
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Climate Controls 183
Air Delivery Mode Control :Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode.
By positioning the right knob
between two modes, a combination
of those two modes is selected.
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
toward 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
automatically selects outside air.
Recirculation cannot be selected
while in floor mode.
-(Defog) : This 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 unless the
outside temperature is less than 4 °
C (40 °F). Recirculation cannot be
selected while in the defog mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
0(Defrost) :
This clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window vents,
with some to the floor vents. In this
mode, outside air is pulled inside
the vehicle. Recirculation cannot be
selected while in the defrost mode.
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 windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning) : Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on
when A/C is on. The air conditioning
system does not operate when the
outside temperature is below 4 °C
(40 °F). The indicator light flashes
three times and turns off when outside conditions affect air
conditioning operation. This is
normal.
For quicker cool down on hot days:
1. Open the windows to let hot air escape.
2. Select
Hmode.
3. Select
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
6. Close the windows after the hot air has escaped.
7. Once the vehicle's interior temperature is below the
outside temperature, select
@mode for faster cooling.
Using recirculation for long periods
of time could cause the air inside
the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after
the inside of the vehicle has cooled,
turn the recirculation mode off.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Climate Controls 187
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. 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
alternate between recirculating air
inside the vehicle or pulling in
outside air. An indicator light comes
on when recirculation mode is
active. With each ignition cycle, the
recirculation mode is reset to
automatic. When the engine is
turned on, outside air or
recirculation is automatically
selected for better performance.
When recirculation is activated, the
air conditioning compressor comes
on and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. This mode also
helps to reduce the outside air and
odors that may enter the vehicle.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
188 Climate Controls
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. 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 0189 orRear Climate
Control System (with Rear Seat
Audio) 0190.
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. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on. Do
not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear. The defogger only works when the
vehicle is in ON/RUN. The defogger
will turn off if the vehicle is
turned off.
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 to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
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.
The interior temperature sensor, on
the instrument panel to the right of
the steering column, measures the
temperature of the air inside the
vehicle.
There is also an exterior
temperature sensor behind the front
grille. This sensor reads the outside
air temperature and helps maintain
the temperature inside the vehicle.
Any cover on the front of the vehicle
could cause a false reading in the
displayed temperature.
The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to
maintain comfort settings by
adjusting the temperature, fan

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
Climate Controls 191
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 under the third row
seats.
Air Vents
To adjust the center and side air
outlets on the instrument panel:
. 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.
There are also outlets overhead in
the rear passenger area: adjust as
needed.
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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9159268) - 2016 - crc - 7/31/15
192 Climate Controls
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces the dust, pollen,
and other airborne irritants from
outside air and inside air when in
recirculation mode.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeMaintenance Schedule 0321.
To find out what type of replacement
filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0331.
1. Open the glove box.
2. Twist the compartment retainers (1) and pull outward
to remove.
3. Lower the instrument panel compartment assembly (2)
beyond the stops.
4. If needed, unsnap the instrument panel compartment
assembly (2) from the
instrument panel. When
reinstalling, be sure the
instrument panel compartment
dampener arm is aligned
properly to the dampener gear
assembly.5. Squeeze the housing cover (1)tabs to remove.
6. Remove the old air filter from the passenger compartment air
filter housing (2).
7. Install the new air filter.
8. Replace the housing cover.
9. If removed, reinstall the instrument panel compartment
assembly.
10. Reinstall the compartment retainers.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.

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
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.