
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 229
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.
Driver Mode Control Knob (AWD)
Driver Mode Control Knob (FWD)
5orqTour (FWD) :Vehicle is in Tour
(FWD) Mode. Use this mode during normal
driving conditions. See Driving for Better Fuel
Economy 0200. Tour (FWD) Mode operates
in Front-Wheel Drive to improve fuel
economy.
8Sport : Sport Mode improves vehicle
handling and acceleration on dry pavement.
When active, Sport Mode modifies steering
efforts, transmission shifting, and suspension
tuning (when equipped). For AWD vehicles,
choosing Sport Mode also engages
AWD Mode.
The Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL)
feature is enabled in Sport Mode. PAL allows
the transmission to hold the current gear
after a quick release of a heavily applied
accelerator pedal. This provides greater
engine braking and enhanced vehicle control.
4AWD (AWD Only) : AWD Mode
provides drive torque to all four wheels.
Select AWD to improve traction and control
on slippery road surfaces, such as gravel,
sand, wet pavement, snow, and ice. When in
AWD Mode, the AWD Mode indicator will be
on. The AWD Mode will stay selected until
the mode is changed.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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234 Driving and Operating
When the vehicle is turned on, the cruise
control mode will be set to the last mode
used before the vehicle was turned off.
It is recommended to switch from ACC to
regular cruise control only, when there are
no vehicles ahead of your vehicle.
{Warning
Always check the cruise control indicator
on the instrument cluster to determine
which mode cruise control is in before
using the feature. If ACC is not active, the
vehicle will not automatically brake for
other vehicles, which could cause a crash
if the brakes are not applied manually.
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If
Jis on when not in use, it could get
pressed and go into cruise when not desired.
Keep
Joff when cruise is not being used.
Select the set speed desired for cruise. This
is the vehicle speed when no vehicle is
detected in its path. ACC will not set at a speed less than
25 km/h (15 mph), although it can be
resumed when driving at lower speeds. The
minimum allowable set speed is 25 km/h
(15 mph).
To set ACC:
1. Press
J.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET–.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.
After ACC is set, it may immediately apply
the brakes if a vehicle ahead is detected
closer than the selected following gap.
ACC can also be set while the vehicle is
stopped if ACC is on and the brake pedal is
applied.
The ACC indicator displays on the
instrument cluster and Head-Up Display
(HUD), if equipped. When ACC is active, the
indicator will be lit green. Be mindful of speed limits, surrounding
traffic speeds, and weather conditions when
selecting the set speed.
Resuming a Set Speed
If ACC is set at a desired speed and then the
brakes are applied, ACC is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
To begin using ACC again, press RES+ up
briefly.
.If the vehicle is moving more than 5 km/h
(3 mph), it returns to the previous set
speed.
.If the vehicle is stopped with the brake
pedal applied, press RES+ and release the
brake pedal. ACC will hold the vehicle
until RES+ or the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
A green ACC indicator and the set speed
display on the instrument cluster. The
vehicle ahead indicator may be flashing if a
vehicle ahead was present and moved. See
“Approaching and Following a Vehicle” later
in this section.
Once ACC has resumed, if there is no vehicle
ahead, if the vehicle ahead is beyond the
selected following gap, or if the vehicle has
exited a sharp curve, then the vehicle speed
will increase to the set speed.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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248 Driving and Operating
Additional button presses will change this
setting. The chosen setting will remain until
it is changed and will affect the timing of
both the Collision Alert and the Tailgating
Alert features. The timing of both alerts will
vary based on vehicle speed. The faster the
vehicle speed, the farther away the alert will
occur. Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert timing.
The range of selectable alert timings may
not be appropriate for all drivers and driving
conditions.
If your vehicle is equipped with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), changing the FCA
timing setting automatically changes the
following gap setting (Far, Medium,
or Near).
Following Distance Indicator
The following distance to a moving vehicle
ahead in your path is indicated in following
time in seconds on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDriver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0116 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0118. The minimum following time
is 0.5 seconds away. If there is no vehicle
detected ahead, or the vehicle ahead is out
of sensor range, dashes will be displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts for
turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles, or shadows.
These alerts are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to operate
properly, this may correct the issue:
.Clean the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror.
.Clean the entire front of the vehicle.
.Clean the headlamps.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision Alert
(FCA), it also has AEB, which includes
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA). When the
system detects a vehicle ahead in your path
that is traveling in the same direction that
you may be about to crash into, it can
provide a boost to braking or automatically
brake the vehicle. This can help avoid or
lessen the severity of crashes when driving
in a forward gear. Depending on the
situation, the vehicle may automatically brake moderately or hard. This automatic
emergency braking can only occur if a
vehicle is detected. This is shown by the FCA
vehicle ahead indicator being lit. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0246.
The system works when driving in a forward
gear between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph), or on vehicles with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), above 4 km/h (2 mph).
It can detect vehicles up to approximately
60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash preparation
feature and is not designed to avoid
crashes. Do not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc. (Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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258 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0334. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0336.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeDriver Mode Control 0229. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0223.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 267
arrows on the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0229.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0261.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 227.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment 0264 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.

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Vehicle Care 283
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with theproper mixture to the indicated
level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the indicated
level mark. 5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is
shut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down again,
see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Automatic Coolant Service Fill
(2.0L L4 Engine Only)
If equipped, this feature assists in filling and
removing air from the cooling system after
service of components or when coolant is
added after being too low.
To activate the fill and air removal process:
1. With a cold system, disconnect the vent line from the port near the cap on the
surge tank. Add coolant to the indicated
mark on the surge tank. 2. Reconnect the vent line to the surge
tank and replace the cap on the
surge tank.
3. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
4. Put the vehicle in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0213.
5. Turn off the air conditioning.
6. Set the parking brake.
7. At the same time, press the accelerator and the brake for automatic transmission
vehicles for two seconds, then release.
At the end of the cycle, check the coolant
level in the surge tank and add coolant, if it
is low. Turn off the vehicle, allow the Engine
Control Module (ECM) to go to sleep, about
two minutes, and repeat steps 3-7.
Listen for pump activation and movement of
the control valves while watching the level
of the tank. If the tank empties, turn the
ignition off, carefully remove the surge tank
cap, refill to the indicated mark and repeat
steps 3-6. The fill and air removal process
will run for approximately 10 minutes.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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306 Vehicle Care
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side
of an asymmetrical tire that must
always face outward when mounted on
a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air
pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number
ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds
to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The
maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire can be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating
for a tire at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The
sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and production
options weight. Normal Occupant Weight
:The number
of occupants a vehicle is designed to
seat multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb). See
Vehicle Load Limits 0209.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated
seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The side of
an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the
tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall of
the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on passenger cars and some light duty
trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
:
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard. See Tire Pressure0307 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0209. Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in
which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between
the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the
maximum speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire
and the road surface. The amount of
grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes
into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow bands,
sometimes called wear bars, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires 0314.

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312 Vehicle Care
When the recommended pressure is
reached, the horn sounds once and the
turn signal lamp will stop flashing and
briefly turn solid.
Repeat these steps for all underinflated tires
that have illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Do not exceed the maximum
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling 0302 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0209.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound multiple
times and the turn signal lamp will continue
to flash for several seconds after filling
stops. To release and correct the pressure,
while the turn signal lamp is still flashing,
briefly press the center of the valve stem.
When the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working. If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors. The TPMS sensor matching process should
also be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next ignition
cycle. The sensors are matched to the tire/
wheel positions, using a TPMS relearn tool,
in the following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire. See your
dealer for service or to purchase a relearn
tool. A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Place the vehicle in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0213.