2021 GMC ACADIA towing

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 335
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used by the towing
provider. These holes may be used to pull
the vehicle from a flat road surface onto the
flatbed tow truck.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Become familiar with the local laws that
apply to recreational vehicle towing.
These laws may vary by region.
.The towing capacity of the towing
vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far the vehicle will be towed. Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can be towed.
.The proper towing equipment. See your
dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
.If the vehicle is ready to be towed. Just
as preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
336 Vehicle Care
The vehicle is neither designed nor intended
to be towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a
dolly should be used. See the following
information on dolly towing.
Dolly Towing
Driving onto a Dolly1. Park the vehicle on level ground in front of the dolly and turn the vehicle off.
2. Make sure the parking brake is released.
3. Press and hold ENGINE START/STOP with your foot off the brake for five seconds.
4. Hold the brake pedal and press the parking brake switch for 15 seconds until
the service parking brake light flashes. 5. While the service parking brake light is
still flashing, remove your foot from the
brake pedal and release the parking
brake switch.
6. Immediately press and release the parking brake switch again while the
service park brake light is still flashing.
7. Start the vehicle and drive onto the dolly.
8. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
9. Turn off the vehicle.
10. Open the hood.
11. Exit the vehicle and secure the vehicle onto the dolly.
12. Disconnect the negative (–) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
13. Close the hood of the vehicle.
Removing the Vehicle from a Dolly1. Make sure the vehicle is secured to the dolly.
2. Open the door and open the hood of the vehicle.
3. Connect the negative (–) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
4. Press and hold ENGINE START/STOP with your foot off the brake for five seconds. 5. Hold the brake pedal and press the
parking brake switch for five seconds
until the parking brake light flashes.
6. Turn the vehicle off.
7. Unsecure the vehicle and remove it from the dolly.
8. Do not drive in Service Mode with the parking brake set.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 337
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0354.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
346 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0209.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0253.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0269.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 276.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0307.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0313.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0286.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0278.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0279.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Customer Information 367
Coverage
Services are provided for the duration of the
vehicle's powertrain warranty.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is
covered. In Canada, a person driving the
vehicle without permission from the owner
is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. General Motors
North America and GMC reserve the right to
make any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at any time
without notification.
General Motors North America and GMC
reserve the right to limit services or
payment to an owner or driver if they
decide the claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the
nearest service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway:
Tow to the nearest GMC dealer
for warranty service, or if the vehicle was
in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the vehicle
is stuck in the sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws
.Legal fines
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to 7 L.
Propane and other fuels are not provided
through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
370 Customer Information
GM vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs through the use of
aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance
companies will not specify aftermarket
collision parts. When purchasing insurance,
we recommend that you ensure that the
vehicle will be repaired with GM original
equipment collision parts. If such insurance
coverage is not available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching to
another insurance carrier.
If the vehicle is leased, the leasing company
may require you to have insurance that
ensures repairs with Genuine GM Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts.
Read the lease carefully, as you may be
charged at the end of the lease for poor
quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call emergency
services for help. Do not leave the scene of
a crash until all matters have been taken
care of. Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.Give only the necessary information to
police and other parties involved in the
crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside
Assistance Program 0366.
Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and telephone
number
.Driver license number
.Owner name, address, and telephone
number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the
other vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility that uses
quality replacement parts. See “Collision
Parts” earlier in this section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You
See after an Airbag Inflates? 058.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that you
take an active role in its repair. If you have
a pre-determined repair facility of choice,
take the vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be
covered by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but
you must live with the repair. Depending on
your policy limits, your insurance company
may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with the
repair professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have the
vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance company is
paying for the repairs, you are not obligated
to accept a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy repair
limits, as you have no contractual limits

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Index 385
Climate Control SystemsDual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97, 100
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Connections
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Control Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 226
Control Light
Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Controls Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Coolant
Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Engine Temperature Warning Light . . . . . 112
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192, 196
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 368
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . 371
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 363
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . 163 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Diagnostics
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224, 289
Driver Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . 115, 117
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 256
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

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