2008 GMC ACADIA Traction

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

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on
long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, cruise control is turned off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.The cruise control
buttons are located
on left side of the
steering wheel.T(On/Off):Press this button to turn cruise control
on and off. The indicator comes on when cruise control
is on.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press this button to
make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously
set speed.
SET–:Press this button to set the speed or make the
vehicle decelerate.
[(Cancel):Press this button to cancel cruise control.
3-12

The HUD information can be displayed in one of
three languages, English, French, or Spanish. The
speedometer reading and other numerical values
can be displayed in either English or metric units.
The language selection and the units of measurement
are changed through the trip computer in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-75.
The HUD information appears as an image focused
out toward the front of the vehicle.When the ignition key is turned to RUN, the HUD will
display an introductory message for a short time,
until the HUD is ready.
The following indicator lights come on the instrument
panel when activated and will also appear on the HUD:
Turn Signal Indicators
High-Beam Indicator Symbol
The HUD will temporarily display CHECK GAGES and
ICE POSSIBLE when there are messages on the
DIC trip computer.
The HUD will also display the following messages on
vehicles with these systems, when they are active:
TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
Notice:If you try to use the HUD image as a parking
aid, you may misjudge the distance and damage your
vehicle. Do not use the HUD image as a parking aid.
When the HUD is on, the speedometer reading will
continually be displayed. The current radio station
or CD track number will display for a short period of
time after the radio or CD track status changes.
This will happen whenever radio information is changed.
The speedometer size will be reduced when radio,
CD information, warnings, or turn-by-turn navigation
information are displayed on the HUD.
3-21

SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a problem with the
StabiliTrak®system. If this message appears, try to
reset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. See your
dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the benet of StabiliTrak
®,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system. The vehicle may or may
not restart so you may want to take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer before turning off the engine.
SeePASS-Key
®III+ Operation on page 2-23for
more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly.
The tire pressure light also ashes and then remains
on during the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure
Light on page 3-50. Several conditions may cause
this message to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 5-58for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays on, there may be
a problem with the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). When this message
is displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See your dealer/retailer
for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for
more information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (KM/H)
This message displays when your vehicle speed is
limited to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed variable assist
steering system. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
3-73

STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays when your vehicle’s throttle
system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-21for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along with the check engine
light on the instrument panel cluster if the vehicle’s
fuel cap is not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-50. Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-9. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left
off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn this light and message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on
your vehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned after
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-62,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-57, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-55for more
information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for
more information. This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
3-74

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself with
its features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio,
make sure that it can be added by checking with
your dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to
do it properly. Added sound equipment may
interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-27for more
information.
3-84

Using the Auxiliary Input Jack
Your radio system has an auxiliary input jack located
on the lower right side of the faceplate. This is not
an audio output; do not plug the headphone set into
the front auxiliary input jack. You can however, connect
an external audio device such as an iPod, laptop
computer, MP3 player, CD player, or cassette tape
player, etc. to the auxiliary input jack for use as another
source for audio listening.
Drivers are encouraged to set up any auxiliary device
while the vehicle is in PARK (P). SeeDefensive Driving
on page 4-2for more information on driver distraction.
To use a portable audio player, connect a 3.5 mm
(1/8 inch) cable to the radio’s front auxiliary input jack.
When a device is connected, press the radio CD/AUX
button to begin playing audio from the device over
the vehicle speakers.
O(Power/Volume):Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the volume
of the portable player. Additional volume adjustments
might have to be made from the portable device if
the volume is not loud or soft enough.BAND:Press to listen to the radio when a portable audio
device is playing. The portable audio device continues
playing, so you might want to stop it or turn it off.
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary):Press to play a CD when a
portable audio device is playing. Press again and
the system begins playing audio from the connected
portable audio player. If a portable audio player is
not connected, “No Input Device Found” displays.
DVD/CD AUX (DVD/CD/Auxiliary):Press to cycle
through DVD, CD, or Auxiliary when listening to
the radio. The DVD/CD text label and a message
showing track or chapter number displays when a
disc is in either slot. Press again and the system
automatically searches for an auxiliary input device,
such as a portable audio player. If a portable audio
player is not connected, “No Aux Input Device” displays.
If a disc is in both the DVD slot and the CD slot the
DVD/CD AUX button cycles between the two sources
and not indicate “No Aux Input Device”. If a front
auxiliary device is connected, the DVD/CD AUX button
cycles through all available options, such as: DVD
slot, CD slot, Front Auxiliary, and Rear Auxiliary
(if available). See “Using the Auxiliary Input Jack(s)”
later in this section, or “Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks” under,
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System on page 3-115
for more information.
3-103

Navigation/Radio System
Your vehicle may have a navigation radio system.
The navigation system has built-in features intended
to minimize driver distraction. Technology alone,
no matter how advanced, can never replace your
own judgment. See the Navigation System manual for
some tips to help you reduce distractions while driving.
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System
Your vehicle may have a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment
(RSE) system. The RSE system works with the
vehicle’s audio system. The DVD player is part of the
front radio. The RSE system includes a radio with a
DVD player, a video display screen, audio/video jacks,
two wireless headphones, and a remote control.
SeeRadio(s) (MP3) on page 3-87for more information
on the vehicle’s audio/DVD system.
Before You Drive
The RSE is designed for rear seat passengers only.
The driver cannot safely view the video screen
while driving and should not try to do so.
In severe or extreme weather conditions the RSE
system might or might not work until the temperature
is within the operating range. The operating range
for the RSE system is above−4°F (−20°C) or below
140°F (60°C). If the temperature of your vehicle is
outside of this range, heat or cool the vehicle until
the temperature is within the operating range of
the RSE system.
Parental Control
The RSE system may have a Parental Control feature,
depending on which radio you have. To enable Parental
Control, press and hold the radio power button for more
than two seconds to stop all system features such as:
radio, video screen, RSA, DVD and/or CD. While
Parental Control is on, a padlock icon displays.
When the radio is turned back on, Parental Control
is unlocked.
3-115