GMC ACADIA 2009 Manual Online

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

windows from operating the
windows, except from the driver
position. Press the switch to turn the
lockout feature on or off. An
indicator light will come on to show
the lockout feature is on.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount and slide it along
the rod from side-to-side to cover
the driver or passenger side of
the front window. Swing the
sun visor to the side to cover the
side window. It can be moved along
the rod from side-to-side in this
position also.
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror
The vehicle has lighted visor vanity
mirrors on both the driver and
passenger sun visors. Pull the sun
visor down and lift the mirror
cover to turn the lamps on.
Theft-Deterrent
Systems
Vehicle theft is big business,
especially in some cities. This
vehicle has theft-deterrent features,
however, they do not make it
impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
This vehicle may have a content
theft-deterrent alarm system.
To activate the theft-deterrent
system, do one of the following:
PressQon the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or the
power door lock switch when any
door is open.
The security light ashes.When the door is closed, the
security light stops ashing and
stays on solid for approximately
30 seconds. The content
theft deterrent alarm is not armed
until the security light goes off.
If the delayed locking feature is
active, the alarm is not activated
until all doors are closed and the
security light goes off.
PressQwhen the driver door is
closed. The security light comes
on solid for approximately
30 seconds and then goes off.
The content theft deterrent alarm
is not armed until the security light
goes off.
The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked
with the vehicle’s key or the manual
door lock.
If a locked door is opened without
using the RKE transmitter, a
ten second pre-alarm occurs. The
horn chirps and the lights ash.
2-16 Features and Controls

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

Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics
in the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should
be plugged in at least four hours
before starting. Some models
may have an internal thermostat in
the cord which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The cord is
located on the driver side of the
engine compartment. It is
routed around the windshield
washer uid reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If
the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer
in the area where you will be
parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
Features and Controls 2-23

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