2021 GMC ACADIA maintenance schedule

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 259
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on the
vehicle can improve visibility while hitching,
backing, and driving with a trailer. See
Driver Assistance Systems0239 and
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0 241.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the
parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal:
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0346. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0285.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 279
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Display the REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base) 0115 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0117.
2. Press and hold
Von the DIC while the
Oil Life display is active. The oil life will
change to 100%.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not been
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to the dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0346, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0354.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0354.
If you need to check the transmission fluid
level, take the vehicle to your dealer.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience. The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base)
0115 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0117.
3. Press
pto move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press
V.
4. Press
Vto confirm to reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 271 for location.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
280 Vehicle Care
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system, see
Maintenance Schedule0346 for intervals on
inspecting and replacing the engine air
cleaner/filter.
If equipped with the engine air filter life
system, see Engine Air Filter Life System
0 279.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air. To inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter:2.0L L4 Engine
1. Remove the five screws and lift the cover out of the assembly.
{Warning
If part replacement is necessary, the part
must be replaced with one of the same
part number or with an equivalent part.
Use of a replacement part without the
same fit, form, and function may result
in personal injury or damage to the
vehicle.
2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ filter. 3. Lower the cover and secure with the five
screws.
4. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after replacing the engine air
filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System
0 279.2.5L L4 Engine
1. Remove the five screws and lift the cover out of the assembly.
2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ filter.
3. Lower the cover and secure with the five screws.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
282 Vehicle Care
2.5L L4 Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
needs to be checked and replaced at
appropriate intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0346.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0285.
What to Use
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
288 Vehicle Care
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0108.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0346.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0354.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number on the
original battery label when a new battery is
needed. For replacement of the battery, see
your dealer.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System0215.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 291
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to
provide assistance in lifting and holding
open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full
open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0346.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 313
3. Make sure the Tire Pressure info pageoption is turned on. The info pages on
the DIC can be turned on and off
through the Options menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base) 0115 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0117.
4. Use the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel to scroll to the Tire
Pressure screen under the DIC info page.
5. Press and hold
Vin the center of the
DIC controls.
The horn sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on
the DIC display.
6. Start with the driver side front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.
8. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7.
9. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7. 10. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and
repeat the procedure in Step 7. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been matched to
the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message on the DIC display goes off.
11. Turn the vehicle off.
12. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be
inspected for signs of wear or damage
at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show
cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi). See Maintenance Schedule
0 346.
Tires are rotated to achieve a more
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate
the tires as soon as possible, check for
proper tire inflation pressure, and check
for damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel alignment.
See When It Is Time for New Tires 0314
and
Wheel Replacement 0318.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Service and Maintenance 345
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Additional Maintenance and Care
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . 351
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . 355
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
General Information
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
the dealer is the place for routine
maintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required Services are
the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is
recommended to have your dealer perform
these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition,
improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle
emissions.