2023 GMC TERRAIN emergency towing

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 213
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 accessory mode.
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 0252.
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.
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. See
Defensive 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, go to
Settings > Vehicle > Comfort and
Convenience > Extended Hill Start Assist >

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 239
Certain vehicle conditions and driver
interferences may also cancel automatic
parking:
.The driver manually steers the vehicle.
.The maximum allowed speed is exceeded.
.There is a failure with the APA system.
.Electronic stability control or antilock
brakes are activated.
.A high priority vehicle message is shown
in the display.
System Limitations
Automatic Parking Assist has certain
limitations. The system cannot:
.Maneuver the vehicle at speeds exceeding
8 km/h (5 mph).
.Detect whether a parking space is legal or
restricted.
.Detect pavement markings or lines.
.Park the vehicle closely lined up with the
vehicle next to it, particularly if the spot
is approached at an angle or if the
parking space is angled.
.Park exactly centered in a very large spot.
.Always detect short curbs.
.Operate while towing any trailer.
.Function when the vehicle is raised or
lowered by air suspension, if equipped. When the System Does Not Seem to Work
Properly
If the vehicle does not reverse into the
expected parking space, this may be because
the system is maneuvering the vehicle into
a previously detected space.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System
If equipped, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
displays a red warning triangle with a left
or right pointing arrow on the infotainment
display to warn of traffic coming from the
left or right. This system detects objects
coming from up to 20 m (65 ft) from the left
or right side of the vehicle. When an object
is detected, either three beeps sound from
the left or right or three Safety Alert Seat
pulses occur on the left or right side,
depending on the direction of the detected
vehicle.
Driving With a Trailer
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer. The RCTA feature is automatically
disabled when a trailer is attached to the
vehicle.
Turning the Features On or Off
RCTA can be turned on or off using the
infotainment system. To view available
settings from the infotainment screen, touch
Settings > Vehicle > Collision/Detection
Systems.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA), Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps or pulses the driver seat. FCA
also lights an amber visual alert if following
another vehicle much too closely.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 243
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen, touch Settings
> Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System
If equipped, the Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) system may help avoid or reduce the
harm caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in a
forward gear. FPB displays an amber
indicator,
~, when a nearby pedestrian is
detected ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly, FPB
provides a red flashing alert on the
windshield and rapidly beeps, or pulses the
driver seat. FPB can provide a boost to
braking or automatically brake the vehicle.
This system includes Intelligent Brake Assist
(IBA), and the Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) system may also respond to
pedestrians. See Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) 0242.
The FPB system can detect and alert to
pedestrians in a forward gear at speeds
between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph). During daytime driving, the
system detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft). During
nighttime driving, system performance is
very limited.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle, unless it
detects a pedestrian. FPB may not detect
pedestrians, including children:
.When the pedestrian is not directly
ahead, fully visible, or standing
upright, or when part of a group.
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield are not
cleaned or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving 0187. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FPB sensor
clean and in good repair.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
252 Driving and Operating
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering affects in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy on your vehicle.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. If your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing, install extended side view mirrors
on your vehicle, even if not required.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.Perform the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing.
.Tow in D (Drive). If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear may
be selected using Manual Mode See
Manual Mode
0211.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Vehicle Care 315
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with thegood battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or an
electronic shifter. In the event of a loss of
12-volt battery power, the electric parking
brake cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye. Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck..If the vehicle is equipped with car wash
mode and has 12-volt battery power, refer
to
“Car Wash Mode” underAutomatic
Transmission 0208 to place the vehicle in
N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or the
engine will not start, the vehicle will not
move. Try to jump start the vehicle. Refer
to Jump Starting - North America 0313
and if the jump start is successful, retry
the “Car Wash Mode” procedure.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Service and Maintenance 329
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 267.
.When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced at the
earliest convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air filter
is replaced. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0268.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). More frequent
replacement may be needed if the vehicle
is driven in areas with heavy traffic, poor
air quality, areas with high dust levels or
are sensitive to environmental allergens.
Filter replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you determine
when it is the right time to replace your
filter. Every 96 000 km (60,000 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0279.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and/
or axles and should be replaced.
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0270.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles. ‐
Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
Customer Information 343
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the
nearest service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest GMC dealer
for warranty service, or if the vehicle was
in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the vehicle
is stuck in the sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws
.Legal fines
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to
7 liters. Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service: If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner’s responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16540740) - 2023 - CRC - 6/16/22
346 Customer Information
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call emergency
services for help. Do not leave the scene of
a crash until all matters have been taken
care of. Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary information to
police and other parties involved in the
crash.
For emergency towing seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0342.
Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and telephone
number
.Driver license number
.Owner name, address, and telephone
number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the
other vehicle Choose a reputable repair facility that uses
quality replacement parts. See
“Collision
Parts” earlier in this section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You
See after an Airbag Inflates? 053.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that you
take an active role in its repair. If you have
a pre-determined repair facility of choice,
take the vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be
covered by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but
you must live with the repair. Depending on
your policy limits, your insurance company
may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with the
repair professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance company is
paying for the repairs, you are not obligated
to accept a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy repair
limits, as you have no contractual limits
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine/propulsion,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.