light GMC ACADIA 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, ACADIA, and DENALI are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC wherever it appears in
this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84581325 B Second Printing©2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0197.
2. Exterior Lamp Controls 0131.
Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0134.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
097 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 0100.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 091.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 092.
5. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0133.
6. Infotainment. See Overview0139.
7. Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0192.
8. USB Port 0147 (If Equipped).
9. Wireless Charging 094 (If Equipped).
10. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 041
(If Equipped).
11.
|Hazard Warning Flashers 0134.
gTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0226.
XPark Assist Switch. See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0241 (If
Equipped). 12.
Driver Mode Control 0228.
13.
ALane Keep Assist (LKA) 0252 (If
Equipped).
5Hill Descent Control (HDC) 0228 (If
Equipped).
14.
hAuto Stop Disable Button. See Stop/
Start System 0215 (If Equipped).
15. Power Outlets 093.
16. Shift Switches. See Automatic
Transmission 0220.
17. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Starting
the Engine 0214.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 090 (If
Equipped).
Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base)
0 115 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0117.
19. Horn 091.
20. Steering Wheel Adjustment 090. 21.
Cruise Control 0230.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) 0232
(If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 245 (If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 090 (If
Equipped).
22. Hood Release. See Hood0270.
23. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0135 (Out of View).
Head-Up Display (HUD) 0119 (If
Equipped).
24. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0107.
25. Electric Parking Brake 0224.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
With Remote Start Shown, Without Similar
Q:Press to lock all doors. The turn signal
indicators may flash and/or the horn may
sound on the second press to indicate
locking. See Vehicle Personalization 0123.
If the driver door is open when
Qis pressed
and Open Door Anti Lockout is enabled, all
doors will lock and then the driver door will
immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0123. If the passenger door
is open when
Qis pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 025.
K:Press to unlock the driver door. Press
again within five seconds to unlock all
doors. The RKE transmitter can be
programmed to unlock all doors on the first
button press. See Vehicle Personalization
0 123. When remotely unlocking the vehicle
at night the fog lamps and back-up lamps
will come on for about 30 seconds to light
your approach to the vehicle. The turn
signal indicators may flash to indicate
unlocking. See Vehicle Personalization 0123.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 025.
If equipped, pressing and holding
Kwill
open the windows, if enabled. See Vehicle
Personalization 0123.
/:If equipped, press and releaseQand
then immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start 013.
7:Press and release one time to initiate
vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and
the horn chirps three times. Press and hold
7for three seconds to sound the panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signal
lamps flash for 30 seconds, or until
7is
pressed again or the vehicle is started.
b: Press twice quickly to open or close
the liftgate.
Press once to stop the liftgate from moving.
Keyless Access Operation
With the Keyless Access system, you can
lock and unlock the doors and access the
liftgate without removing the RKE
transmitter from your pocket, purse,
briefcase, etc. The RKE transmitter should be
within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being
opened.
Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock
press from the driver door. Keyless Access
can also be turned off. See Vehicle
Personalization 0123.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating
positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory
Seats 039.

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 21
Information Center (DIC) messages and make
sure the liftgate is closed and latched before
driving.
Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically closes
after a power opening cycle, it indicates that
the system is reacting to excess weight on
the liftgate or a possible support strut
failure. A repetitive chime will sound while
the falling liftgate detection feature is
operating. Remove any excess weight. If the
liftgate continues to automatically close
after opening, see your dealer for service
before using the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate motion
or manually closing the liftgate too quickly
after power opening may resemble a
support strut failure. This could also activate
the falling liftgate detection feature. Allow
the liftgate to complete its operation and
wait a few seconds before manually closing
the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during
a power open or close cycle, the liftgate will
automatically reverse direction and move a
short distance away from the obstacle. After
removing the obstruction, the power liftgateoperation can be used again. If the liftgate
encounters multiple obstacles on the same
power cycle, the power function will
deactivate. After removing the obstructions,
manually close the liftgate which will allow
normal power operation functions to
resume.
If the vehicle is locked while the liftgate is
closing, and an obstacle is encountered that
prevents the liftgate from completely
closing, the horn will sound as an alert that
the liftgate did not close.
Setting the 3/4 Mode
To change the position the liftgate stops at
when opening:
1. Select MAX or 3/4 mode and power open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any liftgate
button. Manually adjust the liftgate
position if needed.
3. Press and hold
lnext to the pull cup
on the outside of the liftgate until the
turn signals flash and a beep sounds.
This indicates the setting has been
recorded. The liftgate cannot be set below a minimum
programmable height. If there is no light
flash or sound, then the height adjustment
may be too low.
Manual Operation
Select OFF to manually operate the liftgate.
See
“Manual Liftgate” at the beginning of
this section.
Caution
Attempting to move the liftgate too
quickly and with excessive force may
result in damage to the vehicle.
Operate the liftgate manually with a
smooth motion and moderate speed. The
system includes a feature which limits the
manual closing speed to protect the
components.
Hands-Free Operation
If equipped, the liftgate may be operated
with a kicking motion under the left side of
the rear bumper.
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the rear bumper to operate the
power liftgate hands-free.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm system.
The indicator light, on the instrument panel
near the windshield, indicates the status of
the system.
Off :Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured during the
delay to arm the system. Fast Flash :
Vehicle is unsecured. A door, the
hood, or the liftgate is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Close the liftgate and the hood. Turn off
the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
.Use the Keyless Access system.
.With a door open, press the
inside
Q.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will bypass
the 30-second delay and immediately
arm the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the RKE transmitter, the horn
will chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started, or the door is not unlocked by pressing
K
on the RKE transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the liftgate, or the hood is
opened without first disarming the system.
When the alarm is activated, the turn
signals flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will then
re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized
event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless
Access system.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
left the vehicle and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter or use the Keyless Access
system.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps and the
lights flash three times, the alarm was
activated while the alarm system was
armed.
If the alarm system has been activated, a
message will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0371.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid transmitter is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more RKE
transmitters matched to an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly
matched RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the RKE
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try
another transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the transmitter pocket
located in the center console. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07. If the ignition mode will not change with
the other transmitter or in the transmitter
pocket, your vehicle needs service. If the
ignition does change modes, the first
transmitter may be faulty. See your dealer
who can service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new RKE transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement RKE transmitters.
Up to eight transmitters can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program
additional transmitters, see
“Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply (Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
Warning (Continued)
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust a mirror: 1. Press
jor|to select the driver or
passenger side mirror. The indicator light
will illuminate. 2. Press the arrows on the control pad to
move the mirror in the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can
be seen.
4. Press
jor|again to deselect the
mirror.
Memory Mirrors
The vehicle may have memory mirrors. See
Memory Seats 039.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
The vehicle may have SBZA. See Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) 0250.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
The vehicle may have LCA. Lane Change
Alert (LCA) 0250.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
The mirrors can be folded inward toward
the vehicle to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. Push the
mirror outward to return it to the original
position.
Power Folding Mirrors
If equipped, pressgto power fold the
mirrors. Press again to unfold.
Resetting the Power Folding Mirrors
Reset the power folding mirrors if the
mirrors:
.Are accidentally obstructed while folding.
.Are accidentally manually folded/
unfolded.
.Do not stay in the unfolded position.
.Vibrate at normal driving speeds.
Fold and unfold the mirrors one time using
the mirror controls to reset them to their
normal position. A noise may be heard

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear passenger
windows from working.
Press
2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
Press
2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express open the
window. If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window.
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window:
1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature allows all windows
to be opened remotely. If enabled in vehicle
personalization, press and hold
Kon the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
open all windows. See Vehicle
Personalization 0123.