GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 28
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
dangerous and children or others could
be seriously injured or killed. They could
operate the power windows or other
controls or make the vehicle move. The
windows will function with the RKE
transmitter in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave children in
a vehicle with an RKE transmitter.
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
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start. The
rear defog may come on during a remote
start based on cold ambient conditions. The
rear fog indicator light does not come on
during a remote start.
If the vehicle has heated or ventilated seats,
they may come on during a remote start.
SeeHeated and Ventilated Front Seats 041.
If equipped with a remote start heated
steering wheel, the heated wheel will turn
on automatically in remote start along with
the heated seats when it is cold outside. See
Heated Steering Wheel 090.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws may require a person using
remote start to have the vehicle in view.
Check local regulations for any
requirements.
Do not use remote start if the vehicle is low
on fuel as it may run out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07. Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Qon the RKE
transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds or until the turn
signal lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
During the remote start the doors will be
locked and the parking lamps will remain
on as long as the engine is running.
The engine will shut off after 15 minutes
unless a time extension is done or the
vehicle is started.
3. With the RKE transmitter in the vehicle, press the brake pedal and start the
vehicle to drive.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can also be extended
by another 15 minutes, if during the first
15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while
the engine is still running. An extension can
be requested 30 seconds after starting. This
provides a total of 30 minutes.
The remote start can only be extended once. When the remote start is extended, the
second 15-minute period is added on to the
first 15 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
remote start with an extension, are allowed
between ignition cycles.
The vehicle must be started and then turned
off before the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do any of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start Will
Not Work
The remote start will not operate if any of
the following occur:
.A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.The ignition is on.
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts or a start with
an extension have already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock the door from the outside:
.PressQorKon the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
.Use the key in the driver door. The key
lock cylinder is covered with a cap.
To lock or unlock the door from the inside:
.PressQorKon the power door lock
switch.
.Push down on the door lock knob to lock
a door.
.Pull the door handle once to unlock the
door. Pull the handle again to unlatch it. Keyless Access
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened.
Press the button on the door handle to
open. See
“Keyless Access Operation” in
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
closed. The Open Door Anti Lock Out feature
can be turned on or off. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0123.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
If equipped, the safety lock is on the inside
edge of the rear doors. To use the
safety lock:
1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door. 3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock
switch, or by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch
open, or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
(Continued)
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
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps and the
lights flash three times, the alarm was
activated while the alarm system was
armed.
If the alarm system has been activated, a
message will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0371.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid transmitter is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more RKE
transmitters matched to an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly
matched RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the RKE
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try
another transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the transmitter pocket
located in the center console. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07. If the ignition mode will not change with
the other transmitter or in the transmitter
pocket, your vehicle needs service. If the
ignition does change modes, the first
transmitter may be faulty. See your dealer
who can service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new RKE transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement RKE transmitters.
Up to eight transmitters can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program
additional transmitters, see
“Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply (Continued)
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
during the resetting of the power folding
mirrors. This sound is normal after a manual
folding operation.
Remote Mirror Folding
If equipped, press and hold
Qon the RKE
transmitter for approximately one second to
automatically fold the exterior mirrors. Press
and hold
Kon the RKE transmitter for
approximately one second to unfold. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
This feature is turned on or off through
vehicle personalization. See Vehicle
Personalization 0123.
Heated Mirrors
K:Press to heat the mirrors.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual
Automatic Climate Control System 0192.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
If the vehicle has the automatic dimming
mirror, the driver outside mirror
automatically adjusts for the glare of
headlamps behind you.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with reverse tilt mirrors and
memory seats, the passenger and/or driver
mirror tilts to a preselected position when
the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This allows the
curb to be seen when parallel parking.
The mirror(s) may move from their tilted
position when:
.The vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse),
or remains in R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
.The vehicle is turned off.
.The vehicle is driven in R (Reverse) above
a set speed.
To turn this feature on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 0123.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with
water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming reduces the
glare of headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Rear Camera Mirror
If equipped, this automatic dimming mirror
provides a wide angle camera view of the
area behind the vehicle.