steering GMC ACADIA 2012 Service Manual

Black plate (1,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-12 Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-18
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-21
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-26
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-27
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Windshield Replacement . . . 10-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-29
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34

Black plate (7,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-7
A. Radiator Pressure Cap.See Cooling 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” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
H. Engine Cover on page 10‑8.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick (out of view). 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 10‑12. K. Brake Master Cylinder
Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
under Brakes on page 10‑22.
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.

Black plate (21,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-21
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
located under the engine cover on
the passenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power
Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system or you hear an unusual
noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power
Steering Fluid
Notice:Extremely small amounts
of contamination can cause
steering system damage and
cause it to not work properly.
Do not allow contaminants to
contact the fluid side of the
reservoir cap/dipstick or to
enter the reservoir.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover. See Engine Cover on page 10‑8.
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
4. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid level should be
somewhere between the MAX and
MIN line on the dipstick in room
temperature. If the fluid is on or
below the MIN line, add fluid close
to the MAX Line.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12. Always
use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
fluid may damage the vehicle
and the damages may not be
covered by the vehicle's warranty.
Always use the correct fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.

Black plate (35,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-35
Fuse Side
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown. Fuses Usage
AIRBAG Airbag AMP Amplifier
BCK/UP/ STOP Back‐up Lamp/
Stoplamp
BCM Body Control
Module
CNSTR/ VENT Canister Vent
CTSY Courtesy Lamps
DR/LCK Door Locks
DRL Daytime Running
Lamps
DRL 2/
RR Fog GMC HID Only
(If Equipped)/
Rear Fog Lamps
(China Only)
DSPLY Display
FRT/WSW Front Windshield
Washer
HTD/COOL SEAT Heated/Cooling
Seats Fuses Usage
HVAC Heating,
Ventilation, and
Air Conditioning
INADV/
PWR/LED Inadvertent
Power LED
INFOTMNT Infotainment
LT/TRN/SIG Driver Side Turn
Signal
MSM Memory Seat
Module
PDM Power Mirrors,
Liftgate Release
PWR MODE Power Mode
PWR/MIR Power Mirrors RDO Radio
REAR WPR Rear Wiper
RT/TRN/SIG Passenger Side
Turn Signal
SPARE Spare
STR/WHL/ ILLUM Steering Wheel
Illumination

Black plate (36,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
10-36 Vehicle Care
Relay SideRelays Usage
LT/PWR/ SEAT Driver Side Power
Seat Relay
RT/PWR/ SEAT Passenger Side
Power Seat Relay
PWR/WNDW Power Windows
Relay
PWR/
COLUMN Power Steering
Column Relay
L/GATE Liftgate Relay
LCK Power Lock Relay
REAR/WSW Rear Window
Washer Relay
UNLCK Power Unlock
Relay
DRL2 Daytime Running
Lamps 2 Relay
(If Equipped) Relays Usage
LT/UNLCK Driver Side Unlock
Relay
DRL Daytime Running
Lamps Relay
(If Equipped)
SPARE Spare
FRT/WSW Front Windshield
Washer Relay

Black plate (41,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-41
Accessory Weight:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between
the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim. Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10‑44.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code
molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑10.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle
Weight Rating for the front axle.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑10.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle
Weight Rating for the rear axle.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑10.

Black plate (58,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
10-58 Vehicle Care
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. SeeTires
on page 10‑37. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak
out slowly. But if there is ever a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
{WARNING
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{WARNING
Lifting a vehicle and getting
under it to do maintenance or
repairs is dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 6‑4.

Black plate (85,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-85
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel‐
Drive Vehicles Only)
To tow a front-wheel‐drive vehicle
from the front with two wheels on
the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.4. Clamp the steering wheel in a
straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
5. Remove the key from the ignition.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
Towing the Vehicle From
the Rear
Notice: Towing the vehicle from
the rear could damage it. Also,
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Never have
the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.

Black plate (88,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
10-88 Vehicle Care
Wheels and Trim—Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft,
clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice: Chrome wheels and other
chrome trim may be damaged if
the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been
sprayed with magnesium,
calcium, or sodium chloride.
These chlorides are used on
roads for conditions such as ice
and dust. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water
after exposure. Notice:
To avoid surface damage,
do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect the power
steering for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually
check constant velocity joints,
rubber boots, and axle seals for
leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.

Black plate (4,1)GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual - 2012
11-4 Service and Maintenance
.Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. SeeExterior
Care on page 10‑86. Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10‑28.
.Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑44.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑50.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑12.
.Inspect brake system.
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care on
page 10‑86.
.Check restraint system
components. See Safety
System Check on page 3‑23.
.Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components.
See Exterior Care on
page 10‑86.
.Check starter switch.
See Starter Switch Check on
page 10‑26.
.Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function.
See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑26.
.Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑27.
.Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10‑27.
.Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
.Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10‑60.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2‑23.