overheating GMC ACADIA 2007 Owner's Manual

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This warning light
should come on
briey when the
engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have
it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there
is a problem. If it stays on, or comes on when
you are driving, there may be a problem with your
StabiliTrak
®system and your vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on, the system
is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
This light will also ash when the StabiliTrak
®
system is active.
If the StabiliTrak
®system warning light comes
on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the system is turned on, your vehicle
needs service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 337for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning
light will come on
when the engine
has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 410for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 410. Your vehicle could be damaged,
and it might not be covered by your warranty.
Never drive with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on briey when starting
your vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced.
224

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
Under normal driving conditions the gage will
read 210°F (100 °C) or less. If the gage pointer
is near 260°F (125 °C), the engine is too hot.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions, you should pull off the
road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 410for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light comes on
briey when you turn
the ignition to ON.
It will also come on when one or more of your
tires are signicantly underinated.
A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE Driver Information
Center (DIC) message will accompany the light.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 244
for more information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to do
so. If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 435for more information.
This light will ash for about 70 seconds and then
stay on if a problem is detected with the Tire
Pressure Monitor system.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 444
for more information.
United StatesCanada
225

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed
and that some action may be needed by the driver
to correct the condition. Multiple messages may
appear one after another.
Some messages may not require immediate
action, but you can press any of the DIC buttons
on the instrument panel or the trip odometer
reset stem on the instrument panel cluster
to acknowledge that you received the messages
and to clear them from the display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These
messages require action before they can be
cleared. You should take any messages that
appear on the display seriously and remember that
clearing the messages will only make the
messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can
be displayed and some information about them.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
system, this message displays when there
is a compact spare tire on the vehicle, when
the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
comes on, or when the rear differential uid
is overheating. This message turns off when the
differential uid cools.
The AWD system is disabled until the compact
spare tire is replaced by a full-size tire. If the
warning message is still on after putting on the
full-size tire, you need to reset the warning
message. To reset the warning message, turn
the ignition off and then back on again after
30 seconds. If the message stays on, see your
dealer/retailer right away. SeeAll-Wheel Drive
(AWD) System on page 339for more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the automatic
headlamps are turned off. This message clears
itself after 10 seconds.
244

CRUISE SET TO XXX
This message displays whenever the cruise control
is set. SeeCruise Control on page 180for more
information.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
driver’s door is not fully closed and the vehicle
is in a drive gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message still appears
on the DIC.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating
temperature. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 225. To avoid added strain on
a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You can continue to
drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the
system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible to avoid damage to the engine.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this
message displays if the oil level in the vehicle
is low. Check the oil level and correct it as
necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool
or warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure
this message clears. SeeEngine Oil on page 397
for additional information.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 410for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 225.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 412for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
246

ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop
the vehicle as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 410for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds
if the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message clears when the
engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when
the cooling system temperature gets too hot
and the engine further enters the engine coolant
protection mode. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 410for further information.This message also displays when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no reduction
in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at
a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if
the fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 231andFuel on page 387
for more information.
247

TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM) system is re-learning the tire
positions on your vehicle. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays (With DIC Buttons) on page 233orDIC
Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on
page 239for more information. The tire positions
must be re-learned after rotating the tires or after
replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 448,Tire Pressure Monitor
System on page 444, andInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 442for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 337
for more information. This message clears itself
after 10 seconds.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead
to costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays along with a continuous
chime if the transmission uid in the vehicle
gets hot. Driving with the transmission uid
temperature high can cause damage to the
vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to allow
the transmission to cool. This message clears
and the chime stops when the uid temperature
reaches a safe level.
254

Driving on Grades
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger
and load carrying vehicle. If you tow a trailer,
your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. Because
of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days, when going up
a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gage indicates overheating,
turn off the air conditioning to reduce engine load,
pull off the road and stop in a safe spot.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
don’t shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce
your speed to around 55 mph (88 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill.
If something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured, and
both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift
into PARK (P).
When parking uphill, turn your wheels away
from the curb. When parking downhill,
turn your wheels into the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks behind the
trailer wheels.
380

Trailer Wiring Harness
Your vehicle is equipped with the following wiring
harness for towing a trailer.
Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness, with a seven-pin
connector, is located at the rear of the vehicle
and is tied to the vehicle’s frame. The harness
connector can be plugged into a seven-pin
universal heavy-duty trailer connector available
through your dealer/retailer.
The seven-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Taillamps
White: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Red: Battery Feed*
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuses for these two circuits are installed in
the underhood electrical center, but the wires
are not connected. They should be connected by
your dealer/retailer or a qualied service center.
If you are charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery,
press the tow/haul mode button located at the
end of the shift lever. This will boost the vehicle
system voltage and properly charge the battery.
If the trailer is too light for tow/haul mode, you can
turn on the headlamps (Non-HID only) as a
second way to boost the vehicle system and
charge the battery.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 410.
382

Service........................................................ 385
Accessories and Modications................... 385
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 386
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 386
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 387
Fuel............................................................. 387
Gasoline Octane........................................ 388
Gasoline Specications.............................. 388
California Fuel........................................... 388
Additives................................................... 389
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 390
Filling the Tank......................................... 390
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 393
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 394
Hood Release........................................... 395
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 396
Engine Oil................................................. 397
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 400
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 402
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 404
Engine Coolant.......................................... 406
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 410
Engine Overheating................................... 410Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 412
Cooling System......................................... 413
Power Steering Fluid................................. 419
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 420
Brakes...................................................... 421
Battery...................................................... 424
Jump Starting............................................ 425
All-Wheel Drive........................................... 430
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 431
Bulb Replacement....................................... 432
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting..... 432
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 432
License Plate Lamp................................... 433
Replacement Bulbs................................... 433
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 434
Tires............................................................ 435
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 436
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 439
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 442
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 444
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 448
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 450
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
383

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmission uid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 511.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the
proper uid to bring the level into the crosshatched
area on the dipstick.
1. Remove the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally
less than one half of a pint (0.25 L).
Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission uid may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the automatic
transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 511.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained,
twist & lock dipstick cap in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating or if you need
to add coolant to the radiator, seeEngine
Overheating on page 410.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
406