GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
336 Vehicle Care
The vehicle is neither designed nor intended
to be towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a
dolly should be used. See the following
information on dolly towing.
Dolly Towing
Driving onto a Dolly1. Park the vehicle on level ground in front of the dolly and turn the vehicle off.
2. Make sure the parking brake is released.
3. Press and hold ENGINE START/STOP with your foot off the brake for five seconds.
4. Hold the brake pedal and press the parking brake switch for 15 seconds until
the service parking brake light flashes. 5. While the service parking brake light is
still flashing, remove your foot from the
brake pedal and release the parking
brake switch.
6. Immediately press and release the parking brake switch again while the
service park brake light is still flashing.
7. Start the vehicle and drive onto the dolly.
8. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
9. Turn off the vehicle.
10. Open the hood.
11. Exit the vehicle and secure the vehicle onto the dolly.
12. Disconnect the negative (–) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
13. Close the hood of the vehicle.
Removing the Vehicle from a Dolly1. Make sure the vehicle is secured to the dolly.
2. Open the door and open the hood of the vehicle.
3. Connect the negative (–) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
4. Press and hold ENGINE START/STOP with your foot off the brake for five seconds. 5. Hold the brake pedal and press the
parking brake switch for five seconds
until the parking brake light flashes.
6. Turn the vehicle off.
7. Unsecure the vehicle and remove it from the dolly.
8. Do not drive in Service Mode with the parking brake set.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 337
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0354.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 339
.Use only approved cleaning solutions for
aluminum, chrome, or stainless steel.
Some cleaners are highly acidic or contain
alkaline substances and can damage the
moldings.
.Always dilute a concentrated cleaner
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
.Do not use cleaners that are not intended
for automotive use.
.Use a nonabrasive wax on the vehicle
after washing to protect and extend the
molding finish.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses,
Emblems, Decals, and Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft
cloth, and a car washing soap to clean
exterior lamps, lenses, emblems, decals, and
stripes. Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic, and some
have a UV protective coating. Do not clean
or wipe them when dry.
Do not use any of the following on lamp
covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other cleaning agents
in higher concentrations than suggested
by the manufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other harsh
cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps or covers
while the lamps are illuminated, due to
excessive heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly can cause
damage to the lamp cover that would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level and
create a non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes, between
the hood and windshield, when washing the
vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter system
designed to help improve fuel economy.
Keep the shutter system clear of debris,
snow and ice. If the check engine light is
activated, please check to see if the shutter
system is clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when cleaning the
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
342 Vehicle Care
streaks and attract dirt. Do not use
solutions that contain strong or
caustic soap.
.Do not heavily saturate the upholstery
when cleaning.
.Do not use solvents or cleaners containing
solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric dampened
with water. Wipe droplets left behind with a
clean dry cloth. If necessary, use a
commercial glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use abrasive
cleaners on automotive glass. Abrasive
cleaners or aggressive cleaning may
damage the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water during
the first three to six months of ownership
will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so
that the speaker will not be damaged. Clean
spots with water and mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge
or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm soapy
water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft
brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum
brush attachment is being used, only use it
on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth. 3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and
gently rub toward the center. Fold the
cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently
to prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed, it may
be necessary to use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden
area for colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If ring formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces
or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that can scratch the
surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
352 Service and Maintenance
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0354 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
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-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
OnStar 375
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . 376
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can
connect to an OnStar Advisor for Emergency,
Security, Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar services may
require a paid service plan and data plan.
OnStar requires the vehicle battery and
electrical system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to existing
emergency service providers. OnStar may
collect information about you and your
vehicle, including location information. See
OnStar User Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details including
system limitations at www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). The OnStar system status light is next to
the OnStar buttons. If the status light is:
.Solid Green: System is ready.
.Flashing Green: On a call.
.Red: Indicates a problem.
.Off: System is off. PressQtwice to
speak with an OnStar Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command button
may vary by vehicle and region.
Press
=to:
.Open the OnStar app on the infotainment
display. See OnStar System 0151 for
information on how to use the
OnStar app.
Or
.Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation voice
commands.
.Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi hotspot
name or SSID and password, if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an Advisor to:
.Verify account information or update
contact information.
.Get driving directions.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Index 383
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . 351
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192, 196
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . 197
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 58
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 58
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 57
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 63
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 63
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224, 289
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . 173
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 245
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
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384 Index
AudioBluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . .147
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 137
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 288, 332
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168, 169
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Brake Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Brake (cont'd)
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
California
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268, 288, 332, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359 Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Cargo Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .318
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, 80
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341