
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Instruments and Controls 109
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on to show that the light is
working. If it does not come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
SeeBrake System Warning Light 0107.
Gear Shifting Light
If equipped, this light will display when
Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL) is
activated. See Driver Mode Control 0220.
Hill Descent Control Light
If equipped, the Hill Descent Control light
comes on when the system is ready for use.
When the light flashes, the system is active.
See Hill Descent Control (HDC) 0219.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
If equipped, the Lane Keep Assist Light may
display the following colors:
.Blank: LKA is disabled.
.White: Appears when the vehicle starts.
A steady white light indicates that LKA is
not ready to assist.
.Green: Appears when LKA is turned on
and ready to assist. LKA will gently turn
the steering wheel if the vehicle
approaches a detected lane marking.
.Amber: Appears when LKA is active. The
light flashes amber as a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert to indicate that the
lane marking has been unintentionally
crossed. If the system detects you are
steering intentionally (to pass or change
lanes), the LDW alert may not display.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
124 Instruments and Controls
Metric
English
Performance View : This displays digital
speed, indicators from speed view along
with rpm reading, transmission positions,
and gear shift indicator (if equipped).
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield as needed
to remove any dirt or film that could reduce
the sharpness or clarity of the HUD image.
Clean the HUD lens with a soft cloth
sprayed with glass cleaner. Wipe the lens
gently, then dry it.
HUD Troubleshooting
If you cannot see the HUD image when the
ignition is on, check that:
.Nothing is covering the HUD lens.
.The HUD brightness setting is not too
dim or too bright.
.The HUD is adjusted to the proper height
and rotation.
.Polarized sunglasses are not worn.
.The windshield and HUD lens are clean.
If the HUD image is not correct, contact
your dealer.
The windshield is part of the HUD system.
See Windshield Replacement 0281.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed. All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Instruments and Controls 125
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for variouspropulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Universal Remote System
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0359 or
Radio Frequency Statement 0359.
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, these buttons are in the
overhead console.
This system can replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices.
These instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other devices.
Do not use the Universal Remote system
with any garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Read these instructions completely before
programming the Universal Remote system.
It may help to have another person assist
with the programming process.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quicker and more accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
176 Infotainment System
.Overspeed Warnings–the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Wide Open Throttle –the number of
times the accelerator pedal was pressed
nearly all the way down.
.Forward Collision Alerts (if equipped) –
the number of times the driver was
notified when approaching a vehicle
ahead too quickly and at potential risk for
a crash.
.Forward Automatic Braking, also called
Automatic Emergency Braking (if
equipped) –the number of times the
vehicle detected that a forward collision
was imminent and applied the brakes.
.Reverse Automatic Braking (if equipped) –
the number of times the vehicle detected
that a rearward collision was imminent
and applied the brakes.
.Traction Control –the number of times
the Traction Control System activated to
reduce wheel spin or loss of traction.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.Antilock Braking System Active –The
number of Antilock Brake System
activations.
.Tailgating Alerts (if equipped)– the
number of times the driver was alerted
for following a vehicle ahead too closely.
Report Card Data
Cumulative Data is saved for all trips until
the Report Card is reset or until the
maximum count is exceeded. If the
maximum count is exceeded for a Report
Card line item, that item will no longer be
updated in the Report Card until it is reset.
Each item will report a maximum of
1,000 counts. The distance driven will report
a maximum of 64 374 km (40,000 mi).
To delete Report Card data, do one of the
following:
.From the Report Card display, touch
Reset.
.Touch Clear PIN and All Teen Driver Keys
from the Teen Driver menu. This will also
unregister any Teen Driver keys and
delete the PIN.
Forgotten PIN
See your dealer to reset the PIN.
Trademarks and License
Agreements
FCC Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0359 or
Radio Frequency Statement 0359.
"Made for iPhone," means that an electronic
accessory has been designed to connect
specifically to iPhone, and has been certified
by the developer to meet Apple
performance standards. Apple is not
responsible for the operation of this device
or its compliance with safety and regulatory
standards. Please note that the use of this
accessory with iPhone may affect wireless
performance. iPhone are trademarks of
Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
190 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 191
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . 208
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 210
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 211
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) . . . . 223
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Surround Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 237
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . 249
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . 249
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
192 Driving and Operating
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 047.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious —or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is
being driven, brake normally but do not
pump the brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the engine
stops, there will be some power brake assist
but it will be used when the brake is

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
194 Driving and Operating
2. Turn the steering wheel aboutone-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without AWD
and vehicles not equipped with All Terrain
(AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be
driven off-road except on a level, solid
surface. To contact the tire manufacturer for
more information about the original
equipment tires, see the warranty manual. Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of the best
ways to control the vehicle is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily
throw you out of position. This could
cause you to lose control and crash. You
and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance and
service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check
inflation pressure in all tires, including the
spare, if equipped.
.Read all the information about AWD
vehicles in this manual.
.Make sure all underbody shields,
if equipped, are properly attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to off-road
driving.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
196 Driving and Operating
.Use headlamps even during the day to
make the vehicle more visible.
.Never go downhill forward or backward
with the transmission in N (Neutral). The
brakes could overheat and you could lose
control.
.When driving down a hill, keep the
vehicle headed straight down. Use a low
gear because the engine will work with
the brakes to slow the vehicle and help
keep the vehicle under control.
{Warning
Heavy braking when going down a hill
can cause your brakes to overheat and
fade. This could cause loss of control and
you or others could be injured or killed.
Apply the brakes lightly when descending
a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle
speed under control.
.Avoid turns that take the vehicle across
the incline of the hill. Driving across an
incline puts more weight on the downhill
wheels, which could cause a downhill
slide or a rollover.
.Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet
grass can cause the tires to slip sideways,
downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, it
can hit something and potentially
roll over.
.Hidden obstacles can make the steepness
of the incline more severe. If a rock is
driven across with the uphill wheels, or if
the downhill wheels drop into a rut or
depression, the vehicle can tilt even more.
.If an incline must be driven across and
the vehicle starts to slide, turn downhill.
This should help straighten out the
vehicle and prevent side slipping.
If the vehicle stalls on a hill: 1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and then apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into P (Park) and then restart the engine.
.If driving uphill when the vehicle
stalls, shift to R (Reverse), release the
parking brake, and back
straight down.
.Never try to turn the vehicle around.
If the hill is steep enough to stall the
vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it
to roll over.
.If you cannot make it up the hill,
back straight down the hill.
.Never back down a hill in N (Neutral)
using only the brake.
.The vehicle can roll backward quickly
and you could lose control.
.If driving downhill when the vehicle
stalls, shift to a lower gear, release
the parking brake, and drive straight
down the hill.
3. If the vehicle cannot be restarted after stalling, set the parking brake, shift into
P (Park), and turn the vehicle off.
3.1. Leave the vehicle and seek help.
3.2. Stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if it rolled downhill.
{Warning
Getting out of the vehicle on the
downhill side when stopped across an
incline is dangerous. If the vehicle rolls
over, you could be crushed or killed.
Always get out on the uphill side of the
vehicle and stay well clear of the
rollover path.