GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 207
2. Rotate the manual park release 90° backto its original position.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park) by turning the ignition on or placing the
ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY, then ensure
that the indicator displays P.
5. Install the interior trim panel.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park 0204 and
Engine Exhaust 0207.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter outside the vehicle, it
will continue to run for up to 20 minutes.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 60 minutes.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
208 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
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. See Shifting Into Park
0 204 and
Engine Exhaust 0207.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 249.
Automatic Transmission
The shift switches are on the center stack.
The selected gear position will illuminate red
on the shift switch, while all others will be
displayed in white. If the shift is not
immediate, as in very cold conditions, the
indicator on the shift switch may blink until
it is fully engaged.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/ACCESSORY, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park). If ENGINE START/STOP is pressed twice while
at a relatively high speed, the engine will
turn off and the transmission will
automatically shift to N (Neutral). Once the
vehicle is stopped, P (Park) can be selected.
P :
This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the vehicle to ensure
the vehicle does not move.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the transmission is not in P (Park) with
the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0204 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 249.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
212 Driving and Operating
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
the driver to select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/
Haul Mode.
SeeAutomatic Transmission 0208.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
For information on All-Wheel Drive (AWD),
see Driver Mode Control 0218.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 096.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 213
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 095 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 095.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing, have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0249.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
214 Driving and Operating
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 187.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. HSA
brake hold duration may be selectable.
Standard Hold automatically releases the
brakes after a few seconds. Extended Hold
applies the Electric Parking Brake if the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes. If hold duration is selectable, see
"Extended Hill Start Assist" in
Vehicle
Personalization 0108. The brakes may also
release under other conditions. Do not rely
on HSA to hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
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
Driving and Operating 227
following gap. The vehicle speed increases or
decreases to follow a detected vehicle in
front of your vehicle when that vehicle is
traveling slower than your vehicle set speed.
It may apply limited braking, if necessary.
When braking is active, the brake lamps will
come on. The automatic braking may feel or
sound different than if the brakes were
applied manually. This is normal.
Passing a Vehicle While Using ACC
If the set speed is high enough, and the left
turn signal is used to pass a vehicle ahead
in the selected following gap, ACC may
assist by gradually accelerating the vehicle
prior to the lane change.
{Warning
When using ACC to pass a vehicle or
perform a lane change, the following
distance to the vehicle being passed may
be reduced. ACC may not apply sufficient
acceleration or braking when passing a
vehicle or performing a lane change.
Always be ready to manually accelerate
or brake to complete the pass or lane
change.Stationary or Very Slow-Moving Objects
{Warning
ACC may not detect and react to stopped
or slow-moving vehicles ahead of you. For
example, the system may not brake for a
vehicle it has never detected moving. This
can occur in stop-and-go traffic or when a
vehicle suddenly appears due to a vehicle
ahead changing lanes. Your vehicle may
not stop and could cause a crash. Use
caution when using ACC. Your complete
attention is always required while driving
and you should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes.
Irregular Objects Affecting ACC
ACC may have difficulty detecting the
following objects:
.Vehicles in front of your vehicle that have
a rear aspect that is low, small,
or irregular
.An empty truck or trailer that has no
cargo in the cargo bed
.Vehicles with cargo extending from the
back end
.Non-standard shaped vehicles, such as
vehicle transport, vehicles with a side car
fitted, or horse carriages
.Vehicles that are low to the road surface
.Objects that are close to the front of your
vehicle
.Vehicles on which extremely heavy cargo
is loaded in the cargo area or rear seat
ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage and the
driver will need to manually apply the
brakes to slow the vehicle if:
.The front camera is blocked or visibility is
reduced.
.The Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/ESC system has activated or
been disabled.
.There is a fault in the system.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Driving and Operating 231
Do not install objects on top of the vehicle
that overhang and obstruct the front
camera, such as a canoe, kayak, or other
items that can be transported on a roof rack
system. SeeRoof Rack System 076.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield behind
the rearview mirror can become blocked by
snow, ice, dirt, mud, or debris. This area
needs to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
The vehicle headlamps may need to be
cleaned due to dirt, snow, or ice. Objects
that are not illuminated correctly may be
difficult to detect.
If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See “Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” in this
section. Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control system.
For cleaning instructions, see “Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0322.Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0187.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
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.
Audible or Safety Alert Seat
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization 0108.