stop start GMC ACADIA 2009 Owner's Manual

If the easy exit seat feature is on in
the Driver Information Center (DIC),
automatic seat movement will occur
when the key is removed from the
ignition. See “EASY EXIT SEAT”
underDIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons) on page 3-64for
more information.
Further programming for the
memory seat feature can be done
using the DIC. You can select
or cancel the following:
The automatic easy exit seat
feature.
The remote memory seat recall
feature.
For programming information,
seeDIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons) on page 3-64.
Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
{CAUTION
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver’s seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
{CAUTION
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.In vehicles with seats that have
manual reclining seatbacks, the lever
used to operate them is located on
the outboard side of the seat.
To recline the seatback, do the
following:
1. Lift the recline lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired
position, then release the lever to
lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to an upright
position, do the following:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
1-8 Seats and Restraint System

The vehicle can be started using the
remote start feature two separate
times between driving sequences.
The engine runs for 10 minutes after
each remote start. Or, the engine
run time can be extended another
10 minutes within the rst 10 minute
remote start time frame, and
before the engine stops.
For example, if
Qand then/are
pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing
the engine to run for 15 minutes.
The additional 10 minutes are
considered a second remote start.The vehicle must be started with the
key once two remote starts, or a
single remote start with one time
extension has been done.
The vehicle can be started using the
remote start feature again after
the key is removed from the ignition.
The vehicle cannot be started
using the remote start feature if the
key is in the ignition, the hood is
open, or if there is an emission
control system malfunction.
The engine turns off during a remote
start if the coolant temperature
gets too high or if the oil pressure
gets low.Vehicles that have the remote
vehicle start feature are shipped
from the factory with the remote
vehicle start system enabled. The
system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC if the vehicle has
DIC buttons. See “REMOTE
START” underDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-64for additional
information. If the vehicle does not
have DIC buttons, see your
dealer/retailer to enable or disable
the remote start system.
Features and Controls 2-7

Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does
not need an elaborate break-in.
But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these
guidelines:
If you have all-wheel drive,
keep your speed at 55 mph
(88 km/h) or less for the
rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for
the rst 200 miles (322 km)
or so. During this time the
new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature
wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get
new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-24for the
trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
In order to shift out of P (Park), the
ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake
pedal must be applied.
2-20 Features and Controls

Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle
speed will slow down as the
engine warms. 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.The 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, 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 damagethe 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,
repeat these steps. 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.
2-22 Features and Controls

Automatic Transmission
Operation
The automatic transmission has a
shift lever located on the console
between the seats.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot
move easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 2-27. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-24.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You must fully apply the
regular brake rst and then press theshift lever button before shifting from
P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever, then push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of Park on page 2-29.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-15.
2-24 Features and Controls

Universal Home Remote
System Operation
If there is one triangular Light
Emitting Diode (LED) indicator
light above the Universal Home
Remote buttons, follow the
instructions below.
This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers,
security systems, and home
automation devices.
Do not use the Universal Home
Remote with any garage door
opener that does not have the stop
and reverse feature. This includes
any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program
the Universal Home Remote.
Because of the steps involved, it
may be helpful to have another
person available to assist you in the
programming the Universal Home
Remote.
Keep the original hand-held
transmitter for use in other vehicles
as well as for future Universal
Home Remote programming. It is
also recommended that upon
the sale of the vehicle, the
programmed Universal Home
Remote buttons should be erased
for security purposes. See “Erasing
Universal Home Remote Buttons”
later in this section.
When programming a garage door,
park outside of the garage. Park
directly in line with and facing
the garage door opener motor-head
or gate motor-head. Be sure that
people and objects are clear of the
garage door or gate that is being
programmed.It is recommended that a new
battery be installed in your
hand-held transmitter for quicker
and more accurate transmission of
the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal
Home Remote System
For questions or help programming
the Universal Home Remote
System, call 1-800-355-3515 or go
to www.homelink.com.
Programming a garage door opener
involves time-sensitive actions,
so read the entire procedure before
starting. Otherwise, the device
will time out and the procedure will
have to be repeated.
Features and Controls 2-45

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

vehicle may need service. When
this warning light is on, the system is
off and will not limit wheel spin.
This light will also ash when the
StabiliTrak system is active.
If the StabiliTrak system warning light
comes on and stays on for an
extended period of time when the
system is turned on, the vehicle
needs service. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-5for more
information.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
The engine coolant temperature
warning light will come on when the
engine has overheated.If this happens pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-21for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine
coolant temperature warning light
on could cause the vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-21. The vehicle’s
engine could be damaged, and it
might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never drive with
the engine coolant temperature
warning light on.
This light will also come on briey
when starting the vehicle. If it
does not, see your delear/retailer.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature. Under normal driving
conditions the gage will read
approximately 210°F (100 °C) or
less. If the gage pointer is near
260°F (125 °C), the engine is
too hot.
It means that the engine coolant
has overheated. If the vehicle
has been operating under normal
driving conditions, pull off the
road, stop the vehicle and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-21for more information.
United StatesCanada
3-40 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