2008 GMC ACADIA wheel

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition,
you can turn it to four
different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with your
hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If none of
this works, then your vehicle needs service.
A (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which you
can remove the key. This position locks the ignition and
transmission. If the steering wheel is locked, move it from
right to left and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers while
the engine is off. This position will also allow you to turn
off the engine.
C (ON/RUN):This is the position that the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the key.
The switch stays in ON/RUN when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is not running, you
can use ON/RUN to operate your electrical power
accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
2-26

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle has an electronic shift position indicator
within the instrument panel cluster.
When using the Electronic Range Select Mode a
number will display next to the L, indicating the current
gear that has been selected.
See Electronic Range Select mode in this section for
more information.
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever located on
the console between the seats.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-36. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-30.
2-30

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brake rst and then press the
shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, then
push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift
lever button and move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-37.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-20.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
2-31

OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows eligible OnStar
subscribers to make and receive calls using voice
commands. Hands-Free Calling is fully integrated into
the vehicle, and can be used with OnStar Pre-Paid
Minute Packages. Hands-Free Calling may also
be linked to a Verizon Wireless service plan in the U.S.
or a Bell Mobility service plan in Canada, depending
on eligibility. To nd out more, refer to the OnStar
Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speak with an
OnStar advisor by pressing the OnStar button or calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling that uses your minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. By pressing the phone button and giving
a few simple voice commands, you can browse
through the various topics. See the OnStar Owner’s
Guide for more information (Only available in the
continental U.S.).
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be
used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-128for
more information.
On some vehicles, you may have to hold the button for
a few seconds and give the command “ONSTAR” to
activate the OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial
numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
How OnStar Service Works
Your vehicle’s OnStar system has the capability of
recording and transmitting vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to an OnStar Call
Center at the time of an OnStar button press,
Emergency button press or if your airbags or AACN
system deploys. The vehicle information usually includes
your GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the accident that your
vehicle has been involved in (e.g. the direction from
which your vehicle was hit). When you use the Virtual
Advisor feature of OnStar Hands-Free Calling, your
vehicle also sends OnStar your GPS location so that we
can provide you with location-based services.
2-49

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System.......................3-16
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17
Dome Lamps...............................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-18Parade Dimming...........................................3-18
Reading Lamps............................................3-19
Electric Power Management...........................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-24
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-25
Climate Controls............................................3-26
Climate Control System.................................3-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-29
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-36
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System.........................................3-36
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls.........................3-38
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.............................................3-39
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-40
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-41
Tachometer.................................................3-41
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-41
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-43
Charging System Light..................................3-45
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-46
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-47
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Antilock Brake System
Warning Light...........................................3-48
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light..............................3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-49
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-49
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-50
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-50
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-54
Security Light...............................................3-54
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-55
Cruise Control Light......................................3-55
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-55
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-55
Fuel Gage...................................................3-56
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-57
DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-57
DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC
Buttons)...................................................3-63DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-66
DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons). . . .3-75
Audio System(s).............................................3-84
Setting the Time...........................................3-85
Radio(s) (MP3).............................................3-87
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and Six-Disc
CD Player).............................................3-104
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD
Player)...................................................3-108
XM Radio Messages...................................3-113
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-115
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-115
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-125
Rear Audio Controller (RAC).........................3-127
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-127
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-128
Radio Reception.........................................3-129
Multi-Band Antenna.....................................3-129
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Air Vent. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-36.
B. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
Windshield Wipers. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-40.
D. Head-Up Display (HUD) Buttons. SeeHead-Up
Display (HUD) on page 3-20.
E. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-84.
Navigation/Radio System (If Equipped). See
Navigation/Radio System on page 3-115.
F. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-14.
G. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-13.
H. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-17. Instrument Panel Brightness
Control. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-17.
I. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12.
J. Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel. SeeTilt and
Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 3-6. Power
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering (If Equipped).
SeePower Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column on page 3-7.
K. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.L. Audio Steering Wheel Control Buttons. SeeAudio
Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-128.
M. Driver Information Center. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-57.
N. Dual Automatic Climate Controls. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-29.
O. Center Console Shift Lever (If Equipped).
See “Console Shift Lever” underShifting Into
PARK (P) on page 2-36.
P. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Q. Cupholders. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-55.
R. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-24.
S. Rear Window Wiper/Washer. SeeRear Window
Wiper/Washer on page 3-11. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6. Tow/Haul Selector Button
(If Equipped). SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34.
Power Liftgate Button (If Equipped). SeePower
Liftgate on page 2-14.
T. Heated Seats Button. SeeHeated Seats on
page 1-5.
U. Passenger Air Bag status Indicator. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-70.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-55.
3-5

Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. The front
and rear turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is
located in the center
of the instrument panel,
below the audio system.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.
The hazard warning ashers work at all times.
However, when they are on, the turn signals
will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up
at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
A tilt and telescope wheel lets you adjust the steering
wheel before you drive. The steering wheel can be
raised to the highest level to give your legs more room
when you enter and exit the vehicle.
The lever that lets you tilt and telescope the steering
wheel is located on the left side of the steering column.
3-6