
GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
126 Instruments and Controls
unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when
service is required for the vehicle.
See your dealer. SeeEngine Oil
0 213 andMaintenance
Schedule 0289.
Acknowledging the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will
not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING.
See “Oil Life” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) 0116 and
Engine Oil Life System 0216.
ENGINE OIL LOW —ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See
Engine Oil 0213.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine oil pressure is low.
The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument cluster. See
Engine Oil Pressure Light 0114.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as
engine damage can result from
driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible
when this message is displayed.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
sounds when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating 0222 for
further information. This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel
as soon as possible. See
Fuel
Gauge 0105 and Fuel 0197 for
more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument cluster if the vehicle's

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
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Instruments and Controls 139
Exiting the Feature
Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be
exited when any of the following
occurs:
.The vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park).
. The vehicle is no longer in
ON/RUN.
. The trip/fuel or vehicle
information DIC buttons are
pressed.
. The end of the feature settings
menu is reached and exited.
. A 40-second time period has
elapsed with no selection made.
Universal Remote
System
See Radio Frequency
Statement 0314.
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, these buttons are in the
overhead console.
This system can replace up to three
remote control transmitters used to
activate devices such as garage
door openers, security systems, and
home automation devices. These
instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other
devices.
Do not use the Universal Remote
system with any garage door opener
that does not have the stop and reverse feature. This includes any
garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Read these instructions completely
before programming the Universal
Remote system. It may help to have
another person assist with the
programming process.
Keep the original hand-held
transmitter for use in other vehicles
as well as for future programming.
Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated.
See
“Erasing Universal Remote
System Buttons” later in this
section.
To program a garage door opener,
park outside directly in line with and
facing the garage door opener
receiver. Clear all people and
objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter
has a new battery for quicker and
more accurate transmission of the
radio-frequency signal.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
Climate Controls 151
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic ClimateControl System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Rear Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Rear Climate Control System (with Rear Seat Audio) . . . . . . 157
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with this
system.
1. Driver and Passenger Side
Temperature Controls
2. Air Delivery Mode Controls
3. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
4. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
5. REAR (Rear Climate Control) 6. A/C (Air Conditioning)
7. Recirculation
8. Fan Control
9. Rear Window Defogger
10. Defrost

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
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Climate Controls 153
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 : 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.
9: 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: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
): 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: 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.
-: 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: 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 : Press to turn the air
conditioning on and off. An indicator
light comes on when A/C is on.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
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160 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 164
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 165
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 167
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 171
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 179
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 184
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 188
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 198
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
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174 Driving and Operating
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, 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 the
electrical 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 0212.
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.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
180 Driving and Operating
{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.D :
This position is for normal
driving. It provides the best fuel
economy. If you need more power
for passing, and you are:
. Going less than 56 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
. Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears,
the transmission could be
damaged. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.
If the vehicle is stopped on a hill,
with your foot off the brake pedal,
the vehicle may roll. This is normal
and is due to the torque converter
designed to improve fuel economy
and performance. Use the brake to
hold the vehicle on a hill. Do not use
the accelerator pedal.
L : This position gives you access
to gear ranges. This provides more
engine braking but lower fuel economy than D (Drive). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. See
Manual
Mode 0180.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving downhill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument cluster. When using the
ERS mode a number will display
next to the L, indicating the current
gear that has been selected.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
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200 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Place the container on the
ground.
. Place the nozzle inside the
fill opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
. Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
. Do not smoke, light
matches, or use lighters
while pumping fuel.
. Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle 0274. For
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0275.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply
specifically to trailer towing. .
Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi), to prevent
damage to the engine, axle or
other parts.
. Then, during the first 800 km
(500 mi) trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive)
but M (Manual Mode) is
recommended. See Manual
Mode 0180. Use a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often.
. Turn off Park Assist when
towing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
(Continued)