GMC Terrain Won’t Start – What Could Be Wrong?

Your GMC Terrain, like any other vehicle, can develop mechanical issues and fail to start. What should you do in such a situation? We received the following responses from car experts after consulting with them.

These are the most common causes of your GMC Terrain not starting:

• Weak Battery
• Low Key Fob Battery
• Corroded Battery Terminals
• Faulty Alternator
• Faulty Fuel Pump
• Damaged Spark Plugs
• Blown Fuse
• Starter Motor Failure
• Fuel Filter Clog
• Rodent Damage
• Engine Failure

Continue reading to learn about the causes of your GMC Terrain not starting and how to restart it. Additionally, learn how to maintain your car so that it lasts longer.

Reasons Your GMC Terrain Won’t Start And How To Repair It

Your car not starting is an issue that can occur at any time. But did you know there are ways to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it? Let’s take a look:

Weak Battery

If the battery is dead or weak, the car engine will not start. To check the battery voltage, use a multimeter.

Unlike most cars, the battery in a GMC Terrain is located beneath the floorboard between the front and rear passenger seats.

To get to it, flip the mat over and unscrew the single screw that holds the battery in place.

Connect the multimeter’s black end to the battery’s negative terminal. Similarly, connect the red end of the cable to the battery’s positive terminal.

If the reading is negative, you’ve connected it incorrectly. Instead, connect it in reverse to get the correct reading from the device.

When the car engine is turned off, the ideal car battery voltage is 12.6V. If it reads less than 11.9V or more than 13V, a car expert will be required to inspect it to determine the cause of the problem. It could be damaged and needs to be replaced.

Low Key Fob Battery

If your key fob battery is low, your car may not start. To resolve this, position it as close to the start/stop button as possible and start the vehicle. But don’t forget to replace the battery.

Corroded Battery Terminals

Corrosion on your car battery can cause it to fail to start. If this is the case, you will notice a greenish, blueish, or occasionally white substance that has formed on the battery terminals, cables, or posts, obstructing the flow of electrical current.

But don’t worry; cleaning the corrosion from the battery is simple. To avoid electric shock, turn off your vehicle and disconnect the negative battery cable first, then the positive battery cable. Keep this order in mind at all times.

Faulty Alternator

Your GMC Terrain typically won’t start due to a broken alternator. Your alternator likely needs to be replaced if the battery charges but drains quickly. It’s possible that the alternator has stopped working or that it’s providing the wrong voltage.

Faulty Fuel Pump

If you’ve tried all of the simple fixes and nothing works, it’s likely that your GMC Terrain won’t start due to a faulty fuel pump. When you try to start it, a bad fuel pump may make a whining noise.

Damaged Spark Plugs

If you’ve tried everything else on this list and your GMC Terrain still won’t start, worn spark plugs could be the problem. If your spark plugs are worn, it can result in poor gas mileage and a loss of power. As a result, you must replace them as soon as possible.

Blown Fuse

A blown fuse can be at blame if the battery’s cables and terminals are clean but the issue still exists. To check, see the list of inside fuses in your owner’s manual. To inspect it, locate the one that belongs to the electrical system and take it out of its socket.

Starter Motor Failure

A bad starter could prevent your GMC Terrain from starting. Possibly, if it rolls over but doesn’t catch, this is the problem. A damaged starter could produce noise but fail to engage.

Fuel Filter Clog

If your GMC Terrain runs out of gas, it will not start. So, before you do anything else, fill up the gas tank. If you’ve already filled the tank and it still won’t start, you should check the fuel filter. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt, preventing the car from running properly.

Rodent Damage

When rodents get into your car and bite the wiring, a lot of things can go wrong, affecting many vehicle systems, including the one responsible for starting your car.

Engine Failure

Nothing will work because your engine has failed. Overheating, oil leaks, and using the incorrect fuel are all possible causes.

Final Thoughts

When your GMC Terrain won’t start, it can be very concerning. This issue is caused by a variety of factors. Some are simple to fix, while others require you to take your car in for service.