
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Driving and Operating 199
.The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0215.
. Allow greater following distance
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.
Blizzard Conditions
Stay with the vehicle unless there is
help nearby. If possible, use
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0340. 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
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 snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0210.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Driving and Operating 205
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 0216.
{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.
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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Driving and Operating 207
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again,
repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the 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 0245.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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234 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
When towing a trailer:. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the Climate
Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside
air. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 210.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road. Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move your hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
268 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
ECM/
FPM IGN Engine Control
Module/Fuel Pump
Control Module
Ignition
EMISSION 1 Emission 1
EMISSION 2 Emission 2
EVEN COILS Even Injector Coils FAN 1 Cooling Fan 1
FAN 2 Cooling Fan 2* Trailer Brakes/ Headlamp Washer
(China)
FPM Fuel Pump Power Module
FOG LAMP Fog Lamps (GMC) HORN Horn
HTD MIR Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
HTD
STR WHL Heated Steering
Wheel
HUMIDITY/ MAF Humidity Sensor/
MAF Sensor Fuses
Usage
HVAC BLWR Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning
Blower
LT HI BEAM Left High-Beam Headlamp
LT LO BEAM Left Low-Beam Headlamp
LT PRK Left Parking Lamp
LT TRLR
STOP/TRN Trailer Left
Stoplamp and Turn
Signal
ODD COILS Odd Injector Coils
PWR L/GATE Power Liftgate PWR
OUTLET Power Outlet
RR APO Rear Accessory Power Outlet
RR DEFOG Rear Defogger RR HVAC Rear Climate Control System
RT HI BEAM Right High-Beam Headlamp Fuses
Usage
RT LO BEAM Right Low-Beam Headlamp
RT PRK Right Parking Lamp
RT TRLR
STOP/TRN Trailer Right
Stoplamp and Turn
Signal
RVC SNSR Regulated Voltage Control Sensor
S/ROOF/
SUNSHADE Sunroof
SERVICE Service Repair SPARE Spare
STOP
LAMPS
(CHINA
ONLY) Stoplamps
(China Only)
STRTR Starter TCM Transmission Control Module
TRANS Transmission TRLR
BCK/UP Trailer Back-up
Lamps

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Vehicle Care 271
FusesUsage
EMISSION 2 Emission 2
EVEN COILS Even Injector Coils
FAN 1 Cooling Fan 1
FAN 2 Cooling Fan 2
FOG LAMPS Fog Lamps
FPM Fuel Pump Power Module
HORN Horn
HTD MIR Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
HTD
STR WHL Heated Steering
Wheel
HUMIDITY/ MAF Humidity Sensor/
MAF Sensor
HVAC BLWR Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning
Blower
LT HI BEAM Left High-Beam Headlamp
LT DRL Left Daytime Running Lamp Fuses
Usage
LT PRK Left Parking Lamp
LT TRLR
STOP/TRN Trailer Left
Stoplamp and Turn
Signal
ODD COILS Odd Injector Coils
PWR L/GATE Power Liftgate PWR
OUTLET Power Outlet
RR APO Rear Accessory Power Outlet
RR DEFOG Rear Defogger RR HVAC Rear Climate Control System
RT DRL Right Daytime Running Lamp
RT HI BEAM Right Hi-Beam Headlamp
RT PRK Right Parking Lamp
RT TRLR
STOP/TRN Trailer Right
Stoplamp and Turn
Signal Fuses
Usage
RVC SNSR Regulated Voltage Control Sensor
S/ROOF/
SUNSHADE Sunroof
SERVICE Service Repair SPARE Spare
STRTR Starter TCM Transmission Control Module
TRANS Transmission TRLR
BCK/UP Trailer Back-up
Lamps
TRLR BRK Trailer Brake
TRLR
PRK LAMP Trailer Parking
Lamps
TRLR PWR Trailer Power
WPR/WSW Windshield Wiper/ Washer

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Vehicle Care 305
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake. If one of the vehicles is
a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be
sure the transfer case is not in
Neutral.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter or the
accessory power outlets. Turn
off the radio and all lamps that
are not needed. This will avoid
sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save the
radio! 4. Open the hoods and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on the other
vehicle. Your vehicle has a
remote positive (+) and a
remote negative (−) jump
starting terminal. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0245
for the terminal locations.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will
go to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Negative (−)
will go to a heavy, unpainted
metal engine part or to a
remote negative (−) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a
short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts
too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
366 Index
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
MessagesAirbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Battery Voltage andCharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . 132
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Key and Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Object Detection System . . . . . 135
Ride Control System . . . . . . . . . . 136
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Service Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Vehicle Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Mirrors Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Automatic Dimming
Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mirrors (cont'd)
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Park Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . 42
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
N
Navigation OnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 204
O
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 249
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 79
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 339
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
OnStar
®Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
OnStar
®Connections . . . . . . . . . . . 352
OnStar®Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
OnStar®Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
OnStar®Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
OnStar®Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
OnStar®Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Operating Mode Overheated EngineProtection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Operation
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 159
Ordering Service Publications . . . . . . . . . . 345
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . 256
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159