GMC Terrain: Starting and Operating / Stop/Start System

If equipped, the Stop/Start system will 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 Tachometer. 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 charge is low.
  • 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 in any gear other than D (Drive).
  • Tow/Haul Mode or other driver modes have been selected.
  • 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.

    Diesel Engine Starting Procedure

    The diesel engine starts differently than a gasoline engine. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP and observe the wait-to-start light...

    Engine Heater

    Warning Do not plug in the engine block heater while the vehicle is parked in a garage or under a carport. Property damage or personal injury may result...

    Other information:

    GMC Terrain 2018-2025 Owners Manual: Towing Equipment


    Hitches Always use the correct hitch equipment for your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads can affect the trailer and the hitch. Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer combination...

    GMC Terrain 2018-2025 Owners Manual: Diesel Exhaust Fluid


    Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used with diesel engines to reduce the amount of regulated emissions produced. The DEF system must be maintained for the vehicle to run properly. It is normal to hear the DEF system purge fluid back into the tank after the vehicle is shut off...

      Categories

      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.

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