GMC Terrain Quiz
Driving and Operation

Water in Fuel (Diesel)

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
11steps
~66min
4/5difficulty
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Improper inspection of the fuel tank or contaminated fuel from suppliers may result in water being pumped into the fuel tank with the diesel fuel. If the WATER IN FUEL - SERVICE REQUIRED message is displayed, the water must be drained immediately.

As an additional precaution, drain residual water from the diesel fuel filter at every engine oil change. If the WATER IN FUEL - SERVICE REQUIRED message appears frequently, even after draining water from the fuel filter, contact your dealer.

Water in Fuel

IF THE WATER IN FUEL - SERVICE REQUIRED MESSAGE APPEARS:

GMC Terrain. Water in Fuel (Diesel)
GMC Terrain. Water in Fuel (Diesel)
GMC Terrain. Water in Fuel (Diesel)

Draining Water from the Fuel Filter

To drain water:

  1. Turn the engine off and apply the parking brake.
  2. Place a container under the filter drain valve, located on the bottom of the fuel filter.
    GMC Terrain. Water in Fuel (Diesel)

    FWD shown, AWD similar

  3. Turn the drain plug counterclockwise using a suitable tool.
  4. With the engine off, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button without pressing the brake for five seconds to place the vehicle in service mode. See Ignition Positions. Wait approximately five seconds, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button again to turn the ignition off. This operation will improve water flow from the filter. The filter drains as soon as diesel fuel exits the port.
  5. Tighten the drain plug by turning it clockwise.
  6. Dispose of the water-contaminated fuel properly.
  7. Start the engine and let it run for several minutes. During the draining process, air may enter the fuel system. If the engine stalls, the fuel system may need to be primed. See Next, follow the Fuel Priming procedure.

Fuel Priming

For the fuel system to operate properly, there must be no air in the fuel lines. If air enters, the engine may not start and the fuel lines must be primed before operating the vehicle.

If air is present, the following may have occurred:

  • The vehicle ran out of fuel.
  • The fuel filter was removed.
  • The fuel lines were removed or disconnected.
  • The water drain valve on the fuel filter was opened while the engine was running.

To prime the fuel lines:

  1. With the engine off, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button without pressing the brake for five seconds to place the vehicle in service mode. See Ignition Positions 0 195. Wait approximately five seconds, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button again to turn it off. Perform this step three or more times with the engine off.
  2. Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button while applying the brake for a maximum of 40 seconds at a time, with five seconds between attempts, until the engine starts. If the engine attempts to start but does not run smoothly, increase engine speed slightly using the accelerator pedal. This will help force air through the system.
  3. Repeat step 2 if the engine stalls and does not restart.
  4. After several attempts, if the engine still does not start, see your dealer.

Test yourself

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