GMC Terrain: Starting and Operating / 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 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, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.
To shift into P (Park):
- Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake.
- Press P (Park).
- Turn the ignition off.
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). See Shifting Into Park. If you are towing a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.
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).
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be
used after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened...
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. If the
vehicle has an uncharged battery or
a battery with low voltage, try
charging or jump starting the
battery...
Other information:
GMC Terrain 2018-2025 Owners Manual: Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, notify General Motors. In the U.S., call 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782), or write: GMC Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33172 Detroit, MI 48232-5172 In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French), or write: General Motors of Canada Company Customer Care Centre, Mail Code: CA1-163-005 1908 C..
GMC Terrain 2018-2025 Owners Manual: 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. The light turns off when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. 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 de..