2021 GMC ACADIA chains

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
162 Infotainment System
Vehicle Positioning
At times, the position of the vehicle on the
map could be inaccurate due to one or more
of the following reasons:
.The road system has changed.
.The vehicle is driving on slippery road
surfaces such as sand, gravel, or snow.
.The vehicle is traveling on winding roads
or long, straight roads.
.The vehicle is approaching a tall building
or a large vehicle.
.The surface streets run parallel to a
freeway.
.The vehicle has been transferred by a
vehicle carrier or a ferry.
.The current position calibration is set
incorrectly.
.The vehicle is traveling at high speed.
.The vehicle changes directions more than
once, or the vehicle is turning on a turn
table in a parking lot.
.The vehicle is entering and/or exiting a
parking lot, garage, or a lot with a roof.
.The GPS signal is not received.
.A roof carrier is installed on the vehicle.
.Tire chains are installed on the vehicle.
.The tires are replaced or worn.
.The tire pressure for the tires is incorrect.
.This is the first navigation use after the
map data is updated.
.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
for several days.
.The vehicle is driving in heavy traffic
where driving is at low speeds, and the
vehicle is stopped and started repeatedly.
Problems with Route Guidance
Inappropriate route guidance can occur
under one or more of the following
conditions:
.The turn was not made on the road
indicated.
.Route guidance might not be available
when using automatic rerouting for the
next right or left turn.
.The route might not be changed when
using automatic rerouting.
.There is no route guidance when turning
at an intersection.
.Plural names of places might be
announced occasionally.
.It could take a long time to operate
automatic rerouting during high-speed
driving.
.Automatic rerouting might display a route
returning to the set waypoint if heading
for a destination without passing through
a set waypoint.
.The route prohibits the entry of a vehicle
due to a regulation by time or season or
any other regulation which may be given.
.Some routes might not be searched.
.The route to the destination might not be
shown if there are new roads, if roads
have recently changed, or if certain roads
are not listed in the map data. SeeMaps
0 155.
To recalibrate the vehicle's position on the
map, park with the vehicle running for two
to five minutes, until the vehicle position
updates. Make sure the vehicle is parked in
a location that is safe and has a clear view
of the sky and away from large
obstructions.
If the System Needs Service
If the navigation system needs service, see
your dealer.
Map Data Updates
The map data in the vehicle is the most
up-to-date information available when the
vehicle was produced. The map data is

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
258 Driving and Operating
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0262. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
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 without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle. Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0285.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 263
2. Push the bottom of the cover forwarduntil the lower tabs line up with the
lower slots (1).
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
Consider using mechanical sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender height distance (2)
before connecting the trailer. Adjust the
spring bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is the same height before the
trailer was connected. Do not reduce the
front fender height below the initial
distance (2).
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 300 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
anti-lock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
lf equipped, the trailer wiring harness, with
a 7-pin connector is mounted on the trailer
hitch.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 267
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 268
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 268
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 269
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 279
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 279
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 293
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 296
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 298
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 304
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 309
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 310
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313 When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 314
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 316
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 316
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 318
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . 320
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 332
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
318 Vehicle Care
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing a crash.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 235/55R20, 245/65R17,
or 255/65R17 size tires, do not use tire
chains. There is not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension,
or other vehicle parts. The area damaged
by the tire chains could cause loss of
control and a crash. Use another type of
traction device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's tire size
combination and road conditions. Follow
that manufacturer's instructions. To avoid
vehicle damage, drive slow and readjust
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 319
Warning (Continued)
or remove the traction device if it
contacts the vehicle. Do not spin the
wheels. If traction devices are used,
install them on the front tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a tire size
other than 235/55R20, 245/65R17,
or 255/65R17 use tire chains only where
legal and only when necessary. Use low
profile chains that add no more than
12 mm thickness to the tire tread and
inner sidewall. Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires. Install them on
the tires of the front axle. Do not use
chains on the tires of the rear axle.
Tighten them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly
and follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If the chains contact the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the
contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on will damage
the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0300. If air goes out of
a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
on while severely underinflated or flat
may cause a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your dealer or
an authorized tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0134.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
332 Vehicle Care
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0288.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0268
and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Customer Information 367
Coverage
Services are provided for the duration of the
vehicle's powertrain warranty.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is
covered. In Canada, a person driving the
vehicle without permission from the owner
is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. General Motors
North America and GMC reserve the right to
make any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at any time
without notification.
General Motors North America and GMC
reserve the right to limit services or
payment to an owner or driver if they
decide the claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the
nearest service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway:
Tow to the nearest GMC dealer
for warranty service, or if the vehicle was
in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the vehicle
is stuck in the sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws
.Legal fines
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to 7 L.
Propane and other fuels are not provided
through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been