ignition GMC ACADIA 2009 Owner's Guide

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 are on, such
as: 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,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
LOW BATTERY. If this message is
displayed, it is recommended
that the driver reduce the electrical
loads as much as possible. See
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-56.Battery Run-Down
Protection
This feature helps 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 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.
3-16 Instrument Panel

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.
For vehicles with 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 navigationinformation 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.
The HUD information can be
displayed in one of three languages,
English, French, or Spanish.
The speedometer reading and other
numerical values can be displayed
in either English or metric units.
The language selection and
the units of measurement are
changed through the trip computer
in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-64.The HUD information appears as an
image focused out toward the
front of the vehicle.
When the ignition key is turned to
ON/RUN, the HUD will display
an introductory message for a short
time, until the HUD is ready.
The following indicator lights come
on the instrument panel when
activated and also appear on
the HUD:
Turn Signal Indicators
High-Beam Indicator SymbolHUD Display on the Vehicle
Windshield
Instrument Panel 3-17

If You Cannot See the HUD
Image When the Ignition Is On

Is anything covering the
HUD lens?
Is the HUD dimmer setting bright
enough?
Is the HUD image adjusted to the
proper height?
Are you wearing polarized
sunglasses?
Still no HUD image? Check the
fuse in the instrument panel
fuse block. SeeInstrument Panel
Fuse Block on page 5-90.
If the HUD Image Is Not Clear

Is the HUD image too bright?
Are the windshield and HUD
lens clean?
If the HUD image is not correct,
contact your dealer/retailer.
Keep in mind that the windshield is
part of the HUD system.
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)
The vehicle has three 12-volt outlets
which can be used to plug in
electrical equipment, such as a
cellular telephone, a compact disc
player, etc.
The power outlets are located on
the instrument panel below the
climate controls, at the rear of the
center console, and in the rear cargo
area. Lift the cover to access the
outlet. Close the cover when
not using the outlet.
Notice:Leaving electrical
equipment plugged in for an
extended period of time while
the vehicle is off will drain
the battery. Power is always
supplied to the outlets. Always
unplug electrical equipment when
not in use and do not plug in
equipment that exceeds the
maximum 20 ampere rating.Certain accessory plugs may not be
compatible to the accessory
power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle and adapter fuses.
If a problem is experienced,
see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the power accessory
outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical
equipment to the vehicle can
damage it or keep other
components from working as
they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage
rating of 20 amperes. Check with
your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
the equipment.
3-20 Instrument Panel

Notice:Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage
not covered by the warranty.
Do not hang any type of
accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the
power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
Power Outlet 115
Volt Alternating Current
For vehicles with this power outlet,
it can be used to plug in electrical
equipment that uses a maximum
limit of 150 watts.The power outlet is located on the
rear of the center console.
An indicator light on the outlet turns
on to show it is in use. The light
comes on when the ignition is
in ON/RUN and equipment requiring
less than 150 watts is plugged
into the outlet, and no system fault
is detected.
The indicator light does not come
on when the ignition is in LOCK/OFF
or if no equipment is plugged into
the outlet.
If equipment is connected 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 2-21.
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 5-89.
Instrument Panel 3-21

vehicle from a distance, if equipped,
you may not see the system
check. Then, after several more
seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either
the on or off symbol to let you
know the status of the right front
passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled
(may inate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has
turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if
there are no lights at all, there may
be a problem with the lights or
the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.{CAUTION
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 3-36for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briey when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show the light is
working. It should go out when the
engine is started.If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer. Driving while this light
is on could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will also
display the SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM message.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-56for more information.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Instrument Panel 3-37

Voltmeter Gage
When the engine is not running, but
the ignition is turned on, this
gage shows the battery’s state of
charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, this
gage shows the condition of the
charging system. The vehicle’s
charging system regulates voltage
based on the state of charge of the
battery. The voltmeter may uctuate.
This is normal. Readings between
the low and high warning zones
indicate the normal operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone
may occur when a large number of
electrical accessories are operating
in the vehicle and the engine is
left idling for an extended period.If there is a problem with the battery
charging system, a SERVICE
BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM
message will appear in the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
and/or the charging system light will
come on. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-56and
Charging System Light on page 3-37
for more information.
However, readings in either warning
zone may indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
Have the vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.
Brake System Warning
Light
This vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system is divided into two parts.
If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop the
vehicle. For good braking both parts
need to be working.If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the
brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey
when the ignition key is turned
to ON/RUN. If it does not come on
then, have it xed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
This light may also come on due
to low brake uid. SeeBrakes
on page 5-25for more information.
When the ignition is on, the
brake system warning light will also
come on when the parking brake
is set. The light will stay on if
the parking brake does not release
fully. If it stays on after the
parking brake is fully released, it
means there is a brake problem.
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3-38 Instrument Panel

If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
Make sure the parking brake is
fully released. The pedal may be
harder to push or, the pedal may go
closer to the oor. It may take
longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-20.
{CAUTION
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning
light on can lead to a crash. If the
light is still on after the vehicle
has been pulled off the road and
carefully stopped, have the
vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes
on briey when the engine is started.
That is normal. If the light does
not come on then, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn if there is a
problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the
ignition off. If the light comes
on while driving, stop as soon as it
is safely possible and turn the
ignition off. A chime may also sound
when the light comes on steady.
Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the ABS light stays
on, or comes on again while driving,
the vehicle needs service. If the
regular brake system warning light
is not on, the vehicle still has
brakes, but not antilock brakes.If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, the vehicle does
not have antilock brakes and there
is a problem with the regular
brakes. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-38.
For vehicles with a Driver Information
Center (DIC), seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-56for all brake
related DIC messages.
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light
This light comes on briey while
starting the engine. If it does
not, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer. If the system is
working normally the indicator light
will then go off.
If it stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with
the StabiliTrak system and the
Instrument Panel 3-39

Tire Pressure Light
The tire pressure light should come
on briey as the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle
service by your dealer/retailer.
It provides information about tire
pressures and the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more
of the tires are signicantly
underinated.
A tire pressure message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
may accompany the light.SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-56for more information.
Stop and check the tires as
soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinated, inate to the
proper pressure. SeeTires on
page 5-35for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. The light ashes
for about a minute and stays
on steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence
will repeat with every ignition cycle.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-42for more information.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It ensures that
emissions are at acceptable levels
for the life of the vehicle, helping to
produce a cleaner environment.
This light comes on when the ignition
is on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show it is working. If it
does not, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes
on and stays on, while the engine is
running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service is
required.
Instrument Panel 3-41

Highbeam On Light
The highbeam on light comes on
when the high-beam headlamps are
in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer on page 3-7for more
information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This light comes on when the
Tow/Haul mode has been activated.
For more information, see
Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-26.
Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on, the fuel
gage shows how much fuel is left
in the tank.
An arrow in the fuel gage indicates
the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
The gage will rst indicate empty
before the vehicle is out of fuel, the
vehicle’s fuel tank should be
lled soon.
When the fuel tank is low on fuel,
the FUEL LEVEL LOW message will
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). For more information
seeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-56.Here are some situations that may
occur with the fuel gage. None
of these indicate a problem with the
fuel gage.
At the gas station, the fuel
pump shuts off before the
gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel
to ll up than the fuel gage
indicated. For example, the gage
may have indicated the tank
was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the
tank’s capacity to ll the tank.
The gage goes back to empty
when the ignition is turned off.
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Instrument Panel 3-45

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 2-24for more information.
The outside air temperature
and compass, if equipped, 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. The
compass will be shown in the bottom
right corner of the DIC display.
SeeDIC Compass on page 3-54for
more information.
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 3-64for 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 3-64for more
information.
If your vehicle has DIC buttons,
you can also use the trip odometer
reset stem to view the odometer
and trip odometers.
3-46 Instrument Panel