traction control GMC ACADIA 2009 Owner's Manual

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 main components of the
instrument panel are listed here:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-6.Turn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on
page 3-6
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on
page 3-34.
D.Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 3-17.
E.Audio System(s) on page 3-72.
Navigation/Radio System on
page 3-99(If Equipped).
F.Exterior Lamps on page 3-11.
G.Hood Release on page 5-9.
H.Dome Lamp Override on
page 3-14.Instrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-14.
I.Cruise Control on page 3-9.
J.Tilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel on page 3-6.
K.Horn on page 3-5.L.Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-121.
M.Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-46.
N.Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-25.
O. Center Console Shift Lever
(If Equipped). See “Console Shift
Lever” underShifting Into Park
on page 2-27.
P.Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 3-5.
Q.Cupholders on page 2-49.
R.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on
page 3-20.
S.Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 3-9. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-5.Tow/Haul Mode
on page 2-26(If Equipped).
Power Liftgate on page 2-11
(If Equipped).T.Heated Seats on page 1-5.
U. Passenger Air Bag status
Indicator. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-55.
V.Glove Box on page 2-49.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|
Hazard Warning Flasher:
Press this button located on
the instrument panel below the
audio system, to make the front and
rear turn signal lamps ash on
and off. This warns others that you
are having trouble. Press again
to turn the ashers off.
The turn signals do not work while
the hazard warning ashers are on.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols
on the steering wheel pad to
sound the horn.
Instrument Panel 3-5

Under certain outside temperature
conditions, steam might ow
out of the washer nozzles for a
short period of time before washer
uid is sprayed. This is normal.
HEATING WASH FLUID WASH
WIPES PENDING is displayed on
the DIC when the washer system is
heating the uid.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
is displayed on the DIC when the
washer uid is low. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56.
Rear Window
Wiper/Washer
The rear wiper and rear wash
button is located on the instrument
panel below the climate control
system.
Z(Rear Wiper):Press to turn the
rear wiper on and off. The wiper
speed cannot be changed.
Y(Wash):Press to spray washer
uid on the rear window. The
window wiper will also come on.
Release the button when enough
uid has been sprayed on the
window. The rear wiper will run a
few more cycles after it is released.
If the rear wiper function was
already on, prior to pressing the
wash button, it stays on until
the wiper button is pressed again.
The rear window washer uses
the same uid that is in the
windshield washer reservoir.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-24.Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more can
be maintained without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the brakes are applied, the
cruise control is disengaged.
{CAUTION
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
Instrument Panel 3-9

The HUD temporarily displays
CHECK GAGES and ICE
POSSIBLE when these messages
are on the DIC trip computer.
The HUD also displays the following
messages on vehicles with these
systems, when they are active:
TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
Notice:If you try to use the HUD
image as a parking aid, you may
misjudge the distance and
damage your vehicle. Do not use
the HUD image as a parking aid.
When the HUD is on, the
speedometer reading is continually
displayed. The current radio
station or CD track number will
display for a short period of
time after the radio or CD track
status changes. This happens
whenever radio information is
changed. The speedometer sizeis reduced when radio, CD
information, warnings, or
turn-by-turn navigation information
are displayed on the HUD.
The HUD control is located to the
right of the steering wheel.
To adjust the HUD image so that
items are properly displayed, do the
following:
1. Adjust the driver’s seat to a
comfortable position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Adjust the HUD controls.Use the following settings to adjust
the HUD.
9(Off):To turn HUD off,
rotate the dimming knob fully
counterclockwise until the HUD
display turns off.
Brightness:Turn the knob on
the HUD control clockwise or
counterclockwise to brighten or dim
the display.
w(Up)x(Down):Press the
up or down arrows to center the
HUD image in your view. The HUD
image can only be adjusted up
and down, not side to side.
?(Page):Press this button to
select the display formats. Release
the page button when the format
number with the desired display is
shown on the HUD.
3-18 Instrument Panel

Do not use this system to help you
park. SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) on page 2-34
for more information. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when a
problem is detected with the power
steering system. When this
message is displayed, you may
notice that the effort required
to steer the vehicle increases or
feels heavier, but you will still
be able to steer the vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer immediately.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak®
system. If this message appears, try
to reset the system. Stop; turn off the
engine for at least 15 seconds;
then start the engine again. If this
message still comes on, it means
there is a problem. See your dealer/
retailer for service. The vehicle issafe to drive, however, you do not
have the benet of StabiliTrak, so
reduce your speed and drive
accordingly.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may
not restart so you may want to take
the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
before turning off the engine.
SeePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation on page 2-18
for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
TPMS is not working properly.
The tire pressure light also ashes
and then remains on during the
same ignition cycle. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 3-41.Several conditions may cause this
message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-44for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your
dealer/retailer for service. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-5for
more information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
3-62 Instrument Panel

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when
a non-emissions related malfunction
occurs. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible.
SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX MPH (KM/H)
This message displays when your
vehicle speed is limited to 80 mph
(128 km/h) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed
variable assist steering system.
Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
STARTING DISABLED
SERVICE THROTTLE
This message displays when your
vehicle’s throttle system is not
functioning properly. Have your
vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content
theft-deterrent system has detected
a break-in attempt while you
were away from your vehicle.
SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on
page 2-16for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the
vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened
properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-41. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. 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
this light and message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the TPMS
is re-learning the tire positions
on your vehicle. The tire positions
must be re-learned after rotating the
tires or after replacing a tire or
sensor. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-47,Tire
Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-42, andInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-41for more
information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-5for more
information. This message clears
itself after 10 seconds.
Instrument Panel 3-63

The DVD should resume play from
where it last stopped if the disc
has not been ejected and the stop
button has not been pressed twice
on the remote control. If the disc
has been ejected or the stop button
has been pressed twice on the
remote control, the disc resumes
playing at the beginning of the disc.
Ejecting a Disc
Press
ZDVD on the radio to eject
the disc. If a disc is ejected from the
radio, but not removed, the radio
reloads the disc after a short period
of time. The disc is stored in the
radio. The radio does not resume
play of the disc automatically. If the
movie is reloaded and the RSA
system is sourced to the DVD, the
player begins to play again. If loading
and reading a DVD or CD cannot be
completed, and the disc fails to eject,
press and hold
ZDVD for more
than ve seconds to force the disc
to eject.
DVD Radio Error Messages
Player Error:This message
displays when there are disc load or
eject problems.
Disc Format Error:This message
displays, if the disc is inserted
with the disc label wrong side up, or
if the disc is damaged.
Disc Region Error:This message
displays, if the disc is not from a
correct region.
No Disc Inserted:This message
displays, if no disc is present
when
ZDVD or DVD/CD AUX is
pressed on the radio.
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack
The radio system has an auxiliary
input jack located on the lower right
side of the faceplate. This is not
an audio output; do not plug
a headphone set into the front
auxiliary input jack. Connect
an auxiliary input device such as
an iPod, laptop computer, MP3player, CD player, or cassette tape
player, etc. to the auxiliary input
jack for use as another source for
audio listening.
Drivers are encouraged to set up
any auxiliary device while the
vehicle is in P (Park). SeeDefensive
Driving on page 4-2for more
information on driver distraction.
To use an auxiliary input device,
connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) cable to
the radio’s front auxiliary input jack.
O(Power/Volume):Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the volume of
the portable player. Additional
volume adjustments might have to
be made from the portable device
if the volume is not loud or soft
enough.
BAND:Press to listen to the radio
when a portable audio device is
playing. The portable audio device
continues playing, so you might
want to stop it or turn it off.
3-88 Instrument Panel

As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot
up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough
time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down rmly and
let antilock work. The antilock pump
or motor operating might be
heard and the brake pedal might be
felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help more
than even the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.The Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has the StabiliTrak
system which combines antilock
brake, traction and stability control
systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the
vehicle in most driving conditions.
When you rst start the vehicle and
begin to drive away, the system
performs several diagnostic checks
to ensure there are no problems. The
system may be heard or felt while it
is working. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle. The system should initialize
before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h). In some cases, it may take
approximately two miles of driving
before the system initializes.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-5

If the system fails to turn on or
activate, the StabiliTrak light along
with one of the following messages
will be displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC):
TRACTION CONTROL OFF,
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL,
SERVICE STABILITRAK. If these
conditions are observed, turn the
vehicle off, wait 15 seconds, and
then turn it back on again to reset the
system. If any of these messages still
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), the vehicle should be
taken in for service. For more
information on the DIC messages,
seeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-46.
The StabiliTrak light will ash on the
instrument panel cluster when the
system is both on and activated.
The system may be heard or
felt while it is working; this is normal.The traction control disable button
is located on the instrument
panel below the climate controls.
The traction control part of
StabiliTrak can be turned off by
pressing and releasing the traction
control disable button.
Traction control can be turned on
by pressing and releasing the
traction control disable button if
not automatically shut off for any
other reason.
When the traction control system is
turned off, the StabiliTrak light and
the appropriate traction control off
message will be displayed on the
DIC to warn the driver. The vehicle
will still have brake-traction control
when traction control is off, but will
not be able to use the engine speed
management system. See “Traction
Control Operation” next for more
information.When the traction control system
has been turned off, system noises
may be heard and felt as a result
of the brake-traction control working.
It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the
vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” the
vehicle to attempt to free it. It
may also be necessary to turn off
the system when driving in extreme
off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-15.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part
of the StabiliTrak system. Traction
control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels
(engine speed management) and
by applying brakes to each
individual wheel (brake-traction
control) as necessary.
4-6 Driving Your Vehicle

The traction control system is
enabled automatically when the
vehicle is started. It will activate and
the StabiliTrak light will ash if it
senses that any of the wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction
while driving. If traction control is
turned off, only the brake-traction
control portion of traction control
will work. The engine speed
management will be disabled. In this
mode, engine power is not reduced
automatically and the driven
wheels can spin more freely. This
can cause the brake-traction control
to activate constantly.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle
is allowed to spin excessively
while the StabiliTrak, ABS and
brake warning lights and any
relevant DIC messages are
displayed, the transfer case could
be damaged. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Reduce engine power
and do not spin the wheel(s)
excessively while these lights
and messages are displayed.The traction control system may
activate on dry or rough roads
or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or
abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
transmission. When this happens, a
reduction in acceleration may be
noticed, or a noise or vibration may
be heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when
the system activates, the StabiliTrak
light will ash and cruise control
will automatically disengage. Cruise
control may be reengaged when
road conditions allow. SeeCruise
Control on page 3-9.
StabiliTrak may also turn off
automatically if it determines that a
problem exists with the system.
If the problem does not clear itself
after restarting the vehicle, see your
dealer/retailer for service.All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System
If the vehicle has this feature,
engine power is sent to all four
wheels when extra traction is
needed. This is like four-wheel drive,
but there is no separate lever or
switch to engage or disengage the
axle. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
When using a compact spare tire
on the AWD equipped vehicle,
the AWD system automatically
detects the presence of the compact
spare and the AWD is disabled.
To restore the AWD operation and
prevent excessive wear on the
AWD system, replace the compact
spare with a full-size tire as
soon as possible. SeeCompact
Spare Tire on page 5-81for more
information.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-7