2016 GMC ACADIA automatic transmission

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
212 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park 0208 and
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0233.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. With the ignition in ON/
RUN, fully apply the regular brake,
then press the button on the back of
the shift lever before shifting from
P (Park). If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever, then push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. See
Shifting out of Park 0209.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0200.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use N (Neutral)
only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the
vehicle is being towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
214 Driving and Operating
number are available. For example,
when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to the
L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears
are automatically shifted by the
vehicle. The transmission will not
shift into 5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus)
button is used or you shift back into
D (Drive).
While in L (Low), the transmission
will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too
high. You have a brief period of time
to slow the vehicle. If vehicle speed
is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. You must
further slow the vehicle, then press
the−(Minus) button to the desired
lower gear range.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking is
not available when the ERS is
active. It is available in D (Drive) for
both normal and Tow/Haul mode.
While using the ERS, cruise control
and the Tow/Haul mode can be
used. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
following.Tow/Haul Mode
_
(Tow/Haul) : If equipped with
Tow/Haul mode, the button is on the
center stack under the climate
controls.
Press the button to activate the
system. Press it again to deactivate
the system. This feature can assist
when towing or hauling a
heavy load.
When Tow/Haul is activated, the
Tow/Haul symbol will come on in the
instrument cluster. See Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 233.
Automatic Engine Grade
Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
assists when driving on a downhill
grade. It maintains vehicle speed by
automatically implementing a shift
schedule that uses the engine and
the transmission to slow the vehicle.
The system will automatically
command downshifts to reduce
vehicle speed, until the brake pedal
is no longer being pressed. While in the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) mode, grade braking
is deactivated, allowing the driver to
select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade
braking is available for normal
driving and in Tow/Haul mode.
See
Automatic Transmission 0211.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Driving and Operating 221
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
[.
. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
. To turn off the cruise control,
press
I.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
Iis
pressed or the ignition is turned off.
Driver Assistance
Systems
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
The vehicle may have an RVC
system. Read this entire section
before using it.
{Warning
The camera(s) do not display
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any
other object outside of the
cameras’ field of view, below the
bumper, or under the vehicle.
Shown distances may be different
from actual distances. Do not
drive or park the vehicle using
only these camera(s). Always
check behind and around the
vehicle before driving. Failure to
use proper care may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage. The RVC system is designed to
help the driver when backing up by
displaying a view of the area behind
the vehicle. When the driver shifts
the vehicle into R (Reverse), the
video image automatically appears
on the infotainment screen. Once
the driver shifts out of R (Reverse),
the screen will go back to the last
screen that had been displayed,
after a delay.
The RVC display remains on after
shifting out of R (Reverse) for
approximately 10 seconds. Return to
the previous screen sooner 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 and Guidelines
The RVC system may have a
feature that lets the driver view
caution symbols on the RVC screen
while using the RVC. The Rear

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
236 Driving and Operating
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedalwhile you:
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0321.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 255.
Trailer Towing
Three important considerations
have to do with weight:
.
The weight of the trailer.
. The weight of the trailer tongue.
. The total weight on the vehicle's
tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, special
equipment, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry
must be considered. See “Weight of
the Trailer Tongue” later in this
section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Vehicle Care 241
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 242
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 242
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 249
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 250
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 255
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 257
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Battery - North America . . . . . . 260
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 261
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 262
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 262
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 263
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 264
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Electrical System Overload . . . 265
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 265
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Vehicle Care 249
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oilchange is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off. 2. Press the vehicle information
button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays.
3. Press and hold
Vuntil “100%”
is displayed. Three chimes
sound and the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
goes off.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
250 Vehicle Care
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed inMaintenance Schedule
0 321, and be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0330.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0330.
The transmission fluid will not reach
the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check
the transmission fluid level, please
take the vehicle to your dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 245 for the location of the engine
air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 321.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Air Duct Clamp
2. Electrical Connector
3. Screws
1. Loosen the air duct clamp (1).
2. Disconnect the electrical
connector (2).
3. Remove the screws (3) and lift the cover assembly.
4. Inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter.
5. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall the housing cover and
reconnect the electrical
connector to the sensor.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Vehicle Care 261
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer case fluid does not require
checking unless there is a fluid leak
or unusual noise. If required, have
the transfer case serviced by your
dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever
position.
.The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the shift
lever is in P (Park).
. The ignition key should come
out only in LOCK/OFF.