key battery GMC ACADIA 2008 Owner's Manual

See your dealer/retailer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
If you are locked out of your vehicle, call the Roadside
Assistance Center. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 7-6.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
Your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on
a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in operating range.
This is normal for any RKE system. If the transmitter
does not work or if you have to stand closer to
your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer/retailer
or a qualied technician for service.
2-4

&(Power Liftgate):Press and hold&for about
one second to open and close the liftgate. The
taillamps will ash and a chime will sound to indicate
when the liftgate is opening and closing.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
Lto locate your vehicle. The turn signal lamps will
ash and the horn will sound three times.
Press and hold
Lfor more than two seconds to
activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps will ash
and the horn will sound repeatedly for 30 seconds.
The alarm will turn off when the ignition is moved
to ON/RUN or
Lis pressed again. The ignition must
be in LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm to work.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter
is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased
through your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be
re-coded to match the new transmitter.The lost transmitter will no longer work after the new
transmitters are re-coded. The vehicle can have a
maximum of eight transmitters matched to it. See
“Relearn Remote Key” underDIC Operation and
Displays (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-57orDIC
Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on
page 3-63for instructions on how to match RKE
transmitters to your vehicle.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC. See
“REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-66for additional
information.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.
2-6

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

If a locked door is opened without using the key in the
driver’s door key cylinder or the RKE transmitter, a
ten second pre-alarm will occur. The horn will chirp and
the lights will ash. If the key is not placed in the
ignition and turned to START or the door is not unlocked
by pressing the unlock button on the RKE transmitter
during the ten second pre-alarm, the alarm will go
off. Your vehicle’s headlamps will ash and the horn will
sound for about two minutes, then will turn off to save
the battery power.
The theft-deterrent system will not activate if the doors
are locked with the vehicle’s key or the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use the power door
lock switch with the door open or the RKE transmitter.
You should also remember that you can start your
vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been
set off.
Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the
door key after the doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm
if the system has been armed.If you set off the alarm by accident, turn off the alarm by
pressing unlock on the RKE transmitter or by placing
the key in the ignition and turning it to START.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window
and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
RKE transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door. This
should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the
vehicle’s headlamps ash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the
fuse, seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-100.
If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’s headlamps
do not ash, see your dealer/retailer for service.
2-22

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition,
you can turn it to four
different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with your
hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If none of
this works, then your vehicle needs service.
A (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which you
can remove the key. This position locks the ignition and
transmission. If the steering wheel is locked, move it from
right to left and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers while
the engine is off. This position will also allow you to turn
off the engine.
C (ON/RUN):This is the position that the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the key.
The switch stays in ON/RUN when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is not running, you
can use ON/RUN to operate your electrical power
accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
2-26

Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the key in
the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will sound
when you open the driver’s door. Always remember to
remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transmission. Also, always
remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be able
to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)Power to the windows and sunroof will work up to
10 minutes or until a door is opened.
The radio continues to work for 10 minutes or until the
driver’s door is opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of operation, close all the
doors and turn the key to ON/RUN and then back to
LOCK/OFF.
All these features will work when the key is in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY positions.
Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your
engine will not start in any other position – this is a safety
feature. To restart when you are already moving, use
NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-27

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to
let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up
and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
2-28

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s
seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-36.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push your vehicle a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully released,
and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is
applied.The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-39for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-37

PARK ASSIST OFF
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system, after the vehicle has been
started and shifted out of PARK (P), this message
displays to remind the driver that the URPA system
has been turned off. Press the set/reset button or
the trip odometer reset stem to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display. To turn
the URPA system back on, seeUltrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-45.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
passenger 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.
REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays while you are matching a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to your vehicle.
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-5andDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC
Buttons) on page 3-57orDIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-63for more information.
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter battery is low. The battery needs to be
replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-5.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
passenger side rear 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.
SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message displays when the electronic sensors
that control the air conditioning and heating systems
are no longer working. Have the climate control
system serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice
a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
3-71