Black plate (11,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-11
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
dexos specification and displaying
the dexos certification mark are all
that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the
oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash or pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams
or bodies of water. Recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
Black plate (13,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-13
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as
soon as possible.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed inScheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑2, and be sure to use
the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid
may damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑7. The transmission fluid will not
reach the end of the dipstick unless
the transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check
the transmission fluid level, please
take the vehicle to your dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at
the scheduled maintenance
intervals and replace it at the first
oil change after each 80 000 km
(50,000 mi) interval. See
Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
information. If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter (away
from vehicle) to release loose dust
and dirt. If the filter remains covered
with dirt, a new filter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter, do the following:
1. Remove the engine cover. See Engine Cover on page 10‑7.
A. Ventilation Tube
B. Sensor
Black plate (16,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get
too hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:.Gives freezing protection down
to
−37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up
to 129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts. Notice:
If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in
the vehicle's cooling system,
the vehicle could be damaged.
Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this
manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7 for more
information.
Never dispose of engine coolant
by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Black plate (22,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
10-22 Vehicle Care
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets
the vehicle be driven to a safe place
in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, there is a significant loss
in power and engine performance.
The temperature gauge indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving
extended distances and/or towing
a trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
located under the engine cover on
the passenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system or you hear an unusual
noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover. See Engine Cover on page 10‑7.
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
4. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The fluid level should be
somewhere between MAX and
MIN line on the dipstick in room
temperature. If the fluid is on or
below MIN line, you should add
fluid close to MAX Line.
Black plate (4,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
i-4 INDEX
Driver InformationCenter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25, 5-30
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . 9-8
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
DVD Rear Seat Entertainment
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
DVD/CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16E
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Electrical System Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Engine (cont.)
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Cooling System Messages . . . 5-39
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Overheated Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-24
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-40
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-18
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Black plate (7,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-7
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-39
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
LATCH System
Replacing Parts After aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-64
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Liftgate Carbon Monoxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10 Lighting
Delayed Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Delayed Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Parade Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 5-20
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 5-22
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Front Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24 Lights (cont.)
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-15
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
StabiliTrak
®Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6