GMC Terrain: Starting and Operating / 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. See Jump Starting - North America.

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.
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 out of P (Park), a Driver Information Center (DIC) message will be displayed. See your dealer for service.

Diesel Engine Only

Vehicles with a diesel engine do not have manual park release. To shift to N (Neutral) with the engine off.

1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Put the ignition in service mode. See Ignition Positions
3. Apply the brake pedal.
4. Press and hold the N (Neutral) button until N is illuminated in red.
5. When N (Neutral) is no longer needed, shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition off.

Manual Park Release (Gasoline Engine Only)

Vehicles with a gasoline engine may include a manual park release that can be used to shift the vehicle into N (Neutral) when the engine is not running.

Warning

The transmission will be placed in N (Neutral) when the manual park release is pulled. The vehicle can roll and you or others could be injured. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground.

Caution

The manual park release is not intended to be used for towing. Damage may result from using the manual park release in this way. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Pulling the manual park release while the vehicle is on, or turning the ignition on while the manual park release is pulled, will result in a Service Transmission message being displayed.

To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) using the manual park release:

1. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and set the parking brake. Release the brake pedal.
2. Turn the vehicle off.

   

3. Use a flat-bladed tool to remove the interior trim panel on the center console to the right of the accelerator pedal.
4. Ensure more than one minute has elapsed since Step 2. Apply the brake pedal.

   

5. Pull the manual park release lever 90° to its latching position.
6. With the brake pedal released, place the ignition in ACC/ ACCESSORY. Then apply the brake pedal and release the parking brake.
7. Ensure there are no loose objects in the area that could bump the manual park release lever.

To return the vehicle to P (Park) using the manual park release:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

   

2. Rotate the manual park release 90° back to its original position.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park) by turning the ignition on or placing the ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY, then ensure that the indicator displays P.
5. Install the interior trim panel.