipped with AWD.
7Off-Road Mode : Use Off-Road Mode for
public off-road recreational driving. See
Off-Road Driving 0190. Off-Road Mode is
only available on vehicles equipped
with AWD.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Tow/Haul Mode can
assist when towing or hauling a heavy load.
It changes transmission shift patterns, turns
on AWD, if equipped, and increases trailer
sway control assistance. See Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0249. Tow/
Haul Mode is only available on vehicles with
the towing package. Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
a range to be selected and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/Haul
Mode. See
Manual Mode 0211.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
220 Driving and Operating
Mode Name In Cluster Menu:TourAWD Snow Off-Road Tow/Haul
Mode Availability AWD & FWD AWD FWD AWD Towing Package
(AWD & FWD)
Retained Across Ignition Cycles YesYesNoNo No
Pedal Map Normal Normal Off-Road Off-Road Normal
Auto Transmission Schedule Normal Normal Normal Normal Tow/Haul
AWD (If Equipped) Normal FWD Normal AWD NA Off-Road AWD Normal AWD
Steering Normal Normal Normal Normal Tow/Haul
Trailer Sway Control Normal Normal Normal Normal Tow/Haul
StabiliTrak Setting Normal Normal Normal Off-Road Normal
Traction Control Setting Normal Normal Normal Off-Road Normal
Cruise Control
The cruise control lets the vehicle maintain a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
With the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
the system may begin to limit wheel spin
while you are using cruise control. If this
happens, the cruise control will

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 223
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0187.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the camera sensor is blocked by snow,
ice, or dirt. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead. Keep the
windshield and headlamps clean.
.When visibility is poor due to rain,
snow, fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust;
when other foreign objects obscure
the camera’s view; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat
.When towing a trailer
J:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
RES+ : Press briefly to resume the previous
set speed or to increase vehicle speed if ACC
is already activated. To increase speed by
about 1 km/h (1 mph), press RES+ briefly. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph)
mark on the speedometer, hold RES+.
SET– :Press briefly to set the speed and
activate ACC or to decrease vehicle speed if
ACC is already activated. To decrease speed
by about 1 km/h (1 mph), press SET– briefly.
To decrease speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
hold SET–.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
230 Driving and Operating
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When Towing a
Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
or when towing a trailer. ACC will not detect
a vehicle in the lane while driving on steep
hills. If the brakes are applied, ACC
disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The ACC set speed is erased from memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is turned off. Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
If the interior temperature is extremely
high, the instrument cluster may indicate
that ACC is temporarily unavailable. This can
be caused by extreme hot weather
conditions with direct sunlight on the front
camera. ACC will return to normal operation
once the cabin temperature is lower.
Conditions that are associated with low
visibility, such as fog, rain, snow, or road
spray, may limit ACC performance. Water
droplets from rain or snow that remain on
the windshield may also limit ACC’s ability
to detect objects.
{Warning
Camera visibility may be limited and the
ACC system may not work properly if the
windshield is not clear. Do not use ACC if
moisture is present on the inside of the
windshield or the windshield washer is
used in cold weather. Turn on the front
defroster and make sure the windshield is
clear before using ACC. Before driving,
check that the windshield wipers are in
good condition and replace them if worn. Lighting Conditions Affecting ACC
The ACC front camera can be affected by
poor lighting conditions, and ACC may have
limited performance when:
.There are changes in brightness, such as
entering and exiting tunnels, bridges, and
overpasses.
.Low sun angles cause the camera to not
detect objects, or it is more difficult to
detect objects in the same traffic lane.
.Lighting is poor in the evening or early
morning
.There are multiple changes in brightness
or shadows along the vehicle roadway.
.In a tunnel without the headlamps on,
or in a tunnel when there is a vehicle in
front that does not have its taillamps on.
.Subjected to strong light from opposing
lane traffic in the front of the vehicle,
such as high-beam headlamps from
oncoming traffic.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object around
the front camera windshield area that would
obstruct the front camera view.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
236 Driving and Operating
right. This system detects objects coming
from up to 20 m (65 ft) from the left or
right side of the vehicle. When an object is
detected, either three beeps sound from the
left or right or three Safety Alert Seat pulses
occur on the left or right side, depending on
the direction of the detected vehicle.
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.
Turning the Features On or Off
TheXbutton on the center console is
used to turn on or off the Front and Rear
Park Assist and the Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA). The indicator light in the button
comes on when the features are on and
turns off when the features have been
disabled.
Turn off Park Assist and RCTA when towing
a trailer.
RCTA can be turned off through “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0108.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
If equipped, APA searches for and steers the
vehicle into parallel and perpendicular
parking spots. When using APA, you must
still shift gears, and control the brakes and
accelerator. A display and audible beeps help
to guide parking maneuvers.
{Warning
APA does not apply the brakes. APA may
not detect objects in the parking space,
objects that are soft or narrow, objects
high off the ground such as flatbed
trucks, or objects below ground level such
as large potholes. Always verify that the
parking space is appropriate for parking a
vehicle. APA does not respond to changes
in the parking space, such as movement
of an adjacent vehicle, or a person or
object entering the parking space. APA
does not detect or avoid traffic that is
behind or alongside of the vehicle.
Always be prepared to stop the vehicle
during the parking maneuver. Press
Oon the center console to enable
the system to search for a parking space
that is large enough and within 1.5 m (5 ft)
of the vehicle. The vehicle speed must be
below 30 km/h (18 mph). The system cannot:
.Detect whether it is a legal parking space.
.Park exactly lined up with the vehicle
next to it if the spot is approached at an
angle or if the parking space is angled.
.Park exactly centered in a spot that is
marked too large.
.Always detect short curbs.
When enabled, APA searches for parallel
parking spaces to the right of the vehicle. To
search for a parking space to the left, turn
on the left turn signal or, if available,
change the side selection in the
infotainment display. To switch the parking
mode between parallel and perpendicular,
press and hold
Oduring the search process
or, if available, change the parking mode in
the infotainment display.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
240 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc.
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake pedal is
applied quickly by providing a boost to
braking based on the speed of approach and
distance to a vehicle ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed. AEB and IBA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. See
“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 108.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System
If equipped, the Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) system may help avoid or reduce the
harm caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in a
forward gear. FPB displays an amber

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
242 Driving and Operating
for driver braking to occur more rapidly,
which can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal as
needed. Cruise control may be disengaged
when the Front Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash into a
pedestrian directly ahead, and the brakes
have not been applied, FPB may
automatically brake moderately or brake
hard. This can help to avoid some very low
speed pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can automatically
brake to detected pedestrians between
8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
Automatic braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as higher
speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking may
engage the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to
hold the vehicle at a stop. Release the EPB.
A firm press of the accelerator pedal will
also release Automatic Braking and the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including shadows.
This is normal operation and the vehicle
does not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See “Front Pedestrian
Detection” in“Collision/Detection Systems”
under Vehicle Personalization 0108.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian Braking
system while towing a trailer could cause
you to lose control of the vehicle and
crash. Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate properly,
cleaning the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone, or blind spot
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is
part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA) system,
read the entire LCA section before using this
feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding lane change crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from behind. The

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 243
LCA warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside mirror and will flash
if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to vehicles
outside of the system detection zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. It may
not provide alerts when changing lanes
under all driving conditions. Failure to use
proper care when changing lanes may
result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Before making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your shoulder,
and use the turn signals.
LCA Detection Zones
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone
The LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from both
sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The
height of the zone is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground.
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) warning
area starts at approximately the middle of
the vehicle and goes back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers
are also warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 70 m (230 ft) behind
the vehicle.
How the System Works
The LCA symbol lights up in the side mirrors
when the system detects a moving vehicle
in the next lane over that is in the side
blind zone or rapidly approaching that zone
from behind. A lit LCA symbol indicates it
may be unsafe to change lanes. Before
making a lane change, check the LCA
display, check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side Mirror DisplayRight Side Mirror Display When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror LCA displays will briefly come on to
indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left or right
side mirror display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in the next lane over in
that blind zone or rapidly approaching that
zone. If the turn signal is activated in the
same direction as a detected vehicle, this
display will flash as an extra warning not to
change lanes.
LCA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. See
“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 108. If LCA is disabled by the driver, the
LCA mirror displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving for
the system to calibrate to maximum
performance. This calibration may occur
more quickly if the vehicle is driving on a
straight highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a stopped
vehicle, or when towing a trailer. The LCA
detection zones that extend back from the