2013 GMC ACADIA park assist

Black plate (3,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
Driving and Operating 9-3
.Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{WARNING
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious—or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic. If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.

Black plate (4,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
9-4 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle seems harder to steer
than normal when parking or driving
slowly, there may be a problem with
the system. You will still have power
steering, but steering will be stiffer
than normal at slow speeds. See
your dealer for service.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If your vehicle has hydraulic power
steering, it may require
maintenance. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 10‑18.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops, or there
is a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
.Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
.Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.

Black plate (15,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
Driving and Operating 9-15
and turn it only with your hand.
If the key cannot be turned by
hand, see your dealer.
((STOPPING THE ENGINE/
LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is
stopped, turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 9‑18.
This position locks the ignition,
transmission, and the steering
wheel when the key Is removed
from the ignition. The key can be
removed in 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
does not work, then the vehicle
needs service. Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
an automatic transmission, the
shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position. 4. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9‑26.{WARNING
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY): This is
the position in which you can
operate the electrical accessories or
items plugged into the accessory
power outlets. This position unlocks
the ignition and steering wheel. Use
this position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.

Black plate (16,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
9-16 Driving and Operating
R(ON/RUN):This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
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.
Key Lock Release
The vehicle has an electronic key
lock release system. This system is
to prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in P (Park).
The key lock release will not work if
the battery is charged less than
9-volts, or uncharged. Try charging
or jump starting the battery. See
Jump Starting on page 10‑68
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice: Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Notice: If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9‑50.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START.
When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow
down as the engine warms. Do
not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects
components. If the ignition key is
turned to the START position,
and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for
a few seconds or until the
vehicle starts. If the engine does
not start and the key is held in
START, cranking will be stopped

Black plate (31,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
Driving and Operating 9-31
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold the SET–button
on the steering wheel until the
lower speed desired is reached,
then release it.
.To slow down in small amounts,
press the SET– button briefly.
Each time this is done, the
vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase vehicle speed. When you
take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work
on hills depends upon the vehicle
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the
vehicle speed. When going
downhill, you might have to brake or
shift to a lower gear to keep the
vehicle speed down. When the
brakes are applied the cruise control
is disengaged.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press the[button.
.To turn off the cruise control,
press
Ton the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory by pressing
Tor if the ignition is turned off.
Object Detection
Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system
assists the driver with parking and
avoiding objects while in
R (Reverse). URPA operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
The sensors on the rear bumper are
used to detect objects up to
2.5 m (8 ft) behind the vehicle, and
at least 25 cm (10 in) off the ground
and below liftgate level.
{WARNING
The URPA system does not
detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
below the bumper or that are too
close or too far from the vehicle.
It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To (Continued)

Black plate (32,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
9-32 Driving and Operating
WARNING (Continued)
prevent injury, death, or vehicle
damage, even with URPA, always
check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before
backing.
How the System Works
URPA comes on automatically when
the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). A single tone sounds
to indicate the system is working.
URPA operates only at speeds less
than 8 km/h (5 mph).
An obstacle is indicated by audible
beeps. The interval between the
beeps becomes shorter as the
vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.
When the distance is less than
30 cm (12 in) the beeping is a
continuous tone for five seconds.
To be detected, objects must be at
least 25 cm (10 in) off the ground
and below liftgate level. Objectsmust also be within 2.5 m (8 ft) from
the rear bumper. This detection
distance may be less during warmer
or humid weather.
Turning the System On and Off
The system can be disabled through
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See
“Park Assist” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑23 for more information.
URPA defaults to the on setting
each time the vehicle is started.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC:
SERVICE PARK ASSIST: If this
message occurs, take the vehicle to
your dealer to repair the system. PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL:
This
message can occur under the
following conditions:
.The ultrasonic sensors are not
clean. Keep the vehicle's rear
bumper free of mud, dirt, snow,
ice, and slush. For cleaning
instructions, see Exterior Care
on page 10‑75.
.The park assist sensors are
covered by frost or ice. Frost or
ice can form around and behind
the sensors and may not always
be seen; this can occur after
washing the vehicle in cold
weather. The message may not
clear until the frost or ice has
melted.
.A trailer was attached to the
vehicle, or an object was
hanging out of the liftgate during
the last drive cycle. Once the
object is removed, URPA will
return to normal operation.

Black plate (36,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
Turning the Rear Vision Camera
System On or Off
To turn the rear vision camera
system on or off:
1. Shift into P (Park).
2. Press the Settings menu buttonon the Home screen of the
infotainment system.
3. Select the Rear Camera screen button. The Rear Camera screen
displays.
4. Select Rear Camera display and then select ON or OFF.
The display remains on after shifting
out of R (Reverse) for approximately
10 seconds. The display can be
canceled during this time by
performing one of the following:
.Press a hard key on the
infotainment system.
.Shift into P (Park).
.Reach a vehicle speed of
8 km/h (5 mph). Symbols
The RVC system may have a
feature that lets the driver view
symbols on the RVC screen while
using the rear vision camera. The
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system must not be
disabled to use the caution symbols.
See
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑31.
The symbols appear when an object
has been detected by the URPA
system. The symbol may cover the
object when viewing the RVC
screen.
To turn the symbols on or off:
1. Shift into P (Park).
2. Press the Settings menu button on the Home screen of the
infotainment system.
3. Select the Rear Camera screen button. The Rear Camera screen
displays.
4. Select Park Assist Symbols and then select ON or OFF. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
On vehicles with RCTA, a red
warning triangle with an arrow may
also display on the RVC screen to
warn of traffic coming from either
direction. Three beeps will sound
from the speaker on that side. This
system detects objects coming from
up to 20 m (65 ft) from the left or
right side behind the vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out
from the back of your vehicle do not
move further back when a trailer is
towed.
The RCTA system can be disabled
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑23.

Black plate (16,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
10-16 Vehicle Care
8. If the coolant level inside theradiator filler neck is low, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
coolant mixture through the filler
neck until the level is back up to
the base of the filler neck.
9. Replace the pressure cap tightly. At any time during this
procedure if coolant begins to
flow out of the filler neck,
reinstall the pressure cap.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument panel cluster. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
on page 5‑12. The vehicle may also display an
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE and ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Engine Cooling
System Messages on page 5‑33.
You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑7 orRoadside
Assistance Program (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑10.
If you do decide to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on
a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine
and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Running the engine
without coolant may cause
damage or a fire. Vehicle damage
would not be covered by the warranty. See
Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on
page 10‑17 for information on
driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Turn it off
and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
vehicles engine is overheated,
the liquids in it can catch fire. You
or others could be badly burned.
(Continued)