GMC Terrain: Starting and Operating / Shifting Into Park

Warning

It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the parking brake set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.

To shift into P (Park):

1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake.
2. Press P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition off.

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running

Warning

It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. It could overheat and catch fire.

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the parking brake set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and shift the vehicle to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park. If you are towing a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.

If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle must be in P (Park) with the parking brake set.

Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park).

Torque Lock

Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To find out how, see “Shifting Into Park” listed previously.

On certain steep grades, the transmission will automatically set the parking brake to prevent torque lock.

If torque lock does occur, the vehicle may need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).