brakes GMC ACADIA LIMITED 2017 User Guide

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
Driving and Operating 185
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck 0167
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Turn the engine off and wait
15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center stack.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
186 Driving and Operating
To turn off TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and release
4. The
appropriate message displays in the
DIC. To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release
4. The
appropriate message displays in the
DIC. See Ride Control System
Messages 0129.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
4
is pressed, the system will not turn
off until the wheels stop spinning.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications 0209.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
If the Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak system begins to limit
wheel spin while cruise control is
being used, the cruise control will
disengage. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0184. If a collision alert occurs when
cruise control is activated, cruise
control is disengaged. See
Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0192.
When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, cruise control
can be turned on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control is disengaged.
I: Press to turn cruise control on
or off. The indicator light on the
button comes on when the cruise
control is on.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
Driving and Operating 187
+RES :If there is a set speed in
memory, press briefly to resume to
that speed or press and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.
SET– :Press briefly to set the
speed and activate cruise control.
If cruise control is already active,
use to decrease vehicle speed.
[: Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
Iis on when not in use, SET–
or +RES could get pressed and go
into cruise when not desired.
Keep
Ioff when cruise is not
being used.
The cruise control light on the
instrument cluster comes on after
the cruise control has been set to
the desired speed.
1. Press
Ito turn the cruise
control system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed. 3. Press and release SET–.
4. Remove foot from the
accelerator.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied or
[is pressed, the
cruise control is disengaged without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more, press +RES. The
vehicle returns to the previously set
speed.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
. Press and hold +RES until the
desired speed is reached, then
release it.
. To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, press +RES
briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) faster. The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See
Driver Information Center
(DIC) 0116. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
. Press and hold SET– until the
desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
. To slow down in small
increments, press SET– briefly.
For each press, the vehicle goes
about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) 0116. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
Driving and Operating 191
{Warning
The parking assist system does
not detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
below the bumper or that are too
close or too far from the vehicle.
It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To
prevent injury, death, or vehicle
damage, even with parking assist,
always check the area around the
vehicle and check all mirrors
before backing.
How the System Works
RPA comes on automatically when
the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). A single beep sounds
to indicate the system is working.
An obstacle is indicated by audible
beeps. The interval between the
beeps becomes shorter as the
vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.
When the distance is less than
30 cm (12 in) the beeping is
continuous for five seconds.
Turning the System On and Off
The system can be disabled through
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See“Park Assist” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) 0116.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
RPA defaults to the on setting each
time the vehicle is started.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC:
SERVICE PARK ASSIST : If this
message occurs, take the vehicle to
your dealer to repair the system.
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL : This
message can occur under the
following conditions:
. The sensors are not clean. Keep
the vehicle's rear bumper free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush.
For cleaning instructions, see
Exterior Care 0278. .
The sensors are covered by
frost or ice. Frost or ice can form
around and behind the sensors
and may not always be seen;
this can occur after washing the
vehicle in cold weather. The
message may not clear until the
frost or ice has melted.
. A trailer was attached to the
vehicle, or an object was
hanging out of the liftgate during
the last drive cycle. Once the
object is removed, RPA will
return to normal operation.
. A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle.
. The bumper is damaged. Take
the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system.
. Other conditions, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
192 Driving and Operating
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
If equipped, the FCA system may
help to avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
visual alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an
amber visual alert if following
another vehicle much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds
above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0161.
FCA can be disabled with the
[
button on the center stack.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle ahead indicator will
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other objects. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
Driving and Operating 201
Warning (Continued)
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.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside
air. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0178.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road. Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move your hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
202 Driving and Operating
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument cluster flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See
Tow/Haul Mode 0181.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating 0222.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/31/16
206 Driving and Operating
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so
the rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 450 kg (1,000 lb) needs to have
its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not try to tap into the
vehicle's hydraulic brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will
not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness, with a
seven-pin connector, is located at
the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle's frame. The harness
connector can be plugged into a
seven-pin universal heavy-duty
trailer connector available through
your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade terminals
meeting SAE J2863 specifications
for proper electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
. Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
. Brown: Taillamps
. Black: Ground
. Light Green: Back-up Lamps
. Red/Black: Battery Feed
. Dark Blue: Trailer Brake* *The fuse for this circuit is installed
in the underhood electrical center,
but the wires are not connected.
They should be connected by your
dealer or a qualified service center.
If the back-up lamp circuit is not
functional, contact your dealer.
To help charge a remote
(non-vehicle) battery, press the Tow/
Haul Mode button at the end of the
shift lever. If the trailer is too light for
Tow/Haul Mode, turn on the
headlamps to help charge the
battery.
Electric Trailer Brake Control
Wiring Provisions
These wiring provisions for an
electric trailer brake controller are
included with the vehicle as part of
the trailer wiring package. The
instrument panel contains blunt cut
wires above the parking brake
assembly for the electric trailer
brake controller. The harness
contains the following wires:
.
Red/Black: Power Supply
. White: Brake Switch Signal

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
208 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 209
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 209
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 216
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 217
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 222
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 224
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Battery - North America . . . . . . 227
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 228
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 229
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 229
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 230
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 231
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Electrical System Overload . . . 232
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 233 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 244
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 260

GMC Acadia Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-10283134) -
2017 - crc - 3/30/16
210 Vehicle Care
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 072.Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering
Information 0313.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 072.