
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
166 Climate Controls
Climate Control Display
1. Driver and PassengerTemperature Settings
2. Fan Control
3. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
4. Sync (Synchronized Temperature)
5. Recirculation
6. Air Delivery Mode Controls
7. Auto (Automatic Operation)
8. A/C (Air Conditioning)
9. On/Off (Power) The fan, air delivery mode, air
conditioning, driver and passenger
temperatures, and Sync settings
can be controlled by touching
CLIMATE on the infotainment Home
Page or the climate button in the
climate control display application
tray. A selection can then be made
on the front climate control page
displayed. See the infotainment
manual.
Climate Control Status Display
The climate control status display
appears briefly when the center
stack climate controls are adjusted.
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls
the following four functions to heat
or cool the vehicle to the desired
temperature:
.
Fan Speed
. Air Delivery Mode
. Air Conditioning
. Recirculation
When the AUTO indicator light is lit,
all four functions are operating
automatically. Each function can be
manually set and the selected
setting will be shown. This cancels
full automatic operation and the
AUTO indicator light turns off.
Functions that are not manually set
will continue to be automatically
controlled, although the AUTO
indicator light will not be lit.
To place the system in
automatic mode: 1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the driver and passenger temperature.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
168 Climate Controls
side window vents. The system
automatically forces outside air into
the vehicle and the air conditioning
compressor will run, unless the
outside temperature is close to
freezing.
0:Press to clear the windshield of
fog or frost more quickly. Air is
directed to the windshield and the
side window vents. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on, unless the outside temperature
is below freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
See Air Vents 0171.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is enabled.
If the fan is turned off, the air
conditioner will not run. The A/C
light will stay on even if the outside
temperatures are below freezing.
@: Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle. It can also be used to help reduce outside air and
odors that enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
K:
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.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is on. The
defogger turns off if the ignition is
turned to off or ACC/ACCESSORY.
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. Heated Mirror :
If equipped with
heated outside mirrors, the mirrors
heat to help clear fog or frost from
the surface of the mirror when the
rear window defog button is
pressed. See Heated Mirrors 033.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with remote
start, the climate control system
may run when the vehicle is started
remotely. The rear defog may come
on during remote start based on
cold ambient conditions. The rear
defog indicator light does not come
on during a remote start.
If equipped, the heated seats will
turn on if it is cold outside or the
ventilated seats will turn on if it is
hot outside. The heated and
ventilated seat indicator lights may
not come on during a remote start.
If equipped, the heated steering
wheel will come on in a remote start
if it is cold outside. The heated
steering wheel indicator light may
not come on.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
Climate Controls 171
Y/\/Yor MODE :Touch the
desired mode button on the display
or press MODE on the rear climate
controls to change the direction of
the airflow in the rear seating area.
Repeatedly touch MODE until the
desired mode appears on the
display.
MorL: If equipped, pressMorLto heat the left or right outboard
seat. See Heated Rear Seats 054.
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 and also to shut off the
airflow.
There may be 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. .
Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn 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
Yor
\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-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
172 Climate Controls
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter reduces dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air
that is pulled into the vehicle. The
filter will need to be replaced
periodically. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0353.
Using the climate control system
without an air filter installed is not
recommended. Water or other
debris could enter the system and
result in leaks or noises. Always
install a new filter when removing
the old filter.
For more information on filter
replacement, see your dealer.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians. The air conditioning evaporator should
never be repaired or replaced by
one from a salvage vehicle.
It should only be replaced by a new
evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants
should be reclaimed with proper
equipment. Venting refrigerants
directly to the atmosphere is harmful
to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite,
or other health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires
periodic maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0353.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
178 Driving and Operating
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles can
be used for off-road driving.
Vehicles without AWD and vehicles
not equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not
be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface. To contact the tire
manufacturer for more information
about the original equipment tires,
see the warranty manual.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control the vehicle
is to control the speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
. Read all the information about
AWD vehicles in this manual.
. Make sure all underbody
shields, if equipped, are properly
attached.
. Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to
remove the front fascia lower air
dam. However, driving without the
air dam reduces fuel economy.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
Driving and Operating 201
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0197 and
Engine Exhaust 0200.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0246.
Automatic
Transmission
The shift switches are on the center
stack. The selected gear position
will illuminate red on the shift switch,
while all others will be displayed in
white. If the shift is not immediate,
as in very cold conditions, the
indicator on the shift switch may
flash until it is fully engaged.
The transmission does not operate
when the vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/
ACCESSORY, the transmission can
be shifted into P (Park).

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
Driving and Operating 205
To shift into D (Drive):1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the D (Drive) switch on the center stack.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control 0177.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place. If equipped with the 2.0L L4 engine,
engine speeds may be increased
while driving at highway speeds
while the engine is still warming up.
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
0 205.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the
selection of the range of gear
positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to
limit the top gear and vehicle speed.
The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display a number next to the L
indicating the highest available gear
under manual mode and the driving
conditions when manual mode was
selected.
To use this feature:
1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), press the L (Low) button.
2. Press the plus or minus button on the center stack to increase
or decrease the gear range
available.
When shifting to L (Low), the
transmission will shift to a preset
lower gear range. For this preset
range, the highest gear available is
displayed next to the L in the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base) 0137 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0139. All
gears below that number are

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
232 Driving and Operating
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps or pulses the driver seat.
FCA also lights an amber visual
alert if following another vehicle too
closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds
above 8 km/h (5 mph). If the vehicle
has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
it can detect vehicles to distances of
approximately 110 m (360 ft) and
operates at all speeds. See
Adaptive Cruise Control0216.
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0175.
FCA can be disabled with either the
FCA steering wheel control or,
if equipped, through vehicle
personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0146.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle ahead indicator will
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.