steering GMC ACADIA 2008 Owner's Manual

All of the airbags in your vehicle will have the word
AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the
middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and
on the instrument panel for the right front passenger.
With seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatback closest
to the door.
With roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear
along the headliner or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Even though today’s airbags
are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury
from the force of an inating bag, all airbags must inate
very quickly to do their job.Here are the most important things to know about the
airbag system:
{CAUTION:
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash
if you are not wearing your safety belt — even
if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt
during a crash helps reduce your chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or being
ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental
restraints” to the safety belts. All airbags are
designed to work with safety belts, but do not
replace them.
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{CAUTION:
Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best
protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s
safety belt system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young children and infants
need the protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always secure children
properly in your vehicle. To read how, see
Older Children on page 1-36orInfants and
Young Children on page 1-39.
There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag
symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-42
for more information.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
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The roof-rail airbags for the driver, right front passenger,
passengers behind the driver and right front passenger,
and the third row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
airbag, the airbag might not inate properly or
it might force the object into that person
causing severe injury or even death. The path
of an inating airbag must be kept clear. Do
not put anything between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put anything on
the steering wheel hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that block the
ination path of a seat-mounted side impact
airbag.
If your vehicle has roof-rail airbags, never
secure anything to the roof of your vehicle by
routing the rope or tie down through any door
or window opening. If you do, the path of an
inating roof-rail airbag will be blocked. Driver Side shown, Passenger Side similar
1-66

Seat-mounted side impact airbags are not intended to
inate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts, rollovers,
or rear impacts. Roof-rail airbags are not intended to
inate in rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle
that is struck. Both roof-rail airbags will deploy when
either side of the vehicle is struck, or if the sensing
system predicts that the vehicle is about to roll over, or
in a severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an
airbag should have inated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs
were. For frontal airbags, ination is determined by
what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and severity of the side
impact. In a rollover event, roof-rail airbag deployment is
determined by the direction of the roll.
What Makes an Airbag Inate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an
electrical signal triggering a release of gas from
the inator. Gas from the inator lls the airbag causing
the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The
inator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering
wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag
modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to the
door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are
airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the
side windows that have occupant seating positions.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety
belts.
Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more
evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually. Seat-mounted side impact
and roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact
more evenly over the occupant’s upper body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help
contain the head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the rst, second, and third
rows. The rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection
in rollover events, although no system can prevent all
such ejections.
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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact
sensors, rollover sensor module, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seattrim 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).
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-70.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
If your vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see
Different Size Tires and Wheels on page 5-66
for additional important information.
1-76

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

OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows eligible OnStar
subscribers to make and receive calls using voice
commands. Hands-Free Calling is fully integrated into
the vehicle, and can be used with OnStar Pre-Paid
Minute Packages. Hands-Free Calling may also
be linked to a Verizon Wireless service plan in the U.S.
or a Bell Mobility service plan in Canada, depending
on eligibility. To nd out more, refer to the OnStar
Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speak with an
OnStar advisor by pressing the OnStar button or calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling that uses your minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. By pressing the phone button and giving
a few simple voice commands, you can browse
through the various topics. See the OnStar Owner’s
Guide for more information (Only available in the
continental U.S.).
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be
used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-128for
more information.
On some vehicles, you may have to hold the button for
a few seconds and give the command “ONSTAR” to
activate the OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial
numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
How OnStar Service Works
Your vehicle’s OnStar system has the capability of
recording and transmitting vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to an OnStar Call
Center at the time of an OnStar button press,
Emergency button press or if your airbags or AACN
system deploys. The vehicle information usually includes
your GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the accident that your
vehicle has been involved in (e.g. the direction from
which your vehicle was hit). When you use the Virtual
Advisor feature of OnStar Hands-Free Calling, your
vehicle also sends OnStar your GPS location so that we
can provide you with location-based services.
2-49

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System.......................3-16
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17
Dome Lamps...............................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-18Parade Dimming...........................................3-18
Reading Lamps............................................3-19
Electric Power Management...........................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-24
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-25
Climate Controls............................................3-26
Climate Control System.................................3-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-29
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-36
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System.........................................3-36
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls.........................3-38
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.............................................3-39
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-40
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-41
Tachometer.................................................3-41
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-41
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-43
Charging System Light..................................3-45
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-46
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-47
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Antilock Brake System
Warning Light...........................................3-48
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light..............................3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-49
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-49
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-50
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-50
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-54
Security Light...............................................3-54
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-55
Cruise Control Light......................................3-55
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-55
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-55
Fuel Gage...................................................3-56
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-57
DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-57
DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC
Buttons)...................................................3-63DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-66
DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons). . . .3-75
Audio System(s).............................................3-84
Setting the Time...........................................3-85
Radio(s) (MP3).............................................3-87
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and Six-Disc
CD Player).............................................3-104
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD
Player)...................................................3-108
XM Radio Messages...................................3-113
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-115
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-115
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-125
Rear Audio Controller (RAC).........................3-127
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-127
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-128
Radio Reception.........................................3-129
Multi-Band Antenna.....................................3-129
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Air Vent. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-36.
B. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
Windshield Wipers. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-40.
D. Head-Up Display (HUD) Buttons. SeeHead-Up
Display (HUD) on page 3-20.
E. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-84.
Navigation/Radio System (If Equipped). See
Navigation/Radio System on page 3-115.
F. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-14.
G. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-13.
H. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-17. Instrument Panel Brightness
Control. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-17.
I. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12.
J. Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel. SeeTilt and
Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 3-6. Power
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering (If Equipped).
SeePower Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column on page 3-7.
K. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.L. Audio Steering Wheel Control Buttons. SeeAudio
Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-128.
M. Driver Information Center. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-57.
N. Dual Automatic Climate Controls. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-29.
O. Center Console Shift Lever (If Equipped).
See “Console Shift Lever” underShifting Into
PARK (P) on page 2-36.
P. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Q. Cupholders. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-55.
R. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-24.
S. Rear Window Wiper/Washer. SeeRear Window
Wiper/Washer on page 3-11. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6. Tow/Haul Selector Button
(If Equipped). SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34.
Power Liftgate Button (If Equipped). SeePower
Liftgate on page 2-14.
T. Heated Seats Button. SeeHeated Seats on
page 1-5.
U. Passenger Air Bag status Indicator. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-70.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-55.
3-5