Driving and Operation

Gasoline Engine Starting Procedure

2steps
~12min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 2
  1. With the Keyless Access system, the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter must be inside the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP while depressing the brake pedal. When the engine begins to crank, release the button.

    Idle speed will drop as the engine warms up. Do not immediately rev the engine after starting it.

    If the RKE transmitter is not inside the vehicle, if there is interference, or if the RKE battery is weak, a message will appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation.

  2. If the engine does not start within 5-10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), the engine may be flooded with fuel. Try pressing the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and holding it there while you press ENGINE START/STOP. Wait at least 15 seconds between each attempt to allow the starter motor to cool. When the engine starts, release the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stalls again, repeat the same procedure.

    This clears excess fuel from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Let the engine idle and drive gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

Test yourself

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