GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
The key, inside the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter, can be used for all locks.
To remove the key, press the button near
the bottom of the transmitter, and pull the
key out. Never pull the key out without
pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris. Periodically,
clean with a brush or a pick.
See your dealer if a new key is needed.
Contact Roadside Assistance if locked out of
the vehicle. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 366.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 375.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0371.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless
Access Operation” following.
The RKE transmitter functions may work up
to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can impact the
performance of the transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System 07.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To customize the doors to automatically lock
when exiting the vehicle, see“Remote Lock,
Unlock, Start” underVehicle Personalization
0 123.
Temporary Disable of Passive Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking by
pressing and holding
Kon the interior door
switch with a door open for at least
four seconds, or until three chimes are
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To turn on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 0123.
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for RKE transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter is not detected, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display NO
REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp
three times. This occurs only once each time
the vehicle is driven. To turn on or off, see
Vehicle Personalization
0 123.
Keyless Liftgate Opening
Press the touch pad on the liftgate handle
to open the liftgate if the RKE transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft).
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead transmitter
battery, see Door Locks015.Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off and all
of the transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be with you. 1. Place the two recognized transmitters in
the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks015.
Insert the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock cylinder on
the driver door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, ETC.
3. Place the new transmitter into the
transmitter pocket. The transmitter
pocket is under the liner on the bottom
of the center console storage area. Lift
up the liner and set it aside.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Put the key back into the transmitter.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 015.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
When the vehicle is started, if the
transmitter battery is weak, the DIC may
display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO
REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:
1. Open the center console storage area by opening the armrest.2. Lift up the liner from the bottom of thecenter console storage area and set it
aside, exposing the transmitter pocket.
3. Place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket.
4. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C
(138 °F).
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY. To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the side of the RKE
transmitter near the bottom and pull the
key out. Never pull the key out without
pressing the button.
2. Insert a flat, thin object in the center of the transmitter to separate and remove
the back cover.
3. Lift the battery with a non-metal flatobject.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Insert the new battery, positive side toward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the transmitter and reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the engine
to be started from outside of the vehicle.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In
Case of Dead Battery)
To access the driver door key lock cylinder:1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
removal is complete.
2. Insert the key into the slot (3) on the bottom of the cap (2) and lift the key
upward.
3. Move the cap (2) rearward and remove.
4. Use the key in the cylinder.
To replace the cap: 1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
installation is complete.
2. Insert the two tabs (6) at the back of thecap between the seal (5) and the metal
base (4).3. Slide the cap forward and press theforward edge to install the cap in place.
4. Release the door handle.
5. Check that the cap is secure.
Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when
either the wrong key is used, or the correct
key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from
being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it
to the vertical position with the correct key
fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it
again. If this does not reset the lock, turn
the key halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Warning (Continued)
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0219.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate, pressKon the
power door lock switch or press
Kon the
RKE transmitter twice within five seconds.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
To open the liftgate, press the touch pad on
the bottom of the liftgate handle and
lift up.
Use the pull cup to lower and close the
liftgate. Do not press the touch pad while
closing the liftgate. This will cause the
liftgate to be unlatched.
If equipped with Keyless Access, the liftgate
can be opened when locked if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the touch
pad. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07. The liftgate has an electric latch. If the
battery is disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will
resume operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
Always close the liftgate before driving.
Power Liftgate Operation
{Warning
You or others could be injured if caught
in the path of the power liftgate. Make
sure there is no one in the way of the
liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured
liftgate may result in damage to the
power liftgate components.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
The projected logo shows where the kicking
motion is to take place.
The projected logo will only be available for
this RKE transmitter after it has been out of
range for at least 20 seconds.
If an RKE transmitter is again detected
within approximately 2 m (6 ft) of the
liftgate, or another hands-free operation has
been detected, the one-minute timer will be
reset.
The projected logo will not work under
these conditions:
.The vehicle battery is low.
.The transmission is not in P (Park).
.Hands Free Liftgate Control is set to Off
in vehicle personalization. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0123.
.The power liftgate is turned off.
.The vehicle remains parked for 72 hours
or more, with no RKE transmitter use or
Keyless Access operation. To re-enable,
press any button on the RKE transmitter
or open and close a vehicle door. The projected logo will not work for a single
RKE transmitter when a transmitter:
.Has been left within approximately 5 m
(15 ft) of the liftgate for several minutes.
.Has been left inside the vehicle and all
vehicle doors are closed.
.Has approached the area outside of the
liftgate five times within 10 minutes.
Lens Cleaning
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the
recessed lens.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Hands-Free Liftgate and Projected Logo Availability
ActionHands-Free Liftgate Projected Logo
RKE transmitter entering projected logo
detection zone Operative
On for one minute
RKE transmitter left inside projected logo
detection zone for minimum of 10 minutes Operative
Off until RKE transmitter button press or a
door is opened and closed
RKE transmitter brought in and out of
projected logo detection zone five times or
more within 10 minutes Operative
Off for one hour or until RKE transmitter
button press or a door is opened and closed
Vehicle remains parked for more than
72 hours Operative
Off until RKE transmitter button press or a
door is opened and closed
Vehicle battery is low Non-operative Off
Transmission is not in P (Park) Non-operative Off
Power liftgate is turned off Non-operative Off
Hands-free liftgate is disabled in vehicle per-
sonalization Non-operative
Off