
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
100 Instruments and Controls
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel)
0116 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 119.
.Audio
.Phone
.Navigation
.Options
Audio
Press
Vto select the Audio app, then press
pto enter the Audio menu. In the Audio
menu browse for music, select from the
favorites, or change the audio source. Use
worxto change the station or go to the
next or previous track.
Phone
Press
Vto select the Phone app, then press
pto enter the Phone menu. In the Phone
menu, if there is no active phone call, view
recent calls, or scroll through contacts.
If there is an active call, mute the phone or
switch to handset operation. Navigation
Press the
Vto select the Navigation app,
then press
pto enter the Navigation menu.
If there is no active route, you can resume
the last route and turn the voice prompts
on/off. If there is an active route, press
V
to cancel or resume route guidance or turn
the voice prompts on or off.
Options
Press the
Vto select the Options app, then
press
pto enter the Options menu. Usew
orxto scroll through items in the
Options menu.
Units : Press
pwhile Units is displayed to
enter the Units menu. Choose English or
Metric units by pressing
Vwhile the
desired item is highlighted.
Display Themes : There are two instrument
cluster display configurations to choose
from: Sport and Touring.
Info Pages : Press
pwhile Info Pages is
displayed to enter the Info Pages menu and
select the items to be displayed in the Info
app. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0114 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel)
0
116 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 119.
Speed Warning : The Speed Warning display
allows you to set a speed not to be
exceeded. To set, press
pwhen Speed
Warning is displayed.
Scroll to set speed and press
p. Scrollwor
xto adjust the value and press theVto
set the speed. Once the speed is set, this
feature can be turned off by pressing
V
while viewing this page. If the selected
speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is
displayed with a chime.
Head-up Display (HUD) Rotation :
If equipped, this feature allows for adjusting
the angle of the HUD image. Press the
V
on the steering wheel controls while
Head-up Display Rotation is highlighted to
enter Adjust Mode. Press
worxto adjust
the angle of the HUD display. Press the
V
to save the setting or pressoto cancel the
setting. The vehicle must be in P (Park).
Software Information : Displays open source
software information.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Instruments and Controls 111
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. To
turn ESC off and on, seeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0218.
If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do not
assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust
driving accordingly.
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak 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 light is on and not flashing, the TCS
and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system
are not fully operational and may not assist
in maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly. If the condition persists, see your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may
display.
The light flashes when the TCS and/or the
StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0218.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer. If the system is working
normally the indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature warning
light indicates that the vehicle has
overheated. Driving with this light on can
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damage the engine and it may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating 0276.
The engine coolant temperature warning
light comes on when the engine has
overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. See Engine
Overheating 0276.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport Mode is
selected.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
200 Driving and Operating
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0218.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
For All-Wheel Drive (AWD), select Off-Road
or AWD mode. See Driver Mode Control
0 220 and
All-Wheel Drive 0215.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Transporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0326.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
Driving and Operating 213
To shift out of N (Neutral):1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes.
Car Wash Mode is not to be used for vehicle
towing. If the vehicle needs to be towed,
see Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0326.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park) if
left in Car Wash Mode.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal. 5. The indicator should continue to show N.
If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle occupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is
now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral), then release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
220 Driving and Operating
HDC will remain enabled between 22–
60 km/h (14–37 mph); however vehicle
speed cannot be set or maintained in this
range. It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h (50 mph) or
above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least
30 seconds. Press
5again to re-enable HDC.
Driver Mode Control
If equipped, the Driver Mode Control has the
following Modes: Tour (FWD), Sport,
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Snow, 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 ON/
OFF 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 0191. 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/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
Driving and Operating 221
AWD is active in AWD, Sport and Off-Road
Modes.
6Snow/Ice (FWD Only) :Snow/Ice mode
improves vehicle acceleration on snow and
ice covered roads.
_Tow/Haul : This feature can assist
when towing a heavy load. Use this mode
to assist in maintaining desired vehicle
speeds when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission. When
active, Tow/Haul mode modifies
transmission shifting, suspension tuning,
steering effort, and Trailer Sway Control. For
AWD vehicles, choosing Tow/Haul mode also
engages AWD. See Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0249.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
the driver to select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/
Haul mode.
See
Automatic Transmission 0211.
7Off-Road (AWD Only) : Use this mode
for off-road recreational driving. When
active, Off-Road mode modifies accelerator
pedal response, ABS, TCS, steering effort,
suspension tuning, and the StabiliTrak/ESC
system. Choosing Off-Road mode also
engages AWD mode. For more information
on Off-Road mode, see Off-Road Driving
0 194.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system begins to limit wheel spin
while using cruise control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0218. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0237.
When road conditions allow the cruise
control to be safely used, cruise control can
be turned back on.
Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC
system will disengage the cruise control.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.

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
Index 373
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
CleaningExterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96, 99
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Control Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 218
Control Light
Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Controls
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Engine Temperature Warning Light . . . . . 111
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183, 187
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 356
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Customer Assistance Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 358
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . 351
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362 Data Collection (cont'd)
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . 159
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Disabled Vehicle Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215, 280
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . 114, 116, 119
Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173