GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
194 Climate Controls
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the
vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm weather.
The recirculation light will not come on
when automatically controlled. Press
@to
manually select recirculation; press it again
to select outside air.
Do not cover the solar sensor on the top of
the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based
on sun load. See “Sensors”later in this
section.
Manual Operation
O: Press to turn the climate control system
on or off. When the system is off, outside
air will be prevented from entering the
vehicle. When the system is on, a button is
pressed, or knob is turned, the climate
control system will turn on and deliver
airflow per the current setting.
9: Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed. Press the
knob to turn the fan off.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation. Driver and Passenger Temperature Control :
The temperature can be adjusted separately
for the driver and passenger.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the driver or
passenger temperature setting.
SYNC :
Press to link the passenger and rear
climate temperature settings, if equipped, to
the driver setting. The SYNC indicator light
will turn on. When the passenger or rear
climate temperature settings are adjusted,
the SYNC indicator light is off.
The driver side or passenger side
temperature display shows the temperature
setting increasing or decreasing.
Air Delivery Mode Control : Press
Y,\,
[, or-to change the direction of the
airflow. An indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button.
Changing the mode cancels the automatic
operation and the system goes into manual
mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
\: Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets. Some air is directed
toward the windshield and side window
outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some to the windshield, side window
outlets, and second row floor outlets.
-: This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield,
floor outlets, and side window vents. The
system automatically forces outside air into
the vehicle and the air conditioning
compressor will run, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing.
0: Press to clear the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window vents. The
air conditioning compressor also comes on,
unless the outside temperature is below
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows
are clear.
See Air Vents 0197.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Climate Controls 195
A/C :Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is
enabled. If the fan is turned off, the air
conditioner will not run. The A/C light will
stay on even if the outside temperatures are
below freezing.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
It can also be used to help reduce outside
air and odors that enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes on
when this mode is activated.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming
grid to remove fog from the rear window.
K: Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works when
the ignition is on. The defogger turns off if
the ignition is turned to off or ACC/
ACCESSORY.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not clear the inside rear window with
sharp objects.
Heated Mirror : If equipped with heated
outside mirrors, the mirrors heat to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed. See Heated Mirrors 028.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation :
If equipped with remote start, the climate
control system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. The rear defog may come
on during remote start based on cold
ambient conditions. The rear defog indicator
light does not come on during a remote
start.
If equipped, the heated seats will turn on if
it is cold outside or the ventilated seats will
turn on if it is hot outside. The heated and
ventilated seat indicator lights may not
come on during a remote start. If equipped,
the heated steering wheel will come on in a remote start if it is cold outside. The heated
steering wheel indicator light may not
come on.
Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the defrost grille
in the middle of the instrument panel,
monitors the solar heat. Do not cover the
solar sensor or the system will not work
properly.
There is also an exterior temperature sensor
behind the front grille. This sensor reads the
outside air temperature and helps maintain
the temperature inside the vehicle. Any
cover on the front of the vehicle, could
cause a false reading in the displayed
temperature.
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 239
Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or roadside
objects may be incorrectly detected when
located along the roadway.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When Towing a
Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
or when towing a trailer. ACC will not detect
a vehicle in the lane while driving on steep
hills. The driver will often need to take over
acceleration and braking on steep hills,
especially when towing a trailer. If the
brakes are applied, the ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.PressJ.Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
System operation may be limited under
snow, heavy rain, or road spray conditions.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object around
the front camera windshield area that would
obstruct the front camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the vehicle
that overhang and obstruct the front
camera, such as a canoe, kayak, or other
items that can be transported on a roof rack
system. See Roof Rack System 088.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield behind
the rearview mirror and the radar sensors
on the front of the vehicle can become blocked by snow, ice, dirt, or mud. These
areas need to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0337.
System operation may also be limited under
snow, heavy rain, or road spray conditions.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0201.
(Continued)
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
Vehicle Care 295
FusesUsage
F19 –
F20 –
F21 –
F22 Electronic brake control module
F23 Parking/Trailer lamps
F24 Right trailer stoplamp/ Turn lamp
F25 Steering column lock
F26 –
F27 Left trailer stoplamp/ Turn lamp
F28 –
F29 –
F30 Washer pump F31 –
F32 –
F33 Fog lamps
F34 Horn F35 –
F36 Headlamp high-beam left Fuses
Usage
F37 Headlamp high-beam right
F38 Automatic headlamp leveling motor
F39 Transmission control module 1/Battery 1
F40 Left rear bus electrical center/Ignition
F41 Instrument cluster
F42 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
F43 Head-up display/ Reflective light alert
display
F44 Electronic brake control module electric brake
booster/Run/Crank
F45 –
F46 –
F47 –
F48 Rear wiper 2
F49 Interior rearview mirror/ Trailer Fuses
Usage
F50 Fuel system control module
F51 Heated steering wheel
F52 Air conditioning clutch
F53 Coolant pump
F54 –
F55 –
F56 –
F57 Engine control module/ Ignition
F58 Transmission control module/Ignition
F59 Engine control module battery
F60 –
F61 O2 sensor 1/Aeroshutter
F62 Engine control module –odd
F63 O2 sensor 2
F64 Engine control module –even
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
386 Index
Driving (cont'd)Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
E
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Electrical SystemEngine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 293
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 298
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 107
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Engine (cont'd)
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . 112
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Engine Oil Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . 137
F
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 245
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 256