GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Seats and Restraints 63
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seePublication Ordering
Information 0358.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, airbag wiring, or front
center console
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger's seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim,
or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing
system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System 059.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0308
for additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and you have questions
about whether the modifications will affect
the vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 191
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible.
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.On AWD vehicles, seeDriver Mode Control
0 220.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16402009) - 2023 - CRC - 3/29/22
Driving and Operating 215
2. Press the plus or minus button on thecenter stack to increase or decrease the
gear range available.
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission
will shift to a preset lower gear range. For
this preset range, the highest gear available
is displayed next to the L in the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 114 orDriver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel) 0116 orDriver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0119. All gears below that
number are available to use. For example,
when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L,
1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted
automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth) gear, press
the + (Plus) button or shift into D (Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too high.
If vehicle speed is not reduced within the
time allowed, the lower gear range shift will
not be completed. Slow the vehicle, then
press the −(Minus) button to the desired
lower gear range.
While using ERS, cruise control can be used.Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
AWD Mode.
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode.
Turn the knob to4to select AWD.
See Driver Mode Control 0220.
When operated in two-wheel drive, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better fuel
economy. When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See
Compact Spare Tire 0323.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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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
294 Vehicle Care
offer the same level of traction or
performance as winter tires on snow or
ice-covered roads. SeeWinter Tires0294.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally equipped
with winter tires. Winter tires are designed
for increased traction on snow and
ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent driving on ice
or snow covered roads is expected. See your
dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also,
see Buying New Tires 0307.
With winter tires, there may be decreased
dry road traction, increased road noise, and
shorter tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread
type on all four wheel positions.
.Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the
original equipment tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as
the original equipment tires may not be
available for H, V, W, Y, and ZR speed rated tires. If winter tires with a lower speed
rating are chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Summer Tires
This vehicle may come with 235/55R20 high
performance summer tires. These tires have
a special tread and compound that are
optimized for maximum dry and wet road
performance. This special tread and
compound will have decreased performance
in cold climates, and on ice and snow. It is
recommended that winter tires be installed
on the vehicle if frequent driving at
temperatures below approximately 5 °C
(40 °F) or on ice or snow covered roads is
expected. See
Winter Tires0294.
Caution
High performance summer tires have
rubber compounds that lose flexibility
and may develop surface cracks in the
tread area at temperatures below −7 °C
(20 °F). Always store high performance
summer tires indoors and at
temperatures above −7 °C (20 °F) when
not in use. If the tires have been
subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or less, let them
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warm up in a heated space to at least
5 °C (40 °F) for 24 hours or more before
being installed or driving a vehicle on
which they are installed. Do not apply
heat or blow heated air directly on the
tires. Always inspect tires before use. See
Tire Inspection 0305.
All-Terrain Tires
This vehicle may have all-terrain or
mud-terrain tires. These tires provide good
performance on most road surfaces, weather
conditions, and for off-road driving. See
Off-Road Driving 0194.
The tread pattern on these tires may wear
more unevenly than other tires. Consider
rotating the tires more frequently than at
12 000 km (7,500 mi) intervals if irregular
wear is noted when the tires are inspected.
See Tire Inspection 0305.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The examples
show a typical passenger vehicle tire
and a compact spare tire sidewall.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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302 Vehicle Care
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0302.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0359 or
Radio Frequency Statement 0359.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 200.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed. For additional
information and details about the DIC
operation and displays see Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0114
or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel)
0 116 orDriver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0119. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label,
attached to your vehicle, shows the size of
the original equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when they
are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0200, for
an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location. Also see
Tire Pressure 0299.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 305, Tire Rotation 0305, and Tires0293.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
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Vehicle Care 305
The horn sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on
the DIC display.
6. Start with the driver side front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.
8. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7.
9. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7.
10. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been matched to
the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message on the DIC display goes off.
11. Turn the vehicle off.
12. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be
inspected for signs of wear or damage
at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show
cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated according to the
interval specified in the Maintenance
Schedule. See Maintenance Schedule
0 339. 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
0 306 andWheel Replacement 0310.
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 307
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow
aging. This area should be free of grease,
gasoline, or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause
flat spots on the tires that may result in
vibrations while driving. When storing a
vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific
tires for the vehicle. The original
equipment tires installed were designedto meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specification (TPC
Spec) system rating. When replacement
tires are needed, GM strongly
recommends buying tires with the same
TPC Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the overall
performance of the vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and
handling, traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring performance. GM's
TPC Spec number is molded onto the
tire's sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC Spec number will be followed
by MS for mud and snow. See
Tire
Sidewall Labeling 0294 for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn tires in
complete sets of four. Uniform tread
depth on all tires will help to maintain
the performance of the vehicle. Braking
and handling performance may be
adversely affected if all the tires are not replaced at the same time. If proper
rotation and maintenance have been
done, all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. However, if it is
necessary to replace only one axle set
of worn tires, place the new tires on
the rear axle. See
Tire Rotation0305.
{Warning
Tires could explode during improper
service. Attempting to mount or
dismount a tire could cause injury or
death. Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should mount or
dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on the
vehicle), brands, tread patterns,
or types may cause loss of vehicle
control, resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the correct size,
brand, and type of tire on all wheels.