GMC Terrain Quiz
Driving and Operation

Poor Exhaust Fluid Quality

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
~2min read

Use only GM-approved exhaust fluid or fluid that is API certified or labeled ISO 22241.

All DEF has a shelf life. If the system detects poor quality or contaminated or diluted DEF, the DIC message EXHAUST FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNER MANUAL NOW – 160 km (99 MILES) TO 104 km/h MAX SPEED appears. The odometer display will decrease as driving continues. The warning light also comes on. Adding fresh DEF to the system may resolve the issue, depending on several factors. If the DIC message remains, see your dealer. Additional DIC messages may be displayed.

When the odometer countdown reaches zero, the DIC message EXHAUST POOR FLUID QUALITY - SEE OWNER MANUAL NOW - DERATE TO 104 km/h MAX SPEED appears. The warning light and chime also activate. The vehicle speed will be limited to a maximum speed of 104 km/h.

After the derate to 104 km/h is complete, the DIC message EXHAUST FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNER MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED TO 104 km/h – 120 km (75 MILES) TO 88 km/h MAX SPEED appears. The odometer display will decrease as driving continues. The warning light and chime also activate.

When the odometer countdown reaches zero, the DIC message EXHAUST POOR FLUID QUALITY - SEE OWNER MANUAL NOW - DERATE TO 88 km/h MAX SPEED appears. The flashing warning light and chime also activate. The vehicle speed will be limited to a maximum speed of 88 km/h.

After the derate to 88 km/h is complete, the DIC message EXHAUST FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNER MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED TO 88 km/h – 120 km (75 MILES) TO 8 km/h MAX SPEED appears. The odometer display will decrease as driving continues. The flashing warning light and chime also activate.

When the odometer countdown reaches zero, the DIC message EXHAUST POOR FLUID QUALITY - SEE OWNER MANUAL NOW - DERATE TO 8 km/h appears. MAX SPEED is displayed. The flashing warning light and chime also activate. The vehicle speed will be limited to a maximum speed of 8 km/h.

After the derate to 8 km/h is complete, the DIC message POOR EXHAUST FLUID QUALITY - SEE OWNER MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED TO 8 km/h appears. The flashing warning light and chime also activate.

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