
GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
96 Storage
Caution
Loading cargo on the roof rack
that weighs more than 91 kg
(200 lb) or hangs over the rear or
sides of the vehicle may damage
the vehicle. Load cargo so that it
rests evenly between the
crossrails and fasten cargo
securely.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo
when driving, check to make sure
crossrails and cargo are securely
fastened. Loading cargo on the roof
rack will make the vehicle’ s center
of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds,
sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking, or abrupt maneuvers;
otherwise it may result in loss of
control. If driving for a long distance,
on rough roads, or at high speeds,
occasionally stop the vehicle to
make sure the cargo remains in its
place. Do not exceed the maximum
vehicle capacity when loading the
vehicle.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0167.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
Instruments and Controls 97
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 98
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 98
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 98
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . 99
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 107
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 108
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 109
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 109
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 112
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . 113
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light . . . 113
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . 114
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 115
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 115
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 115
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . 120
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Brake System Messages . . . . . 124
Cruise Control Messages . . . . . 124
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 124
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 126
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 126
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 126
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 127
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Airbag System Messages . . . . 129
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Service Vehicle Messages . . . . 130
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Transmission Messages . . . . . . 131
Vehicle Reminder Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 132
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . . 132

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
Instruments and Controls 115
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system.
This light is also used to indicate the
status of the anti-theft alarm system
when the ignition is turned off. The
light will flash rapidly if the alarmsystem is arming and one or more
of the monitored entry points is not
closed. The light will stay on if the
alarm is arming and all entry points
are closed.
For information regarding this light
and the vehicle's security system,
see
Vehicle Alarm System 034.
High-Beam On Light
The high-beam on light comes on
when the high-beam headlamps are
in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer 0143 for more information.
Front Fog Lamp Light
The front fog lamp light comes on
when the fog lamps are in use.
The light goes out when the fog
lamps are turned off. See Fog
Lamps 0145.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when the cruise
control is set.
This light goes out when the cruise
control is canceled. See Cruise
Control 0186.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
Instruments and Controls 129
blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice,
or slush. This message may also
display during heavy rain or due to
road spray. It may also come on
when driving in isolated areas with
no guardrails, trees, or road signs
and light traffic. Your vehicle does
not need service. For cleaning
instructions, see“Washing the
Vehicle” inExterior Care 0278. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) 0193.
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak®
system. If this message appears, try
to reset the system. Stop; turn off
the engine for at least 15 seconds;
then start the engine again. If this
message still comes on, it means
there is a problem. See your dealer
for service. The vehicle is safe to
drive, however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer
for service. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0184 for
more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0184.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned on. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0184.
This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Have your dealer inspect the
system for problems. See Airbag
Readiness Light 0108 andAirbag
System 061 for more information.
Security Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation 035 for more information.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content
theft-deterrent system has detected
a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. See Vehicle
Alarm System 034 for more
information.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
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 - 3/31/16
Driving and Operating 171
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines: . Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
Driving and Operating 175
{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)
Warning (Continued)
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
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.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
Driving and Operating 201
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 0178.
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.