GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, TERRAIN, and DENALI are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84443536 B Second Printing©2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0182.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0119.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0116.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
085 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 088.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0100 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 105.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 079.
5. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 124.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0118.
7. Hazard Warning Flashers 0119.
8. Climate Control Systems 0178 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 180 (If Equipped).
9. Shift Switches. See Automatic
Transmission 0208.
10. Power Outlets 081. 11.
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0232 (If Equipped).
12. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 035
(If Equipped).
13. Wireless Charging 082 (If Equipped).
14. Driver Mode Control 0218 (If Equipped).
15. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0244 (If
Equipped).
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 0217 (If
Equipped).
16. USB Port 0134.
17. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0199.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 0126.
19. Horn 079.
20. Steering Wheel Adjustment 079 (Out
of View).
21. Hood Release. See Hood0259.
22. Cruise Control 0220.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0222
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 079 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 237 (If Equipped). 23. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View).
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 093.
24. Electric Parking Brake 0212.
25. Exterior Lamp Controls 0116.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0 120.
Fog Lamps 0119 (If Equipped).
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Q:Press to lock all doors. The turn signal
indicators may flash and/or the horn may
sound on the second press to indicate
locking. See Vehicle Personalization 0108.
If the driver door is open when
Qis pressed
and Open Door Anti-Lockout is enabled, all
doors will lock and then the driver door will
immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0108. If the passenger door
is open when
Qis pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 022.
K:Press to unlock the driver door. Press
unlock again within five seconds to unlock
all doors. The RKE transmitter can be
programmed to unlock all doors on the first
button press. See Vehicle Personalization
0 108. When remotely unlocking the vehicle
at night the fog lamps and back-up lamps
will come on for about 20 seconds to light
your approach to the vehicle. The turn
signal indicators may flash to indicate
unlocking. See Vehicle Personalization 0108.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 022. If equipped, press and hold
Kto remotely
open all of the windows, if enabled. See
Vehicle Personalization 0108.
/:If equipped, press and releaseQand
then immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start 013.
7:Press and release one time to initiate
vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and
the horn chirps three times. Press and hold
7for three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signal
lamps flash for 30 seconds, or until
7is
pressed again or the vehicle is started.
b: Press twice quickly to open or close
the liftgate.
Press once to stop the liftgate from moving.
Keyless Access Operation
With the Keyless Access system, you can
lock and unlock the doors and access the
liftgate without removing the RKE
transmitter from your pocket, purse,
briefcase, etc. The RKE transmitter should be
within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being
opened. Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock
press from the driver door. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0108.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to the
seating positions of memory 1 or 2. See
Memory Seats 033.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the driver
door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button
on the driver door handle will unlock the
driver door. If the lock/unlock button is
pressed again within five seconds, all
passenger doors will unlock.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
4. Remove the battery.
5. Insert the new battery, positive sidetoward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the transmitter.
7. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows you to start
the engine from outside the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start. The
rear defog may come on during remote
start based on cold ambient conditions. The
rear defog indicator light does not come on
during remote start.
If equipped with heated and ventilated front
seats, they may come on during a remote
start. See Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
0 35.
If equipped with a heated steering wheel, it
may come on during a remote start. See
Heated Steering Wheel 079. Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Do not use the remote start feature if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle could run
out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Qon the RKE
transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds or until the turn
signal lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
The parking lamps will turn on and
remain on as long as the engine is
running. The vehicle's doors will be
locked.
3. Turn the ignition on before driving. The engine will shut off after 15 minutes
unless a time extension is done or the
ignition is turned on. Extending Engine Run Time
For a 15-minute extension, after 30 seconds
repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the engine is still
running. The remote start can be
extended once.
When the remote start is extended, the
second 15 minutes will be added for a total
of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or a start
with an extension are allowed between
ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and then
back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To shut off the engine:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start Will
Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not
operate if:
.A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.The vehicle is on.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust each mirror: 1. Press
jor|to select the driver or
passenger side mirror. The indicator light
will illuminate.
2. Press the arrows on the control pad to move the mirror in the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can
be seen.
4. Press
jor|again to deselect the
mirror. Memory Mirrors
The vehicle may have memory mirrors. See
Memory Seats
033.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may have a turn signal indicator
lamp built into the mirror housing. The turn
signal lamp flashes when the turn signals or
hazard flashers are used.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
The vehicle may have LCA. See Lane Change
Alert (LCA) 0242.
Side Blind Zone Alert
The vehicle may have Side Blind Zone Alert.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) 0242.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
The mirrors can be folded inward toward
the vehicle to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. Push the
mirror outward to return it to the original
position.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Heated Mirrors
If equipped, the heated outside mirrors turn
on when the rear window defogger is on
and help to clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirrors.
K:This button is on the climate control
panel.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual
Automatic Climate Control System 0180.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
If the vehicle has the automatic dimming
mirror, the driver outside mirror
automatically adjusts for the glare of
headlamps behind you.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with reverse tilt mirrors and
memory seats, the passenger and/or driver
mirror tilts to a preselected position when
the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This allows the
curb to be seen when parallel parking.
The mirror(s) may move from their tilted
position when:
.The vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse),
or remains in R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
.The vehicle is turned off.
.The vehicle is driven in R (Reverse) above
a set speed.
To turn this feature on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 0108.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with
water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming reduces the
glare of headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Windows
{
Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the extreme
heat and suffer permanent injuries or
even death from heat stroke.
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to
improve fuel economy performance. This
may result in a pulsing sound when either
rear window is down and the front windows
are up. To reduce the sound, open either a
front window or the sunroof, if equipped.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Seats and Restraints 29
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . 35
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 41
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 46
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 50
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 50
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 51
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Head Restraints
The vehicle’s front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard seating
positions.
{Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
30 Seats and Restraints
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of
the restraint is at the same height as the
top of the occupant's head. This position
reduces the chance of a neck injury in a
crash.
Front Seats
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard seating
positions.
The height of the head restraint can be
adjusted.
To raise or lower the head restraint, press
the button located on the side of the head
restraint and pull up or push the head
restraint down, and release the button. Pulland push on the head restraint after the
button is released to make sure that it is
locked in place.
The front seat outboard head restraints are
not removable.
Rear Seats
Adjusting the Rear Head Restraint
The vehicle's rear seats have adjustable head
restraints in the outboard seating positions.
The height of the head restraint can be
adjusted. Pull the head restraint up to raise
it. Try to move the head restraint to make
sure that it is locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press the
button, located on the top of the seatback,
and push the head restraint down. Try to
move the head restraint after the button is
released to make sure that it is locked in
place.
Always adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same height as
the top of the occupant's head.
Rear outboard head restraints are not
removable.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
{Warning
You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not moving.