2023 GMC TERRAIN ignition

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
98 Instruments and Controls
English Denali
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the warning
area at the high end of the gauge, the
engine is too hot.
If the engine coolant has overheated and
the vehicle has been operating under normal
driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as
possible. See Engine Overheating 0273.
Voltmeter Gauge (Denali Only)
When the ignition is on, this gauge indicates
the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, this gauge
shows the condition of the charging system.
The gauge can transition from a higher to
lower or a lower to higher reading. This is
normal. If the vehicle is operating outside
the normal operating range, the charging
system light comes on. See Charging System
Light 0100.
Readings outside the normal operating
range can also occur when a large number
of electrical accessories are operating in the
vehicle and the engine is left idling for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the charging system is not able to
provide full power at engine idle. As engine
speeds are increased, this condition should
correct itself as higher engine speeds allow
the charging system to create maximum
power.
The vehicle can only be driven for a short
time with the readings outside the normal
operating range. If the vehicle must be
driven, turn off all accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner, and unplug all
chargers and accessories.
Readings outside the normal operating
range indicate a possible problem in the
electrical system. Have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on
the instrument cluster.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
100 Instruments and Controls
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
SeePassenger Sensing System 054 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
and the symbols for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, and either the
on or off symbol, to let you know the
status of the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If the word ON, and the on symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is allowed to inflate. If the word OFF, and the off symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 099
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Instruments and Controls 101
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions 0199.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0261.
Light Flashing
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Light on Steady
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless funnel adapter, make
sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0250. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
102 Instruments and Controls
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. SeeRecommended Fuel 0249.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 259. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on to show that the light is
working. If it does not come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on, there is
a brake problem. Have the brake system
inspected right away. This light may come
on if the brake fluid is low. See
Brake Fluid
0 275.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. If equipped with
electric brake boost, vehicle speed may be
limited when the brake system warning
light comes on. The brake pedal might be
harder to push, or the brake pedal may go
closer to the floor. It could take longer to
stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Transporting a
Disabled Vehicle 0315.
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
106 Instruments and Controls
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 295.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,
the light will come on every time the
vehicle is started. See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0297.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Driving the vehicle with low engine oil
pressure can damage the engine and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If the engine oil pressure light comes on
while driving:
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
1. Stop in a safe location and turn off
the engine.
2. Check the oil level. See Engine Oil
0 265.
3. Add oil if the oil level is below the normal operating range.
4. Restart the vehicle. If the engine oil pressure light stays on for more
than 10 seconds, turn the vehicle
back off. Do not restart the vehicle.
See your dealer for service.
This light should come on briefly when the
engine starts. When the engine is off and
the vehicle is on, the light should remain
illuminated. If it does not come on under
either condition, contact your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on when the
engine is running, it may not have adequate
oil pressure. The oil level may be low or there may be some other oil system
problem. Turn the engine off when it is safe
to do so and contact your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
Base Level English Shown, Metric Similar
Uplevel
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Instruments and Controls 109
Trip/Fuel Menu (TRIP) Items
Speed :Displays how fast the vehicle is
moving in either kilometers per hour (km/h)
or miles per hour (mph). The speedometer
cannot be reset. If equipped, press
Vto
open the menu and select to display the
speed limit signs.
Trip 1 or Trip 2, Average Fuel Economy :
Displays the current distance traveled, in
either kilometers (km) or miles (mi), from
the last reset for the trip odometer. The trip
odometer can be reset to zero by pressing
and holding
Vwhile the trip odometer
display is showing.
Also displays the approximate average liters
per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number is based on the
number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded since
the last time this menu item was reset. This
number reflects only the approximate
average fuel economy that the vehicle has
right now, and will change as driving
conditions change. Reset the average
consumption by pressing
Vwhen it is
displayed.
Fuel Range : Displays the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven without
refueling. The fuel range estimate is based on an average of the vehicle's fuel economy
over recent driving history and the amount
of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel
range cannot be reset.
Average Vehicle Speed :
Displays the
average vehicle speed of the vehicle in
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph). This average is based on the
various vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset. Reset the average speed by
pressing
Vwhen it is displayed.
Timer : To start the timer, press
Vwhile
Timer is displayed. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed since the
timer was last reset, not including time the
ignition is off. Time will continue to be
counted as long as the ignition is on, even if
another display is being shown on the DIC.
The timer will record up to 99 hours,
59 minutes, and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after
which the display will return to zero. To
stop the timer, press
Vbriefly while Timer
is displayed. To reset the timer to zero,
press and hold
V.
Navigation : Used for the OnStar
Turn-by-Turn guidance.
Blank Display : Displays no information. Vehicle Information Menu (VEHICLE) Items
Units :
Choose between Metric or US when
Units is active. Press
Vto confirm the
setting. This will change the displays on the
DIC to the type of measurements you select.
Speed Warning : This display is used to set
the vehicle speed at which the speed
warning chime sounds and the alert is
displayed. The speed can be set by pressing
Vwhile the speed warning display is
showing.
Remaining Oil Life : Displays an estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life. If REMAINING
OIL LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99%
of the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 265. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0328.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. Do not reset the Oil Life display
accidentally at any time other than when

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Instruments and Controls 119
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible. Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Universal Remote System
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0347.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Lighting 125
This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the high-beam
headlamps are on.
Flash-to-Pass
The flash-to-pass feature works with the low
beams or Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on
or off.
To flash the high beams, pull the turn signal
lever toward you momentarily and then
release it.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional DRL are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
The DRL come on when all of the following
conditions are met:
.The vehicle is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.
The taillamps, instrument panel lights, and
other lamps will not turn on when this
feature is activated.
The DRL turn off when the headlamps are
turned to
Oor the vehicle is off.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, the DRL can
only be turned off when the vehicle is
parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to
AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor;
otherwise the headlamps will come on when
they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps will turn off or may change to
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).
The automatic headlamp system turns off
when the exterior lamp control is turned to
Oor the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in
daylight with the engine on, and the
exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and other
exterior lamps come on. The transition time
for the lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are not
operating, these lamps turn off. Move the
exterior lamp control to
Oor;to disable
this feature.