2023 GMC ACADIA towing

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 327
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the vehicle is equipped with car wash
mode and has 12-volt battery power, refer
to“Car Wash Mode” underAutomatic
Transmission 0211 to place the vehicle in
N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or the
engine will not start, the vehicle will not
move. Try to jump start the vehicle. Refer
to Jump Starting - North America 0324
and if the jump start is successful, retry
the “Car Wash Mode” procedure.
.If jump starting is unsuccessful, the
vehicle will not move. Tire skates or
dollies must be used under the non-rolling
tires to prevent vehicle damage.
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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
328 Vehicle Care
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.
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 Dolly 1. 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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 329
2. Open the door and open the hood of thevehicle.
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.
Towing the Vehicle from the RearCaution
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 0343.
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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Service and Maintenance 339
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 0200.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0247.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal Service.
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 Service.
{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 0262 or
Doing Your Own Service Work 0263.
Maintenance Schedule
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Tires are rotated to achieve a more uniform
wear for all tires. The first rotation is the
most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the
tires as soon as possible, check for proper
tire inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual
wear continues after the rotation, check the wheel alignment. See
When It Is Time for
New Tires 0306 and
Wheel Replacement 0310.
.Perform Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
See Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
0 341.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0329.
Additional Required Services —Normal
Service
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
.Check the engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
the oil and filter, and reset oil the life
system. Or 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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
340 Service and Maintenance
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 270.
.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 0271.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Replace the passenger compartment air
filter. Or every 24 months, whichever
comes first. More frequent passenger
compartment air filter replacement may
be needed if driving in areas with heavy
traffic, poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens. Passenger
compartment air filter replacement may
also be needed if there is reduced airflow,
window fogging, or odors. Your GM
dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter. Every 96 000 km (60,000 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. (2.0L L4 Engine Only.)
Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.
Every 156 000 km (97,500 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. (3.6L V6 Engine
Only.) Inspect spark plug wires and/or
boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0282.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and/
or axles and should be replaced.
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0272.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles.
‐ Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Customer Information 355
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
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service: If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner’s responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
358 Customer Information
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 seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0354.
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
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine/propulsion,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
374 Index
DrivingAssistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 249
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Distracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Dual
Automatic Climate Control System . . . . 183
E
ElectricBrake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 285 Electrical System (cont'd)
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 290
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 106
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . 111
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Oil Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Exterior
Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
F
FilterEngine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Fog Lamp Light Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359