2021 GMC ACADIA transmission

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Instruments and Controls 119
Oil Life :Shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If REMAINING OIL
LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99% of
the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 276. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule. See Maintenance
Schedule 0346.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not to
reset the Oil Life display at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, see Engine Oil Life
System 0278.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 309 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0310. Best Fuel Economy :
Displays average fuel
economy, the best fuel economy over the
selected distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy.
Press
pto change the selected distance.
Press and hold
Vwhile this display is active
to reset the best fuel economy and average
fuel economy. This display can also be reset
by selecting reset in the menu.
Top Consumers : Shows a list of the features
that are currently impacting the fuel
economy, in order from highest to lowest.
If a feature is turned off, it will be removed
from the list.
Economy Trend : Shows history of the
Average Fuel Economy from the last 50 km
(30 mi). Each bar represents about 5 km
(3 mi) of driving. During driving the bars will
shift to always reflect the most recent
distance on the right side. Press and hold
V
to clear the graph or presspto reset
through the menu.
ECO Index : Provides feedback on the
efficiency of current driving behavior. The
bar graph shows a value that is based on
current fuel consumption compared to what
is expected from the vehicle with good and
bad driving habits. Speed Signs :
Shows sign information, which
comes from a roadway database in the
onboard navigation.
Off Road : Displays vehicle pitch and roll
information, road wheel angle, and
four-wheel drive (4WD) status.
Following Distance : The following distance
to a moving vehicle ahead in your path is
indicated in following time in seconds. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0245.
Blank Page : Shows no information.
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge :
Shows the temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid in either degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{Warning
If the HUD image is too bright or too
high in your field of view, it may take
you more time to see things you need to
see when it is dark outside. Be sure to
keep the HUD image dim and placed low
in your field of view.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
122 Instruments and Controls
Navigation Turn-by-Turn Alerts shown in the
instrument cluster may also be displayed in
any HUD view.
Metric
English
Performance View : This displays digital
speed, indicators from speed view along
with rpm reading, transmission positions,
and gear shift indicator (if equipped).
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield as needed
to remove any dirt or film that could reduce
the sharpness or clarity of the HUD image. Clean the HUD lens with a soft cloth
sprayed with glass cleaner. Wipe the lens
gently, then dry it.
HUD Troubleshooting
If you cannot see the HUD image when the
ignition is on, check that:
.Nothing is covering the HUD lens.
.The HUD brightness setting is not too
dim or too bright.
.The HUD is adjusted to the proper height.
.Polarized sunglasses are not worn.
.The windshield and HUD lens are clean.
If the HUD image is not correct, contact
your dealer.
The windshield is part of the HUD system.
See Windshield Replacement 0290.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another. The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Instruments and Controls 123
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending on the
vehicle, some may not be available.
For System, Apps, and Personal features and
functions, seeSettings0174.
To access the vehicle personalization menu: 1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
2. Touch Vehicle to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch
9orRto turn a feature off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level of the
Settings menu. The menu may contain the following:
Rear Seat Reminder
This allows for a chime and a message when
the rear door has been opened before or
during operation of the vehicle.
Touch Off or On.
Climate and Air Quality
Touch and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed
.Auto Cooled Seats
.Auto Heated Seats
.Auto Defog
.Auto Rear Defog
Auto Fan Speed
This setting specifies the amount of airflow
when the climate control fan setting is
Auto Fan.
Touch Low, Medium, or High.
Auto Cooled Seats
When enabled, this feature will
automatically activate ventilated seats at
the level required by the interior
temperature. See Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats 041.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
128 Instruments and Controls
Read these instructions completely before
programming the Universal Remote system.
It may help to have another person assist
with the programming process.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quicker and more accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal Remote
System
For questions or programming help, see
www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515. For calls placed outside the
U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico, international
rates will apply and may differ based on
landline or mobile phone.Programming involves time-sensitive actions,
and may time out causing the procedure to
be repeated.
To program up to three devices:
1. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3 in)
away from the Universal Remote system
buttons with the indicator light in view.
The hand-held transmitter was supplied
by the manufacturer of the garage door
opener receiver.
2. Press and release one of the three Universal Remote system buttons to be
programmed. Press and hold the
hand-held transmitter button. Do not
release the hand-held transmitter button
until the indicator light changes from a
slow to a rapid flash or continuous light.
Then release the hand-held transmitter
button.
Some garage door openers may require
substitution of Step 2 with the procedure
under “Radio Signals for Some Gate
Operators” later in this section. 3. Press and hold the newly programmed
Universal Remote system button for
five seconds while watching the indicator
light and garage door activation.
.If the indicator light stays on
continuously or the garage door
moves when the button is pressed,
then programming is complete. There
is no need to complete Steps 4–6.
.If the indicator light does not come
on or the garage door does not
move, a second button press may be
required. For a second time, press
and hold the newly programmed
button for five seconds. If the
indicator light is continuously lit,
or the garage door moves,
programming is complete.
.If the indicator light flashes rapidly
and the garage door does not move,
continue with programming
Steps 4–6.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Instruments and Controls 129
Learn or Smart Button
4. After completing Steps 1–3, locate the Learn or Smart button inside the garage
on the garage door opener receiver. The
name and color of the button may vary
by manufacturer.
5. Press and release the Learn or Smart button. Step 6 must be completed within
30 seconds of pressing this button.
6. Return to the vehicle and firmly press and hold the trained Universal Remote
system button for two seconds and
release. Repeat the “press/hold/release”
sequence up to three times to complete
the training process. The Universal Remote system should now
activate the garage door.
Repeat the process for programming the
two remaining buttons.
Radio Signals for Some Gate Operators
For questions or programming help, see
www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515. For calls placed outside the
U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico, international
rates will apply and may differ based on
landline or mobile phone.
Some radio-frequency laws and gate
operators require transmitter signals to time
out or quit after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long enough
for the Universal Remote system to pick up
the signal during programming.
If the programming did not work, replace
Step 2 under
“Programming the Universal
Remote System” with the following: Press and hold the Universal Remote system
button while pressing and releasing the
hand-held transmitter button every
two seconds until the signal has been
successfully accepted by the Universal
Remote system. The Universal Remote
system indicator light will flash slowly at
first and then change to a rapid flash or
continuous solid-light. Proceed with Step 3
under
“Programming the Universal Remote
System” to complete.
Universal Remote System
Operation
Using the Universal Remote System
Press and hold the appropriate Universal
Remote system button for at least one-half
second. The indicator light will come on
while the signal is being transmitted.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Infotainment System 181
limit the use of others. The Report Card will
record vehicle data about driving behavior
that can be viewed later. When the vehicle
is started with a registered key, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) displays a message
that Teen Driver is active.
To access:1. Touch Settings on the Home Page, then touch Vehicle, and then Teen Driver.
2. Create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by choosing a four-digit PIN.
Re-enter the PIN to confirm. To change
the PIN, touch Change PIN.
The PIN is required to:
.Register or unregister keys.
.Change Teen Driver settings.
.Change or clear the Teen Driver PIN.
.Access or delete Report Card data.
Register keys to activate Teen Driver and
assign restrictions to the key:
Any vehicle key can be registered, up to a
maximum of eight keys. Label the key to
tell it apart from the other keys.
For a pushbutton start system: 1. Start the engine. 2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle
must be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Place the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter key you wish to register in
the transmitter pocket. The key does not
need to be the one that started the
vehicle. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07for transmitter
pocket location.
6. From the Teen Driver menu, touch Setup Keys.
.If the transmitter key has not
previously been registered, the option
to add the key displays. Touch Setup
and a confirmation message displays.
Teen Driver restrictions will be
applied whenever this key is used to
operate the vehicle.
.If the transmitter key has already
been registered, the option to
remove the key displays. If Remove is
touched, the transmitter key is no
longer registered. A confirmation
message displays, and Teen Driver restrictions will not be applied if this
transmitter key is used to operate
the vehicle.
In vehicles with a pushbutton start system,
if a Teen Driver and a non-Teen Driver key
are both present at start up, the vehicle will
recognize the non-Teen Driver key to start
the vehicle. The Teen Driver settings will not
be active.
For a keyed ignition system: 1. Start the engine.
2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle must be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Touch Setup Keys. The system displays instructions for registering or
unregistering a key. A confirmation
message displays.
Manage Settings
Audio Volume Limit : Allows the audio
volume limit to be turned on or off. Touch
Set Audio Volume Limit to choose the
maximum allowable audio volume level.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 199
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . 200
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 217Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 219
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 220
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 224
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) . . . . 232
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 245
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . 247
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 250
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 205
When driving on hills:
.Use a low gear and keep a firm grip on
the steering wheel.
.Maintain a slow speed.
.When possible, drive straight up or down
the hill.
.Slow down when approaching the top of
the hill.
.Use headlamps even during the day to
make the vehicle more visible.
{Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high speed
can cause a crash. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be seriously
injured or killed. As you near the top of a
hill, slow down and stay alert.
.Never go downhill forward or backward
with the transmission in N (Neutral). The
brakes could overheat and you could lose
control.
.When driving down a hill, keep the
vehicle headed straight down. Use a low
gear because the engine will work with
the brakes to slow the vehicle and help
keep the vehicle under control.
{Warning
Heavy braking when going down a hill
can cause your brakes to overheat and
fade. This could cause loss of control and
you or others could be injured or killed.
Apply the brakes lightly when descending
a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle
speed under control.
If the vehicle stalls on a hill: 1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and then apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into P (Park) and then restart the engine.
.If driving uphill when the vehicle
stalls, shift to R (Reverse), release the
parking brake, and back
straight down.
.Never try to turn the vehicle around.
If the hill is steep enough to stall the
vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it
to roll over.
.If you cannot make it up the hill,
back straight down the hill.
.Never back down a hill in N (Neutral)
using only the brake.
.The vehicle can roll backward quickly
and you could lose control.
.If driving downhill when the vehicle
stalls, shift to a lower gear, release
the parking brake, and drive straight
down the hill.
3. If the vehicle cannot be restarted after stalling, set the parking brake, shift into
P (Park), and turn the vehicle off.
3.1. Leave the vehicle and seek help.
3.2. Stay clear of the path the vehicle
would take if it rolled downhill.
.Avoid turns that take the vehicle across
the incline of the hill. A hill that can be
driven straight up or down might be too
steep to drive across. Driving across an
incline puts more weight on the downhill
wheels which could cause a downhill slide
or a rollover.
.Surface conditions can be a problem.
Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet
grass can cause the tires to slip sideways,
downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, it
can hit something that will trip it —a
rock, a rut, etc. —and roll over.