2023 GMC ACADIA towing

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
Driving and Operating 253
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the weight of the
loaded vehicle and trailer must be within
the weight ratings for the vehicle.
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0255 to determine
if equalizer bars are required to obtain the
maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0255 to determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the Tow Rating Chart
following.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load
Limits 0200. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a
driver, a front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers,
and cargo in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight rating.
Use the tow rating chart to determine how
much the trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model, powertrain and trailering
options.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
254 Driving and Operating
VehicleMaximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
2.0L LSY Engine with AWD and V92 Trailer Towing Package 1 474 kg (3,250 lb)3 708 kg (8,175 lb)
2.0L LSY Engine with AWD and without V92 Trailer Towing
Package 680 kg (1,500 lb)
2 835 kg (6,250 lb)
2.0L LSY Engine with FWD and V92 Trailer Towing Package 1 474 kg (3,250 lb)3 708 kg (8,175 lb)
2.0L LSY Engine with FWD and without V92 Trailer Towing
Package 680 kg (1,500 lb)
2 835 kg (6,250 lb)
3.6L LGX Engine with V92 Trailer Towing Package 1 814 kg (4,000 lb)4 075 kg (8,984 lb)
3.6L LGX Engine without V92 Trailer Towing Package 454 kg (1,000 lb)2 722 kg (6,000 lb)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any
passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be exceeded.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
is the allowable trailer tongue weight that
the vehicle can support. Do not exceed a
maximum trailer tongue weight of 400 lbs.
The trailer tongue weight contributes to the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). GVW includes
the CURB WEIGHT of your vehicle, any
passengers, cargo, equipment and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options, passengers,
cargo, and equipment reduce the maximum allowable tongue weight the vehicle can
carry, which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be
maintained to ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of
trailer sway.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
Driving and Operating 255
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10–
15% of the loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as boat trailers,
fall outside of this range. Always refer to
the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch, and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle.
If the trailer tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including thecarrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that can be
supported by the rear axle of the vehicle. Do
not exceed the GAWR-RR for the vehicle,
with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing
hitch, do not exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
For additional assistance with trailering or
additional information, see your dealer.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle
helps maintain combination control. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has a coupler
latched to the hitch ball, or a tow eye
latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer tongue
weight between your vehicle and trailer
axles. See
“Trailer Tongue Weight” under
Trailer Towing 0252 or weight limits with
various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Always seal any holes in your vehicle if the
trailer hitch removed. If not sealed, dirt,
water, and carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust may enter your vehicle. See Engine
Exhaust 0210.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
256 Driving and Operating
Hitch Cover
1. Upper Attachments
2. Fasteners
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper attachments (1).
To reinstall hitch cover: 1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the upper tabs into the
slots in the bumper. 2. Push the bottom of the cover forward
until the lower tabs line up with the
lower slots (1).
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
Consider using mechanical sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender height distance (2)
before connecting the trailer. Adjust the
spring bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is the same height before the
trailer was connected. Do not reduce the
front fender height below the initial
distance (2).
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 293 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
258 Driving and Operating
Battery FeedRed/Black or
Red/Blue
Brake Apply Signal White/Blue
Ground Black
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller owner's manual to determine wire
color coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different from the vehicle.
It may be necessary to have a technician
connect the 12-volt power to the engine
compartment fuse block. The electric trailer
brake controller should be installed by your
dealer or a qualified service center.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals should will illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer, the
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, see Driver Mode Control 0220.
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 0252.
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
0 218.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
Driving and Operating 259
{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 Equipment0255 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. Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used
for vehicle service and Emission
Inspection/Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
0106. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —may
interfere with vehicle systems. This could
affect vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 261
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 262
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 262
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 263
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 288
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . 290
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 297
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 302
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 306
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 308
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 308
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 309
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 312
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 324
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 326
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
326 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the remote
negative (–) terminal on the driver side
shock tower for the discharged battery. 9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the
good battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or an
electronic shifter. In the event of a loss of
12-volt battery power, the electric parking
brake cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.