2021 GMC ACADIA Owner's Manual

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
192 Climate Controls
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Rear Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . 196
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 197
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled.
1. Driver Temperature Control
2. A/C (Air Conditioning)
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. Fan Control
5. Defrost
6. Passenger Temperature Control 7. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
8. Rear Window Defogger
9. Power Button
10. Air Recirculation
11. AUTO (Automatic Operation)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Climate Controls 193
Climate Control Display
1. Driver and Passenger TemperatureSettings
2. Fan Control
3. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
4. Sync (Synchronized Temperature)
5. Recirculation
6. Air Delivery Mode Controls
7. Auto (Automatic Operation)
8. A/C (Air Conditioning)
9. On/Off (Power) The fan, air delivery mode, air conditioning,
driver and passenger temperatures, and Sync
settings can be controlled by touching
CLIMATE on the infotainment Home Page or
the climate button in the climate control
display application tray. A selection can then
be made on the front climate control page
displayed.
Climate Control Status Display
The climate control status display appears
briefly when the center stack climate
controls are adjusted.
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls the
following four functions to heat or cool the
vehicle to the desired temperature:
.Fan Speed
.Air Delivery Mode
.Air Conditioning
.Recirculation
When the AUTO indicator light is lit, all four
functions are operating automatically. Each
function can be manually set and the
selected setting will be shown. This cancels
full automatic operation and the AUTO
indicator light turns off. Functions that are
not manually set will continue to be
automatically controlled, although the AUTO
indicator light will not be lit.
To place the system in automatic mode: 1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the driver and passenger temperature.
To find your comfort setting, start with
22 °C (72 °F) and allow the system time
to stabilize. Then adjust the temperature
as needed for best comfort.

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
196 Climate Controls
The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to maintain
comfort settings by adjusting the outlet
temperature, fan speed, and air delivery
mode. The system may also supply cooler
air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun.
The recirculation mode will also be used as
needed to maintain cool outlet
temperatures.
Afterblow Feature
Under certain conditions, the fan may stay
on or may turn on and off several times
after you turn off and lock the vehicle. This
is normal.
Rear Climate Control System
If equipped, the rear climate control system
is on the rear of the center console storage.
The rear climate settings can be adjusted
with this system.
1. Fan Control
2. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
3. MODE (Air Delivery Mode Control)
4. TEMP (Temperature Control)
5. Heated Rear Seats (If Equipped)Rear Climate Control Display
1. Outside Temperature Display
2. Rear Climate Temperature Control
3. Fan Control
4. SYNC (Synchronized Temperatures)
5. REAR
O(On/Off)
6. Rear Auto (Automatic Operation)
7. Rear Control Lockout
8. Air Delivery Mode Control
REAR
O: Touch REAROto turn the rear
climate control on or off.
SYNC : Touch SYNC on the display to match
the rear climate control temperature to the
front climate control driver temperature. The

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Climate Controls 197
SYNC button will be lit. Adjust the rear
climate control temperature to change the
linked temperature. The SYNC button
turns off.
Rear Control Lockout :Touch Rear Control
Lockout on the display to lock or unlock
control of the rear climate control system
from the front seat. When locked the rear
climate control cannot be adjusted from the
rear climate controls.
Automatic Operation
AUTO : Touch AUTO or Rear Auto on the
display to automatically control air delivery
and fan speed. A is indicated in the display
when automatic operation is active. If any
of the climate control settings are manually
adjusted, this cancels full automatic
operation.
The display only indicates climate control
functions when the system is in rear
independent mode. When SYNC is active the
display is not shown.
Manual Operation
9: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, or touch and hold the fan
control on the display to increase or
decrease the fan speed. TEMP :
Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, or touch and hold the
temperature controls on the display to
adjust the rear passenger temperature. If
SYNC is lit, the rear climate temperature is
linked to the driver temperature setting.
Y/\/Yor MODE : Touch the desired
mode button on the display or press MODE
on the rear climate controls to change the
direction of the airflow in the rear seating
area. Repeatedly touch MODE until the
desired mode appears on the display.
MorL: If equipped, pressMorLto
heat the left or right outboard seat. See
Heated Rear Seats 045.
Air Vents
To adjust the center and side air outlets on
the instrument panel, use the slider switch
in the center of the outlet to change the
direction of the airflow and also to shut off
the airflow.
There may be outlets overhead in the rear
passenger area; adjust as needed.
Keep all outlets open whenever possible for
best system performance.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
the air inlets at the base of the
windshield that can block the flow of air
into the vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system.
.Keep the path under all seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.
.If fogging reoccurs while inYor\
modes with mild temperature throughout
the vehicle, turn on the air conditioner to
reduce windshield fogging.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air filter
reduces dust, pollen, and other airborne
irritants from outside air that is pulled into
the vehicle. The filter will need to be
replaced periodically. See Maintenance
Schedule 0346.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
198 Climate Controls
Using the climate control system without an
air filter installed is not recommended.
Water or other debris could enter the
system and result in leaks or noises. Always
install a new filter when removing the old
filter.
For more information on filter replacement,
see your dealer.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 346.

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