GMC Terrain Quiz
Driving and Operation

Automatic Transmission

In this manual: Driving and Operation
Introduction — 1In Brief — 46Keys, Doors and Windows — 37Seats and Restraints — 60Storage — 6Instruments and Controls — 58Lighting — 16Infotainment System — 1Climate Control — 8Driving and Operation — 128Vehicle Care — 75Service and Maintenance — 8Technical Data — 5Customer Information — 18OnStar — 6Connected Services — 4
4steps
~24min
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GMC Terrain. Automatic Transmission

The gear selector positions are located in the center stack. The selected gear position will illuminate red on the gear selector, while all others will display in white. If the shift is not immediate, such as in very cold conditions, the indicator on the gear selector may flash until fully illuminated.

The transmission does not operate when the vehicle is off.

If the vehicle is in ACC/ACCESSORY mode, the transmission may shift to P (Park).

If the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed twice while driving at a relatively high speed, the engine will shut off and the transmission will automatically shift to N (Neutral). Once the vehicle has 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.

This vehicle is equipped with an electronic transmission. The R (Reverse) and D (Drive) shift switches are designed to prevent unintentional shifting out of P (Park) if the ignition is not on and the brake pedal is pressed.

For vehicles with a diesel engine, the vehicle must not be on in order to shift out of P (Park).

When the vehicle is stopped, press the ENGINE START/STOP button to turn off the vehicle. The transmission will automatically shift to P (Park).

The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift into P (Park). To shift into and out of P (Park), see Shifting Into Park and Shifting Out of Park.

R: Use this gear for reverse.

If the vehicle shifts from R (Reverse) to D (Drive), or from D (Drive) to R (Reverse), when the speed is too high, the vehicle will shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle speed and try to shift again.

To shift into R (Reverse):

  1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
  2. Press the R (Reverse) shift switch on the center stack.

To shift out of R (Reverse):

  1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Shift into the desired gear.

At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be used to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it from snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission. See whether the vehicle is stuck.

N: In this position, the engine is not connected to the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use only N (Neutral).

To shift into N (Neutral), press the N (Neutral) shift switch until the indicator is displayed.

To shift out of N (Neutral):

  1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
  2. Shift into the desired gear.

Test yourself

A quick GMC Terrain quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.