ignition GMC ACADIA 2009 User Guide

Programmable Automatic
Door Locks
Vehicles with an automatic
lock/unlock feature enable you to
program the vehicle’s power
door locks. This feature can be
programmed through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC
Vehicle Customization (With
DIC Buttons) on page 3-64for more
information.
Rear Door Security
Locks
The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers
from opening the rear doors from
the inside.Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge
of each door.
To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door to
normal operation, turn the slot to
the vertical position.
Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from
locking the key in the vehicle when
the key is in the ignition and a
front door is open.
If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver’s
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.
If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open
and the key is in the ignition, all of
the doors will lock and then the
front passenger door will unlock.
Features and Controls 2-9

The power window controls are
located on each of the side doors.
The driver door also has switches
that control the passenger and rear
windows. The power windows
work when the ignition has been
turned to ACC/ACCESSORY,
ON/RUN or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-21.
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull up on the front edge of
the switch to raise the window.
Express-Down Windows
Windows that have the
express-down feature allow the
windows to be lowered without
holding the switch. Press the
window switch fully and release it to
activate the express-down feature.
The express mode can be canceled
at any time by briey pressing, or
pulling the switch.
Express-Up Window
Windows that have the express-up
feature allow the windows to be
raised all the way without holding
the switch up. Pull the switch up fully
and release it to activate the
express-up feature. The express-up
mode can be canceled at any
time by briey pressing, or pulling
the switch.
Programming the Power
Windows
If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected, or
replaced, windows with the
express-up feature need to be
reprogrammed for this feature to
work. To program the window:
1. Close all doors with the ignition
in the ACC/ACCESSORY,
ON/RUN position, or when
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-21.2. Press and continue to hold the
window switch until the window
is fully open.
3. Pull up and hold the window
switch to close the window.
Continue to hold it briey after
the window is fully closed.
4. Repeat for each window that
has the express-up feature.
Anti-Pinch Feature
The anti-pinch feature is on windows
with the express-up feature. If an
object is in the way of the window as
it is express-closing, or in certain
weather conditions like severe icing,
the window will stop and open to
a factory preset position. The
window functions normally once the
obstruction is removed.
Window Lockout
o(Window Lockout):The
window lockout switch is located
with the power window switches on
the driver door armrest. This
feature prevents the rear passenger
Features and Controls 2-15

If the key is not placed in the
ignition and turned to START or the
door is not unlocked by pressing
Qduring the ten second pre-alarm,
the alarm goes off. The headlamps
ash and the horn sounds for
about two minutes, then turns off to
save the battery power.
The vehicle can be started with the
correct ignition key if the alarm
has been set off.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
Lock the vehicle with the door
key after the doors are closed.
Unlock the door with the RKE
transmitter. Unlocking a door
any other way sets off the alarm
if the system has been armed.
Press
Kor place the key in
the ignition and turn it to START to
turn off the alarm.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower
the driver side window and
open the driver door.
2. Press
Q.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the
door and wait for the security
light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the
window, unlock the door with
the manual door lock and open
the door. This should set off
the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it
should, but the vehicle’s headlamps
ash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-90.
If the alarm does not sound or the
vehicle’s headlamps do not ash,
see your dealer/retailer for service.
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
The PASS-Key III+ system operates
on a radio frequency subject to
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with
Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Features and Controls 2-17

This device complies with RSS-210
of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
PASS-Key III+ uses a radio
frequency transponder in the
key that matches a decoder in
the vehicle.PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from
the ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned to
ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or
START from the LOCK/OFF
position.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
The security light comes on if there
is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system
senses an incorrect key, the vehicle
does not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start thevehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical
key codes.
If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument panel
comes on when trying to start the
vehicle, there may be a problem with
your theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key and check the
fuses. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-90for additional
information. If the engine still does
not start with the other key, the
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the rst key may be faulty.
See your dealer/retailer who can
service the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a
new key made. In an emergency,
contact Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6.
2-18 Features and Controls

It is possible for the PASS-Key®III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
to the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith
who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed
to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a
locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key
blank that is cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the system.To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed
key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does
not start, see your dealer/retailer
for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn
the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to the ON/RUN
position within ve seconds of
the original key being turned
to the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4
if additional keys are to be
programmed.If the PASS-Key
®III+ key is lost or
damaged, see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith to have a new
key made.
The SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56for additional information.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
Features and Controls 2-19

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

Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer/retailer.
((LOCK/OFF):This position
locks the ignition and transmission.
The key can be removed in
LOCK/OFF.
The shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If
this happens, move the steering
wheel from right to left while turning
the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If
this doesn’t work, then the vehicle
needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is
the position in which you can
operate the electrical accessories or
items plugged into the accessorypower outlets. This position unlocks
the ignition and steering wheel.
Use this position if the vehicle must
be pushed or towed.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning and
indicator lights. The switch stays in
this position when the engine is
running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position. If you leave
the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off,
the battery could be drained. You
may not be able to start the vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
/(START):This is the position
that starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to
ON/RUN for driving.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition key is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the windows and sunroof
will work up to 10 minutes or
until a door is opened.
The radio continues to work for
10 minutes or until the driver’s door
is opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and
turn the key to ON/RUN and
then back to LOCK/OFF.
All these features will work when
the key is in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY positions.
Features and Controls 2-21

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

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the
regular brake pedal down, then push
the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake system
warning light will come on. See
Brake System Warning Light
on page 3-38.Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the
brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make
sure that the parking brake is
fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake,
hold the regular brake pedal down,
then push down momentarily on
the parking brake pedal until
you feel the pedal release. Slowly
pull your foot up off the park
brake pedal. If the parking brake is
not released when you begin to
drive, the brake system warning light
will be on and a chime will sound
warning you that the parking
brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on a hill, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-24.
Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION
It can be 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. 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, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-24.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-27for
more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the
shift lever all the way toward the
front of the vehicle.
Features and Controls 2-27