air condition GMC ACADIA 2007 Owner's Guide

Driving on Grades
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger
and load carrying vehicle. If you tow a trailer,
your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. Because
of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days, when going up
a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gage indicates overheating,
turn off the air conditioning to reduce engine load,
pull off the road and stop in a safe spot.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
don’t shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce
your speed to around 55 mph (88 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill.
If something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured, and
both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift
into PARK (P).
When parking uphill, turn your wheels away
from the curb. When parking downhill,
turn your wheels into the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks behind the
trailer wheels.
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Gasoline Octane
Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. For best performance
or trailer towing, you could choose to use middle
grade 89 octane unleaded gasoline. If the
octane rating is less than 87, you might notice
an audible knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some
gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the
use of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives
on page 389for additional information.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate
on fuels that meet California specications.
See the underhood emission control label.
If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, your vehicle will
operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specications, but emission control system
performance might be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and your vehicle might
fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 226. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs might not
be covered by your warranty.
388

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can
be unhealthy for your skin and could even
cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your
skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails
with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner.
Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil
products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the lter before disposal. Never dispose of
oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of used oil, ask your
dealer/retailer, a service station, or a local
recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change
after each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 502for
more information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the lter at each engine
oil change.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 396
for the location of the engine air cleaner/lter.
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CAUTION: (Continued)
If you keep driving when the vehicles
engine is overheated, the liquids in it can
catch re. You or others could be badly
burned. Stop your engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 412for
information on driving to a safe place in
an emergency.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. SeeOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode on page 412
for information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest
fan speed and open the windows as
necessary.
3. If you are in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving — DRIVE (D) or LOW (L).
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If you no longer have the overheat warning,
you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for
about 10 minutes. If the warning does not
come back on, you can drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park
your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and
get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get
service help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets your vehicle
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, there is a signicant loss in power and
engine performance. The temperature gage
indicates an overheat condition exists. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. The engine oil will be
severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant
loss, change the oil and reset the oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil on page 397.
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Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound when the
brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving, except when you
are pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon the brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a
brake squeal when the brakes are rst applied
or lightly applied. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten
wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and Specifications on
page 497.
Brake linings should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without
the vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
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(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60,
as shown in item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high
as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certied to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
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Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses
radio and sensor technology to check tire pressure
levels. TPMS sensors are mounted onto each
tire and wheel assembly, except the spare
tire. TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in
your vehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
The TPMS is designed to alert the driver, if a low
tire pressure condition exists. If your vehicle has the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the driver can also
check tire pressure levels using the DIC.
When a low tire pressure condition is detected,
the TPMS illuminates the low tire pressure warning
symbol located on the instrument panel cluster.
If your vehicle has the DIC feature, a message
to check the pressure in a specic tire also
appears on the DIC display. The low tire pressure
warning symbol on the instrument panel cluster
and the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning
message on the DIC display appears at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inated tothe correct ination pressure. For additional
information and details about the DIC operation
and displays seeDIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons) on page 233orDIC Operation
and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on page 239
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 244.
You may notice, during cooler weather conditions,
the tire pressure monitor light, located on the
instrument panel cluster, and the CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE message appears when the vehicle
is rst started and then turn off as you start to drive
the vehicle. This could be an early indicator that
the tire pressures are getting low and need to
be inated to the proper pressure.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when cold and inated to
the ination pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
ination pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire ination
pressure for those tires.)
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The Tire and Loading Information label (tire
information placard) shows the size of your
vehicle’s original tires and the correct ination
pressure for your vehicle’s tires when they are cold.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 442. For the
location of the tire and loading information label,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 361.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can alert you about a low
tire pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 448andTires on page 435.
Notice:Do not use a tire sealant if your
vehicle has Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquid
sealant can damage the tire pressure monitor
sensors.Resetting the TPMS Identication Codes
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication
code. Any time you rotate your vehicle’s tires or
replace one or more of the TPMS sensors,
the identication codes need to be matched to
the new tire/wheel position. The sensors are
matched to the tire/wheel positions in the following
order: driver side front tire, passenger side front
tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side
rear tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be matched to each
tire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing
the tire’s air pressure. If increasing the tire’s
air pressure, do not exceed the maximum ination
pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
To decrease air-pressure out of a tire you can use
the pointed end of the valve cap, a pencil-style
air pressure gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match the rst tire/wheel
position, and ve minutes overall to match all
four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer than
two minutes to match the rst tire and wheel, or
more than ve minutes to match all four tire and
wheel positions, the matching process stops and
you will need to start over.
446

Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning:The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underination, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned
and balanced carefully at the factory to give you
the longest tire life and best overall performance.
Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire
balancing will not be necessary on a regular basis.
However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your
vehicle pulling to one side or the other, the
alignment may need to be checked. If you notice
your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, your tires and wheels may need to be
rebalanced. See your dealer/retailer for proper
diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly
rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air,
replace it (except some aluminum wheels,
which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer/retailer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the kind of wheel
you need.
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