GMC ACADIA 2021 User Guide

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To customize the doors to automatically lock
when exiting the vehicle, see“Remote Lock,
Unlock, Start” underVehicle Personalization
0 123.
Temporary Disable of Passive Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking by
pressing and holding
Kon the interior door
switch with a door open for at least
four seconds, or until three chimes are
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To turn on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 0123.
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for RKE transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter is not detected, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display NO
REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp
three times. This occurs only once each time
the vehicle is driven. To turn on or off, see
Vehicle Personalization
0 123.
Keyless Liftgate Opening
Press the touch pad on the liftgate handle
to open the liftgate if the RKE transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft).
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead transmitter
battery, see Door Locks015.Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off and all
of the transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be with you. 1. Place the two recognized transmitters in
the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks015.
Insert the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock cylinder on
the driver door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, ETC.
3. Place the new transmitter into the
transmitter pocket. The transmitter
pocket is under the liner on the bottom
of the center console storage area. Lift
up the liner and set it aside.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When thetransmitter is learned, the DIC will
display that it is ready to program the
next transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press the
transmitter
KorQbutton.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
6. Put the key back into the transmitter.
7. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 015.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized transmitters are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight transmitters. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters you wish
to program must be with you. 1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the
driver door handle. See Door Locks015.
Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter
into the key lock cylinder on the driver
door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC will again display REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time all previously known
transmitters will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be
relearned during the next steps.
The DIC should now display READY FOR
REMOTE # 1.
4. Place the new transmitter into thetransmitter pocket. The transmitter
pocket is under the liner on the bottom
of the center console storage area. Lift
up the liner and set it aside.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will
display that it is ready to program the
next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press the
transmitter
KorQbutton.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Put the key back into the transmitter.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 015.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
When the vehicle is started, if the
transmitter battery is weak, the DIC may
display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO
REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:
1. Open the center console storage area by opening the armrest.2. Lift up the liner from the bottom of thecenter console storage area and set it
aside, exposing the transmitter pocket.
3. Place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket.
4. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C
(138 °F).

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY. To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the side of the RKE
transmitter near the bottom and pull the
key out. Never pull the key out without
pressing the button.
2. Insert a flat, thin object in the center of the transmitter to separate and remove
the back cover.
3. Lift the battery with a non-metal flatobject.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Insert the new battery, positive side toward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the transmitter and reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the engine
to be started from outside of the vehicle.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start. The
rear defog may come on during a remote
start based on cold ambient conditions. The
rear fog indicator light does not come on
during a remote start.
If the vehicle has heated or ventilated seats,
they may come on during a remote start.
SeeHeated and Ventilated Front Seats 041.
If equipped with a remote start heated
steering wheel, the heated wheel will turn
on automatically in remote start along with
the heated seats when it is cold outside. See
Heated Steering Wheel 090.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws may require a person using
remote start to have the vehicle in view.
Check local regulations for any
requirements.
Do not use remote start if the vehicle is low
on fuel as it may run out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07. Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Qon the RKE
transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds or until the turn
signal lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
During the remote start the doors will be
locked and the parking lamps will remain
on as long as the engine is running.
The engine will shut off after 15 minutes
unless a time extension is done or the
vehicle is started.
3. With the RKE transmitter in the vehicle, press the brake pedal and start the
vehicle to drive.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can also be extended
by another 15 minutes, if during the first
15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while
the engine is still running. An extension can
be requested 30 seconds after starting. This
provides a total of 30 minutes.
The remote start can only be extended once. When the remote start is extended, the
second 15-minute period is added on to the
first 15 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
remote start with an extension, are allowed
between ignition cycles.
The vehicle must be started and then turned
off before the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do any of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start Will
Not Work
The remote start will not operate if any of
the following occur:
.A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.The ignition is on.
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts or a start with
an extension have already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock the door from the outside:
.PressQorKon the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
.Use the key in the driver door. The key
lock cylinder is covered with a cap.
To lock or unlock the door from the inside:
.PressQorKon the power door lock
switch.
.Push down on the door lock knob to lock
a door.
.Pull the door handle once to unlock the
door. Pull the handle again to unlatch it. Keyless Access
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened.
Press the button on the door handle to
open. See
“Keyless Access Operation” in
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In
Case of Dead Battery)
To access the driver door key lock cylinder:1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
removal is complete.
2. Insert the key into the slot (3) on the bottom of the cap (2) and lift the key
upward.
3. Move the cap (2) rearward and remove.
4. Use the key in the cylinder.
To replace the cap: 1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
installation is complete.
2. Insert the two tabs (6) at the back of thecap between the seal (5) and the metal
base (4).3. Slide the cap forward and press theforward edge to install the cap in place.
4. Release the door handle.
5. Check that the cap is secure.
Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when
either the wrong key is used, or the correct
key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from
being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it
to the vertical position with the correct key
fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it
again. If this does not reset the lock, turn
the key halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
Power Door Locks
Q:Press to lock the doors.
K:Press to unlock the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the locking of the doors
until five seconds after all doors are closed.
Delayed locking can only be turned on when
the Open Door Anti Lock Out has been
turned off.
When
Qis pressed on the power door lock
switch while the door is open, a chime will
sound three times indicating delayed locking
is active. The doors will lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are closed. If a
door is reopened before that time, the
five-second timer will reset when all doors
are closed again.
Press
Qon the door lock switch again or
press
Qon the RKE transmitter to lock the
doors immediately.
This feature can also be programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization 0123.
Automatic Door Locks
The vehicle is programmed so that when the
doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park), the doors
will lock.
If a vehicle door is unlocked and then
opened and closed, the doors will lock either
when your foot is removed from the brake
or the vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon a door.
.Shift the transmission into P (Park). Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization
0 123.
Lockout Protection
If the ignition is on or in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the power door lock switch is pressed
with the driver door open, all the doors will
lock and only the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested
while a door is open, when all doors are
closed the vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE transmitter is
detected and the number of RKE
transmitters inside has not reduced, the
driver door will unlock and the horn will
chirp three times.
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden by pressing and holding
Qon
the power door lock switch.
Open Door Anti Lock Out
If Open Door Anti Lock Out has been turned
on and the vehicle is off, the driver door is
open, and locking is requested, all the doors
will lock and the driver door will remain
unlocked. When this function is turned on,
the driver door will only lock when it is

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
closed. The Open Door Anti Lock Out feature
can be turned on or off. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0123.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
If equipped, the safety lock is on the inside
edge of the rear doors. To use the
safety lock:
1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door. 3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock
switch, or by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch
open, or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Warning (Continued)
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0219.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate, pressKon the
power door lock switch or press
Kon the
RKE transmitter twice within five seconds.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
To open the liftgate, press the touch pad on
the bottom of the liftgate handle and
lift up.
Use the pull cup to lower and close the
liftgate. Do not press the touch pad while
closing the liftgate. This will cause the
liftgate to be unlatched.
If equipped with Keyless Access, the liftgate
can be opened when locked if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the touch
pad. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07. The liftgate has an electric latch. If the
battery is disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will
resume operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
Always close the liftgate before driving.
Power Liftgate Operation
{Warning
You or others could be injured if caught
in the path of the power liftgate. Make
sure there is no one in the way of the
liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured
liftgate may result in damage to the
power liftgate components.