2023 GMC TERRAIN automatic transmission

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
6 Introduction
1.Air Vents 0182.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0126.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0123.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
088 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 091 or
Instrument Cluster (Denali Only) 093.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0108 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel
and Denali) 0112.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 081.
5. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 131.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0125.
7. Hazard Warning Flashers 0126.
Auto Stop Disable Switch. See Stop/Start
System 0202.
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 083.
11. Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0233 (If Equipped).
12. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 038
(If Equipped).
13. Wireless Charging 085 (If Equipped).
14. Driver Mode Control 0218 (If Equipped).
15. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0247 (If
Equipped).
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 0217 (If
Equipped).
16. USB Port 0140.
17. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0199.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 0133.
19. Horn 081.
20. Steering Wheel Adjustment 081 (Out
of View).
21. Hood Release. See Hood0262.
22. Cruise Control 0220.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0222
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 081 (If
Equipped). Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0
239 (If Equipped).
23. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0101.
24. Electric Parking Brake 0212.
25. Exterior Lamp Controls 0123.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0 127.
Fog Lamps 0126 (If Equipped).
Head-Up Display (HUD) 0115 (If
Equipped).

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Instruments and Controls 83
1:Push the windshield wiper lever
forward to spray washer fluid on the rear
window. The lever automatically returns to
its original position when released.
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use the
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
Rear Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the rear wiper control to OFF to disable the
rear wiper. In some vehicles, if the
transmission is in N (Neutral) and the
vehicle speed is very slow, the rear wiper
will automatically park.
The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.
Reverse Gear Wipes
If the rear wiper control is off, the rear
wiper will automatically operate
continuously when the transmission is in
R (Reverse), and the front windshield wiper
is performing low or high speed wipes.
If the rear wiper control is off, the transmission is in R (Reverse), and the front
windshield wiper is performing interval
wipes, then the rear wiper automatically
performs interval wipes.
This feature can be turned on or off. Go to
Settings > Vehicle > Comfort and
Convenience > Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear >
Select ON or OFF.
The windshield washer reservoir is used for
the windshield and rear window. Check the
fluid level if either washer is not working.
See
Washer Fluid 0274.
Compass
The vehicle may have a compass display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). The
compass receives its heading and other
information from the Global Positioning
System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and vehicle speed
information.
The compass system is designed to operate
for a certain number of miles or degrees of
turn before needing a signal from the GPS
satellites. When the compass display shows
CAL, drive the vehicle for a short distance in
an open area where it can receive a GPS
signal. The compass system will
automatically determine when a GPS signal
is restored and provide a heading again.
Clock
Set the time and date using the
infotainment system. See "Time/Date" under
Settings 0165.
Power Outlets
The vehicle has two 12-volt accessory power
outlets, which can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or
MP3 player.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Infotainment System 169
2. Create a Personal Identification Number(PIN) by choosing a four-digit PIN.
Re-enter the PIN to confirm. To change
the PIN, touch Change PIN.
The PIN is required to:
.Set up/Add or remove keys.
.Change Teen Driver settings.
.Change or clear the Teen Driver PIN.
.Access or delete Report Card data.
Set up/Add keys to activate Teen Driver and
assign restrictions to the key:
Any vehicle key can be registered, up to a
maximum of eight keys. Label the key to
tell it apart from the other keys.
For a pushbutton start system: 1. Start the vehicle.
2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle must be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Place the remote key you wish to register in the transmitter pocket. The
key does not need to be the one that started the vehicle. See
Remote Key
Operation 08for transmitter pocket
location.
6. From the Teen Driver menu, touch Setup Keys or Add/Remove Teen Driver Keys.
.If the remote key has not previously
been registered, the option to add
the key displays. Touch Add and a
confirmation message displays. Teen
Driver restrictions will be applied
whenever this remote key is used to
operate the vehicle.
.If the remote key has already been
registered, the option to remove the
key displays. If Remove is touched,
the remote key is no longer
registered. A confirmation message
displays, and Teen Driver restrictions
will not be applied if this remote key
is used to operate the vehicle.
In vehicles with a pushbutton start system,
if a Teen Driver and a non-Teen Driver key
are both present at start up, the vehicle will
recognize the non-Teen Driver key to start
the vehicle. The Teen Driver settings will not
be active.
For a keyed ignition system: 1. Start the vehicle. 2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle
must be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Touch Setup Keys or Add/Remove Teen Driver Keys. The system displays
instructions for registering or
unregistering a key. A confirmation
message displays.
Manage Settings or Teen Driver Settings
Depending on the options of your vehicle,
the following menu items may be displayed:
Buckle to Drive : When turned ON, Buckle to
Drive prevents the driver from shifting out
of P (Park) for a period of time after the
brake pedal is pressed if the driver, or on
some vehicles the detected passenger, has
not buckled their seat belt. On some
vehicles, Buckle to Drive is always ON when
Teen Driver is active and is not configurable.
Audio Volume Limit : Allows a maximum
audio volume to be set. Turn the audio
volume limit on or off. Use the arrows to
choose the maximum allowable level for the
audio volume. On some infotainment

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 185
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 187
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 205Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 206
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 207
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) . . . . . . 222
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Surround Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . 237
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 239
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 251

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
202 Driving and Operating
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the increased
number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer095. When the
brake pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released. Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery needs to charge.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle is shifted out of D (Drive) to
any gear other than P (Park).
.Certain driver modes have been selected.
See
Driver Mode Control 0218.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or driver
seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time. Auto Stop Disable Switch
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature can
be disabled and enabled by pressing the
switch with the
hsymbol. Auto Stop is
enabled each time you start the vehicle.
When the
hindicator is illuminated, the
system is enabled.
Winter Cover
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below −0 °C (32 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
206 Driving and Operating
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the vehicle 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 you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and shift
the vehicle to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park 0205. If you are towing a trailer,
see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0252.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) with the parking brake set.
Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult to shift out
of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see “Shifting Into Park” listed
previously.
On certain steep grades, the transmission
will automatically set the parking brake to
prevent torque lock.
If torque lock does occur, the vehicle may
need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle
to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal. 3. Press or pull the desired shift switch on
the center stack. For N (Neutral) press
and hold the N (Neutral) switch until the
N indicator illuminates red.
4. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator will turn red when the
vehicle is no longer in P (Park).
If the vehicle cannot shift from P (Park), a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may be displayed. Check that the ignition is
on, the engine is running, and the brake
pedal is applied when you are attempting to
shift out of P (Park). If all of these are met
but the vehicle will not shift out of P (Park),
see your dealer for service.
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.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
208 Driving and Operating
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 accessory mode, 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 0205 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 252. This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission. The R (Reverse) and D (Drive)
shift switches are designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park) unless
the vehicle is on, and the brake pedal is
applied.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift to P (Park)
automatically unless the vehicle is in
N (Neutral).
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park), see
Shifting
Into Park 0205 and
Shifting out of Park 0206.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive), or D (Drive) to
R (Reverse) while the speed is too high, the
vehicle will shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the
vehicle speed and try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the R (Reverse) switch on the center stack.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 209
To shift out of R (Reverse):1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0195.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral), press the
N (Neutral) switch until the N indicator
displays.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes. Car Wash Mode is not to be used for vehicle
towing. If the vehicle needs to be towed,
see
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0315.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park) if
left in Car Wash Mode.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.