fuel GMC ACADIA 2009 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint
System............................... 1-1
Head Restraints
.............. 1-2
Front Seats
.................... 1-3
Rear Seats
...................1-10
Safety Belts
..................1-15
Child Restraints
.............1-29
Airbag System
..............1-48
Restraint System
Check
......................1-61
Features and Controls...... 2-1
Keys
............................. 2-2
Doors and Locks
............ 2-8
Windows
......................2-14
Theft-Deterrent
Systems
...................2-16
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
.............2-20
Mirrors
.........................2-31
Object Detection
Systems
...................2-34
OnStar
®System
............2-41Universal Home Remote
System
.....................2-44
Storage Areas
...............2-49
Sunroof
........................2-53
Instrument Panel............... 3-1
Instrument Panel
Overview
.................... 3-4
Climate Controls
............3-22
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
............3-33
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
.............3-46
Audio System(s)
............3-72
Driving Your Vehicle......... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road,
and the Vehicle
........... 4-1
Towing
........................4-20
Service and
Appearance Care............... 5-1
Service
.......................... 5-3
Fuel
.............................. 5-5
Checking Things Under
the Hood
.................... 5-9All-Wheel Drive
.............5-33
Headlamp Aiming
..........5-33
Bulb Replacement
.........5-33
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
.............5-34
Tires
...........................5-35
Appearance Care
..........5-81
Vehicle Identication
......5-88
Electrical System
...........5-89
Capacities and
Specications
............5-96
Maintenance Schedule...... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
..... 6-1
Customer Assistance
Information........................ 7-1
Customer Assistance and
Information
................. 7-1
Reporting Safety
Defects
.....................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording
and Privacy
...............7-16
Index....................................i-1
2009 GMC Acadia Owner ManualM

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel
Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv Preface

The rear window defogger and
heated mirrors, if the vehicle has
them, turn on during colder outside
temperatures and 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.
Do not use the remote start feature
if the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle could run out of fuel.
If the vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions have an increased range
of operation. However, the range
may be less while the vehicle
is running.There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of
the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3
for additional information.
/(Remote Start):This button is
located on the RKE transmitter
if the vehicle has remote start.
To start the vehicle:
1. Aim the transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q, then
immediately press and hold
/
until the parking lamps ash. If the
vehicle’s lights can not be seen,
press and hold
/for at least
four seconds. The vehicle’s doors
lock. When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps turn on and remain
on while the vehicle is running.
Pressing
/again, after the
vehicle has started, shuts the
vehicle off.3. If it is the rst remote start since
the vehicle has been driven,
repeat these steps while the
engine is still running, to extend
the time by 10 minutes for the
engine to continue to run. Remote
start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to the ON/RUN position to drive
the vehicle.
If the vehicle is left running it
automatically shuts off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done.
To manually shut off a remote start:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning
ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.
2-6 Features and Controls

Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics
in the 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, the
engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should
be plugged in at least four hours
before starting. Some models
may have an internal thermostat in
the cord which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The cord is
located on the driver side of the
engine compartment. It is
routed around the windshield
washer uid reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If
the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer
in the area where you will be
parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
Features and Controls 2-23

N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the 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, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure
the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph
(56 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to
accelerate slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive your vehicle
that way, you could damage the
transmission. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive
in LOW (L) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and
DRIVE (D) for higher speeds
until then.
L (Low):This position gives you
access to gear ranges. This
provides more engine braking but
lower fuel economy than D (Drive).
You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud.
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose
the top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle’s speed while
driving down hill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic
shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. When
using the ERS Mode a number will
display next to the L, indicating
the current gear that has been
selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press the plus/minus button
located on the shift lever, to
increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to
L (Low), 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. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
Features and Controls 2-25

Brake System Warning
Light................................3-38
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light.......3-39
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light................................3-39
Engine Coolant
Temperature
Warning Light
..................3-40
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage..........3-40
Tire Pressure Light...........3-41
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp................3-41
Oil Pressure Light.............3-44
Security Light....................3-44
Fog Lamp Light................3-44
Cruise Control Light..........3-44
Highbeam On Light...........3-45
Tow/Haul Mode Light........3-45
Fuel Gage........................3-45
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Driver Information
Center (DIC)...................3-46
DIC Operation
and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)
..........3-46
DIC Operation
and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)
.....3-51
DIC Compass...................3-54
DIC Warnings and
Messages........................3-56
DIC Vehicle
Customization
(With DIC Buttons)
..........3-64
Audio System(s)
Audio System(s)................3-72
Setting the Clock..............3-73
Radio(s)............................3-74
Using an MP3
(Radio with CD)..............3-89
Using an MP3
(Radio with CD and
DVD Player)
....................3-93
XM Radio Messages.........3-98
Navigation/Radio System. . .3-99
Bluetooth®........................3-99
Rear Seat Entertainment
(RSE) System................3-109
Rear Seat Audio (RSA). . .3-118
Rear Audio
Controller (RAC)............3-120
Theft-Deterrent Feature. . .3-120
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls.........................3-121
Radio Reception..............3-121
Multi-Band Antenna.........3-122
3-2 Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is going, about
how much fuel has been used, and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.United States version shown, Canada similar
3-34 Instrument Panel

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

Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage to
the vehicle. This system assists the
service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle’s fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine
might not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to
the engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those
of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the
vehicle’s emission controls and
can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systemscould lead to costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure
to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition
has been detected. A misre
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled
as soon as it is possible.If the light continues to ash,
when it is safe to do so, stop the
vehicle. Find a safe place to
park the vehicle. Turn the key off,
wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps
and see your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission
control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully
installed. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-7. The diagnostic
system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap allows fuel
to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn
the light off.
3-42 Instrument Panel

If the vehicle has been driven
through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is
usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with
quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
causes the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misring,
hesitation on acceleration, or
stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand
used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn
the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on
page 5-5.If none of the above have made the
light turn off, your dealer/retailer can
check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical
or electrical problems that might
have developed.Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local
governments have or might begin
programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on the vehicle.
Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things to know to
help the vehicle pass an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this
inspection if the check engine
light is on with the engine
running, or if the key is in
ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this
inspection if the OBD II
(on-board diagnostic) system
determines that critical emission
control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by
the system. The vehicle would
be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system
is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems
during normal driving. This can
take several days of routine
driving. If this has been done
and the vehicle still does not
pass the inspection for lack of
OBD II system readiness,
your dealer/retailer can prepare
the vehicle for inspection.
Instrument Panel 3-43