climate control GMC ACADIA 2008 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-11
Safety Belts
.............................................1-16
Child Restraints
.......................................1-36
Airbag System
.........................................1-61
Restraint System Check
............................1-77
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems............................2-21
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-25
Mirrors
....................................................2-40
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-45
OnStar
®System
......................................2-47
Universal Home Remote System
................2-50
Storage Areas
.........................................2-55
Sunroof
..................................................2-60
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-39
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-57
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-84Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-45
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-45
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-47
Tires
......................................................5-48
Appearance Care
.....................................5-89
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-98
Electrical System
......................................5-99
Capacities and Specications
...................5-107
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-13
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-15
Index................................................................ 1
2008 GMC Acadia Owner ManualM

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter:
1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a at,
thin object inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Put the transmitter back together tightly.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
starts the engine from outside of the vehicle.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system,
the climate control system will default to a heating or
cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures. If
your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system
and heated seats, the heated seats will turn on
during colder outside temperatures and will shut off
when the key is turned to ON/RUN. SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-5for more information.
The rear window defogger and heated mirrors, if your
vehicle has them, will turn on during colder outside
temperatures and will 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.
2-7

Liftgate
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
If you must drive with the liftgate open, or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the liftgate:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the
recirculation mode off. That will force
outside air into your vehicle. See Climate
Control System in the index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
If your vehicle has a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.
SeePower Liftgate on page 2-14.If your vehicle has a power liftgate, seePower Liftgate
on page 2-14.
To unlock the liftgate, use the power door lock switch or
press the door unlock button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter twice. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on the
underside of the liftgate handle. The vehicle must be in
PARK (P) to open the liftgate. To close the liftgate,
use the pull cup or pull strap as an aid.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If the battery is
disconnected or has low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume operation when the battery
is reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected and has adequate
voltage, and the liftgate still will not function, your vehicle
should be taken to a dealership for service.
2-13

Power Liftgate
Power Liftgate Operation
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
If you must drive with the liftgate open, or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the liftgate:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the
recirculation mode off. That will force
outside air into your vehicle. See Climate
Control System in the index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
If your vehicle has a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.
SeePower Liftgate on page 2-14.
Your vehicle may have a power liftgate. The vehicle
must be in PARK (P) to use the power feature.
The taillamps will ash and a chime will sound when the
power liftgate is used.
2-14

Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle may have a Tow/Haul mode.
The button to turn it on or
off is located on instrument
panel under the climate
controls.
Push the button to turn it on, push it again to deactivate
the system. You can use this feature to assist when
towing or hauling a heavy load.
When Tow/Haul is activated the Tow/Haul symbol will
come on the instrument panel cluster. SeeTow/Haul
ModeunderTowing a Trailer on page 4-30for
more information.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists when driving
on a downhill grade. It maintains the vehicle’s speed by
automatically implementing a shift schedule that uses
the engine and the transmission to slow the vehicle. This
reduces wear on the brakes system and increases
control of the vehicle. The system constantly monitors
the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, throttle position,
and whether the brake pedal is being pressed, and
determines when to keep the current vehicle speed or
to slow down. The system will then automatically
command downshifts that reduces the vehicle’s speed,
until the brake pedal is no longer being pressed.
This indicates the desired vehicle speed has been
reached.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS) mode,
grade braking is deactivated, allowing the driver to
select a range and limiting the highest gear available.
Grade braking is available for normal driving and in
Tow/Haul mode.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30.
2-34

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-38.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-17.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your 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 your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-36.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-30.
2-39

Park Tilt Mirrors
If your vehicle has the memory package, the outside
mirrors are able to perform the park tilt function. This
feature may be useful in allowing the driver to view the
curb when parallel parking. This feature will cause the
passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror to tilt to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in REVERSE (R).
The passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror will return to its
original position when the vehicle is shifted out of
REVERSE (R), or the ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-75and
Memory Seat and Mirrors on page 1-6for more
information.
Turn Signal Indicator
Your vehicle may have a turn signal indicator on the
mirror. An arrow on the mirror will ash in the direction
of the turn or lane change.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass. A
convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can be
seen from the driver’s seat.
Outside Heated Mirrors
Press the rear window defogger button, located on the
climate control panel, to also turn the outside heated
mirrors on or off. The mirrors will heat to help clear fog
or frost from the surface of the mirror.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-29for more
information.
2-44

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System.......................3-16
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17
Dome Lamps...............................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-18Parade Dimming...........................................3-18
Reading Lamps............................................3-19
Electric Power Management...........................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-24
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-25
Climate Controls............................................3-26
Climate Control System.................................3-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-29
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-36
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System.........................................3-36
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls.........................3-38
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.............................................3-39
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-40
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-41
Tachometer.................................................3-41
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-41
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-43
Charging System Light..................................3-45
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-46
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-47
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are listed here:
A. Air Vent. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-36.
B. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
Windshield Wipers. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-40.
D. Head-Up Display (HUD) Buttons. SeeHead-Up
Display (HUD) on page 3-20.
E. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-84.
Navigation/Radio System (If Equipped). See
Navigation/Radio System on page 3-115.
F. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-14.
G. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-13.
H. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-17. Instrument Panel Brightness
Control. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-17.
I. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12.
J. Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel. SeeTilt and
Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 3-6. Power
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering (If Equipped).
SeePower Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column on page 3-7.
K. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.L. Audio Steering Wheel Control Buttons. SeeAudio
Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-128.
M. Driver Information Center. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-57.
N. Dual Automatic Climate Controls. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-29.
O. Center Console Shift Lever (If Equipped).
See “Console Shift Lever” underShifting Into
PARK (P) on page 2-36.
P. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Q. Cupholders. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-55.
R. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-24.
S. Rear Window Wiper/Washer. SeeRear Window
Wiper/Washer on page 3-11. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6. Tow/Haul Selector Button
(If Equipped). SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34.
Power Liftgate Button (If Equipped). SeePower
Liftgate on page 2-14.
T. Heated Seats Button. SeeHeated Seats on
page 1-5.
U. Passenger Air Bag status Indicator. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-70.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-55.
3-5

Heated Windshield Washer
If your vehicle has the heated windshield washer uid
system it can be used to help clear ice, snow, tree sap,
or bugs from the windshield. This feature only works
with the front wiper system.
The button is located
to the left of the
steering column below
the instrument panel
brightness control knob.
Push the heated washer uid button to activate
the heated windshield washer uid system. This
activation begins four heated wash/wipe cycles.
The rst heated wash/wipe cycle can take up to
40 seconds to occur, depending on outside temperature.
After the rst wash/wipe cycle, it can take up to
20 seconds for each of the remaining cycles. Press
the button again to turn off the heated windshield
washer uid system or it will automatically turn off
after four wipe cycles have been completed.When the heated windshield washer uid system is
activated 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 a
normal condition.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID is displayed on the
DIC when the washer uid is low. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-66.
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 this symbol to turn the rear
wiper on and off. The wiper speed cannot be changed.
Y(Wash):Press this symbol 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 will stay 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 5-34.
3-11