transmission GMC ACADIA 2008 Owner's Guide

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-22
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-24
Engine Overheating.......................................5-25
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-26Cooling System............................................5-27
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-33
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34
Brakes........................................................5-35
Battery........................................................5-38
Jump Starting...............................................5-39
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-45
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-45
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-45
License Plate Lamp......................................5-46
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-46
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-47
Tires..............................................................5-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-49
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-52
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-55
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-57
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-62
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-63
Buying New Tires.........................................5-64
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-66
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-67
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-68
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Radiator Pressure Cap (Out of View). SeeRadiator
Pressure Cap on page 5-24.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Cap. SeeCooling System
on page 5-27.
C. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-39.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-103.
E. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-39.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-33.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-35.K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-34.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to
stop ames if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to the
dealer/retailer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
The transmission uid will not reach the end of the
dipstick unless the transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check the transmission uid
level, please take your vehicle to your dealer/retailer.
5-21

Jump Starting
If your vehicle’s battery has run down, you may want to
use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some
or all of these things can hurt you.
Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake. If
you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL.
Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!
5-39

(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.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-55.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
5-52

Fuses Usage
LT PRK Left Parking Lamp
RT PRK Right Parking Lamp
TRLR PRK
LAMPTrailer Parking Lamps
AIRBAG Airbag System
PCM IGN Powertrain Control Module Ignition
AFS Adaptive Forward Lighting System
TRANS Transmission
REAR
CAMERARear Camera
EMISSION 1 Antilock Brakes System 2
TRLR BRK Trailer Brake
AWD All-Wheel-Drive System
TRLR PWR Trailer Power
EVEN COILS Even Injector Coils
RR HVAC Rear Climate Control System
SPARE Spare
ODD COILS Odd Injector Coils
SPARE Spare
LT HI BEAM Left High-Beam Headlamp
SPARE SpareFuses Usage
LT TRLR
STOP/TRNTrailer Left Stoplamp and Turn
Signal
EMISSION 2 Emission 2
ECM Engine Control Module
RT HI BEAM Right High-Beam Headlamp
RVC SNSR Regulated Voltage Control Sensor
RT TRLR
STOP/TRNTrailer Right Stoplamp and Turn
Signal
ECM 1 Engine Control Module 1
SPARE Spare
WPR/WSW Windshield Wiper/Washer
SPARE Spare
PWR OUTLET Power Outlet
AUX POWER Auxiliary Power
RT LO BEAM Right Low-Beam Headlamp
RR APO Rear Accessory Power Outlet
LT LO BEAM Left Low-Beam Headlamp
TCM Transmission Control Module
TRLR BCK/UP Trailer Back-up Lamps
HTD MIR Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
ABS MTR Antilock Brake System Motor
5-105

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System 12.2 qt 11.6 L
Engine Oil with Filter 5.5 qt 5.2 L
Fuel Tank 22.0 gal 83.3 L
Transmission Fluid 9.5 qt 9.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lb ft 190Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
3.6L V6 7 Automatic 0.043 inches (1.10 mm)
5-107

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control
Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (g).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.See footnote (l).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-62and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service (IorII) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Replace engine air cleaner lter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.•••
Change automatic transmission uid
(severe service).See footnote (h).•••
Change automatic transmission uid
(normal service).•
Replace spark plugs and inspect spark
plug wires.An Emission Control Service.•
Engine cooling system service (or every
ve years, whichever occurs rst).
An Emission Control Service. See
footnote (i).•
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service. See
footnote (k).•
6-6

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-47andWindshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades on page 5-94 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-77.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch
assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor
and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding
seats, and liftgate hinges. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
(g)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
6-7