2009 GMC ACADIA wheel

Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does
not need an elaborate break-in.
But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these
guidelines:
If you have all-wheel drive,
keep your speed at 55 mph
(88 km/h) or less for the
rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for
the rst 200 miles (322 km)
or so. During this time the
new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature
wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get
new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-24for the
trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
In order to shift out of P (Park), the
ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake
pedal must be applied.
2-20 Features and Controls

Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer/retailer.
((LOCK/OFF):This position
locks the ignition and transmission.
The key can be removed in
LOCK/OFF.
The shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If
this happens, move the steering
wheel from right to left while turning
the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If
this doesn’t work, then the vehicle
needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is
the position in which you can
operate the electrical accessories or
items plugged into the accessorypower outlets. This position unlocks
the ignition and steering wheel.
Use this position if the vehicle must
be pushed or towed.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning and
indicator lights. The switch stays in
this position when the engine is
running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position. If you leave
the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off,
the battery could be drained. You
may not be able to start the vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
/(START):This is the position
that starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to
ON/RUN for driving.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition key is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the windows and sunroof
will work up to 10 minutes or
until a door is opened.
The radio continues to work for
10 minutes or until the driver’s door
is opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and
turn the key to ON/RUN and
then back to LOCK/OFF.
All these features will work when
the key is in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY positions.
Features and Controls 2-21

Automatic Transmission
Operation
The automatic transmission has a
shift lever located on the console
between the seats.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot
move easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 2-27. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-24.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You must fully apply the
regular brake rst and then press theshift lever button before shifting from
P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever, then push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of Park on page 2-29.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-15.
2-24 Features and Controls

N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the 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, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure
the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph
(56 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to
accelerate slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive your vehicle
that way, you could damage the
transmission. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive
in LOW (L) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and
DRIVE (D) for higher speeds
until then.
L (Low):This position gives you
access to gear ranges. This
provides more engine braking but
lower fuel economy than D (Drive).
You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud.
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose
the top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle’s speed while
driving down hill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic
shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. When
using the ERS Mode a number will
display next to the L, indicating
the current gear that has been
selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press the plus/minus button
located on the shift lever, to
increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to
L (Low), the transmission will shift to
a pre-determined lower gear range.
The highest gear available for this
pre-determined range is displayed
next to the L in the DIC. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
Features and Controls 2-25

OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of
OnStar Hands-Free Calling that uses
minutes to access location-based
weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. Press the phone button
and give a few simple voice
commands to browse through the
various topics. See the OnStar
Owner’s Guide for more information.
This feature is only available in the
continental U.S.
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to
interact with OnStar Hands-Free
Calling. SeeAudio Steering Wheel
Controls on page 3-121for more
information.
On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s
Guide for more information.
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and
transmit vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to
an OnStar Call Center when the
OnStar button is pressed, the
emergency button is pressed, or if
the airbags or AACN system deploy.
This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in
the event of a crash, additional
information regarding the crash that
the vehicle was involved in (e.g.
the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor
feature of OnStar Hands-Free
Calling is used, the vehicle also
sends OnStar the vehicle’s
GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless the vehicle is in
a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired forthat area has coverage, network
capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and
technology that is compatible with
the OnStar service. Not all services
are available everywhere,
particularly in remote or enclosed
areas, or at all times.
Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed
and available.
The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including adequate
battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are
other problems OnStar cannot
control that may prevent OnStar
from providing OnStar service at any
particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important
parts of the vehicle in a crash,
hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather
or wireless phone network
congestion.
Features and Controls 2-43

Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel
Overview
Instrument Panel
Overview...........................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers. . .3-5
Horn...................................3-5
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Wheel.................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals.............................3-6
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer..........3-7
Flash-to-Pass......................3-7
Windshield Wipers..............3-7
Windshield Washer.............3-8
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer.............................3-9
Cruise Control....................3-9
Exterior Lamps..................3-11
Delayed Headlamps..........3-12
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System
...........3-13
Fog Lamps.......................3-13
Instrument Panel
Brightness.......................3-14
Courtesy Lamps................3-14
Dome Lamps....................3-14
Dome Lamp Override........3-14
Entry Lighting....................3-14
Delayed Entry Lighting......3-15
Delayed Exit Lighting........3-15
Parade Dimming...............3-15
Reading Lamps.................3-15
Electric Power
Management...................3-15
Battery Run-Down
Protection........................3-16
Head-Up Display (HUD). . . .3-17
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)..........................3-20
Power Outlet 115 Volt
Alternating Current..........3-21
Climate Controls
Climate Control System. . . .3-22
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System................3-25
Outlet Adjustment.............3-30
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System...............3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and
Electronic Climate
Controls
..........................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.................3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster. . .3-34
Speedometer and
Odometer........................3-35
Tachometer.......................3-35
Safety Belt Reminders......3-35
Airbag Readiness Light.....3-36
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................3-36
Charging System Light......3-37
Voltmeter Gage.................3-38
Instrument Panel 3-1

Brake System Warning
Light................................3-38
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light.......3-39
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light................................3-39
Engine Coolant
Temperature
Warning Light
..................3-40
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage..........3-40
Tire Pressure Light...........3-41
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp................3-41
Oil Pressure Light.............3-44
Security Light....................3-44
Fog Lamp Light................3-44
Cruise Control Light..........3-44
Highbeam On Light...........3-45
Tow/Haul Mode Light........3-45
Fuel Gage........................3-45
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Driver Information
Center (DIC)...................3-46
DIC Operation
and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)
..........3-46
DIC Operation
and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)
.....3-51
DIC Compass...................3-54
DIC Warnings and
Messages........................3-56
DIC Vehicle
Customization
(With DIC Buttons)
..........3-64
Audio System(s)
Audio System(s)................3-72
Setting the Clock..............3-73
Radio(s)............................3-74
Using an MP3
(Radio with CD)..............3-89
Using an MP3
(Radio with CD and
DVD Player)
....................3-93
XM Radio Messages.........3-98
Navigation/Radio System. . .3-99
Bluetooth®........................3-99
Rear Seat Entertainment
(RSE) System................3-109
Rear Seat Audio (RSA). . .3-118
Rear Audio
Controller (RAC)............3-120
Theft-Deterrent Feature. . .3-120
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls.........................3-121
Radio Reception..............3-121
Multi-Band Antenna.........3-122
3-2 Instrument Panel

The main components of the
instrument panel are listed here:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-6.Turn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on
page 3-6
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on
page 3-34.
D.Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 3-17.
E.Audio System(s) on page 3-72.
Navigation/Radio System on
page 3-99(If Equipped).
F.Exterior Lamps on page 3-11.
G.Hood Release on page 5-9.
H.Dome Lamp Override on
page 3-14.Instrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-14.
I.Cruise Control on page 3-9.
J.Tilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel on page 3-6.
K.Horn on page 3-5.L.Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-121.
M.Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-46.
N.Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-25.
O. Center Console Shift Lever
(If Equipped). See “Console Shift
Lever” underShifting Into Park
on page 2-27.
P.Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 3-5.
Q.Cupholders on page 2-49.
R.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on
page 3-20.
S.Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 3-9. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-5.Tow/Haul Mode
on page 2-26(If Equipped).
Power Liftgate on page 2-11
(If Equipped).T.Heated Seats on page 1-5.
U. Passenger Air Bag status
Indicator. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-55.
V.Glove Box on page 2-49.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|
Hazard Warning Flasher:
Press this button located on
the instrument panel below the
audio system, to make the front and
rear turn signal lamps ash on
and off. This warns others that you
are having trouble. Press again
to turn the ashers off.
The turn signals do not work while
the hazard warning ashers are on.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols
on the steering wheel pad to
sound the horn.
Instrument Panel 3-5