
Black plate (5,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
Climate Controls 8-5
To use automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.When AUTO is selected, the
current temperature(s) is
displayed and the AUTO
indicator light is on.
When AUTO is selected, the air
conditioning and air inlet are
automatically controlled. The air
conditioning runs when the
outside temperature is over 4°C
(40°F). The system is
automatically set to outside air,
unless it is hot outside and then
the air inlet changes to
recirculation mode to help
quickly cool the vehicle. The
recirculation indicator light will
come on. 2. Set the temperature for the
driver and passenger.
To find a comfortable setting,
start with a 22°C (73°F)
temperature setting and allow
about 20 minutes for the system
to regulate. Use the driver side
or passenger side temperature
control to adjust the temperature
setting as necessary. The
system will remain at the
selected setting. Choosing the
warmest or coolest temperatures
does not cause the vehicle to
heat or cool more quickly.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold
weather, the system delays
turning on the fan until warm air
is available. Turn the fan knob to
override this delay and select
the fan speed.
Temperature Control
The driver and passenger side
temperature controls are used to
adjust the temperature of the air
coming through the system. The
temperature can be adjusted even if the system is turned off since
outside air still enters the vehicle,
unless the recirculation mode is
selected. See
“Recirculation” later in
this section.
Driver Side Temperature
Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the driver side
temperature. The driver side
temperature display will show the
temperature setting.
Passenger Side Temperature
Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the passenger side
temperature. The passenger side
display will show the temperature
setting.
SYNC (Synchronized
Temperature): Press to set the
passenger temperature to match the
driver temperature setting.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed
can be manually adjusted.

Black plate (6,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
8-6 Climate Controls
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turning the fan control knob while in
automatic control places the fan
speed under manual control.
The air delivery mode remains in
automatic control. The fan setting
displays momentarily and then no
longer displays.
Air Delivery Modes: Press
H,),
6, or-to change the direction of
the airflow in the vehicle. An
indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button. Pressing a
mode button while the system is off
changes the air delivery mode
without turning the system on.
Changing the air delivery mode
while in automatic control places the
system into manual control. The air
delivery mode button indicator
displays, and the AUTO button
indicator light turns off.
H(Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air is directed
towards the windshield and side
window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and
warmer air to the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some of the air
directed to the windshield, side
window, and second row floor
outlets. In this mode, the system
uses outside air.
-(Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor
outlets, and side window vents.
When this mode is selected, the
system turns off recirculation and
runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is
less than 4°C (40°F). Do not drive
the vehicle until all the windows are
clear.
0(Defrost): Press to turn the
defrost on or off. This mode quickly
clears the windshield of fog or frost. Air is directed to the windshield,
side window, and floor vents. In this
mode, outside air is pulled inside
the vehicle. The air conditioning
system runs automatically in this
setting, unless the outside
temperature is less than 4°C (40°F).
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Air Conditioning
A/C (Air Conditioning):
Press to
turn the air conditioning on and off.
An indicator light comes on when
A/C is on.
The A/C does not work when the
outside temperature is below 4°C
(40°F). If A/C is pressed the
indicator flashes three times and
turns off to show that the A/C mode
is not available. If the A/C is on and
the outside temperature drops
below a temperature which is too
cool for air conditioning to be
effective, the A/C indicator turns off
to show that the A/C mode has
been canceled.

Black plate (7,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
Climate Controls 8-7
On hot days, open the windows
briefly to let hot inside air escape.
This helps reduce the time it takes
for the interior of the vehicle to
cool down.
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so
water might drip under the vehicle
while idling or after turning off the
engine. This is normal.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn
the recirculation mode on or off. An
indicator light comes on when
recirculation is on. When the engine
is turned off, the recirculation mode
automatically turns off and must be
re-selected when the engine is
turned on again.
This mode recirculates and helps to
quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering
the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be
used with floor, defog, or defrosting
modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator flashes three times and turns off. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
While in recirculation mode the
windows can fog when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog,
select either the defog or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed.
REAR:
Press to turn the rear
heating and air conditioning on or
off. See Rear Climate Control
System on page 8-9 orRear
Climate Control System (with Rear
Seat Audio) on page 8-10.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
R
1(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. The rear window
defogger stays on for about
10 minutes, before turning off. The
defogger also turns off when the engine is turned off. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are
clear.
If equipped with heated outside
rearview mirrors, fog or frost is
cleared from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog
button is pressed.
{Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object on the inside rear window
can damage the antenna or
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not stick anything to the rear
window.
Sensors
The solar sensor in the defrost grille
in the middle of the instrument
panel, monitors the solar heat. Do
not cover the solar sensor or the
system will not work properly.

Black plate (11,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
Climate Controls 8-11
DandC(Fan Control):Press the
fan up or down buttons to increase
or decrease the fan speed.
Temperature Control: Press + or
− to increase or decrease the air
temperature. The temperature
settings will display in
0-12 increments, going from the
coolest (0) to the warmest (12)
setting.
N(Air Delivery Mode Control):
Press to manually change the
direction of the airflow. Repeatedly
press the button until the desired
mode appears on the display.
H(Vent): Air is directed through
the overhead outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is directed
through the rear floor outlets, as
well as the overhead outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed through
the floor outlets. The rear system
floor outlets are located under the
third row seats.
Air Vents
Use the slider switch in the center of
the outlet, to change the direction of
the airflow. Use the thumbwheel
near the outlet to control the amount
of airflow or to shut off the airflow.
Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
can block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
.Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
.If fogging reoccurs while in vent
or bi-level modes with mild
temperature throughout the
vehicle, turn on the air
conditioner to reduce windshield
fogging.

Black plate (8,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
9-8 Driving and Operating
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive
wheels will spin and polish the
surface under the tires even more.
Traction Control should be turned
on. SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-28.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops on slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) on page 9-26.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in
shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
Turn off cruise control on slippery
surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See
Roadside
Assistance Program on page 13-5.
To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.(Continued)

Black plate (18,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
9-18 Driving and Operating
engine and transmission gently
until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater
should be plugged in at least four
hours before starting. Some models
may have an internal thermostat in
the cord which will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The bundled cord
is located on the driver side of
the engine compartment,
between the engine air cleaner
and the windshield washer fluid reservoir. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not, it could be
damaged. The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the windows and sunroof
will work up to 10 minutes or until a
door is opened.
The radio continues to work for
10 minutes or until the driver door is
opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and
turn the key to ON/RUN and then
back to LOCK/OFF.

Black plate (33,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-33
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
The green vehicle ahead indicator
will appear when a vehicle is
detected ahead. Whenever this
indicator does not appear, FCA will
not respond. The indicator may
disappear on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, or due to poor
visibility. The FCA system will not
detect another vehicle ahead until it
is completely in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Tailgating Alert
The green vehicle ahead indicator
will turn amber if following another
vehicle much too closely. Collision Alert
Without HUD
With HUD
When your vehicle approaches
another vehicle too rapidly, this red
FCA display will flash and eight
beeps will sound from the front.
When this occurs, the brake system
prepares for driver braking to occur
more rapidly. Continue to apply the
brake pedal as the driving situation
dictates.

Black plate (35,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-6014315) - 2014 - crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-35
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
continuous for five seconds.
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.
Turn off URPA when towing a trailer.
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.
.A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle.
.The bumper is damaged. Take
the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system.
.Other conditions, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the Side Blind Zone
Alert system is a lane-changing aid
that assists drivers with avoiding
crashes that occur with vehicles in
the side blind zone (or spot) areas.
The SBZA warning display will light
up in the corresponding outside side
mirror and will flash if the turn signal
is on.