2009 GMC ACADIA service

6. Make sure the tire is stored
securely. Push, pull (A), and
then try to turn (B) the tire. If the
tire moves, use the lug wrench
to tighten the cable.
Storing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the cable package from
the jack storage area.
2. Remove the small center cap by
tapping the back of the cap with
the extension of the shaft, if the
vehicle has aluminum wheels.3. Put the at tire in the rear
storage area with the valve
stem pointing toward the rear
of the vehicle.
4. Pull the cable (A) through the
door striker (E), the center of
the wheel (D), and the plastic
spare tire heat shield (C),
as shown.5. Hook the cable onto the outside
portion of the liftgate hinges (B).
6. Hook the other end of the cable
onto the outside portion of the
liftgate hinge (A).
7. Pull on the cable to make sure it
is secure.
Service and Appearance Care 5-79

8. Make sure the metal tube is
centered at the striker. Push
the tube toward the front of the
vehicle.
9. Close the liftgate and make sure
it is latched properly.
Storing the Tools
A. Tool Bag
B. Wing Bolt
C. Jack
Put back all tools as they were
stored in the jack storage
compartment and put the
compartment cover back on.
1. Ensure that the bottom of the
jack is facing toward you.
2. Turn the jack (C) on its side
and place down on the
holding bracket.3. Reinstall the wing bolt (B) by
turning clockwise.
4. To replace the cover, line up the
tab at the front of the cover with
the notch in the cover opening.
Push the cover in place and
make sure that the rear clips
are in the slots and push
the cover closed.
Store the center cap or the plastic
bolt-on wheel covers until a full
size tire is put back on the vehicle.
When you replace the compact
spare with a full-size tire, reinstall
the bolt-on wheel covers or the
center cap. Hand-tighten them over
the wheel nuts, using the lug
wrench.
5-80 Service and Appearance Care

Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, was fully inated
when the vehicle was new, however,
it can lose air after a time. Check
the ination pressure regularly.
It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on
the vehicle, stop as soon as possible
and make sure the spare tire is
correctly inated. The compact spare
is made to perform well at speeds up
to 65 mph (105 km/h) for distances
up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so
you can nish your trip and have the
full-size tire repaired or replaced at
your convenience. Of course, it is
best to replace the spare with a
full-size tire as soon as possible.
The spare tire will last longer and
be in good shape in case it is needed
again.
Notice:When the compact spare
is installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compactspare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare
tire or wheel with other wheels
or tires. They will not t. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
will be automatically disabled
when you use the compact spare.
To restore the AWD and prevent
excessive wear on the clutch in your
AWD, replace the compact spare
tire with a full-size tire as soon
as possible.
Notice:Tire chains will not
t the compact spare. Using
them can damage the vehicle
and can damage the chains too.
Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
The vehicle’s interior will continue
to look its best if it is cleaned often.
Although not always visible, dust
and dirt can accumulate on the
upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet,
fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended
to remove particles from the
upholstery. It is important to keep
the upholstery from becoming and
remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly as
possible. The vehicle’s interior may
experience extremes of heat that
could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning. Use care
because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to home
furnishings may also transfer color to
the vehicle’s interior.
Service and Appearance Care 5-81

When cleaning the vehicle’s interior,
only use cleaners specically
designed for the surfaces being
cleaned. Permanent damage may
result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not
intended. Use glass cleaner only
on glass. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning
cloth.
Notice:Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces on
the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to
the rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass
cleaner.Many cleaners contain solvents that
may become concentrated in the
vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere
to all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the vehicle’s
interior, maintain adequate
ventilation by opening the vehicle’s
doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small
buttons and knobs using a small
brush with soft bristles.
Products that remove odors from
the vehicle’s upholstery and
clean the vehicle’s glass can be
obtained from your dealer/retailer.
Do not clean the vehicle using:
A knife or any other sharp object
to remove a soil from any interior
surface.
A stiff brush. It can cause
damage to the vehicle’s interior
surfaces.
Heavy pressure or aggressive
rubbing with a cleaning cloth.
Use of heavy pressure can
damage the interior and does
not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
Laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue
that streaks and attracts dirt.
For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per gallon (3.78 L)
of water is a good guide.
Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates
the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc. that can damage the
vehicle’s interior.
5-82 Service and Appearance Care

Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a
soft brush attachment frequently
to remove dust and loose dirt.
A canister vacuum with a beater bar
in the nozzle may only be used on
oor carpet and carpeted oor mats.
For any soil, always try to remove it
rst with plain water or club soda.
Before cleaning,gently remove as
much of the soil as possible using
one of the following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper towel.
Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be
removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white
cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess
moisture.3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled
area until the cleaning cloth
remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely
removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with
plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or
spot lifter is to be used, test a small
hidden area for colorfastness rst.
If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may
result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been
completed, a paper towel can be
used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water
can be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can be
used. Allow the leather to dry
naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
Never use steam to clean leather.
Never use spot lifters or spot
removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners and
coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect leather may permanently
change the appearance and feel
of the leather and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those
containing organic solvents to clean
the vehicle’s interior because they
can alter the appearance by
increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on
leather.
Service and Appearance Care 5-83

Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water
may be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove
dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces.
Many commercial cleaners
and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic
surfaces may permanently change
the appearance and feel of the
interior and are not recommended.
Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing
organic solvents to clean the
vehicle’s interior because they can
alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may
increase gloss on the instrument
panel. The increase in gloss
may cause annoying reections inthe windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
frequent application may be required.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean
by washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage
the emblems or nameplates on
the vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that
it should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it
would not be covered by
the warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain acid
or abrasives, as they can damage
the paint, metal or plastic on the
vehicle. Approved cleaning products
can be obtained from your dealer/
retailer. Follow all manufacturers’
directions regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety precautions
and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
5-84 Service and Appearance Care

Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to
the surface of the vehicle. Use of
power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth and a car washing soap to
clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions underWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-84.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint nish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/
clearcoat paint nish, the clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to the
colored basecoat. Always use waxes
and polishes that are non-abrasive
and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish.
Notice:Machine compounding
or aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint nish on the
vehicle.Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting
agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle’s nish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are
subject to aging, weather and
chemical fallout that can take
their toll over a period of years.
To help keep the paint nish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Service and Appearance Care 5-85

Protecting Exterior Bright
Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be
cleaned regularly to keep their
luster. Washing with water is all
that is usually needed. However,
chrome polish may be used
on chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum
trim. To avoid damaging protective
trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap
to clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright
metal parts.Windshield, Backglass,
and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
and backglass with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer uid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when you clean the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper
removal
Aluminum or
Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a
soft clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a
soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and
other chrome trim may be
damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions
such as ice and dust. Always
wash the vehicle’s chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
5-86 Service and Appearance Care