GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
226 Driving and Operating
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 201.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 227
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow. TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC will
automatically turn on when cruise control
is set.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0209 and“Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light:
.Will flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Will flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated
.Will turn on and stay on when either
system is not working
.May flash when ABS is active
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message may display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
d
comes on and stays on to indicate that the
system is inactive and is not assisting the
driver in maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. Drive the vehicle.
If
dcomes on and stays on, the vehicle
may need more time to diagnose the
problem. If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster and a DIC message may
display.
To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
228 Driving and Operating
If TCS is limiting wheel spin whengis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster. A DIC
message may display.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak will automatically turn on if the
vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph). Traction
control will remain off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0268.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
If equipped, HDC can be used when driving
downhill. It sets and maintains vehicle speed
while descending a very steep incline in a
forward or reverse gear.
The HDC switch is on the center console. Press
5to enable or disable HDC. Vehicle
speed must be below 50 km/h (31 mph).
A blinking HDC light indicates the system is
actively applying the brakes to maintain
vehicle speed.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds between
3–22 km/h (2–14 mph) on an incline greater
than or equal to a 10% grade.
When HDC is activated, the initial HDC
speed is set to the current driving speed.
It can be increased or decreased by pressing
the RES+ or SET– steering wheel controls or
by applying the accelerator or brake pedal.
This adjusted speed becomes the new set
speed. HDC will remain enabled between
22–60 km/h (14–37 mph); however vehicle
speed cannot be set or maintained in this
range. It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h (50 mph) or
above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least
30 seconds. Press
5again to re-enable HDC.
Driver Mode Control
If equipped, the Driver Mode Control has the
following Modes: Tour (FWD), Sport,
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Snow/Ice, Tow/Haul,
and Off-Road. Rotate the Driver Mode
Control knob on the center console to make
a mode selection. Continue turning the knob
through the available modes. The selected
mode’s icon will light up on the knob and
there may be additional messages in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) and
indicators in the instrument cluster.
If the vehicle is in Tour (FWD) or AWD, it
will stay in that mode through future
ignition cycles. If the vehicle is in any other
mode, it will revert back to Tour (FWD)
when the vehicle is restarted.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
270 Vehicle Care
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/start,
turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the vehicle is on, the engine will
start when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening. To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.
3. After you have partially lifted the hood, the gas strut system will automatically
lift the hood and hold it in the fully
open position. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer holding up the hood.
3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force
if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is
not latched completely. The hood could
open fully, block your vision, and cause a
crash. You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before
driving.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
320 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare
tire or a tire sealant and compressor kit. To
use the jacking equipment to change a spare
tire safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing 0326. To use the
tire sealant and compressor kit, see Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit 0320. When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist you
in the placement of wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with
poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine
exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Never run the engine in an enclosed area
that has no fresh air ventilation. For more
information, seeEngine Exhaust0219.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and follow the
tire sealant and compressor kit
instructions and inflate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not exceed
the recommended pressure.
{Warning
Storing the tire sealant and compressor
kit or other equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could cause
injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store
the tire sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Connected Services 381
PressQ, then ask the Advisor to download
directions to the vehicle’s navigation system,
if equipped. After the call ends, the
navigation screen will provide prompts to
begin driving directions. Routes that are sent
to the navigation screen can only be
canceled through the navigation system.
See www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca
(Canada).
Connections
The following services help with staying
connected.
For coverage maps, see www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Ensuring Security
.Change the default passwords for the
Wi-Fi hotspot and myGMC mobile
application. Make these passwords
different from each other and use a
combination of letters and numbers to
increase the security.
.Change the default name of the SSID
(Service Set Identifier). This is your
network’s name that is visible to other
wireless devices. Choose a unique name
and avoid family names or vehicle
descriptions. Wi-Fi Hotspot (If Equipped)
The vehicle may have a built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot that provides access to the Internet
and web content at 4G LTE speed. Up to
seven mobile devices can be connected.
A data plan is required. Use the in-vehicle
controls only when it is safe to do so.
1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot information, press
=to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select Wi-Fi
Hotspot. On some vehicles, touch Wi-Fi
or Wi-Fi Settings on the screen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will display the Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID), password, and on
some vehicles, the connection type (no
Internet connection, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE), and
signal quality (poor, good, excellent). The
LTE icon shows connection to Wi-Fi. It is
possible that the icon may not illuminate
even though the vehicle has an active
connection.
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor. On some vehicles, the
SSID and password can be changed in
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu. After initial set-up, your vehicle’s Wi-Fi
hotspot will connect automatically to your
mobile devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your mobile
device, using the myGMC mobile app, or by
contacting an OnStar Advisor. On some
vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be managed from
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
MyGMC Mobile App (If Available)
Download the myGMC mobile app to
compatible Apple and Android smartphones.
GMC users can access the following services
from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
.Lock/unlock doors, if equipped with
automatic locks.
.Activate the horn and lamps.
.Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil life,
or tire pressure, if factory-equipped with
the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
.Send destinations to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map (U.S.
market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot on/off,
manage settings, and monitor data
consumption, if equipped.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
384 Index
AudioBluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . .147
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 137
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 288, 332
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168, 169
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Brake Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Brake (cont'd)
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
California
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268, 288, 332, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359 Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Cargo Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .318
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, 80
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341