power steering GMC ACADIA 2009 Owner's Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel
Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv Preface

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

OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of
OnStar Hands-Free Calling that uses
minutes to access location-based
weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. Press the phone button
and give a few simple voice
commands to browse through the
various topics. See the OnStar
Owner’s Guide for more information.
This feature is only available in the
continental U.S.
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to
interact with OnStar Hands-Free
Calling. SeeAudio Steering Wheel
Controls on page 3-121for more
information.
On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s
Guide for more information.
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and
transmit vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to
an OnStar Call Center when the
OnStar button is pressed, the
emergency button is pressed, or if
the airbags or AACN system deploy.
This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in
the event of a crash, additional
information regarding the crash that
the vehicle was involved in (e.g.
the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor
feature of OnStar Hands-Free
Calling is used, the vehicle also
sends OnStar the vehicle’s
GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless the vehicle is in
a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired forthat area has coverage, network
capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and
technology that is compatible with
the OnStar service. Not all services
are available everywhere,
particularly in remote or enclosed
areas, or at all times.
Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed
and available.
The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including adequate
battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are
other problems OnStar cannot
control that may prevent OnStar
from providing OnStar service at any
particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important
parts of the vehicle in a crash,
hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather
or wireless phone network
congestion.
Features and Controls 2-43

Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel
Overview
Instrument Panel
Overview...........................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers. . .3-5
Horn...................................3-5
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Wheel.................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals.............................3-6
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer..........3-7
Flash-to-Pass......................3-7
Windshield Wipers..............3-7
Windshield Washer.............3-8
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer.............................3-9
Cruise Control....................3-9
Exterior Lamps..................3-11
Delayed Headlamps..........3-12
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System
...........3-13
Fog Lamps.......................3-13
Instrument Panel
Brightness.......................3-14
Courtesy Lamps................3-14
Dome Lamps....................3-14
Dome Lamp Override........3-14
Entry Lighting....................3-14
Delayed Entry Lighting......3-15
Delayed Exit Lighting........3-15
Parade Dimming...............3-15
Reading Lamps.................3-15
Electric Power
Management...................3-15
Battery Run-Down
Protection........................3-16
Head-Up Display (HUD). . . .3-17
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)..........................3-20
Power Outlet 115 Volt
Alternating Current..........3-21
Climate Controls
Climate Control System. . . .3-22
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System................3-25
Outlet Adjustment.............3-30
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System...............3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and
Electronic Climate
Controls
..........................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.................3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster. . .3-34
Speedometer and
Odometer........................3-35
Tachometer.......................3-35
Safety Belt Reminders......3-35
Airbag Readiness Light.....3-36
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................3-36
Charging System Light......3-37
Voltmeter Gage.................3-38
Instrument Panel 3-1

The main components of the
instrument panel are listed here:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-6.Turn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on
page 3-6
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on
page 3-34.
D.Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 3-17.
E.Audio System(s) on page 3-72.
Navigation/Radio System on
page 3-99(If Equipped).
F.Exterior Lamps on page 3-11.
G.Hood Release on page 5-9.
H.Dome Lamp Override on
page 3-14.Instrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-14.
I.Cruise Control on page 3-9.
J.Tilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel on page 3-6.
K.Horn on page 3-5.L.Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-121.
M.Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-46.
N.Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-25.
O. Center Console Shift Lever
(If Equipped). See “Console Shift
Lever” underShifting Into Park
on page 2-27.
P.Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 3-5.
Q.Cupholders on page 2-49.
R.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on
page 3-20.
S.Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 3-9. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-5.Tow/Haul Mode
on page 2-26(If Equipped).
Power Liftgate on page 2-11
(If Equipped).T.Heated Seats on page 1-5.
U. Passenger Air Bag status
Indicator. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-55.
V.Glove Box on page 2-49.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|
Hazard Warning Flasher:
Press this button located on
the instrument panel below the
audio system, to make the front and
rear turn signal lamps ash on
and off. This warns others that you
are having trouble. Press again
to turn the ashers off.
The turn signals do not work while
the hazard warning ashers are on.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols
on the steering wheel pad to
sound the horn.
Instrument Panel 3-5

Do not use this system to help you
park. SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) on page 2-34
for more information. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when a
problem is detected with the power
steering system. When this
message is displayed, you may
notice that the effort required
to steer the vehicle increases or
feels heavier, but you will still
be able to steer the vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer immediately.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak®
system. If this message appears, try
to reset the system. Stop; turn off the
engine for at least 15 seconds;
then start the engine again. If this
message still comes on, it means
there is a problem. See your dealer/
retailer for service. The vehicle issafe to drive, however, you do not
have the benet of StabiliTrak, so
reduce your speed and drive
accordingly.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may
not restart so you may want to take
the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
before turning off the engine.
SeePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation on page 2-18
for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
TPMS is not working properly.
The tire pressure light also ashes
and then remains on during the
same ignition cycle. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 3-41.Several conditions may cause this
message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-44for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your
dealer/retailer for service. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-5for
more information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
3-62 Instrument Panel

Audio Steering Wheel
Controls
Vehicles with audio steering wheel
controls could differ depending
on the vehicle’s options. Some audio
controls can be adjusted at the
steering wheel.
w(Next):Press to go to the next
radio station stored as a favorite,
or the next track if a CD/DVD
is playing.
cx(Previous/End):Press to
go to the previous radio station
stored as a favorite, the next track if
a CD/DVD is playing, to reject an
incoming call, or end a current call.
bg(Mute/Push to Talk):Press
to silence the vehicle speakers only.
Press again to turn the sound on.
For vehicles with OnStar
®or
Bluetooth systems, press and hold
for longer than two seconds to
interact with those systems. See
OnStar
®System on page 2-41and
Bluetooth®on page 3-99in this
manual for more information.
SRCE (Source):Press to switch
between the radio (AM, FM, XM),
CD, and for vehicles with, DVD,
front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.
For vehicles with the navigation
system, press and hold this button
for longer than one second to initiate
voice recognition. See “Voice
Recognition” in the Navigation
System manual for more information.+
e−e(Volume):Press to
increase or to decrease the radio
volume.
¨(Seek):Press to go to the next
radio station while in AM, FM, or
XM™. Press
¨to go to the next
track or chapter while sourced to the
CD or DVD slot. Press the
¨if
multiple discs are loaded to go to
the next disc while sourced to a
CD player.
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
Instrument Panel 3-121

As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot
up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough
time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down rmly and
let antilock work. The antilock pump
or motor operating might be
heard and the brake pedal might be
felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help more
than even the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.The Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has the StabiliTrak
system which combines antilock
brake, traction and stability control
systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the
vehicle in most driving conditions.
When you rst start the vehicle and
begin to drive away, the system
performs several diagnostic checks
to ensure there are no problems. The
system may be heard or felt while it
is working. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle. The system should initialize
before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h). In some cases, it may take
approximately two miles of driving
before the system initializes.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-5

Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system is not functioning, the vehicle
can be steered but it will take
more effort.
Variable Effort Steering
If the vehicle has this steering
system, the system continuously
adjusts the effort felt when steering
at all vehicle speeds. It provides
ease when parking, yet a rm, solid
feel at highway speeds.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the
road surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle
speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you
can drive through the curve.
Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until out
of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking.
For example, you come over a hill
and nd a truck stopped in your
lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts
out from between parked cars
and stops right in front of you.
These problems can be avoided
by braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop in
time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the
problem.The vehicle can perform very well in
emergencies like these. First,
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-3. It is better to remove
as much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock
positions, it can be turned a
full 180 degrees very quickly
without removing either hand.
4-8 Driving Your Vehicle

Service and
Appearance Care
Service
Service...............................5-3
Accessories and
Modications.....................5-3
California Proposition 65
Warning............................5-3
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....5-3
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................5-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle......5-4
Fuel
Fuel....................................5-5
Gasoline Octane.................5-5
Gasoline Specications.......5-5
California Fuel....................5-5
Additives.............................5-5
Fuels in Foreign
Countries..........................5-6
Filling the Tank...................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................5-8
Checking Things
Under the Hood
Checking Things Under
the Hood..........................5-9
Hood Release.....................5-9
Engine Compartment
Overview.........................5-10
Engine Oil.........................5-11
Engine Oil Life System.....5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . .5-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................5-16
Cooling System.................5-16
Engine Coolant.................5-17
Engine Overheating...........5-21
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
...............5-23
Power Steering Fluid.........5-23
Windshield Washer Fluid. . .5-24
Brakes..............................5-25
Battery..............................5-28
Jump Starting...................5-28
All-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive.................5-33
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............5-33
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............5-33
Halogen Bulbs..................5-33
License Plate Lamp..........5-34
Replacement Bulbs...........5-34
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................5-34
Tires
Tires.................................5-35
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......5-36
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................5-38
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .5-41
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................5-42
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................5-44
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................5-47
Service and Appearance Care 5-1