GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
closed. The Open Door Anti Lock Out feature
can be turned on or off. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0123.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
If equipped, the safety lock is on the inside
edge of the rear doors. To use the
safety lock:
1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door. 3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock
switch, or by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch
open, or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.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
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
(Continued)
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Warning (Continued)
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0219.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate, pressKon the
power door lock switch or press
Kon the
RKE transmitter twice within five seconds.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
To open the liftgate, press the touch pad on
the bottom of the liftgate handle and
lift up.
Use the pull cup to lower and close the
liftgate. Do not press the touch pad while
closing the liftgate. This will cause the
liftgate to be unlatched.
If equipped with Keyless Access, the liftgate
can be opened when locked if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the touch
pad. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07. The liftgate has an electric latch. If the
battery is disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will
resume operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
Always close the liftgate before driving.
Power Liftgate Operation
{Warning
You or others could be injured if caught
in the path of the power liftgate. Make
sure there is no one in the way of the
liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured
liftgate may result in damage to the
power liftgate components.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps and the
lights flash three times, the alarm was
activated while the alarm system was
armed.
If the alarm system has been activated, a
message will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0371.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid transmitter is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more RKE
transmitters matched to an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly
matched RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the RKE
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try
another transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the transmitter pocket
located in the center console. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07. If the ignition mode will not change with
the other transmitter or in the transmitter
pocket, your vehicle needs service. If the
ignition does change modes, the first
transmitter may be faulty. See your dealer
who can service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new RKE transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement RKE transmitters.
Up to eight transmitters can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program
additional transmitters, see
“Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply (Continued)
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear passenger
windows from working.
Press
2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
Press
2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express open the
window. If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window.
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window:
1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature allows all windows
to be opened remotely. If enabled in vehicle
personalization, press and hold
Kon the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
open all windows. See Vehicle
Personalization 0123.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
42 Seats and Restraints
Heated and Ventilated Seat Buttons Shown,Heated Seat Buttons Similar
If equipped, the buttons are near the
climate controls on the center stack. To
operate, the engine must be running.
Press
Ior+, if available, to heat the
driver or passenger seatback only.
Press
Jorzto heat the driver or
passenger cushion and seatback.
Press
Cor{, if available, to ventilate the
driver or passenger seat. A ventilated seat
has a fan that pulls or pushes air through
the seat. The air is not cooled. When a heated seat is turned on, the
indicator on button turns red. When a
ventilated seat is turned on, the indicator on
button turns blue.
Press the button once for the highest
setting. With each press of the button, the
seat will change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The indicator
lights next to the buttons indicate three for
the highest setting and one for the lowest.
If the front heated seats are on high, the
level may automatically be lowered after
approximately 30 minutes.
The passenger seat may take longer to
heat up.
Auto Heated and Ventilated Seats
If the vehicle is equipped with auto heated
or ventilated seats, and the engine is
running, this feature will automatically
activate the heated or ventilated seats at
the level required by the vehicle's interior
temperature.
The active high, medium, low, or off heated
or ventilated seat level will be indicated by
the manual heated and ventilated seat
buttons on the center stack. Use the manual
heated and ventilated seat buttons on the
center stack to turn auto heated orventilated seats off. If the passenger seat is
unoccupied, the auto heated or ventilated
seats feature will not activate that seat. The
auto heated and ventilated seats feature can
be programmed to always be enabled when
the vehicle is on. If equipped with a heated
steering wheel, the auto heated steering
wheel activation will follow the heated seat
auto activation and the heated wheel
indicator will follow the state of the steering
wheel heat.
See
Vehicle Personalization 0123.
Remote Start Heated and Ventilated Seats
During a remote start, the heated or
ventilated seats, if equipped, can be turned
on automatically. When it is cold outside,
the heated seats will turn on followed by
the heated steering wheel, if equipped.
When it is hot outside, the ventilated seats
turn on. The heated or ventilated seats are
canceled when the ignition is turned on.
Press the heated or ventilated seat button
to use the heated or ventilated seats after
the vehicle is started.
The heated or ventilated seat indicator lights
do not turn on during a remote start.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
46 Seats and Restraints
If equipped, the buttons are on the rear of
the center console.
With the engine running, press
MorLto
heat the left or right outboard seat cushion.
On vehicles with rear climate controls, an
indicator on the climate control display
appears when this feature is on.
Press the button again to turn this feature
off. The light on the button will turn off. On
vehicles with rear climate controls, this
feature turns on at the highest setting. With
each press of the button, the heated seat
changes to the next lower setting, and then
the off setting. Three lights indicate the
highest setting, and one light indicates the lowest. If the heated seats are on high, the
level may automatically be lowered after
approximately 30 minutes.
Third Row Seats
{Warning
Using the third row seating position
while the second row is folded, or pushed
forward in the entry position, could cause
injury in a sudden stop or crash. Be sure
to return the seat to the passenger
seating position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into place.
Folding the Seatback
Caution
Folding a rear seat with the seat belts
still fastened may cause damage to the
seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle
the seat belts and return them to their
normal stowed position before folding a
rear seat. To fold the third row seatback:
1. Remove objects on the floor in front of or on the second row seat, or in the seat
tracks on the floor.
2. If the second row seat is in the full rear position, adjust it forward to allow the
third row seat to fold fully flat.
3. Remove anything on or under the seat.
4. Pull the strap on the seatback.
5. Push the seatback forward to lay flat.
6. Repeat for the other seatback, if necessary.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Seats and Restraints 59
Warning (Continued)
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the
airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0372 and
Event Data Recorders 0373.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system
for the front outboard passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will
light on the overhead console when the
vehicle is started.
The words ON and OFF, and the symbols for
on and off, will be visible during the system
check. When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or OFF, and the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 0106.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Instruments and Controls 89
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Engine Oil Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . 103
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . 104
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . 106
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 108
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
(Uplevel and Midlevel
Cluster Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Gear Shifting Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Information Displays
Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 129