instrument panel GMC ACADIA 2021 User Guide

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
120 Instruments and Controls
If equipped with HUD, some information
concerning the operation of the vehicle is
projected onto the windshield. The
information is projected through the HUD
lens on the driver side of the instrument
panel and focused out toward the front of
the vehicle.
Caution
If you try to use the HUD image as a
parking aid, you may misjudge the
distance and damage your vehicle. Do not
use the HUD image as a parking aid.
The HUD information can be displayed in
various languages. The speedometer reading
and other numerical values can be displayed
in either English or metric units.
The language selection is changed through
the radio and the units of measurement is
changed through the instrument cluster. See
Vehicle Personalization 0123 and "Options"
under Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
0 97 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 0100.
HUD Display on the Windshield
The HUD may display some of the following
vehicle information and vehicle messages or
alerts:
.Speed
.Tachometer
.Audio
.Phone
.Navigation
.Collision Alert
.Adaptive Cruise Control and set speed
.Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keep Assist
.Low Fuel Some vehicle messages or alerts displayed in
the HUD may be cleared by using the
steering wheel controls. See
Vehicle
Messages 0122.
The HUD control is to the left of the
steering wheel.
To adjust the HUD image:
1. Adjust the driver seat.
2. Start the engine.
3. Use the following settings to adjust the HUD.
$:Press or lift to center the HUD image.
The HUD image can only be adjusted up and
down, not side to side.
!: Press to select the display view. Each
press will change the display view.
D: Lift and hold to brighten the display.
Press and hold to dim the display. Continue
to hold to turn the display off.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Lighting 131
Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 132
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . 132
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 133
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . 133
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . 134
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel IlluminationControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Battery Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 137
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
The exterior lamp control is on the turn
signal lever.
Turn the control to the following positions:
O: Turns off the exterior lamps and
deactivates AUTO mode. The knob returns to
the AUTO position after it is released. Turn
to
Oagain to reactivate the AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will automatically
reactivate when the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park).
AUTO : Automatically turns the exterior
lamps on and off, depending on outside
lighting.
;: Turns on the parking lamps including
all lamps, except the headlamps.
2: Turns on the headlamps together with
the parking lamps and instrument panel
lights.
IntelliBeam System
If equipped, this system turns the vehicle's
high-beam headlamps on and off according
to surrounding traffic conditions.
The system turns the high-beam headlamps
on when it is dark enough and there is no
other traffic present.
This light
bcomes on in the instrument
cluster when the IntelliBeam system is
enabled.
Turning On and Enabling IntelliBeam
To enable the IntelliBeam system, press the
button on the end of the turn signal lever
when the exterior lamp control is in the
AUTO or
2position.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Lighting 133
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of your vehicle during the day. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The dedicated DRL will come on when all of
the following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.
.The parking brake is released or the
vehicle is not in P (Park).
The taillamps, instrument panel lights, and
other lamps will not be on.
The DRL turn off when the headlamps are
turned to
Oor the ignition is off. For
vehicles sold in Canada, this control only
works when the vehicle is parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to
AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. If it is light outside when the
vehicle leaves the garage, there is a slight delay before the automatic headlamp
system changes to the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). During that delay, the
instrument cluster may not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the instrument panel
brightness control is in the full bright
position. See
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0135.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps will turn off or may change
to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system turns off
when the exterior lamp control is turned to
Oor the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in
daylight with the engine on, and the
exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and other
exterior lamps come on. The transition time
for the lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are not
operating, these lamps turn off. Move the
exterior lamp control to
Oor;to disable
this feature.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
134 Lighting
Hazard Warning Flashers
|:Press this button to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.
This warns others that you are having
trouble. Press again to turn the flashers off.
The turn signals do not work while the
hazard warning flashers are on.
The hazard warning flashers turn on
automatically if the airbags deploy.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever all the way up or down to
signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument cluster will
flash in the direction of the turn or lane
change.
Raise or lower the lever until the arrow
starts to flash to signal a lane change. Hold
it there until the lane change is complete.
If the lever is moved momentarily to the
lane change position, the arrow will flash
three times. It will flash six times if Tow/
Haul Mode is active.
The lever returns to its starting position
when it is released.
If after signaling a turn or lane change, the
arrow flashes rapidly or does not come on, a
signal bulb may be burned out.
Have any burned out bulbs replaced. If a
bulb is not burned out, check the fuse. See
Instrument Panel Fuse Block 0296.
Fog Lamps
Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy
or misty conditions.
To turn on the fog lamps, the ignition and
the headlamps or parking lamps must be on.
#:Turn the band down and release to
turn the fog lamps on or off. A light comes
on in the instrument cluster when the fog
lamps are in use. The ignition must be on
for the fog lamps to work.
When the headlamps are changed to high
beam, the fog lamps turn off. The fog lamps
come back on again when the high-beam
headlamps are turned off.
Some localities have laws that require the
headlamps to be on along with the fog
lamps.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Lighting 135
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control
This feature adjusts the brightness of the
steering wheel controls and instrument
panel lights.
D:Move the thumbwheel up or down to
brighten or dim the lights.
Courtesy Lamps
The courtesy lamps come on when any door
is opened,
Kon the RKE transmitter is
pressed, or when the ignition is switched
off. See Dome Lamps 0135.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamp is in the overhead console.
To operate, press the following buttons:
jOFF : Press to turn off the dome
lamps when any door is opened,
Kon the
RKE transmitter is pressed, or when the
ignition is switched off. An indicator light on
the button will turn on when the dome
lamp override is activated. Press
jOFF
again to deactivate this feature and the
indicator light will turn off. The dome lamps
will come on when any door is opened,
K
on the RKE transmitter is pressed, or when
the ignition is switched off. +
ON/OFF : Press to turn the dome lamps
on manually.
Reading Lamps
There are front and rear reading lamps on
the overhead console and in the headliner.
These lamps come on when any door is
opened,
Kon the RKE transmitter is
pressed, or when the ignition is
switched off.
To operate, the ignition must be on, or in
ACC/ACCESSORY, or using Retained Accessory
Power (RAP).
Front Reading Lamps
Press the lamp lenses to turn the front
reading lamps on or off.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
194 Climate Controls
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the
vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm weather.
The recirculation light will not come on
when automatically controlled. Press
@to
manually select recirculation; press it again
to select outside air.
Do not cover the solar sensor on the top of
the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based
on sun load. See “Sensors”later in this
section.
Manual Operation
O: Press to turn the climate control system
on or off. When the system is off, outside
air will be prevented from entering the
vehicle. When the system is on, a button is
pressed, or knob is turned, the climate
control system will turn on and deliver
airflow per the current setting.
9: Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed. Press the
knob to turn the fan off.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation. Driver and Passenger Temperature Control :
The temperature can be adjusted separately
for the driver and passenger.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the driver or
passenger temperature setting.
SYNC :
Press to link the passenger and rear
climate temperature settings, if equipped, to
the driver setting. The SYNC indicator light
will turn on. When the passenger or rear
climate temperature settings are adjusted,
the SYNC indicator light is off.
The driver side or passenger side
temperature display shows the temperature
setting increasing or decreasing.
Air Delivery Mode Control : Press
Y,\,
[, or-to change the direction of the
airflow. An indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button.
Changing the mode cancels the automatic
operation and the system goes into manual
mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
\: Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets. Some air is directed
toward the windshield and side window
outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some to the windshield, side window
outlets, and second row floor outlets.
-: This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield,
floor outlets, and side window vents. The
system automatically forces outside air into
the vehicle and the air conditioning
compressor will run, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing.
0: Press to clear the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window vents. The
air conditioning compressor also comes on,
unless the outside temperature is below
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows
are clear.
See Air Vents 0197.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Climate Controls 195
A/C :Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is
enabled. If the fan is turned off, the air
conditioner will not run. The A/C light will
stay on even if the outside temperatures are
below freezing.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
It can also be used to help reduce outside
air and odors that enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes on
when this mode is activated.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming
grid to remove fog from the rear window.
K: Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works when
the ignition is on. The defogger turns off if
the ignition is turned to off or ACC/
ACCESSORY.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not clear the inside rear window with
sharp objects.
Heated Mirror : If equipped with heated
outside mirrors, the mirrors heat to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed. See Heated Mirrors 028.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation :
If equipped with remote start, the climate
control system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. The rear defog may come
on during remote start based on cold
ambient conditions. The rear defog indicator
light does not come on during a remote
start.
If equipped, the heated seats will turn on if
it is cold outside or the ventilated seats will
turn on if it is hot outside. The heated and
ventilated seat indicator lights may not
come on during a remote start. If equipped,
the heated steering wheel will come on in a remote start if it is cold outside. The heated
steering wheel indicator light may not
come on.
Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the defrost grille
in the middle of the instrument panel,
monitors the solar heat. Do not cover the
solar sensor or the system will not work
properly.
There is also an exterior temperature sensor
behind the front grille. This sensor reads the
outside air temperature and helps maintain
the temperature inside the vehicle. Any
cover on the front of the vehicle, could
cause a false reading in the displayed
temperature.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Climate Controls 197
SYNC button will be lit. Adjust the rear
climate control temperature to change the
linked temperature. The SYNC button
turns off.
Rear Control Lockout :Touch Rear Control
Lockout on the display to lock or unlock
control of the rear climate control system
from the front seat. When locked the rear
climate control cannot be adjusted from the
rear climate controls.
Automatic Operation
AUTO : Touch AUTO or Rear Auto on the
display to automatically control air delivery
and fan speed. A is indicated in the display
when automatic operation is active. If any
of the climate control settings are manually
adjusted, this cancels full automatic
operation.
The display only indicates climate control
functions when the system is in rear
independent mode. When SYNC is active the
display is not shown.
Manual Operation
9: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, or touch and hold the fan
control on the display to increase or
decrease the fan speed. TEMP :
Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, or touch and hold the
temperature controls on the display to
adjust the rear passenger temperature. If
SYNC is lit, the rear climate temperature is
linked to the driver temperature setting.
Y/\/Yor MODE : Touch the desired
mode button on the display or press MODE
on the rear climate controls to change the
direction of the airflow in the rear seating
area. Repeatedly touch MODE until the
desired mode appears on the display.
MorL: If equipped, pressMorLto
heat the left or right outboard seat. See
Heated Rear Seats 045.
Air Vents
To adjust the center and side air outlets on
the instrument panel, use the slider switch
in the center of the outlet to change the
direction of the airflow and also to shut off
the airflow.
There may be outlets overhead in the rear
passenger area; adjust as needed.
Keep all outlets open whenever possible for
best system performance.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
the air inlets at the base of the
windshield that can block the flow of air
into the vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system.
.Keep the path under all seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.
.If fogging reoccurs while inYor\
modes with mild temperature throughout
the vehicle, turn on the air conditioner to
reduce windshield fogging.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air filter
reduces dust, pollen, and other airborne
irritants from outside air that is pulled into
the vehicle. The filter will need to be
replaced periodically. See Maintenance
Schedule 0346.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
208 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding roads,
long grades, passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0226.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0224.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode for
vehicles equipped with AWD. Select
Snow/Ice Mode for FWD only vehicles.
See Driver Mode Control 0228 and
All-Wheel Drive 0224.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 366. To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 257
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0224. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0223. If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.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.
See “Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0219.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.