
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
204 Driving and Operating
2. Push plastic hooks back to engage grilleslats.
3. If equipped with license plate bracket pull it toward the front of the vehicle
and install the cover behind the bottom
edge of the bracket.
4. Repeat for all hooks to fully engage cover to grille.
5. Make sure all clips remain engaged during installation. Cover should be
stretched to a tight fit when properly
installed.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
The engine heater, if available, can help
in cold weather conditions at or below
−18 °C (0 °F) for easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug
in the engine heater at least four hours
before starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord will
prevent engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from the rear
compartment.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
4. Plug the cord into the receptacle in the front fascia.
5. Plug the other end of the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 205
Warning (Continued)
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the vehicle is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the vehicle is
on or in accessory mode:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in P (Park)
with the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0252.
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 212.
2. Press P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition off.
If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park) on a
hill, the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) may
apply automatically. You may not be able to
release the EPB using the EPB switch, but it
should automatically release when the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
270 Vehicle Care
5. Verify that the wiring harness connectoris fully connected to the sensor on the
air cleaner/filter housing.
6. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after replacing the engine air
filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System
0 268.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. Use caution when working
on the engine. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/
filter off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank
is boiling, do not do anything else until it
cools down. The vehicle should be parked on
a level surface.
The coolant level should be at the top rib on
the middle of the tank. If it is not, the
vehicle may have a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling system.
If there seems to be no leak, with the
engine on, check to see if the electric engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be running. If it
is not, the vehicle needs service. Turn off
the engine.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
274 Vehicle Care
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
0264 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 linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Index 361
Drive SystemsAll-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211, 277
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . 108, 112
Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 252
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Distracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . 180E
ElectricBrake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 284
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 288
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 101
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Oil Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Engine (cont'd)
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
F
FilterEngine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
362 Index
Fog Lamp LightFront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Front Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . 243
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 251
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 284
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Fuses (cont'd)
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 288
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Engine Oil Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 87
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . . 153
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 125
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
High Intensity Discharge (HID)Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178, 180
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Hill
Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104