
Black plate (9,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-9
Automatic Door Locks
Vehicles with an automatic
lock/unlock feature enable you to
program the vehicle's power door
locks. This feature can be
programmed through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑46for more
information.
Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from
locking the key in the vehicle when
the key is in the ignition and a front
door is open. If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.
If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open and
the key is in the ignition, all of the
doors will lock and then the front
passenger door will unlock.Safety Locks
The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.
Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge of
each door.
To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door to
normal operation, turn the slot to the
vertical position.

Black plate (10,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
2-10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Doors
Liftgate
{WARNING
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open,
or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the
body and the trunk/hatch or
liftgate. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See “Climate
Control Systems” in the
Index.
.If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑22.
Notice: If you open the liftgate
without checking for overhead
obstructions such as a garage
door, you could damage the
liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure the
area above and behind the liftgate
is clear before opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate, press the
power door lock switch or
press
"on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter twice.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
To open the liftgate, press the touch
pad under the liftgate handle and lift
up. The vehicle must be in P (Park)
and the battery must be charged.
Use the pull handle to lower and
close the liftgate.
Always close the liftgate before
driving.

Black plate (13,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13
With the liftgate in manual mode
and all of the doors unlocked, the
liftgate can be manually opened
and closed.
To open the liftgate, press the touch
pad on the outside of the liftgate
handle and lift up. Use the pull
handle to lower and close the
liftgate, the liftgate latch will power
close.
Always close the liftgate before
driving.
If
8on the RKE transmitter or the
lon the liftgate is pressed while
in manual operation mode, the
taillamps will flash three times, but
the liftgate will not move.
It is not recommended to drive with
the liftgate open. However, if the
vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate open, the liftgate should be
set to manual operation.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Anti-theft Alarm System
On vehicles with an anti-theft alarm
system, to activate the system:
.PressQon the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or the
power door lock switch when
any door is open.
The security light flashes.
When the door is closed, the
security light stops flashing and
stays on solid for approximately
30 seconds. The content
theft-deterrent alarm is not
armed until the security light
goes off. If the delayed locking feature is
active, the alarm is not activated
until all doors are closed and the
security light goes off.
.PressQwhen the driver door
is closed. The security light
comes on solid for approximately
30 seconds and then goes off.
The content theft-deterrent alarm
is not armed until the security
light goes off.
The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked with
the vehicle's key or the manual
door lock.
If a locked door is opened
without using the RKE transmitter,
a 10-second pre-alarm occurs.
The horn chirps and the lights flash.
If the key is not placed in the
ignition and turned to START or
the door is not unlocked by
pressing
Qduring the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm goes off.

Black plate (14,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The headlamps flash and the horn
sounds for about 30 seconds, then
turns off to save the battery power.
The vehicle can be started with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has
been set off.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
.Lock the vehicle with the door
key after the doors are closed.
.Unlock the door with the RKE
transmitter. Unlocking a door any
other way sets off the alarm if
the system has been armed.
Press
Kor place the key in the
ignition and turn it to START to turn
off the alarm.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver side window, and open
the driver door.
2. Press
Q.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door, and wait for the security
light to go out.
4. Reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual
door lock, and open the door.
This should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it
should, but the headlamps flash,
check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, see Fuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 10‑31.
If the alarm does not sound or the
headlamps do not flash, see your
dealer for service.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑22 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned
to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY,
or START from the LOCK/OFF
position.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.

Black plate (15,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-15
The security light comes on if there
is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses an incorrect key, the vehicle
does not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.
If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument
panel comes on when trying to start
the vehicle, there may be a problem
with the theft-deterrent system.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key and check
the fuses. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 10‑31 for
additional information. If the engine
still does not start with the other
key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the first key
may be faulty. See your dealer who
can service the PASS-Key III+ to
have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance. See
Roadside
Assistance Program (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑8 orRoadside
Assistance Program (Mexico) on
page 13‑10.
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 currently
programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key III+ to have keys made
and programmed to the system.
See your dealer 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
1
stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does not
start, see your dealer 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 five 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.

Black plate (16,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
2-16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If the PASS-Key III+ key is lost or
damaged, see your dealer 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. SeeAnti-theft Alarm
System Messages on page 5‑42
for additional information.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the
vehicle.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{WARNING
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
Base Model
To adjust the mirrors:
1. Press
oorpto select a mirror.
2. Press the control pad to adjust the mirror.
3. Return the switch to the center to deselect the mirror.

Black plate (19,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-19
Using the Outside Mirror with
the Blind Spot Mirror
1. Set the main mirror so that theside of the vehicle can just be
seen and the blind spot mirror
has an unobstructed view.
2. When checking for traffic or before changing a lane, look at
the main driver/passenger side
mirror to observe traffic in the
adjacent lane, behind your
vehicle. Check the blind spot
mirror for a vehicle in the blind
zone. Then, glance over your
shoulder to double check
before moving slowly into the
adjacent lane.
Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has the memory
package, the outside mirrors have a
park tilt feature. This feature tilts the
outside mirrors to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse). This allows the driver
to view the curb for parallel parking.
The passenger and/or driver mirror
returns to its original position
when the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned
off or to OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑46 for more information.
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Adjust the inside rearview mirror
for a clear view of the area behind
your vehicle. To avoid glare of
the headlamps from behind,
move the lever to the right for
nighttime use and to the center for
daytime use.
Vehicles with OnStar have three
control buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
SeeOnStar Overview on page 14‑1.

Black plate (21,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-21
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when a window is
partially open. To reduce the sound,
open another window or the sunroof
(if equipped).
Power Windows
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function and
they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave
keys in a vehicle with children.
When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.
Uplevel Shown, Base Similar
The driver door also has switches
that control the passenger and
rear windows. The power windows
work with the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY, ON/RUN or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
is active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑20.
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull up on the front edge of
the switch to raise the window.