cooling GMC ACADIA 2008 Owner's Manual

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter:
1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a at,
thin object inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Put the transmitter back together tightly.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
starts the engine from outside of the vehicle.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system,
the climate control system will default to a heating or
cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures. If
your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system
and heated seats, the heated seats will turn on
during colder outside temperatures and will shut off
when the key is turned to ON/RUN. SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-5for more information.
The rear window defogger and heated mirrors, if your
vehicle has them, will turn on during colder outside
temperatures and will turn off when the key is turned to
ON/RUN.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using the remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
2-7

Liftgate
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
If you must drive with the liftgate open, or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the liftgate:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the
recirculation mode off. That will force
outside air into your vehicle. See Climate
Control System in the index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
If your vehicle has a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.
SeePower Liftgate on page 2-14.If your vehicle has a power liftgate, seePower Liftgate
on page 2-14.
To unlock the liftgate, use the power door lock switch or
press the door unlock button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter twice. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on the
underside of the liftgate handle. The vehicle must be in
PARK (P) to open the liftgate. To close the liftgate,
use the pull cup or pull strap as an aid.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If the battery is
disconnected or has low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume operation when the battery
is reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected and has adequate
voltage, and the liftgate still will not function, your vehicle
should be taken to a dealership for service.
2-13

Power Liftgate
Power Liftgate Operation
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
If you must drive with the liftgate open, or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the liftgate:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the
recirculation mode off. That will force
outside air into your vehicle. See Climate
Control System in the index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
If your vehicle has a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.
SeePower Liftgate on page 2-14.
Your vehicle may have a power liftgate. The vehicle
must be in PARK (P) to use the power feature.
The taillamps will ash and a chime will sound when the
power liftgate is used.
2-14

Reading Lamps
The vehicle has reading lamps that also act as the
dome lamp. Press the button to turn them on and off.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM)
that estimates the battery’s temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best
performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan
at high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into accessory power
outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable
to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
3-19

The indicator light does not come on when the ignition
is in LOCK/OFF or if no equipment is plugged into
the outlet.
If you try to connect equipment using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a protection
circuit shuts off the power supply and the indicator
light turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug the item
and plug it back in or turn the Remote Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 2-27. The power restarts
when equipment using 150 watts or less is plugged
into the outlet and a system fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for the following
electrical equipment and may not work properly if
these items are plugged into the power outlet:
Equipment with high initial peak wattage such
as: compressor-driven refrigerators and electric
power tools.
Other equipment requiring an extremely stable
power supply such as: microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
SeeHigh Voltage Devices and Wiring on page 5-99.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling,
defrost, defog, and ventilation of the vehicle.
Manual Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to turn the
front system off.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature of the air owing from the system.
3-26

For quicker cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Open the windows to let hot air escape.
2. Select the vent mode.
3. Select the air conditioner.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
6. Close the windows after the hot air has escaped.
7. Once the vehicle’s interior temperature is below
the outside temperature, select recirculation
mode for better cooling.
This helps to reduce the time it takes for the vehicle
to cool down. It also helps the system to operate
more efficiently.
Using recirculation for long periods of time may
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this from happening, after the inside of
the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you might notice a small amount of water
dripping underneath the front center and right rear
of the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from the windshield. Turn the right knob
clockwise to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
This mode directs air to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is less than 40°F (4°C). The recirculation mode
cannot be selected while in the defog mode. Do not
drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
0(Defrost):The defrost mode is used to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. This mode
directs most of the air to the windshield and side window
vents and some to the oor vents. In this mode, the
system will automatically force outside air into your
vehicle. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode. The air conditioning compressor
will run automatically in this setting, unless the outside
temperature is less than 40°F (4°C). Do not drive
the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
3-28

AUX (Auxiliary):Press this button to turn the
rear heating and air conditioning on. SeeRear Air
Conditioning and Heating System on page 3-36or
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls on page 3-38.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button on the
right knob to turn the rear window defogger on or off.
The rear window defogger stays on about 10 minutes
after the button is pressed, before turning off. The
defogger can also be turned off by pressing the button
again or by turning off the engine. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost from the surface of
the mirror when the rear window defog button is pressed.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar to
the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in your vehicle
can be controlled with this system. Your vehicle also
has a ow-through ventilation system described later
in this section.
Different temperature settings can be selected for the
driver and all passengers.
Display Function
Each time the temperature, mode, or fan control buttons
are pressed the display shows that function along with
the inside temperature setting. The display automatically
reverts back to the outside temperature display after a
short delay.
3-29

2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 73°F (22°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Use the driver’s or
passenger’s temperature buttons to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If you choose
the temperature setting of 60°F (15°C), the system
remains at the maximum cooling setting. If you
choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C),
the system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Do not cover the solar sensor located on the top of
the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on sun load and also
turns on your vehicle’s headlamps. For more information
on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in this section.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
delays turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Press the fan switch to override this delay
and change the fan to a selected speed.
O(On/Off):Press this button to turn off the climate
control system. Outside air still enters the vehicle, and
is directed to the oor. This direction can be changed
by pressing the mode button. Recirculation can only
be selected in vent or bi-level mode. The temperature
can also be adjusted using either temperature button.If you adjust the air delivery mode or temperature
settings with the system off, the display comes on
briey to show the settings and then turns off. Press the
on/off button or the up down arrows on the fan switch,
the defrost button, AUTO button, or the air conditioning
button to turn the system on when it is off.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
DC(Fan):The buttons with the fan symbols let you
manually adjust the fan speed. Press the up arrow
to increase fan speed and the down arrow to decrease
fan speed.
Pressing a fan button while the system is off will turn
the system on. Pressing a fan button while in automatic
control places the fan under manual control. The fan
setting remains displayed, the word AUTO is no longer
displayed, and the AUTO button indicator light turns
off. The air delivery mode remains in automatic control.
yNz(Mode):Press the mode up and down
buttons to manually change the direction of the airow
in the vehicle. Repeatedly press the button until the
desired mode appears on the display. Pressing a mode
button while the system is off will change air delivery
mode without turning the system on. Pressing one
of these buttons while in automatic control to place
the mode under manual control.
3-31

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 5-25
for more information.
This message displays and a continuous 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 5-25for
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. See
Fuel Gage on page 3-56andFuel on page 5-6for
more information.
HEATED WASH (Washer)
FLUID SYSTEM OFF
This message displays when you manually turn off the
heated windshield washer uid system or when the
system automatically turns off. See “Heated Windshield
Washer” underWindshield Washer on page 3-10for
more information. This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
3-69

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep your vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running and your
vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
4-16