
Black plate (2,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.If locked out of the vehicle, call
Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside
Assistance Program (Mexico) on
page 13‑7 orRoadside Assistance
Program (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13‑10.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑20 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.

Black plate (4,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
to program transmitters to this
vehicle.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
Notice:When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.
1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along the
parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
.Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote
starting feature that starts the
engine from outside of the vehicle.
/(Remote Start): This button is
located on the RKE transmitter if the
vehicle has remote start.
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.

Black plate (12,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
2-12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
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
Q
during the 10-second pre-alarm, the
alarm goes off. 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 10‑28.
If the alarm does not sound or the
headlamps do not flash, see your
dealer for service.

Black plate (19,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-19
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 9‑18.
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull up on the front edge of
the switch to raise the window.
Express-Up/Express-Down
Windows
A window with the express-up/down
feature allows it to be raised or
lowered without holding the switch.
Press or pull the window switch fully
and release it to activate the
express feature. The express mode
can be canceled by pressing or
pulling the switch.
Programming the Power
Windows
If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected,
or replaced, windows with the
express-up feature need to be
reprogrammed for this feature to
work. To program the window:
1. Close all doors with the ignition in the ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/
RUN position, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑18. 2. Press and continue to hold the
window switch until the window
is fully open.
3. Pull up and hold the window switch to close the window.
Continue to hold it briefly after
the window is fully closed.
4. Repeat for each window that has the express-up feature.
Anti-Pinch Feature
The anti-pinch feature is on
windows with the express-up
feature. If an object is in the way of
the window as it is express-closing,
or in certain weather conditions like
severe icing, the window will stop
and open to a factory preset
position. The window functions
normally once the obstruction is
removed.

Black plate (35,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
Seats and Restraints 3-35
{WARNING
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing
any parts of the front seats, safetybelts, airbag sensing and diagnostic
module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling or pillar garnish trim,
overhead console, front sensors,
side impact sensors, airbag wiring,
or the front center console if the
vehicle has a front center airbag.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system that
includes sensors as part of the front
outboard passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim, or; with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of thepassenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑30.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires
and Wheels on page 10‑54 for
additional information.
If your vehicle needs to be modified
because you have a disability and
you have questions about whether
the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you
have questions about whether the
airbag system will be affected if the
vehicle is modified for any other
reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or
Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13‑5.

Black plate (7,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
Instruments and Controls 5-7
Set Time:
.Press the up or down arrows to
increase or decrease the Hours,
Minutes, AM, PM, or 24 hr on
the clock.
.Press and hold to quickly
increase or decrease the time
settings.
.Press OK or the Back screen
button to save the adjustments.
Set Date:
.Press the up or down arrows to
increase or decrease the Month,
Day, and Year settings.
.Press and hold to quickly
increase or decrease the date
settings.
.Press OK or the Back screen
button to save the adjustments.
Power Outlets
The vehicle has 12-volt outlets that
can be used to plug in electrical
equipment, such as a cell phone or
MP3 player.
The power outlets are on the center
stack below the climate controls,
inside the center floor console, at
the rear of the center console, and
in the rear cargo area. Lift the cover
to access the outlet and replace
when not in use.
{WARNING
Power is always supplied to the
outlets. Do not leave electrical
equipment plugged in when the
vehicle is not in use because the
vehicle could catch fire and cause
injury or death.
Notice: Leaving electrical
equipment plugged in for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is off will drain the
battery. Always unplug electrical equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum 20 ampere
rating.
Certain accessory plugs may not be
compatible with the accessory
power outlet and could overload
vehicle and adapter fuses. If a
problem is experienced, see your
dealer.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
the equipment. See
Add-On
Electrical Equipment on page 9‑50.
Notice: Hanging heavy
equipment from the power outlet
can cause damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. The
power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.

Black plate (16,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
5-16 Instruments and Controls
a check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) also
displays the SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM message.
SeeVehicle Messages on
page 5‑31 for more information.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
of the vehicle to ensure emissions are at acceptable levels, helping to
maintain a clean environment. The
malfunction indicator lamp comes
on when the vehicle is placed in
ON/RUN, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer. See
Ignition Positions on page 9‑14.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on while the engine is
running, this indicates that the OBD
II system has detected a problem
and diagnosis and service might be
required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system also
assists the service technician in
correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
Notice:
If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle fuel
economy might not be as good,
and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the
engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than
those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modifications to
these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/

Black plate (18,1)Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 12/11/12
5-18 Instruments and Controls
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Depending on where you live, your
vehicle may be required to
participate in an emission control
system inspection and maintenance
program. For the inspection, the
emission system test equipment will
likely connect to the vehicle's Data
Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. See your dealer if assistance
is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.The malfunction indicator lamp is
on with the engine running, or if
the light does not come on whenthe ignition is turned to ON/RUN
while the engine is off. See your
dealer for assistance in verifying
proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp.
.The OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics) system determines
that critical emission control
systems have not been
completely diagnosed. The
vehicle would be considered not
ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has
recently been replaced or run
down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer
can prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the ignition key is turned to
ON/RUN. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready
to warn if there is a problem.