GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
198 Driving and Operating
If torque lock does occur, the
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. If the
vehicle has an uncharged battery or
a battery with low voltage, try
charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0335.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press or pull the desired shift switch on the center stack.
4. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator will turn
red when the vehicle is no
longer in P (Park). Manual Park Release
{Warning
The transmission will be placed in
N (Neutral) when the manual park
release is pulled. The vehicle can
roll and you or others could be
injured. Ensure the vehicle is on
level ground.
Caution
The manual park release is not
intended to be used for towing.
Damage may result from using
the manual park release in this
way. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pulling the manual park release
while the vehicle is on, or turning
the ignition on while the manual
park release is pulled, will result in a
Service Transmission message
being displayed. To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
using the manual park release:
1. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and set the parking
brake. Release the brake
pedal.
2. Turn the vehicle off.
3. Use a flat-bladed tool to remove the interior trim panel
on the center console to the
right of the accelerator pedal.
4. Ensure more than one minute has elapsed since Step 2.
Apply the brake pedal.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
234 Driving and Operating
Following Distance Indicator
The following distance to a moving
vehicle ahead in your path is
indicated in following time in
seconds on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Base)
0 137 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0139. The
minimum following time is
0.5 seconds away. If there is no
vehicle detected ahead, or the
vehicle ahead is out of sensor
range, dashes will be displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts for turning vehicles, vehicles
in other lanes, objects that are not
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts
are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, this may correct
the issue: .
Clean the outside of the
windshield in front of the
rearview mirror.
. Clean the entire front of the
vehicle.
. Clean the headlamps.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision
Alert (FCA), it also has AEB, which
includes Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA). When the system
detects a vehicle ahead in your path
that is traveling in the same
direction that you may be about to
crash into, it can provide a boost to
braking or automatically brake the
vehicle. This can help avoid or
lessen the severity of crashes when
driving in a forward gear. Depending
on the situation, the vehicle may
automatically brake moderately or
hard. This automatic emergency
braking can only occur if a vehicle is
detected. This is shown by the FCA vehicle ahead indicator being lit.
See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0231.
The system works when driving in a
forward gear between 8 km/h
(5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph),
or on vehicles with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), above 4 km/h
(2 mph). It can detect vehicles up to
approximately 60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do
not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake
outside of its operating speed
range and only responds to
detected vehicles.
AEB may not: . Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
(Continued)
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
236 Driving and Operating
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with object detection.
. There is a problem with the
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need
service.
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System
If equipped, the FPB system may
help avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in
a forward gear. FPB displays an
amber indicator,
~, when a nearby
pedestrian is detected ahead. When
approaching a detected pedestrian
too quickly, FPB provides a red
flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps or pulses the driver
seat. FPB can provide a boost to
braking or automatically brake the
vehicle. This system includes
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), and
the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system may also respond to
pedestrians. See
Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB) 0234.
The FPB system can detect and
alert to pedestrians in a forward
gear at speeds between 8 km/h
(5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
During daytime driving, the system
detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft).
During nighttime driving, system
performance is very limited.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle,
unless it detects a pedestrian.
FPB may not detect pedestrians,
including children: . When the pedestrian is not
directly ahead, fully visible,
or standing upright, or when
part of a group.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Due to poor visibility,
including nighttime
conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
. If the FPB sensor is blocked
by dirt, snow, or ice.
. If the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned
or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply
the brakes. For more information,
see Defensive Driving 0175.
Keep the windshield, headlamps,
and FPB sensor clean and in
good repair.
FPB can be set to Off, Alert, or Alert
and Brake through vehicle
personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0146.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
Driving and Operating 237
Detecting the Pedestrian
Ahead
FPB alerts and automatic braking
will not occur unless the FPB
system detects a pedestrian. When
a nearby pedestrian is detected in
front of the vehicle, the pedestrian
ahead indicator will display amber.
Front Pedestrian Alert
When the vehicle approaches a
pedestrian ahead too rapidly, the
red FPB alert display will flash on
the windshield. Eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound fromthe front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times.
When this Pedestrian Alert occurs,
the brake system may prepare for
driver braking to occur more rapidly
which can cause a brief, mild
deceleration. Continue to apply the
brake pedal as needed. Cruise
control may be disengaged when
the Front Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash
into a pedestrian directly ahead, and
the brakes have not been applied,
FPB may automatically brake
moderately or brake hard. This can
help to avoid some very low speed
pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can
automatically brake to detected
pedestrians between 8 km/h (5 mph)
and 80 km/h (50 mph). Automatic
braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as
higher speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking
may engage the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB. A firm pressof the accelerator pedal will also
release Automatic Braking and
the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically
brake the vehicle suddenly in
situations where it is unexpected
and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in
shape or size to pedestrians,
including shadows. This is normal
operation and the vehicle does
not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press
the accelerator pedal, if it is safe
to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Front Pedestrian Detection” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0146.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
258 Driving and Operating
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service
and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)0127.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 075 and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 076.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
Vehicle Care 279
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system
cools down again, see your
dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Automatic Coolant Service Fill
(2.0L Engine Only)
If equipped, this feature assists in
filling and removing air from the
cooling system after service of
components or when coolant is
added after being too low.
To activate the fill and air removal
process:
1. With a cold system, disconnect the vent line from the port near
the cap on the surge tank. Add
coolant to the indicated mark
on the surge tank.
2. Reconnect the vent line to the surge tank and replace the cap
on the surge tank.
3. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
4. Put the vehicle in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 190.
5. Turn off the air conditioning.
6. Set the parking brake. 7. At the same time, press the
accelerator and the brake for
automatic transmission
vehicles for two seconds, then
release.
At the end of the cycle, check the
coolant level in the surge tank and
add coolant, if it is low. Turn off the
vehicle, allow the Engine Control
Module (ECM) to go to sleep, about
two minutes, and repeat steps 3-7.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control valves
while watching the level of the tank.
If the tank empties, turn the ignition
off, carefully remove the surge tank
cap, refill to the indicated mark and
repeat steps 3-6. The fill and air
removal process will run for
approximately 10 minutes.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of the engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0123.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
360 Service and Maintenance
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns. Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.
Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed. Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
.
Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13687875) - 2020 - CRC - 10/28/19
Index 397
Fluid (cont'd)Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 49
Fuel
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Economy, Driving for Better . . . 174
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 135
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 199
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 289
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 151Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Engine Oil Temperature . . . . . . . 123
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Gear Shifting Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 351 General Information (cont'd)
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 159
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 135
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 157
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 136
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33