trailer GMC ACADIA 2021 Owner's Guide

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Driving and Operating 265
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals should will illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer, the
arrows on the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0228.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0224.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0259.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
226.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment 0262 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
266 Driving and Operating
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be onthe trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0107
. A device connected to the DLC —such
as an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 063 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 063.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 295
FusesUsage
F19 –
F20 –
F21 –
F22 Electronic brake control module
F23 Parking/Trailer lamps
F24 Right trailer stoplamp/ Turn lamp
F25 Steering column lock
F26 –
F27 Left trailer stoplamp/ Turn lamp
F28 –
F29 –
F30 Washer pump F31 –
F32 –
F33 Fog lamps
F34 Horn F35 –
F36 Headlamp high-beam left Fuses
Usage
F37 Headlamp high-beam right
F38 Automatic headlamp leveling motor
F39 Transmission control module 1/Battery 1
F40 Left rear bus electrical center/Ignition
F41 Instrument cluster
F42 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
F43 Head-up display/ Reflective light alert
display
F44 Electronic brake control module electric brake
booster/Run/Crank
F45 –
F46 –
F47 –
F48 Rear wiper 2
F49 Interior rearview mirror/ Trailer Fuses
Usage
F50 Fuel system control module
F51 Heated steering wheel
F52 Air conditioning clutch
F53 Coolant pump
F54 –
F55 –
F56 –
F57 Engine control module/ Ignition
F58 Transmission control module/Ignition
F59 Engine control module battery
F60 –
F61 O2 sensor 1/Aeroshutter
F62 Engine control module –odd
F63 O2 sensor 2
F64 Engine control module –even

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 299
FusesUsage
F1 –
F2 Trailer battery 1 Fuses
Usage
F3 Driver seat belt motor
F4 Rear blower F5 Rear drive control
F6 Passenger seat belt motor
F7 Right window
F8 Rear defogger
F9 Left window
F10 –
F11 Trailer reverse
F12 –
F13 –
F14 –
F15 –
F16 –
F17 –
F18 Trailer module/ Accessory power
module rechargeable
energy storage system
ignition Fuses
Usage
F19 Ventilated seats
F20 –
F21 Trailer connector
F22 –
F23 –
F24 Passenger window switch
F25 –
F26 Trailer brake F27 Driver ventilated seat/ Lumbar
F28 Passive entry/Passive start
F29 –
F30 Canister vent F31 Rechargeable energy storage system
F32 Heated mirror
F33 –
F34 Liftgate module

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
300 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
F35 Fuel system control module
F36 Passenger ventilated seat/Lumbar
F37 External amplifier hybrid
F38 Window module
F39 Rear closure
F40 Memory seat module F41 Automatic occupancy sensor
F42 Trailer battery 2
F43 Blower console
F44 –
F45 Liftgate motor
F46 Rear heated seats F47 –
F48 Glass break sensor
F49 –
F50 –
F51 – Fuses
Usage
F52 Active dampening system module
F53 –
F54 External object calculating/Side blind
zone alert
F55 –
F56 Universal remote system/Rain sensor
F57 Theft deterrent
Circuit Breakers Usage CB1 –
CB2 –
CB3 Rear auxiliary power outlet
Relays Usage
K1 –
K2 –Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has high-quality
tires made by a leading tire
manufacturer. See the warranty manual
for information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get service. For
additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can cause
overheating as a result of too
much flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious crash. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0209.
.Underinflated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 335
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used by the towing
provider. These holes may be used to pull
the vehicle from a flat road surface onto the
flatbed tow truck.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Become familiar with the local laws that
apply to recreational vehicle towing.
These laws may vary by region.
.The towing capacity of the towing
vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far the vehicle will be towed. Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can be towed.
.The proper towing equipment. See your
dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
.If the vehicle is ready to be towed. Just
as preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
346 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0209.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0253.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0269.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 276.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0307.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0313.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0286.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0278.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0279.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Index 393
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
TowingDriving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . .183
Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 368
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . .134U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Updates Map Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . 372
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . .314
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69