2009 GMC ACADIA warning light

Seats and Restraint
System............................... 1-1
Head Restraints
.............. 1-2
Front Seats
.................... 1-3
Rear Seats
...................1-10
Safety Belts
..................1-15
Child Restraints
.............1-29
Airbag System
..............1-48
Restraint System
Check
......................1-61
Features and Controls...... 2-1
Keys
............................. 2-2
Doors and Locks
............ 2-8
Windows
......................2-14
Theft-Deterrent
Systems
...................2-16
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
.............2-20
Mirrors
.........................2-31
Object Detection
Systems
...................2-34
OnStar
®System
............2-41Universal Home Remote
System
.....................2-44
Storage Areas
...............2-49
Sunroof
........................2-53
Instrument Panel............... 3-1
Instrument Panel
Overview
.................... 3-4
Climate Controls
............3-22
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
............3-33
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
.............3-46
Audio System(s)
............3-72
Driving Your Vehicle......... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road,
and the Vehicle
........... 4-1
Towing
........................4-20
Service and
Appearance Care............... 5-1
Service
.......................... 5-3
Fuel
.............................. 5-5
Checking Things Under
the Hood
.................... 5-9All-Wheel Drive
.............5-33
Headlamp Aiming
..........5-33
Bulb Replacement
.........5-33
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
.............5-34
Tires
...........................5-35
Appearance Care
..........5-81
Vehicle Identication
......5-88
Electrical System
...........5-89
Capacities and
Specications
............5-96
Maintenance Schedule...... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
..... 6-1
Customer Assistance
Information........................ 7-1
Customer Assistance and
Information
................. 7-1
Reporting Safety
Defects
.....................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording
and Privacy
...............7-16
Index....................................i-1
2009 GMC Acadia Owner ManualM

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel
Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv Preface

The rear window defogger and
heated mirrors, if the vehicle has
them, turn on during colder outside
temperatures and turn off when
the key is turned to ON/RUN.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
For example, some laws may
require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature
if the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle could run out of fuel.
If the vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions have an increased range
of operation. However, the range
may be less while the vehicle
is running.There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of
the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3
for additional information.
/(Remote Start):This button is
located on the RKE transmitter
if the vehicle has remote start.
To start the vehicle:
1. Aim the transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q, then
immediately press and hold
/
until the parking lamps ash. If the
vehicle’s lights can not be seen,
press and hold
/for at least
four seconds. The vehicle’s doors
lock. When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps turn on and remain
on while the vehicle is running.
Pressing
/again, after the
vehicle has started, shuts the
vehicle off.3. If it is the rst remote start since
the vehicle has been driven,
repeat these steps while the
engine is still running, to extend
the time by 10 minutes for the
engine to continue to run. Remote
start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to the ON/RUN position to drive
the vehicle.
If the vehicle is left running it
automatically shuts off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done.
To manually shut off a remote start:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning
ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.
2-6 Features and Controls

Pressing the liftgate button on
the center console.
Pressing the touchpad switch on
the outside liftgate handle.
Pressing the buttons, or touchpad
switch a second time while the
liftgate is moving reverses the
direction.The liftgate can also be closed by
pressing the power liftgate button
next to the liftgate latch. Press the
button a second time during liftgate
operation to reverse that operation.
The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures, or under low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.
If you shift the transmission out of
(P) Park while the power function is
in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion.
If you shift the transmission out
of (P) Park and accelerate beforethe power liftgate latches closed,
the liftgate may reverse to the open
position. Cargo could fall out of
the vehicle. Always make sure the
power liftgate is closed and
latched before you drive away.
If you power open the liftgate and
the liftgate support struts have lost
pressure, the lights will ash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will
stay open temporarily, then slowly
close. See your dealer/retailer for
service before using the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle
during a power open or close cycle, a
warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or open
position. After removing the
obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again. If the
liftgate encounters multiple obstacles
on the same power cycle, the power
function will deactivate, and you
must manually open or close the
liftgate. The LIFTGATE OPEN Power Liftgate Button on Center
Console
Power Liftgate Button Near
Liftgate Latch
2-12 Features and Controls

warning message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will indicate
that the liftgate is open. After
removing the obstructions, manually
open the liftgate to the full open
position or close the liftgate to the
fully closed and latched position. The
liftgate will now resume normal
power operation.
Your vehicle has pinch sensors
located on the side edges of
the liftgate. If an object is caught
between the liftgate and the
body and presses against this
sensor, the liftgate will reverse
direction and open fully. The liftgate
will remain open until it is activated
again or closed manually. Do
not force the liftgate open or closed
during a power cycle.Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate
To change the liftgate to manual
operation, press the switch on
the center console to the OFF
position.
With the power liftgate disabled and
all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate
can be manually opened and closed.
To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad on the handle on the
outside of the liftgate, and lift the
gate open. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup to lower the liftgate andclose. The liftgate latch will power
close. Always close the liftgate
before driving.
If the RKE button or the power close
button on the liftgate is pressed while
power operation is disabled, the
lights will ash three times, but the
liftgate will not move.
It is not recommended that you drive
with the liftgate open, however, if you
must drive with the liftgate open, the
liftgate should be set to manual
operation by pressing the OFF
switch on the center console.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If
the battery is disconnected or
has low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected
with adequate voltage, the switch
is not disabled, and the liftgate
still will not function, your vehicle
should be taken to a dealer/retailer
for service.
Features and Controls 2-13

It is possible for the PASS-Key®III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
to the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith
who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed
to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a
locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key
blank that is cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the system.To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed
key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does
not start, see your dealer/retailer
for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn
the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to the ON/RUN
position within ve seconds of
the original key being turned
to the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4
if additional keys are to be
programmed.If the PASS-Key
®III+ key is lost or
damaged, see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith to have a new
key made.
The SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56for additional information.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
Features and Controls 2-19

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

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the
regular brake pedal down, then push
the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake system
warning light will come on. See
Brake System Warning Light
on page 3-38.Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the
brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make
sure that the parking brake is
fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake,
hold the regular brake pedal down,
then push down momentarily on
the parking brake pedal until
you feel the pedal release. Slowly
pull your foot up off the park
brake pedal. If the parking brake is
not released when you begin to
drive, the brake system warning light
will be on and a chime will sound
warning you that the parking
brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on a hill, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-24.
Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION
It can be 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. 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, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-24.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-27for
more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the
shift lever all the way toward the
front of the vehicle.
Features and Controls 2-27