2021 GMC ACADIA Adaptive cruise control

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
232 Driving and Operating
to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep
your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control disengages.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), it allows the driver to select the
cruise control set speed and following gap.
Read this entire section before using this
system. The following gap is the following
time between your vehicle and a vehicle
detected directly ahead in your path,
moving in the same direction. If no vehicle
is detected in your path, ACC works like regular cruise control. ACC uses camera and
radar sensors. See
Radio Frequency
Statement 0371.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling your vehicle speed
when the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, the ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0226. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, the
ACC can be turned back on.
Disabling the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC system
will disengage and prevent engagement
of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0201.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the sensors are blocked by snow, ice,
or dirt. The system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the entire front of
the vehicle clean.
.Visibility is low, such as in fog, rain,
or snow conditions. ACC performance
is limited under these conditions.
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 233
Warning (Continued)
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip.
J:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
RES+ : Press briefly to resume the previous
set speed or to increase vehicle speed if ACC
is already activated. To increase speed by
1 km/h (1 mph), briefly press RES+. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph)
mark on the speedometer, press and hold
RES+, then release. SET–
:Press briefly to set the speed and
activate ACC or to decrease vehicle speed if
ACC is already activated. To decrease speed
by 1 km/h (1 mph), briefly press SET−. To
decrease speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph)
mark on the speedometer, press and hold
SET−, then release.
*: Press to disengage ACC without erasing
the selected set speed.
[: Press to select a following gap time
(or distance) setting for ACC of Far, Medium,
or Near.
Switching Between ACC and Regular Cruise
Control
To switch between ACC and regular cruise
control, press and hold
*. A Driver
Information Display (DIC) message displays.
See Vehicle Messages 0122.
ACC IndicatorRegular Cruise Control
Indicator When ACC is engaged, a green
]indicator
will be lit on the instrument cluster. When
the regular cruise control is engaged, a
green
Jindicator will be lit on the
instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is turned on, the cruise
control mode will be set to the last mode
used before the vehicle was turned off.
{Warning
Always check the cruise control indicator
on the instrument cluster to determine
which mode cruise control is in before
using the feature. If ACC is not active, the
vehicle will not automatically brake for
other vehicles, which could cause a crash
if the brakes are not applied manually.
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If
Jis on when not in use, it could get
pressed and go into cruise when not desired.
Keep
Joff when cruise is not being used.
Select the set speed desired for cruise. This
is the vehicle speed when no vehicle is
detected in its path.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 237
ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage and the
driver will need to manually apply the
brakes to slow the vehicle when:
.The sensors are blocked.
.The Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/ESC system has activated or
been disabled.
.There is a fault in the system.
.The radar may falsely report a blockage
when driving in a desert or remote area
with no other vehicles or roadside objects.
.A DIC message may display to indicate
that ACC is temporarily unavailable.
The ACC indicator will turn white when ACC
is no longer active.
In some cases, when ACC is temporarily
unavailable, regular cruise control may be
used. See “Switching Between ACC and
Regular Cruise Control” in this section.
Always consider driving conditions before
using either cruise control system.
Notification to Resume ACC
ACC will maintain a follow gap behind a
detected vehicle and slow your vehicle to a
stop behind that vehicle. If the stopped vehicle ahead has driven
away and ACC has not resumed, the vehicle
ahead indicator will flash as a reminder to
check traffic ahead before proceeding. In
addition, the left and right sides of the
Safety Alert Seat will pulse three times,
or three beeps will sound. See
“Alert Type”
and “Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0123.
When the vehicle ahead drives away, press
RES+ or the accelerator pedal to resume
cruise control. If stopped for more than
two minutes or if the driver door is opened
and the driver seat belt is unbuckled, the
ACC automatically applies the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle. The
EPB status light will turn on. See Electric
Parking Brake 0224. To resume ACC and
release the EPB, press the accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may display
indicating to shift to P (Park) before exiting
the vehicle. See Vehicle Messages 0122.
{Warning
If ACC has stopped the vehicle, and if ACC
is disengaged, turned off, or canceled, the
vehicle will no longer be held at a stop.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
The vehicle can move. When ACC is
holding the vehicle at a stop, always be
prepared to manually apply the brakes.
{Warning
Leaving the vehicle without placing it in
P (Park) can be dangerous. Do not leave
the vehicle while it is being held at a
stop by ACC. Always place the vehicle in
P (Park) and turn off the ignition before
leaving the vehicle.
ACC Override
If using the accelerator pedal while ACC is
active, the ACC indicator turns blue on the
instrument cluster and HUD, if equipped.
ACC will resume operation when the
accelerator pedal is not being pressed.
{Warning
The ACC will not automatically apply the
brakes if your foot is resting on the
accelerator pedal. You could crash into a
vehicle ahead of you.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 245
RCTA and Rear Park Assist symbols can be
turned on or off through vehicle
personalization. See“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 123.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep
Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA),
Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing 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 Control (Advanced)
0 232.
{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, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive Driving
0 201.
FCA can be disabled with either the FCA
steering wheel control or, if equipped,
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0123.
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,
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
246 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
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.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches another
detected vehicle too rapidly, the red FCA
display will flash on the windshield. Also,
eight rapid high-pitched beeps will sound
from the front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times. When this
Collision 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 Collision Alert occurs. Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will display
amber when you are following a vehicle
ahead too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the steering
wheel. Press
[to set the FCA timing to
Far, Medium, or Near, or on some vehicles,
Off. The first button press shows the current setting on the DIC. Additional button presses
will change this setting. The chosen setting
will remain until it is changed and will affect
the timing of both the Collision Alert and
the Tailgating Alert features. The timing of
both alerts will vary based on vehicle speed.
The faster the vehicle speed, the farther
away the alert will occur. Consider traffic
and weather conditions when selecting the
alert timing. The range of selectable alert
timings may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
If your vehicle is equipped with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), changing the FCA
timing setting automatically changes the
following gap setting (Far, Medium,
or Near).
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). See
Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base) 0115 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0117. 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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 247
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 automaticallybrake 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
0245.
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.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 257
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0224. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0223. If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), 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.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0219.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.

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