Some units of the GMC Terrain may experience a range of electrical issues as a result of water intrusion in the taillights.
Per a report from GM TechLink, some of these issues include a no start or extended crank condition, a dead battery, a fuel pump that runs when the ignition is off, and a Service Safety Restraints message on the Driver Information Center. Additionally, the issue may trigger Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P12A6 (Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Enable Circuit Performance) or DTC B0073 (Passenger Seat Belt Switch Circuit).
According to the report, these conditions may occur as a result of water intrusion in the GMC Terrain right-side taillight due to a broken lens or housing. Water may travel through the bulb connector wire strands to the X350 connector, X320 connector, or Body Control Module (BCM). Units of the GMC Terrain from the 2018 through 2023 model years may be affected.
If these conditions are encountered, it’s recommended that the GMC Terrain taillight bulb connectors are inspected for possible water corrosion. The taillight and bulb connector should be replaced if corroded.
In the event that DTC P12A6 is triggered, connector X350 (Fuel Tank Harness to Body Harness) should be checked, as water corrosion may short the terminals together, resulting in the fuel pump to run after the ignition is turned off, thus draining the battery and leading to a no start or extended crank condition. In the event that water intrusion or corrosion is discovered, replace the connector with terminated leads on the body harness side, and /or replace the fuel pump module harness.
Check connector X320 (Right Front Seat Harness to Body Harness connector) if DTC B0073 is triggered or the Service Safety Restraints message is seen on the DIC. Be sure to disable the SIR system prior to inspection. If water damage is discovered, also check the BCM connector for signs of water intrusion. If water intrusion is found, add dielectric grease to the connector and continue the diagnosis as required. More information can be found in reference to Bulletin #22-NA-170.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Terrain news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
For heaven’s sake GM…
A shot of dielectric grease at the base of each bulb should do the trick. This is amazing stuff That I use on all vehicle electrical connections. It prevents moisture problems.
Dielectric grease is petroleum jelly, a.k.a Vaseline. Old mechanics and DIY books used to tell you to use Vaseline on electrical connections, then somebody realized they could give it a technical name, put it in a small tube and mark it up 10x.
GM has been building cars for 115 years. This type of thing shouldn’t happen at all. It’s not like water is a new element to have to contend with.
Did you even read the article or just jump in with assumptions?
The title to this article is misleading. It leads one to immediately believe there is a serious quality issue with the Terrains taillights, which clearly isn’t the case. Embedded in the article is the fact that water intrusion and the resulting problems is caused by a cracked lens or housing, and that it only affects the right-side taillight. So, if you’ve got a broken taillight, fix it!
Perhaps GM should apply dielectric grease to all connectors at the factory and circumvent the potential problem before it occurs anywhere in the vehicle.
It feels like GM gave up on the Terrain when they ditched the 2.0L.
This is what is wrong with all modern vehicles ! Why would you integrate something as simple as tail lights into a module that controls the fuel pump ?
When I read the title, I assumed it was a blinker fluid issue.
We have a 2014 GMC terrain and have engine problems and oil consumption problems had to replace the engine and the oil pump and oil and kunes in Stoughton never told us that truck had problems
I could expect this type of problem from a Tesla but come on gm you have been making vehicles for over a hundred years now.
What about the 2013 models? My Terrain Denali driver side headlight, both taillights have moisture issues. I love my car but this is getting ridiculous! Engine rebuilt for the oil consumption, sensors and mufflers due to said oil, leaky lights….
I have a 2014 and my passenger side air bag dings every few minutes along with the service air bag light also. I’ve had to have repairs because all of the oil leaked out when it was cold and the “cheap” seal broke. GM you really need to do some recalls on this vehicle!
Could this same issue happen to earlier models? I have a 2012 Terrain and am experiencing battery drain issues. ( I thought was a parasitic amp draw). I’ve had it in the dealership with no resolve only a n expensive repair bill and also had a mechanic look through it with no luck to find the real problem. ???