lock GMC ACADIA 2010 Owners Manual

Driving and Operating 9-23
{WARNING
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly 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 9‑19
. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9‑44.
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 first and then press
the shift 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. See
Shifting Out of Park
on
page 9‑20.
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, see If
the Vehicle is Stuck on page 9‑10. N (Neutral):
In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.

9-26 Driving and Operating
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5‑19. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
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 firmly and let
ABS work. The ABS pump or motor
might be heard operating, 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.

9-28 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
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 first 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 32 km/h (20 mph).
In some cases, it may take
approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) of
driving before the system initializes.If the system fails to turn on or
activate, the StabiliTrak light along
with one of the following messages
will be displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC):
TRACTION CONTROL OFF,
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL,
SERVICE STABILITRAK. If these
conditions are observed, turn the
vehicle off, wait 15 seconds, and
then turn it back on again to reset
the system. If any of these
messages still appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the
vehicle should be taken in for
service. For more information on the
DIC messages, see
Driver
Information Center (DIC) (With DIC
Buttons)
on page 5‑23or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Without
DIC Buttons) on page 5‑28.
The StabiliTrak light will flash on the
instrument panel cluster when the
system is both on and activated.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working; this is normal.
The traction control disable button is
located on the instrument panel
below the climate controls.
The traction control part of
StabiliTrak can be turned off by
pressing and releasing the traction
control disable button.

9-42 Driving and Operating
Filling the Tank
{WARNING
Fuel vapor burns violently and a
fuel fire can cause bad injuries.
To help avoid injuries to you and
others, read and follow all the
instructions on the fuel pump
island. Turn off the engine when
refueling. Do not smoke near fuel
or when refueling the vehicle. Do
not use cellular phones. Keep
sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel. Do not
leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling the vehicle. This is
against the law in some places.
Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children away
from the fuel pump; never let
children pump fuel.
The tethered fuel cap is located
behind a hinged fuel door on the
driver side of the vehicle. To open the fuel door, push the
rearward center edge in and release
and it will open.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise. The fuel
cap has a spring in it; if the cap is
released too soon, it will spring back
to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered
fuel cap from the hook on the
fuel door.
{WARNING
Fuel can spray out on you if you
open the fuel cap too quickly.
If you spill fuel and then
something ignites it, you could be
badly burned. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full,
and is more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and wait
for any hiss noise to stop. Then
unscrew the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not
top off or overfill the tank and wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care on page 10‑85.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it
clockwise until it clicks. Make sure
the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if

Driving and Operating 9-53
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is
needed.
.The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
.Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If there
are, then be sure to seal the
holes when the hitch is removed.
If the holes are not sealed, dirt,
water, and deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from the exhaust
may get into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust on page 9‑21.Weight-Distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying HitchesA. Body-to-Ground Distance
B. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the hitch must be adjusted so
that the distance (A) remains the
same both before and after coupling
the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so
the rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 450 kg (1,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not try to tap into the
vehicle's hydraulic brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will
not work well, or at all.

Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Proposition 65Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7 Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-12
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-19
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-21
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-26
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26 Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-27
Wiper Blade
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-29
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices andWiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30

10-2 Vehicle Care
Fuses and CircuitBreakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-37
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45 Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51
Different Size Tires and
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-55
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65 Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Secondary Latch System . . . 10-74
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . 10-77
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Towing
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Recreational Vehicle
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-85
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-91

Vehicle Care 10-3
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer/retailer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition 65Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
remote keyless transmitters, may
contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety,
including such things as airbags,
braking, stability, ride and handling,
emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems
like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, are
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.

Vehicle Care 10-7
A. Radiator Pressure Cap . SeeCooling System on page 10‑14.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Cap. See Cooling System
on
page 10‑14.
C. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 10‑78.
D. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑31.
E. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 10‑78.
F. Power Steering Reservoir and Cap (under engine cover). See
Power Steering Fluid
on
page 10‑21.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10‑8. H.
Engine Cover on page 10‑7.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid
on
page 10‑11.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
under Brakes on page 10‑23.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
on
page 10‑12.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
on
page 10‑22.
Engine Cover
A. Oil Fill Cap
B. Engine Cover
To remove:
1. Remove the oil fill cap (A).
2. Raise the engine cover (B) to release from the retainers.
3. Lift and remove the engine cover.
4. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall engine cover.

Vehicle Care 10-11
2. Press and hold the trip odometerreset stem until OIL LIFE
REMAINING shows 100%.
Three chimes sound and the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message goes off.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes back on
when the vehicle is started, the
engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
If the vehicle has Driver Information
Center (DIC) buttons:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off.
2. Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. 3. Press and hold the set/reset
button until 100% is displayed.
Three chimes sound and the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message goes off.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products. Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer/retailer and have it repaired
as soon as possible.