automatic transmission GMC ACADIA 2008 Owner's Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Liftgate........................................................2-13
Power Liftgate..............................................2-14
Windows........................................................2-18
Power Windows............................................2-19
Sun Visors...................................................2-21
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-21
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-21
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-23
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-23
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-25
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-25
Ignition Positions..........................................2-26Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-27
Starting the Engine.......................................2-27
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-29
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-30
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-34
Parking Brake..............................................2-35
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-36
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-37
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-38
Engine Exhaust............................................2-38
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-39
Mirrors...........................................................2-40
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-40
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-40
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-42
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors.....................2-43
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-44
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-44
Object Detection Systems...............................2-45
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)...........................................2-45
Rear Vision Camera......................................2-47
OnStar
®System.............................................2-47
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

The liftgate can also be closed by pressing the power
liftgate button next to the liftgate latch. Press the button
a second time during liftgate operation to reverse that
operation.
The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled under
extreme temperatures, or under low battery conditions. If
this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually.If you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) while the
power function is in progress, the liftgate power function
will continue to completion. If you shift the transmission
out of PARK (P) and accelerate before the power
liftgate latches closed, the liftgate may reverse to the
open position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Always
make sure the power liftgate is closed and latched
before you drive away.
If you power open the liftgate and the liftgate support
struts have lost pressure, the lights will ash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will stay open temporarily,
then slowly close. See your dealer/retailer for service
before using the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power
open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full
closed or open position. After removing the obstruction,
the power liftgate operation can be used again. If the
liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power
cycle, the power function will deactivate, and you
must manually open or close the liftgate. The LIFTGATE
OPEN warning message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will indicate that the liftgate is open. After
removing the obstructions, manually open the liftgate
to the full open position or close the liftgate to the fully
closed and latched position. The liftgate will now
resume normal power operation. Power Liftgate Button Near Liftgate Latch
2-16

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle has an electronic shift position indicator
within the instrument panel cluster.
When using the Electronic Range Select Mode a
number will display next to the L, indicating the current
gear that has been selected.
See Electronic Range Select mode in this section for
more information.
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever located on
the console between the seats.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-36. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-30.
2-30

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brake rst and then press the
shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, then
push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift
lever button and move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-37.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-20.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
2-31

When you shift from DRIVE (D) to LOW (L), the
transmission will shift to a pre-determined lower gear
range. The highest gear available for this pre-determined
range is displayed next to the L in the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-57andDIC
Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on
page 3-57orDIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC
Buttons) on page 3-63for more information. The
number displayed in the DIC is the highest gear that the
transmission will be allowed to operate in. However,
your vehicle can automatically shift to lower gears
as required by various driving conditions. This means
that all gears below that number are available. For
example, when FOURTH (4) is shown next to the L,
FIRST (1) through FOURTH (4) gears are automatically
shifted by the vehicle. You cannot shift into FIFTH (5)
until the plus (+) button is used or you shift back
into DRIVE (D) mode.While in LOW (L), the transmission will prevent shifting
to a lower gear range if the engine speed is too high
for the gear range you are trying to select. You have a
brief period of time to slow the vehicle speed. If
vehicle speed is not reduced within the timeframe
allowed, the lower gear range attempted will not be
available. The highest possible gear that is allowed for
that engine speed will display next to the L in the
DIC. Try again to slow the vehicle speed and press the
minus (−) button to the desired lower gear range.
Automatic Engine Grade braking is not available when
the ERS is active. It is available in DRIVE (D) for
both normal and Tow/Haul mode. While using the ERS,
cruise control and the tow/haul mode can be used.
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34for more information.
2-33

Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle may have a Tow/Haul mode.
The button to turn it on or
off is located on instrument
panel under the climate
controls.
Push the button to turn it on, push it again to deactivate
the system. You can use this feature to assist when
towing or hauling a heavy load.
When Tow/Haul is activated the Tow/Haul symbol will
come on the instrument panel cluster. SeeTow/Haul
ModeunderTowing a Trailer on page 4-30for
more information.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists when driving
on a downhill grade. It maintains the vehicle’s speed by
automatically implementing a shift schedule that uses
the engine and the transmission to slow the vehicle. This
reduces wear on the brakes system and increases
control of the vehicle. The system constantly monitors
the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, throttle position,
and whether the brake pedal is being pressed, and
determines when to keep the current vehicle speed or
to slow down. The system will then automatically
command downshifts that reduces the vehicle’s speed,
until the brake pedal is no longer being pressed.
This indicates the desired vehicle speed has been
reached.
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.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30.
2-34

Battery Run-Down Protection
This vehicle has a feature to help prevent the battery
from being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps,
reading/map lamps, visor vanity lamps or trunk lamp
are accidentally left on. If any of these lamps are
left on, they will automatically turn off after 10 minutes,
if the ignition is off. The lamps will not come back
on again until one of the following occurs:
The ignition is turned on.
The exterior lamps control is turned off,
then on again.
The headlamps will timeout after 10 minutes, if they
are manually turned on before the ignition is off.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright or too high in
your eld of view, it may take you more time
to see things you need to see when it is dark
outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim
and placed low in your eld of view.
If the vehicle has the Head-Up Display (HUD),
some information concerning the operation of the
vehicle is projected onto the windshield. This includes
the speedometer reading, RPM reading, transmission
position, outside air temperature, the tap shift gear,
and a brief display of the current radio station,
including XM information or CD track. It will also
display turn-by-turn navigation information if the
vehicle has a navigation radio. The images are
projected by the HUD lens located on the driver’s
side of the instrument panel.
The tap shift gear will also appear on the HUD if
the vehicle has tap shift and it is active.
3-20

Format Two:This display includes the information
in Format One without the transmission information
and the outside air temperature.
Format Three:This display includes all the information
in Format One along with a circular tachometer, but
without outside air temperature.
All formats will show the turn-by-turn navigation
information and provide details about the next driving
maneuver to be made. When you near your destination,the HUD will display a distance bar that will ll in the
closer you get to your destination. All navigation
information is provided to the HUD by the navigation
radio, if the vehicle has one.
The HUD image displayed on the windshield will
automatically dim and brighten to compensate for
outside lighting.
The HUD image can temporarily light up depending
on the angle and position of the sunlight on the
HUD display. This is normal and will change when
the angle of the sunlight on the HUD display changes.
Polarized sunglasses could make the HUD image
harder to see.
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield as needed to remove
any dirt or lm that could reduce the sharpness or
clarity of the HUD image.
To clean the HUD lens, use a soft, clean cloth that has
household glass cleaner sprayed on it. Wipe the HUD
lens gently, then dry it. Do not spray cleaner directly on
the lens because the cleaner could leak into the unit.
3-23

Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
The DIC displays information about your vehicle.
It also displays warning messages if a system problem
is detected.
All messages will appear in the DIC display located at
the top of the instrument panel cluster.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was
last displayed before the engine was turned off.
The DIC also displays a shift lever position indicator on the
bottom line of the display. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-30for more information.
The outside air temperature also displays on the DIC
when viewing the trip and fuel information. The outside
air temperature automatically appears in the top right
corner of the DIC display. If there is a problem with
the system that controls the temperature display,
the numbers will be replaced with dashes. If this occurs,
have the vehicle serviced.
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, see “DIC Operation
and Displays (With DIC Buttons)” later in this section
andDIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-75for the displays available.
If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, see
“DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons)”
later in this section for the displays available.
DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, the information below
explains the operation of this system.
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons located on the instrument
panel. SeeInstrument Panel Overview on page 3-4
for more information.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system problem
is detected.
The DIC also allows some features to be customized.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-75for more information.
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, you can also use the
trip odometer reset stem to view the odometer and
trip odometers.
3-57

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 and a chime sounds 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 when the uid temperature reaches a safe level.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the
turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for the location of the windshield
washer uid reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-34for more information.
DIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons)
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities that
allow you to program certain features to one preferred
setting. Customization features can only be programmed
to one setting on the vehicle and cannot be programmed
to a preferred setting for two different drivers.
All of the customization options may not be available
on your vehicle. Only the options available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the customization features were
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then.
The customization preferences are automatically
recalled.
3-75