Dead battery

It is still under the 1st year warranty. The dealership offered to have it towed at their expense, but I told them I already had called AAA to jump start it. Since I pay insurance for it, why not collect from AAA? As it was, it started. The battery was tested, and even thought it is still under the new car warranty, I was told it tested all cells good. They did a slow charge on it to full charge, and tested it again, but no failure. I was told the machine they hook up to it is nicked named R-2-D-2 as it runs and checks every theatrical cable, device and equipment that can be tested. The mechanic also checked all the cables for cut cables or lose connections and found everything to be good. We'll just have to see if it happens again. I just wanted to know if anyone else had that happen. Very strange indeed.

I also understand where you were coming from, but my first call was to get the vehicle started if I could. AAA did so I didn't have to worry about towing. I'd already spoke to the service writer and he told me to use GM as a tow. By that time the vehicle was running. IF there is a next time I'll do just that. Thanks for the heads up..

I purchased 2014 Terrain 3 wks. ago from GMC dealer. I'm not driving it much because I'm driving my other car that I'm trying to sell. Anyways last night the car won't start....no lights...nothing...DEAD?? I can't believe this happened on a fairly new car...16k miles

smoke, if it is under warranty, like I was told above, have GM tow it in and have a full diagnostic done. I was asked if the car was subjected to a lot of short drives, not giving a chance for the battery to fully charge back up. I had driven it on a long drive a couple of days before leaving it set for a week. Ask if the alternator is not strong enough to give it a fast strong charge? Now if the car is a used one, the battery guarantee is only for one year after the initial purchase. If they try to tell you it is a battery issue and try to sell you a new one, compare the 4 or 5 year battery guarantees with what they want to sell you. Also insist they replace it since you just bought it and don't have many miles on it. Then take the supposed cost and tell them you'll either get your won \battery and they pay the cost of the replacement they wanted and you pay the additional cost, which will not be much. In my Corvette, I just got a fully 5 year guaranteed battery for $85.00.

I had this problem in the middle of August, and even though the dealer did a complete check of all the systems and battery, nothing was done. I have not had any reoccurrence of the problem. Sometimes electronics are a head scratcher. I'm getting ready for a 3,000+ mile road trip and have no qualms of having any issues. The battery sure should be charged when I get home for sure.

Just returned a week ago from driving 3347.3 miles and averaged 30.7 mpg. No issues and the battery is fully charged. Drove in 100+ to 21 degree weather and in pouring rain. No electrical issues at all. I'm having a hard time finding a clothes rod to fit in the rear seat area. The hangers in the car are made of weak plastic and give after a few hours. Other that that and the four cylinder is gutless when trying to pass, no issues. It needs a turbo diesel. Good power, great mileage.

Exactly the same problem here. 2015 Terrain left parked for 10 days - dead battery but no detectable reason. Never had related issues. Obviously something draining the battery...

My 2013 terrain will not start. It's ticking and is hard to get the key out. Is this my battery?

I've also had problems where the car dies when I put it into gear at first start. The dealer says there's nothing wrong with that.

Had kinda the same issue with our 2012 terrain. We were driving it for about hour and a half and stopped somewhere and shut it off. We came back out about 10 mins later and it wouldn't start. Acted like a dead battery. Got a jump and it stated right up. Took it to dealer and after about half a day of checking. The only thing they could find wrong was positive battery connection was a little crooked but tight. Had been arching and caused a bad connection. They cleaned it and it worked just fine. Year later we're having the same issue.

I have a 2012 GMC Terrain that I purchased last year same problem. I go into the grocery store come out and dead. It has been happening randomly glad to see it's not just me. Has anyone found a solution to this issue?

As far as I know, nothing has been posted as of yet. It may be a bad battery. If you have to replace it, I might suggest getting a top grade battery that may have more staying power. Check all the connections to make sure you are getting a full charge while the engine is running, and the alternator is putting out what it should. the relay also may be at fault. GM has had issues and a recall on ignition switches, perhaps the problem may lie there? If anyone knows, please post. I am going to jinks myself and say, since two years ago, I have not had a repeat of a dead battery. Nothing was changed as far as I know at the dealership, but it tested fine, everything was working as it should.

Ok guys and gals, My wife and I were gone to Europe for over three weeks time. My Terrain sat in the driveway in 110+ heat for a week, then it cooled down to 90 degrees the rest of the time. I feared a dead battery again. I got into the car on the 28th day and it started right off. No issues, just dust from sitting so long. Don't know what the dealer did two years ago, they claim nothing, but I haven't had any issues after the third time it went in and had full diagnostics done. Anyone else have the same solutions? All of a sudden after the dealer played with it, claiming nothing was adjusted or changed, no more issues? Let us know, yea or nay.

Hi, guys, I am the proud owner of the 2014 Terrain and I have been having some issues with starting also, and it is confusing the shit out of me, sometimes the car will sit for 8 hours and when I return it will not start. like you I have taken it back to the dealer and every test was run with negative results. Then there are times it will go for weeks without an issue. I believe there are some electronics on the car that do not shut down after the vehicle is turned off is that possible?

Guru51L26, Not to sound like a smarts, which zI can be, but you're guess is as good as anyones. It is possible, and after three complete tests done, I have not had an issue in quite some time. There are several messages on here that state the same issue. For some reason, it appears to be an issue from 2013 to 2015. It is a frustrating issue. I have not heard of other GMC or even Chevy having the same issue. If anyone out there knows if it is, let us know.

My wife has been having the same issues. Car will work fine for a month then dead. jump start and good again. Finally have to change battery out because this has happen so many times. I was told there is a software glitch with the bluetooth. If you are on the phone when you turn off the car the bluetooth remains active and drains the battery. I can't verify this anywhere. I'm going to try new battery and see if that helps.

Guru52DWF, thanks for the insightful information. That may be the reason everyone is looking for. So I'll have to turn off my WAVES when arriving at my destination and close down my phone before turning off the car. "Excuse me mom, I know you're going an emotional drama right now, but I have to hang up because I want to turn off my car. I don't want to also kill my battery." So be it.

Hi, I bought this GMC Acadia Denali 2013 model a year back. Until three weeks back the vehicle was running fine. One fine day I found complete battery drained out , I thought may be I kept the headlights on because of which the battery got drained, I had jump start and it started and we went around the city. The next day again I found the battery drained. I thought now may be the battery I gone so asked the battery guru and they came replac s the battery with a new one with 18months warranty. The next day again I found the vehicle not starting and same problem the battery drained out. I now took the vehicle to dealer in dubai Nad Al Hammar branch. They are not covering this under warranty and they are charging me 759 as just diagnostic and what ever the findings they will come across accordingly they will provide me a quote. This is really unhappy to have a vehicle less than 5years old and maintained very well and still you see such dead problems in the vehicle. GMC is not doing any thing realistic to over come such issue. Plus the customer service is not satisfactory when they know the problem in their design and mechanical system which is not up to the standard. A vehicle should not stop me unless it has accident or any misuse or not at all maintained properly like no service. Please anyone who can advise me or tip me with how to overcome this issue. Please mail me on mhayat2007@gmail.com or 00971544177918

Muzamil, Sorry about your issue. Did you look at the entries above? Yes GM is not addressing the issue. It is not a safety problem, so I guess they ignore it. The problem may be in the radio system. One fellow said he used bluetooth and did not turn it off before shutting off the Terrain. I had used bluetooth a while back, and if memory serves me correct, that was when I had the issues. Mine was under factory warranty, and twice they did a 5 hour total exam of all items and a physical check. Never found anything. I have not used my bluetooth in a long time and no problems. Perhaps the radio or bluetooth can be disconnected and see it that is the cause. Perhaps just pulling the fuse would be a temp fix.

BTW. I took a 10 day vacation and did not drive my GMC. When I came home, it started right off. Still on the same factory battery since 2014.

Hi John, I never used bluetooth of my car. I dont think its a bluetooth issue. When you say the problem mab be in the radio system? what exactly you are referring me to check here....can you be more specifically describe on how to check this ? Thank you.

The radio is hooked into the bluetooth system is why I suggest the radio. Your car is 5 years old, and by todays standards should be like a new car unless it was used for work or road racing. Make sure all the positive wiring is clean and connected. No openings in the wire/cable leading from the battery to the starter, and if a reading can be done to test the computer or electrical charging system, have it done. The full diagnostic check done by GM does take between 4 to 6 hours. It should be covered by the purchase warranty. Check with a lemon law expert at your local department of consumer affairs. m GM should know what is causing these issues. The only logical one is the bluetooth or radio not shutting off when the car is shut off. Perhaps just turn off the radio before turning off the car to seat that helps.

Currently i have dropped the vehicle at GMC Service Center. Here in UAE the GMC Warranty cover period is only 3years, For the diagnostics they are charging me around 300$. If parts and further labor required they will be quote me separately and this 300$ will be included in it. If they are unable to fix it i will try the options you mentioned. But John is it quite common to have such problems in American cars ? See i believe if there is any accident or if you have tampered it or did not maintained the vehicle then its okay to occur such issues ? but if there is no accident or no tampering then how such issues occur in a well maintained car? Earlier i had maintained japanese cars but they never stopped!

Muzmil, The cars with the same issue mentioned on CarGurus have been well maintained, and not wrecked. It seems to have been a common issue with the 2013, 2014, and 2015 cars only. No one with newer cars have written any complaints. GM knows the answer, they are just not getting it out to the dealerships. It is frustrating. that is the only issue I have had with my car in 3 1/2 years.

Hi John, you were absolutely right, the problem is with the radio and they want to replace it. Currently it is not available here in UAE and they need to order it from America. Currently they have removed the fuse and will handover the vehicle to me to drive untill they get a feedback from America. What do you suggest ? how can i get fix this issue ? how much it should over all cost me ? Do you recommend to get it done out the agency workshop as their charges are high. Please advise and thanks for all your input.

Muzamil, first if it's money issue, it may be less expensive to go to an independent garage for the work. What the factory or dealership offers is expert workers to do the job correct the first time and offer a small guarantee. It may cost more, If you have a garage that can do it, and can even get the part at a discount, and you are comfortable with them, go for it. Your radio will need to be re-programed with your computer and everything that attaches to it. I have found some small garages can do much better work at less expense, but for the more complex jobs, a bit more money is worth it if you don't want the hassle. Make sure the garage knows your car, can tear it apart and put it back together. You're the first to confirm what we all have suspected, it is the radio that is draining the system. I know it has a delay to continue running the radio system when you turn off the car, perhaps it is the delay that is causing the problem and not turning fully off. It also may be in the ignition switch not making the connection to turn off the radio through the delay.

A little follow up on the battery. I noticed I started this tread when my car was one year old in 2015. I had been using the bluetooth system to listen to the music on my I-phone. I don't do it very much but my satellite radio service was turned off because I didn't renew. This drained battery happened twice and it was not the battery being bad. Memory tells me I was using the blue tooth to listen to some of my favorite songs. I since resubscribed to the satellite radio and don't use booth tooth. I have not had any issues since. GM should of known this and done a fix. There are way more that have been on this tread that have had the issue I'm sure, yet wither GM fixes it and doesn't say anything, or ignores it. GM if your reading this, let us know if our fix is correct.

I have a 2016 GMC Terrain and after 2 years the battery went dead

I have a new 2018 Terrain- 4 months old, 3000 miles. Went to Hilton Head for 2 weeks, came back and the terrain would not start. It was in my garage during those 15 days. I called ONSTAR and got someone to jump it. It started immediately. Drove it for about 20- 25 minutes and accidently shut it down when we stopped at a store. It would not restart. Got someone to jump it but it would not start. Attached the cables directly to the service truck and it still would not start (dash readout was 13.5 volts). Called GMC road service for a tow. Flat bed could not get behind it to pick it up. We couldn't get it out of park and brake off. So we couldn't roll it into position to pick it up. Left the car in the store lot (we were ther 4 hours!). During the night the tow company must have returned because the next morning the car was found at the dealer! They it was the battery and they had seen this before. No reason however. I will pick it up Monday morning and present them with this information. We will see what they say.

I have 2018 Terrain Denali. Only use it for short trips most of the time. 3 weeks ago would not turn over & had to call for road service. Started when jumped, but not until the brake was pressed 3 times and then button pushed. Took it to the dealer who charged the battery for 2 hours. Battery tested OK. Was told that GM is aware that they have a problem with batteries being drained and they are working on a solution to the problem. Received my OnStar diagnostic report on 6/5/18 which indicated a recall on the SDM and also "require immediate service" for "Low Battery" and "service soon". When I took it in, I showed the Service Advisor the Diagnostic Report and he stated that both issues would be checked. The invoice I received only shows that the SDM was reprogramed. There was no mention of the battery problem. He said the battery was OK. I STRONGLY SUSPECT THAT GM IS HAVING A MAJOR PROBLEM in finding the drain on the battery and that mentioning it on the Invoice would have been the 2nd of the required 3 tries at repairing the problem under NJ's Lemon Law. I only have 900 miles on the GMC.

I have a 2016 GMC Terrain with 20K miles on it. Purchassed it in 2017 asa certified vehicle. Had the vehicle for a year and the battery died.

I have a 2013 terrain SLT-2 bought it about 2 years ago and has about 90,000 miles on it. In August of 2017 I had the issues being discussed above with the battery dying for no apparent reason. Similarly I had it tested with no apparent issues. I continued to have issues with it for about a month so I went ahead and purchased a brand new battery. Almost 1 year later to the day I walk outside and have the same issue with the car not starting. Very frustrated. Glad to see I’m not the only one with this issue.

2012 GMC terrain SLE-2 first owner of it brand new and have 124k miles on it. About 15k miles on new engine and catalytic converter. Two new alternators, 3 new batteries, and multiple other issues. Windshield washer pump, heater blower fan, replaced both ....fan twice...and now having issue with it again....this car has major electrical issues that no one wants to own up to at GM. Yet we all have similar issues with the same car. This will be my last american car.

Same thing happen to me, 2014 gmc terrian, battery keep drain again and again.

I have a 2014 GMC Terrain.... I am on my 4 th battery!!! GMC if you read this I am angry..... will try turning off radio before Getting out of car... but, it is supposed to turn off when you open door! Thought it was doing that!

I have a 2018 new Terrain Denali only 76 miles. I have parked the car in the garage because I am driving another car until we sell of of our vehicles off. We went to start it today and deader than a door nail. Help! I only had on star for a month and it expired 2 days ago so I can't get help there.

Call your dealer. If you have had it for only a month it's under warranty. Make them come and replace the battery! I had this problem a year ago. But fortunately haven't had it again.

I am curently having the same issue--I've had the radio not com eon at all while driving, I've had the radio sound work, but no screen, and now my 2012 Terrain is in the shop--had to be boosted twice yesterday. When I got out of my car yesterday morning as it was dead, went inside to get my husband, came back out and we heard the radio playing---ah, no key in the admission... Since yesterday, I have been manually turning the radio off before I shut off the car. Shouldn't have to do that in the year of 2019. P.S. I've also had the oil consumption issues as well---GMC only paid a small portion of that 4,000 ordeal! So you might want to watch your oil levels carefully.

I have a 2018 Terrain Denali as well. Last Wednesday, I drove it about 200 miles out of town for work, and on my way back home, the touchscreen went black. Couldn't control Bluetooth, radio, volume, front or back up cameras. I made it home and about 5 minutes after parking in my driveway, 3 police vehicles pulled up at my home asking me to identify myself. Apparently, the SOS feature was triggered. Called GMC Support and they had me make an appointment to take my vehicle in to the dealer. On Thursday, I drove to work without incident. When I came out to go home, car was dead! My dealership is about an hour away from where I live, so had roadside assistance tow it home, and my dealer towed it in to their shop the next morning. But could not lock or unlock the vehicle, brake could not be pushed down. Nearly a week later, it's still in the shop. I think there's definitely something weird going on with these vehicles, and I plan to stay on GM for answers. I haven't had my Terrain a full calendar year yet (October).

I have a 2017 Acadia, the same problem happened twice with 10 days apart. GMC service says the battery is OK and no problem has been found each time. I have been using Bluetooth & radio everyday since I bought the car 3 years ago, haven’t noticed any relationship. Very frustrating!

Hi. I bought a 2013 terrain a year and half ago. Only has 38000 miles on it. Went to start yesterday and the battery was dead. Jump started fine and took it for an hour ride. Turned it off and it would not start . It is a certified gmc purchase and the dealer told me I have 2 years. Let you guys know what they say when I take it in next week. Thanks for all the information.

Hello, I have a 2011 GMC Terrain that has given me similar issues. I put a new battery in myself in April of 2019. By October I was having numerous issues again and had the battery replaced when I had an oil change done at a local tire store. Worked fine until April or May, I was working from home and the car sat for 3 days. Wouldn't start. Probably happened 1 or 2 more times since then up to last week. I've probably jump started it 8 times in the last week. The battery is not even a year old and this is the 2nd one I have put in in less than 2 years.

Have a 2014 Terrain. Same problem with Dead Battery if the Vehicle isn’t started on a regular basis. Read and tried numerous suggestions and it seems I have solved the problem since the vehicle hasn’t required a Boost since May and it has sat at times for nearly two weeks. In Our case, turning Off the Radio Manually, is working. Don’t rely on with the Radio left On, turning the Vehicle Off and relying on by Opening the Door the Radio Circuit is completely shut off the Radio. Try this, it has worked in Our Case and saved plenty of frustration. Bruce

I have a 2018 Terrain Diesel, best vehicle I have ever owned bg far!!! (I am 60 and have owned at least 30.) I went to get into the car today and no fob, dead battery, 14 or so engine codes due to system disconect. I charge and all seems good, except codes....I am trying to decide if I clear codes or tow in to GM. I have 1500 miles left on my 36k factory warranty.

The problem with these GMC TERRAIN’S with dead battery problems is solved by turning OFF the Radio manually. Do not rely on it shutting OFF when the Ignition is Turned Off and the Door is Opened. I have a 2014 Terrain and have went through the Dead Battery and Boosting Exercise. Turn the Radio Off Manually regardless of the Why’s is the answer and the Fix! Bruce

I have had a problem with my battery in the last 6 months. I have replaced the battery 3 times and have been to two different mechanics with no solution found. Finally went back to my dealership, They didn't solve the problem but they did keep it for up to 5 days to see what was happening. The battery was drained again and they replaced the battery again. Only have about 3,000 miles left on my extended warranty. Really need the problem solved. I will try cutting off the radio but after 5 days, my new battery was completely dead. Had to open car with key and called AAA for a jump and let run for an hour.

I have a 2014 Terrain and have experienced the same problem. The Radio not Turning off by opening the door can cause this drain but another source is where I’ve had success is an Anti-Rust Module. I unplugged this Module and No Problems after three weeks, try it, nothing to loose. It’s worth a try! It located on the Driver’s Side near the Remote Positive Battery Boost Post adjacent to the Brake Fluid Reservoir, a little Black Square Module. Too many Electronics which constantly have a draw. DIESELPUSHER