2011 GMC ACADIA heating

Black plate (14,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
5-14 Instruments and Controls
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
MetricEnglish
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature. Under normal
driving conditions the gauge will
read approximately 100 °C (210°F)
or less. If the gauge pointer is
near 125 °C (260°F), the engine
is too hot.
It means that the engine coolant
has overheated. If the vehicle has
been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle and turn off the engine as
soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑19 for more information.
Voltmeter Gauge
When the engine is not running, but
the ignition is turned on, this gauge
shows the battery's state of charge
in DC volts.
When the engine is running, this
gauge shows the condition of the
charging system. The vehicle's
charging system regulates voltage
based on the state of charge of the
battery. The voltmeter may fluctuate.
This is normal. Readings between
the low and high warning zones
indicate the normal operating range. Readings in the low warning zone
may occur when a large number of
electrical accessories are operating
in the vehicle and the engine is left
idling for an extended period.
If there is a problem with the battery
charging system, a SERVICE
BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM
message will appear in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) and/or
the charging system light comes on.
See
Battery Voltage and Charging
Messages on page 5‑37 for more
information.
However, readings in either warning
zone may indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
Have the vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.

Black plate (22,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
5-22 Instruments and Controls
Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the light still stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. If the regular
brake system warning light is not
on, there are still brakes, but no
antilock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on,
there are no antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular
brakes. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 5‑20.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This light comes on when the
Tow/Haul mode has been activated.
For more information, see Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9‑28.
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally the indicator light goes off.
If it stays on, or comes on while
driving, there could be a problem
with the StabiliTrak system and the
vehicle might need service. When
this warning light is on, the system
is off and will not limit wheel spin.
This light flashes when the
StabiliTrak system is active.
See StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑31 for more information.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on briefly when
the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on
while driving, the vehicle may have
a problem with the cooling system.
Stop the vehicle and turn off the
engine to avoid damage to the
engine. A warning chime sounds
when this light is on.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 10‑19 for more information.

Black plate (39,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-39
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the passenger door is
not fully closed and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn
off the vehicle, check the door for
obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
POWER LIFTGATE OFF
This message displays when the
power liftgate has been turned off
by pressing the power liftgate button
on the center console.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the passenger side rear
door is not fully closed and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
Stop and turn off the vehicle, check
the door for obstructions, and close
the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
ENGINE HOT A/C
(Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge on page 5‑14. To avoid
added strain on a hot engine,
the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When
the coolant temperature returns
to normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on.
You can continue to drive
your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not increase the engine
speed above normal idling speed.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑19 for more information.
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge on
page 5‑14.
See Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 10‑22 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.

Black plate (40,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
5-40 Instruments and Controls
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not increase the engine speed
above normal idling speed.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑19 for more information.
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches
unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil,
be sure to reset the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11 for information on how
to reset the message. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑8 andScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for
more information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine oil pressure
is low, severe engine damage
may occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the
instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not drive the
vehicle until the cause of the
low oil pressure is corrected.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑8
for more information.
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑8.

Black plate (41,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-41
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a
chime sounds when the cooling
system temperature gets too hot
and the engine further enters the
engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 10‑19 for further information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability
to accelerate. If this message
is on, but there is no reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance
may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle
may be driven at a reduced speed
while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service
as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a
chime sounds if the fuel level is
low. Refuel as soon as possible.
See Fuel Gauge on page 5‑13
and Fuel on page 9‑42 for 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. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5‑18. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. See Filling the Tank
on page 9‑44. 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.
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs
to be replaced in the transmitter.
See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
Lamp Messages
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned
off. This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned
on. This message clears itself after
10 seconds.

Black plate (43,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-43
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
for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 9‑31 for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS)
is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑31 for more
information. This message clears
itself after 10 seconds.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned on. See StabiliTrak
®System
on page 9‑31 for more information.
This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Have your dealer inspect the
system for problems. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑15 and
Airbag System on page 3‑33 for
more information.
Anti-Theft Alarm System
Messages
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 before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation on page 2‑15 for more
information.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the
content theft-deterrent system has
detected a break-in attempt while
you were away from your vehicle.
See Anti-Theft Alarm System on
page 2‑13 for more information.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE A/C
(Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message displays when the
electronic sensors that control
the air conditioning and heating
systems are no longer working.
Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer if you
notice a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.

Black plate (45,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-45
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
TPMS is not working properly.
The tire pressure light also flashes
and then remains on during the
same ignition cycle. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 5‑23.
Several conditions may cause
this message to appear. See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 10‑48 for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. See your dealer.
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. See Tire Rotation on
page 10‑52, Tire Pressure Monitor
System on page 10‑47, and Tire
Pressure on page 10‑45 for more
information.
Transmission Messages
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays when there is a compact
spare tire on the vehicle, when
the Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning light comes on, or when the
rear differential fluid is overheating.
This message turns off when the
differential fluid cools. The AWD system is disabled until
the compact spare tire is replaced
by a full-size tire. If the warning
message is still on after putting on
the full-size tire, you need to reset
the warning message. To reset the
warning message, turn the ignition
off and then back on again after
30 seconds. If the message stays
on, see your dealer right away.
See
All-Wheel Drive on page 9‑28
for more information.
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays if there is a problem
with this system. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle after 30 seconds and check
for the message on the DIC display.
If the message is still displayed or
appears again when you begin
driving, the AWD system needs
service. See your dealer.

Black plate (46,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2011
5-46 Instruments and Controls
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer for service.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive the vehicle
while the transmission fluid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster
and/or DIC, you can damage the
transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty. Do not
drive the vehicle with overheated
transmission fluid or while the
transmission temperature
warning is displayed. This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission fluid in
the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool.
This message clears when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
Vehicle Reminder
Messages
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when
the outside air temperature is
cold enough to create icy road
conditions. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX MPH (KM/H)
This message displays when
your vehicle speed is limited to
128 km/h (80 mph) because the
vehicle detects a problem in the
speed variable assist steering
system. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
Washer Fluid Messages
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID
This message displays when the
windshield washer fluid is low.
Fill the windshield washer fluid
reservoir as soon as possible.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location
of the windshield washer fluid
reservoir. Also, see Washer
Fluid on page 10‑23 for more
information.