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.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20759681 A First Printing
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase
or due to changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for GMC
wherever it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue
française
www.helminc.com
Page 4
Blackplate(4,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
ivIntroduction
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, Warnings, and
Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury or
death.
WARNING
{
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.
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 : This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
* : This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.
Page 5
Blackplate(5,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Introductionv
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer
to the Index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
Navigation/Radio System
(If Equipped). See Navigation
System manual.
G. Exterior Lamp Controls
page 6‑1
H. Hood Release. See Hood
page 10‑5
.
on
.
(If Equipped).
on page 7‑7
.
.
on
on
on
on
I.Instrument Panel Illumination
Control
J. Data Link Connector (DLC).
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑18
K. Cruise Control on page 9‑34.
L. Steering Wheel Adjustment
page 5‑2
M. Horn on page 5‑4.
N. Steering Wheel Controls
.
page 5‑2
O. Driver Information Center (DIC)
Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑25
Information Center (DIC)
(Without DIC Buttons)
page 5‑29
on page 6‑5
.
.
.
or Driver
.
.
on
on
on
P. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑4.
Q. Console Shift Lever
(If Equipped). See “Console
Shift Lever” under Shifting IntoPark on page 9‑21.
R. Hazard Warning Flashers
page 6‑4
S. Cupholders on page 4‑1.
T. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
U. Rear Window Wiper/Washer
page 5‑6
V. Heated Front Seats
page 3‑9
W. Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
(If Equipped).
X. Glove Box on page 4‑1.
.
.
(If Equipped).
on page 5‑16
on
on
on
Page 10
Blackplate(4,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-4In Brief
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The RKE transmitter is used to
remotely lock and unlock the doors
from up to 60 m (195 feet) away
from the vehicle.
Press K to unlock the driver door.
K again within five seconds
Press
to unlock all remaining doors.
Press
Q to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.
To open or close the liftgate, press
and hold
begins to move.
Press
vehicle.
Press
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm.
Press
alarm.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System Operation on page 2‑3.
& until the liftgate
L and release to locate the
L and hold for more than
L again to cancel the panic
Page 11
Blackplate(5,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-5
Remote Vehicle Start
Starting the Vehicle
With this feature the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press
3. Immediately after completing
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on
as long as the engine is running.
The doors will be locked and
the climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Q.
Step 2, press and hold
the parking lamps flash.
/ until
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at
the vehicle and press and
hold
/ until the parking
lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start
page 2‑6
.
on
Door Locks
To lock or unlock a door manually:
.
From the inside use the door
lock knob on the window sill.
.
From the outside turn the
key toward the front or rear of
the vehicle, or press the
button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Q or K
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door locks,
the controls are located on the front
doors.
K : Press to unlock the doors.Q : Press to lock the doors.
See Power Door Locks
page 2‑8
.
on
Liftgate
To open the liftgate the vehicle must
be in P (Park). Press the touchpad
under the liftgate handle. To close
the liftgate, use the pull cup or pull
strap as an aid.
Page 12
Blackplate(6,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-6In Brief
Power Liftgate
On vehicles with a power liftgate,
the vehicle must be in P (Park) to
operate it.
.
Press and hold the liftgate
button
& on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
.
Press the liftgate button on the
center console.
.
Press the touchpad switch on
the outside liftgate handle.
For more information see Liftgate
page 2‑10
.
on
Windows
On vehicles with power windows,
the switches are on the doors.
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.
For more information, see PowerWindows on page 2‑20.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
1. Pull the handle under the seat to
unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.
Try to move the seat to be sure it is
locked in place.
See Seat Adjustment
for more information.
on page 3‑3
Page 13
Blackplate(7,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-7
Power Seats
A. Power Seat Adjustment Control
B. Reclining Seatbacks
C. Lumbar Adjustment
Move the seat forward or rearward
by moving the control (A) forward or
rearward.
Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the control (A) up or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment
page 3‑4
To raise or recline the seatback, tilt
the top of the control (B) forward or
rearward.
See Reclining Seatbacks
page 3‑7
Press the front or rear of the
control (C) to increase or decrease
lumbar support.
See Lumbar Adjustment
page 3‑6
.
.
.
on
on
on
Memory Features
On vehicles with the memory
feature, the controls on the driver
door are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver seat
and outside mirrors.
Page 14
Blackplate(8,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-8In Brief
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback
recliner, and both outside
mirrors.
See Power Mirrors
page 2‑17
Not all vehicles will have the
ability to save and recall the
mirror positions.
2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”
To recall the memory positions,
press and release “1” or “2.”
The vehicle must be in P (Park).
A single beep will sound. The seat
and outside mirrors will move to the
position previously stored for the
identified driver.
for more information.
on
See “Memory Seat and Mirrors”
under Power Seat Adjustment
page 3‑4
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑45
Easy Exit Driver Seat
The easy exit driver seat feature
can move the seat rearward to allow
extra room to exit the vehicle.
and Vehicle
for more information.
on
S : Press to recall the easy exit
seat position. The vehicle must be
in P (Park).
See “Memory Seat and Mirrors”
under Power Seat Adjustment
page 3‑4
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑45
and Vehicle
for more information.
on
Second Row Seats
The second row seat can be folded
to access the third row. Pull the
sliding seat lever forward, the seat
cushion folds, and the seat slides
forward.
See Rear Seats on page 3‑11.
Page 15
Blackplate(9,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-9
Third Row Seats
The third row seats can be folded
forward or removed.
Pull up on the release lever located
on the back of the seat and push
the seatback forward.
See Third Row Seats on page 3‑13.
Heated Seats
Heated Front Seats
On vehicles with this feature, the
heated seat controls are located
on the center console. The engine
must be running to operate them.
I : Press to turn on the heated
seatback.
J : Press to turn on or off the
heated seat and seatback.
See Heated Front Seats
page 3‑9
.
on
Heated and Ventilated
Seats
On vehicles with this feature, the
controls are on the center console.
H : Press to ventilate.
J : Press to heat.
See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 3‑10.
Head Restraint
Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the
head restraint height in the proper
position.
For more information see Head
Restraints
Adjustment on page 3‑3.
on page 3‑2
and Seat
Page 16
Blackplate(10,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-10In Brief
Safety Belt
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts on page 3‑16.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑19.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑25.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
page 3‑56
.
on
Sensing System for
Passenger Airbag
United States
Canada and Mexico
The passenger sensing system will
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbag,
seat‐mounted side impact airbags,
and roof‐rail airbags are not affected
by the passenger sensing system.
The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible on the
instrument panel when the vehicle
is started. See Passenger Sensing
System
on page 3‑41
for more
information.
Page 17
Blackplate(11,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-11
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are on the driver door.
To adjust each mirror:
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
mirror.
2. Press on the control pad to
adjust the mirror.
3. Press (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.
Folding Mirrors
To adjust each mirror:
1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.
2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.
For vehicles with manual folding
mirrors, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. Pull the mirror out to return
to its original position.
Interior Mirror
The automatic dimming rearview
mirror reduces the glare from other
vehicles headlamps. Each time the
vehicle is started, the dimming
feature comes on.
See Automatic Dimming RearviewMirror on page 2‑19.
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever (A) down.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.
4. Push the lever (A) up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Page 18
Blackplate(12,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-12In Brief
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps are located in the
overhead console and above the
rear seat passengers.
The dome lamps come on when a
door is opened, unless the dome
lamp override button is pressed in.
To manually turn them on, turn the
instrument panel brightness control
clockwise to the farthest position.
Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is
next to the exterior lamps control.
E : Press the button in and the
dome lamps remain off when a door
is opened. Press the button again to
the extended position so the dome
lamps come on when a door is
opened.
Reading Lamps
Press the button near each lamp to
turn them on or off.
For more information, see:
.
Dome Lamps on page 6‑5.
.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑5.
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel, to the left
of the steering wheel.
Page 19
Blackplate(13,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-13
O : Turns the automatic light
control on or off.
AUTO : Automatic operation of the
headlamps at normal brightness and
other exterior lamps.
; : Manual operation of the
parking lamps and other exterior
lamps.
2 : Manual operation of the
headlamps and other exterior
lamps.
# : Use to turn on or off the fog
lamps (if equipped).
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls
page 6‑1
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System
page 6‑3
.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑5.
.
.
on
on
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper/washer lever
is located on the left side of the
steering column.
Turn the band with the wiper symbol
to control the windshield wipers.
8 : Use for a single wiping cycle.
9 : Turns the wipers off.
6 : Delays wiping cycle. Turn the
band up for more frequent wipes or
down for less frequent wipes.
1 : Slow wipes.
2 : Fast wipes.
Windshield Washer
J : Press the button at the end
of the turn signal/lane change lever
to spray washer fluid on the
windshield.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The rear wiper and rear wash button
is located on the instrument panel
below the climate control system.
Z (Rear Wiper): Press to turn the
rear wiper on and off. The wiper
speed cannot be changed.
Y (Wash): Press to spray washer
fluid on the rear window. The
window wiper will also come on.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer
page 5‑5
Washer on page 5‑6.
and Rear Window Wiper/
on
Page 20
Blackplate(14,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-14In Brief
Climate Controls
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Air Conditioning
E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)
F. Air Recirculation
G. Rear Window Defogger
Page 21
Blackplate(15,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
A. Fan Control
B. AUTO
C. Defrost
D. Air Recirculation
E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)
F. Air Delivery Mode Control
G. Driver Side Temperature Control
H. Display
I.Power (On/Off)
J. Rear Window Defogger
K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS (Passenger)
M. Passenger Side Temperature
Control
See Climate Control Systems
page 8‑1
Climate Control System
page 8‑4
information about the rear climate
control, see Rear Climate Control
System (Rear Climate Control Only)
on page 8‑10
Control System (Rear Climate with
Rear Seat Audio) on page 8‑11.
or Dual Automatic
(If Equipped). For more
or Rear Climate
on
on
In Brief1-15
Transmission
Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose
the top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving down hill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic
shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. When
using the ERS Mode a number will
display next to the L, indicating the
current gear that has been selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press the plus/minus button
located on the shift lever, to
increase or decrease the gear
range available.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑27.
Page 22
Blackplate(16,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-16In Brief
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
Radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port
O : Press to turn the system
on and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
BAND: Press to choose between
FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.
the radio station frequency and the
time, if equipped. While the ignition
is off, press
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑2.
For vehicles with a Rear Seat
Entertainment System (RSE) and
Rear Seat Audio System (RSA),
see Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System
Seat Audio (RSA) System
page 7‑47
Storing a Favorite Station
A maximum of 36 stations can be
stored as favorites using the six
softkeys located below the radio
station frequency tabs and by using
the radio FAV button. Press FAV
to go through up to six pages of
favorites, each having six favorite
stations available per page.
4 to display the time.
on page 7‑38
for more information.
and Rear
on
Page 23
Blackplate(17,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-17
Each page of favorites can contain
any combination of AM, FM, or XM
stations.
See AM-FM Radio on page 7‑7.
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date for the
radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then
O, to turn the radio on.
press
2. Press
3. Press the pushbutton located
4. To increase or decrease the time
For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for the vehicles specific
audio system, see Clock
page 5‑8
G to display HR, MIN,
MM, DD, YYYY (hour, minute,
month, day, and year).
under any one of the labels to
be changed.
or date, turn
counter‐clockwise.
f clockwise or
on
.
Satellite Radio
Vehicles with an XM™ Satellite
Radio tuner and a valid XM Satellite
Radio subscription can receive XM
programming.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces. XM
Satellite Radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free
music, coast to coast, and in
digital-quality sound. A fee is
required to receive the XM service.
For more information refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.).
.
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
For more information, see SatelliteRadio on page 7‑8.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have an auxiliary
input located on the radio faceplate
and a USB port located in the center
console. External devices such
as iPod
players, CD changers, USB storage
device, etc. can be connected to
the auxiliary port using a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) input jack or the USB port
depending on the audio system.
See Auxiliary Devices
page 7‑37
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth®system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle’s audio
system, microphone, and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.
See Bluetooth on page 7‑49.
®
, laptop computers, MP3
.
®
on
Page 24
Blackplate(18,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-18In Brief
Steering Wheel Controls
w / x : Press to change favorite
radio stations, select tracks on a
CD/DVD, or to navigate tracks or
folders on an iPod
®
or USB device.
b g : Press to silence the vehicle
speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with
®
OnStar
or Bluetooth systems.
e − e : Increases or decreases
+
volume.
c : Press to reject an incoming
call, or to end a call.
SRCE : Press to switch between
the radio, CD, and for vehicles
with, DVD, front auxiliary, and rear
auxiliary.
¨ : Press to seek the next radio
station, the next track or chapter
while sourced to the CD or DVD
slot, or to select tracks and folders
on an iPod
For more information, see SteeringWheel Controls on page 5‑2.
®
or USB device.
Cruise Control
T : Press to turn cruise control
on and off. The indicator comes on
when cruise control is on.
+ RES: Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously
set speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.
SET– : Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or to make
the vehicle decelerate.
Page 25
Blackplate(19,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-19
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑34.
Navigation System
For vehicles with this feature,
the vehicle's navigation system
provides detailed maps of
most major freeways and roads
throughout the United States
and Canada. After a destination
has been set, the system provides
turn-by-turn instructions for reaching
the destination. In addition, the
system can help locate a variety
of points of interest (POI), such
as banks, airports, restaurants,
and more.
See the vehicle's Navigation System
manual for more information.
Storage Compartments
For vehicles with a second
row center console, press the
buttons (B) or (C) to access
storage areas.
Lift up on (A) for additional
storage area.
See Floor Console Storage
page 4‑2
.
on
Power Outlets
The vehicle has three 12‐volt
accessory power outlets which
can be used to plug in electrical
equipment, such as a cell phone
or MP3 player.
The power outlets are located:
.
On the instrument panel below
the climate controls.
.
At the rear of the center floor
console.
.
In the rear cargo area.
To use the outlets, remove the
cover.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
Page 26
Blackplate(20,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-20In Brief
Sunroof
The ignition must be in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY to operate
the sunroof and power sunshade.
See Retained Accessory Power(RAP) on page 9‑19.
The switch to operate the front
sunroof is on the headliner above
the rearview mirror.
Vent: Press the front or rear of the
switch to vent or close the sunroof.
Express-open/Express-close:
From the closed position, press
and release the rear or front of
the switch to express-open or
express-close the sunroof.
For more information see Sunroof
on page 2‑22
.
Performance and
Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System
The traction control system limits
wheel spin and the StabiliTrak
system assists with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. Both systems
turn on automatically every time
the vehicle is started.
.
To turn off the traction control
part of StabiliTrak, press and
release
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
is displayed. See VehicleMessages on page 5‑36.
.
The StabiliTrak system
remains on.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
5 located on the
®
System on page 9‑31.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits
on page 9‑12
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low
tire pressure warning light may
appear when the vehicle is
first started and then turn off.
. The warning
Page 27
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GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-21
This may be an early indicator that
the tire pressures are getting low
and the tires need to be inflated to
the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑47
.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. The kit can be used
to seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor
on page 10‑64
Kit
operating information.
If the vehicle came with a jack and
spare tire, see If a Tire Goes Flat
page 10‑62
for complete
.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off.
2. If the vehicle has Driver
Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press the vehicle
information button until OIL
LIFE REMAINING displays.
If the vehicle does not have
Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: The vehicle must be in
P (Park) to access this display.
Press the trip odometer reset
on
stem until OIL LIFE REMAINING
displays.
3. If the vehicle has Driver
Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press and hold the
set/reset button until “100%” is
displayed. Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.
If the vehicle does not have
Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press and hold the
trip odometer reset stem until
OIL LIFE REMAINING shows
“100%.” Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System
page 10‑1 1
.
on
Page 28
Blackplate(22,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-22In Brief
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-GMC-8782
(1‐800‐462-8782)
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0801
As the owner of a new GMC, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
This program provides technically
trained advisors who are available
24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
to give minor repair information or
make towing arrangements.
For more information see RoadsideAssistance Program on page 13‑8.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(United States and Canada)
If you have a current OnStar
subscription, press the
Q button
and the current GPS location will
be sent to an OnStar Advisor who
will assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
(United States and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
www.gmcownercenter.com (U.S.)
or www.gm.ca (Canada).
Page 29
Blackplate(23,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-23
OnStar
For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide a wide range
of safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built‐in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to
see if you need help.
®
How OnStar Service Works
Q : Push this blue button to
connect to a specially trained
OnStar advisor to verify your
account information and to
answer questions.
] : Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar emergency
advisors.
X : Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles.
Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles. For more
information, see the OnStar Owner's
Guide; visit www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY
1‐877‐248‐2080; or press
speak with an OnStar advisor
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide in
the glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar terms and conditions
included in the OnStar Subscriber
Information.
OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.
Q to
Page 30
Blackplate(24,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
1-24In Brief
OnStar service can’t work unless
your vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with
a wireless service provider for
service in that area, and the
wireless service provider has
coverage, network capacity,
reception, and technology
compatible with OnStar's service.
Service involving location
information about your vehicle
can’t work unless GPS signals
are available, unobstructed,
and compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle has to have
a working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment isn’t properly
installed or you haven’t maintained
it and your vehicle is in good
working order and in compliance
with all government regulations.
If you try to add, connect, or modify
any equipment or software in your
vehicle, OnStar service may not
work. Other problems OnStar can’t
control may prevent service to you,
such as hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather, electrical system design
and architecture of your vehicle,
damage to important parts of your
vehicle in a crash, or wireless phone
network congestion or jamming.
See Radio Frequency Statement
page 13‑19
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
for information
on
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls
page 5‑2
On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.
for more information.
on
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly. Push
Q button and request a vehicle
the
diagnostic. If the light appears clear
(no light appears), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all
services have been deactivated.
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.
If locked out of the vehicle, call
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program
on page 13‑8
.
Page 33
Blackplate(3,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
page 13‑19
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.
Check the distance.
The transmitter may be
too far from the vehicle.
.
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
for information
.
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.
on
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 feet) away from the
vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) System on page 2‑3.
Keys, Doors and Windows2-3
With Remote Start and Power
Liftgate Shown, Without Similar
/ (Remote Vehicle Start):
For vehicles with this feature, see
Remote Vehicle Start
for additional information.
on page 2‑6
Page 34
Blackplate(4,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-4Keys, Doors and Windows
Q (Lock): Press to lock all the
doors.
If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the
parking lamps flash once to
indicate locking has occurred.
If enabled through the DIC, the
horn sounds when
again within five seconds.
See Vehicle Personalization
(With DIC Buttons)
for additional information.
Pressing
content theft‐deterrent system.
See Anti-Theft Alarm System
page 2‑13
Q may arm the
.
Q is pressed
on page 5‑45
on
K (Unlock): Press once to
unlock only the driver door. If
pressed again within five seconds,
all remaining doors unlock.
The interior lamps come on and
stay on for 20 seconds or until the
ignition is turned on.
K is
If enabled through the DIC, the
parking lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑45
Pressing
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft AlarmSystem on page 2‑13.
.
K on the RKE transmitter
& (Power Liftgate): Press
and hold until the liftgate begins to
move to open or close the liftgate.
The taillamps flash and a chime
sounds to indicate when the liftgate
is opening or closing.
L (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The parking
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times.
Press and hold
two seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The parking lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly
for 30 seconds. The alarm turns
off when the ignition is moved to
ON/RUN or
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF
for the panic alarm to work.
The vehicle comes with two
transmitters. Each transmitter will
have a number on it, "1" or "2".
These numbers correspond to the
driver of the vehicle. For example,
the memory seat position for
driver 1 will be recalled when
using the transmitter labeled "1",
if enabled through the vehicle
personalization. See “Memory Seat
and Mirrors” under Power Seat
Adjustment
“Memory Seat Recall” under Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑45
L for more than
L is pressed again.
on page 3‑4
for more information.
and
Page 35
Blackplate(5,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-5
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters
programmed to this vehicle
will work. If a transmitter is
lost or stolen, a replacement
can be purchased and programmed
through your dealer. When
the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also
be reprogrammed. Any lost or
stolen transmitters will no longer
work once the new transmitter
is programmed. Each vehicle
can have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
to program transmitters to this
vehicle.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of
the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could
damage the transmitter.
1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.
Carefully insert the tool
into the notch located
along the parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
.
Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery.
Do not use a metal object.
Page 36
Blackplate(6,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-6Keys, Doors and Windows
3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back
together.
Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote
starting feature that starts the
engine from outside of the vehicle.
/ (Remote Start): This button is
located on the RKE transmitter if the
vehicle has remote start.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
For example, some laws may
require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements
on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start
feature if the vehicle is low on fuel.
The vehicle could run out of fuel.
If the vehicle has the remote
start feature, the RKE transmitter
functions have an increased range
of operation. However, the range
may be less while the vehicle is
running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
for additional information.
on page 2‑3
Starting the Engine Using
Remote Start
To start the vehicle:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press
3. Immediately after completing
When the vehicle starts the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on
as long as the engine is running.
The doors will be locked and the
climate control system will operate
automatically if the vehicle has the
automatic system, or at the same
setting as when the vehicle was
last turned off.
Q on the RKE transmitter.
Step 2, press and hold
the parking lamps flash. If the
vehicle's lights can not be seen,
press and hold
four seconds.
/ for at least
/ until
Page 37
Blackplate(7,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-7
If the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated
seats, the heated seats turn on
during colder outside temperatures
and shut off when the key is turned
to ON/RUN. See Heated Front
Seats
on page 3‑9
and Ventilated Front Seats
page 3‑10
for more information.
or Heated
on
The rear window defogger and
heated mirrors, if the vehicle has
them, turn on during colder outside
temperatures and turn off when the
key is turned to ON/RUN.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to the ON/RUN position to drive the
vehicle.
If the vehicle is left running it
automatically shuts off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done.
Extending Engine Run Time
To extend the engine run time by
10 minutes, repeat Steps 1 though 3
while the engine is still running.
The engine run time can only be
extended if it is the first remote start
since the vehicle has been driven.
Remote start can be extended
one time.
If the remote start procedure is used
again before the first 10 minute
time frame has ended, the first
10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.
For example, if the lock button and
then the remote start buttons are
pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for five minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing
the engine to run for a total of
15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or
remote start attempts are allowed
between ignition cycles.
After the vehicle's engine has been
started two times using the remote
start button, the ignition must be
turned on and then back off before
the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Shutting the Engine Off After a
Remote Start
To manually shut off a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press
parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.
/ until the
Page 38
Blackplate(8,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-8Keys, Doors and Windows
Conditions in Which the
Remote Start Will Not Work
The vehicle cannot be started using
the remote start feature if the key is
in the ignition, the hood is open, or if
there is an emission control system
malfunction.
The engine turns off during a remote
start if the coolant temperature gets
too high or if the oil pressure
gets low.
Door Locks
WARNING
{
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.
Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door
is locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should
wear safety 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.
.
Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this
from happening.
To lock or unlock a door, use the
key from the outside or the door
lock from the inside.
Power Door Locks
The power door lock switches are
located on the front doors.
K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
doors.
Q (Lock): Remove the key from
the ignition and press to lock the
doors.
Delayed Locking
When locking the doors with the
power lock switch and a door or the
liftgate is open, the doors will lock
five seconds after the last door is
closed. You will hear three chimes
to signal that the delayed locking
feature is in use.
Pressing the power lock switch
twice or the lock button on the
RKE transmitter twice will override
the delayed locking feature and
immediately lock all the doors.
Page 39
Blackplate(9,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-9
This feature will not operate if the
key is in the ignition.
This feature can be programmed by
using the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See “DELAY DOOR LOCK”
under Vehicle Personalization (WithDIC Buttons) on page 5‑45.
Automatic Door Locks
Vehicles with an automatic
lock/unlock feature enable you
to program the vehicle's power
door locks. This feature can be
programmed through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC
Buttons)
information.
on page 5‑45
for more
Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from
locking the key in the vehicle when
the key is in the ignition and a front
door is open.
If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver's
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.
If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open and
the key is in the ignition, all of the
doors will lock and then the front
passenger door will unlock.
Safety Locks
The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.
Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge of
each door.
To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door
to normal operation, turn the slot
to the vertical position.
Page 40
Blackplate(10,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-10Keys, Doors and Windows
Doors
Liftgate
Manual Liftgate Operation
WARNING
{
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, 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.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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 System in the Index.
.
If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see EngineExhaust on page 9‑24.
To unlock the liftgate, use the
power door lock switch or press
the door unlock button on the
RKE transmitter twice. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad under the liftgate handle.
The vehicle must be in P (Park)
to open the liftgate. To close the
liftgate, use the pull cup or pull
strap as an aid.
The liftgate will not open if the
battery is disconnected or has low
voltage. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected
and has adequate voltage, and the
liftgate still will not function, the
vehicle should be taken to a dealer
for service.
Page 41
Blackplate(11,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-11
Power Liftgate Operation
The vehicle may have a power
liftgate. The vehicle must be in
P (Park) to use this feature.
The taillamps will flash and a chime
will sound when the power liftgate
is used.
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.
Notice: If you open the liftgate
without checking for overhead
obstructions such as a garage
door, you could damage the
liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure
the area above and behind the
liftgate is clear before opening it.
The power liftgate can be power
opened and closed in the
following ways:
.
Press and hold the power liftgate
button on the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
page 2‑3
.
Press the liftgate button on the
center console.
.
Press the touchpad on the
outside liftgate handle.
for more information.
on
Pressing the buttons or touchpad a
second time while the liftgate is
moving reverses the direction.
Power Liftgate Button near
Liftgate Latch
The liftgate can also be closed by
pressing the power liftgate button
next to the liftgate latch. Press the
button a second time during liftgate
operation to reverse that operation.
The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures or under low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.
Page 42
Blackplate(12,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-12Keys, Doors and Windows
If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function
is in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion.
If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) and the vehicle accelerates
before the power liftgate latches
closed, the liftgate may reverse to
the open position. Cargo could fall
out of the vehicle. Always make
sure the power liftgate is closed and
latched before you drive away.
If you power open the liftgate and
the liftgate support struts have lost
pressure, the lights will flash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will
stay open temporarily, then slowly
close. See your dealer for service
before using the liftgate if this
occurs.
Obstacle Detection Features
A warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or open
position if the liftgate encounters an
obstacle during a power open or
close cycle. After removing the
obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again.
If the liftgate comes across more
obstacles on the same power cycle,
the power function deactivates, and
you must manually open or close
the liftgate. A message displays,
LIFTGATE OPEN, to indicate that
the liftgate is open. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (With DIC
Buttons)
Information Center (DIC) (Without
DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑25
on page 5‑29
or Driver
for
more information. After removing
the obstructions, manually open the
liftgate to the full open position or
close the liftgate to the fully closed
and latched position. The liftgate
resumes normal power operation.
The vehicle has pinch sensors
located on the side edges of the
liftgate. If an object is caught
between the liftgate and the body
and presses against this sensor,
the liftgate will reverse direction and
open fully. The liftgate will remain
open until it is activated again or
closed manually. Do not force the
liftgate open or closed during a
power cycle.
Page 43
Blackplate(13,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-13
Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate
To change the liftgate to manual
operation, press the switch on the
center console to the OFF position.
A message displays, POWER
LIFTGATE OFF, to indicate that
the liftgate is manual operation.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(With DIC Buttons)
or Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Without DIC Buttons)
page 5‑29
for more information.
on page 5‑25
on
With the power liftgate disabled and
all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate
can be manually opened and
closed.
To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad on the handle on the
outside of the liftgate and lift the
gate open. To close the liftgate,
use the pull cup to lower the liftgate
and close. The liftgate latch will
power close. Always close the
liftgate before driving.
If the RKE button or the power close
button on the liftgate is pressed
while power operation is disabled,
the lights will flash three times, but
the liftgate will not move.
It is not recommended that
you drive with the liftgate open.
However, if you must drive with
the liftgate open, the liftgate should
be set to manual operation by
pressing the OFF switch on the
center console.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Anti-Theft Alarm System
On vehicles with an anti-theft alarm
system, to activate the system:
.
Press Q on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or the
power door lock switch when
any door is open.
The security light flashes.
When the door is closed, the
security light stops flashing and
stays on solid for approximately
30 seconds. The content theft
deterrent alarm is not armed
until the security light goes off.
Page 44
Blackplate(14,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-14Keys, Doors and Windows
If the delayed locking feature is
active, the alarm is not activated
until all doors are closed and the
security light goes off.
.
Press Q when the driver door
is closed. The security light
comes on solid for approximately
30 seconds and then goes off.
The content theft deterrent alarm
is not armed until the security
light goes off.
The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked with
the vehicle's key or the manual
door lock.
If a locked door is opened without
using the RKE transmitter, a
ten second pre-alarm occurs.
The horn chirps and the lights
flash. If the key is not placed in
the ignition and turned to START
or the door is not unlocked by
pressing
pre-alarm, the alarm goes off.
The headlamps flash and the horn
sounds for about 30 seconds, then
turns off to save the battery power.
The vehicle can be started with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has
been set off.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
.
.
Press
ignition and turn it to START to turn
off the alarm.
Q during the ten second
Lock the vehicle with the door
key after the doors are closed.
Unlock the door with the RKE
transmitter. Unlocking a door any
other way sets off the alarm if
the system has been armed.
K or place the key in the
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower
the driver side window and open
the driver door.
2. Press
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the
4. Then reach in through the
If the alarm does not sound when it
should, but the vehicle's headlamps
flash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, see Fuses andCircuit Breakers on page 10‑33.
If the alarm does not sound or the
vehicle's headlamps do not flash,
see your dealer for service.
Q.
door and wait for the security
light to go out.
window, unlock the door with the
manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the
alarm.
Page 45
Blackplate(15,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-15
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement
page 13‑19
for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
on
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned
to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY
or START from the LOCK/OFF
position.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
®
III+ is a passive
The security light comes on if
there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
®
When the PASS-Key
III+ system
senses an incorrect key, the vehicle
does not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.
If the engine does not start and
the security light on the instrument
panel comes on when trying to start
the vehicle, there may be a problem
with your theft-deterrent system.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key and check
the fuses. See Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
on page 10‑33
for
additional information. If the engine
still does not start with the other key,
the vehicle needs service. If the
vehicle does start, the first key may
be faulty. See your dealer who can
service the PASS-Key
®
III+ to have
a new key made. In an emergency,
contact Roadside Assistance.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑8
It is possible for the PASS-Key
.
®
III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
to the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must
see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®
III+ to have
keys made and programmed to the
system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®
III+ to get a
new key blank that is cut exactly as
the ignition key that operates the
system.
Page 46
Blackplate(16,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-16Keys, Doors and Windows
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has
1 stamped on it.
a
2. Insert the already programmed
key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does not
start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started,
turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to the ON/RUN
position within five seconds of
the original key being turned to
the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if
additional keys are to be
programmed.
®
If the PASS-Key
or damaged, see your dealer or a
locksmith to have a new key made.
The SERVICE THEFT
DETERRENT SYSTEM message
displays on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when there is a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft Alarm
System Messages
for additional information.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
III+ key is lost
on page 5‑42
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 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.
Page 47
Blackplate(17,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-17
Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the
driver door.
To adjust each mirror:
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
mirror.
2. Press on the control pad to
adjust the mirror.
3. Press (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.
Folding Mirrors
For vehicles with manual folding
mirrors, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. Pull the mirror out to return
to its original position.
For vehicles with outside power
foldaway mirrors:
The controls for power foldaway
mirrors are located on the
driver door.
1. Press (A) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.
2. Press (B) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.
Page 48
Blackplate(18,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-18Keys, Doors and Windows
Resetting the Power Foldaway
Mirrors
Reset the power foldaway mirrors if:
.
The mirrors are accidentally
obstructed while folding.
.
They are accidentally manually
folded/unfolded.
.
The mirrors vibrate at normal
driving speeds.
Fold and unfold the mirrors one time
using the mirror controls to reset
them to their normal position.
A popping noise may be heard
during the resetting of the power
foldaway mirrors. This sound is
normal after a manual folding
operation.
Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
< (Rear Window Defogger):
Press to heat the mirrors.
See “Rear Window Defogger” under
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
information.
on page 8‑4
for more
Automatic Dimming
Mirror
If the vehicle has the automatic
dimming mirror, the driver outside
mirror automatically adjusts for the
glare of headlamps behind you.
This feature is controlled by the
on and off setting on the inside
rearview mirror. See Automatic
Dimming Rearview Mirror
page 2‑19
for more information.
on
Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has the memory
package, the outside mirrors have
a park tilt feature. This feature tilts
the outside mirrors to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse). This allows the driver
to view the curb for parallel parking.
The passenger and/or driver mirror
returns to its original position
when the vehicle is shifted out
of R (Reverse), or the ignition is
turned off or to OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or
off through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑45
for more information.
Page 49
Blackplate(19,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-19
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Adjust the inside rearview mirror
for a clear view of the area behind
your vehicle. To avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind, push the
tab forward for daytime and pull it
for nighttime use.
®
Vehicles with OnStar
additional control buttons located at
the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
See the OnStar Owner's Guide for
more information about the services
OnStar provides.
have three
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature comes on and the indicator
light illuminates each time the
ignition is turned to start.
O (On/Off): Press to turn the
dimming feature on or off.
The vehicle may also have a Rear
Vision Camera (RVC). See Rear
Vision Camera (RVC)
for more information.
on page 9‑38
If the vehicle has RVC,
the
O button for turning the
dimming feature on or off will
not be available.
Vehicles with OnStar have three
additional control buttons for the
OnStar system. See your dealer
for more information about OnStar
and how to subscribe to it. See the
OnStar Owner Guide for more
information about the services
OnStar provides.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.
Page 50
Blackplate(20,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-20Keys, Doors and Windows
Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by
the extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).
Power Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function and
they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave
keys in a vehicle with children.
When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.
Page 51
Blackplate(21,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-21
Uplevel shown, base similar
The power window controls are
located on each of the side doors.
The driver door also has switches
that control the passenger and
rear windows. The power windows
work with the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY, ON/RUN or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
is active. See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 9‑19.
Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull up on the front edge
of the switch to raise the window.
Express-Up/Express-Down
Windows
A window with the express‐up/down
feature allows it to be raised or
lowered without holding the switch.
Press or pull the window switch
fully and release it to activate the
express feature. The express mode
can be canceled by pressing or
pulling the switch.
Programming the Power
Windows
If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected,
or replaced, windows with the
express-up feature need to be
reprogrammed for this feature to
work. To program the window:
1. Close all doors with the ignition
in the ACC/ACCESSORY,
ON/RUN position, or
when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active.
See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 9‑19.
2. Press and continue to hold the
window switch until the window
is fully open.
3. Pull up and hold the window
switch to close the window.
Continue to hold it briefly after
the window is fully closed.
4. Repeat for each window that has
the express-up feature.
Anti-Pinch Feature
The anti-pinch feature is on
windows with the express-up
feature. If an object is in the way of
the window as it is express-closing,
or in certain weather conditions
like severe icing, the window will
stop and open to a factory preset
position. The window functions
normally once the obstruction is
removed.
Page 52
Blackplate(22,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
2-22Keys, Doors and Windows
Window Lockout
o (Window Lockout): The window
lockout switch is located with the
power window switches on the
driver door armrest. This feature
prevents the rear windows from
being operated, except from the
driver position. Press the switch to
turn the lockout feature on or off.
An indicator light will come on to
show the lockout feature is on.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from
the center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod if
available.
Roof
Sunroof
The ignition must be in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY to operate
the sunroof and power sunshade.
See Retained Accessory Power(RAP) on page 9‑19.
The vehicle may have a sunroof
over the front seats and a rear
sunroof over the second row seats.
The rear sunroof does not open.
The switch to operate the front
sunroof is on the headliner above
the rearview mirror.
Page 53
Blackplate(23,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Do not keep the sunroof open
for long periods of time while the
vehicle is not in use. Dirt and debris
may collect on the sunroof seal or
in the tracks that could cause an
issue with sunroof operation, noise
or plug the water drainage system.
Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal
and roof sealing area using a
clean cloth, mild soap, and water.
Do not remove grease from sunroof.
Keys, Doors and Windows2-23
Vent: From the closed position,
press and hold the front of the
switch to vent the sunroof. Press
and hold the rear of the switch to
close the sunroof.
Express-open/Express-close:
From the closed position, press and
release the rear of the switch to
express-open the sunroof. Press
and release the front of the switch
to express-close the sunroof.
The front sunshade must be opened
and closed manually. Push up on
the sunshade handle to open the
sunshade.
Manual Sunshades
On a vehicle with only manual
sunshades, press the button on the
sunshade handle to release it and
guide it back. Pull the sunshade
forward until it latches to close it.
Rear Power Sunshade
On vehicles with a rear power
sunshade, the switch is on the
headliner above the rearview mirror.
Notice: The rear sunshade could
be damaged if you attempt to
open or close it manually. Do not
manually open or close the rear
sunshade.
To open the rear sunshade, located
over the second row seats, press
and release the rear of the switch.
Press and release the front of the
switch to close the sunshade.
The vehicle's front seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.
WARNING
{
With head restraints that are
not installed and adjusted
properly, there is a greater
chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash.
Do not drive until the head
restraints for all occupants are
installed and adjusted properly.
Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.
1. Pull the head restraint up to
raise it. To lower the head
restraint, press the release
button, located on the head
restraint post on the top of
the seatback, while you push
the head restraint down.
2. Push down on the head restraint
after the button is released to
make sure that it is locked in
place.
Page 57
Blackplate(3,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-3
The vehicle's second‐row seats
have head restraints in the outboard
seating positions that cannot be
adjusted.
The vehicle's third‐row seats have
headrests in the outboard seating
positions that cannot be adjusted.
The vehicle's head restraints and
headrests are not designed to be
removed.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push
a pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
A. Manual Seat Adjustment
Handle.
B. Driver Seat Height Adjuster.
C. See Reclining Seatbacks
page 3‑7
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Lift the handle (A) under the seat
to unlock it.
2. Slide the seat and release the
handle.
Try to move the seat to be sure it is
locked in place.
.
on
Page 58
Blackplate(4,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-4Seats and Restraints
To manually raise or lower the seat,
move the lever (B) repeatedly
upward or downward.
Power Seat Adjustment
Driver Seat with Power Seat
Control, Power Recline,
and Power Lumbar Shown
A. Power Seat Adjustment Control.
B. Reclining Seatbacks
page 3‑7
.
C. Lumbar Adjustment
page 3‑6
.
on
on
On vehicles with power seats, the
controls are on the outboard side of
the seats.
Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the power
seat adjustment control (A) forward
or rearward.
The vehicle may have additional
features to adjust the power seat:
.
Raise or lower the entire
seat by moving the power
seat adjustment control (A) up
or down.
.
Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
.
Raise or lower the rear part of
the seat cushion by moving the
rear of the control up or down.
Memory Seat and Mirrors
On vehicles with the memory
package, the controls on the driver
door are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver seat
and outside mirrors.
Page 59
Blackplate(5,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-5
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback
recliner, and both outside
mirrors.
See Power Mirrors
page 2‑17
Not all vehicles will have the
ability to save and recall the
mirror positions.
2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”
To recall the memory positions,
press and release “1” or “2.”
The vehicle must be in P (Park).
A single beep will sound. The seat
and outside mirrors will move to the
position previously stored for the
identified driver.
for more information.
on
Memory Remote Recall
The memory feature can recall the
driver seat and outside mirrors to
stored positions when entering the
vehicle.
To activate memory remote recall,
unlock the driver door with the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. The driver seat and
outside mirrors will move to the
memory position associated with
the transmitter used to unlock the
vehicle.
The automatic recall feature
can be turned on or off using the
vehicle personalization menu. See
“Memory Seat Recall” under Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑45
To stop recall movement of the
memory feature, press one of the
power seat controls, memory
buttons, or the power mirror buttons.
for more information.
If something has blocked the
driver seat while recalling a
memory position, the recall may
stop. Remove the obstruction; then
press and hold the appropriate
manual control for the memory item
that is not recalling for two seconds.
Try recalling the memory position
again by pressing the appropriate
memory button. If the memory
position is still not recalling, see
your dealer for service.
Easy Exit Driver Seat
The easy exit driver seat feature
can move the seat rearward to allow
extra room to exit the vehicle.
S (Easy Exit Driver Seat): Press
to recall the easy exit seat position.
The vehicle must be in P (Park).
If the easy exit seat feature is
programmed on in the vehicle
personalization menu, automatic
seat movement occurs when the
ignition key is removed.
Page 60
Blackplate(6,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-6Seats and Restraints
A single beep sounds. The driver
seat moves back approximately
8 cm (3 in). To move the seat back
farther, press the easy exit seat
button again until the seat is all the
way back.
If something has blocked the driver
seat while recalling the exit position,
the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction; then press and hold
the power seat control rearward for
two seconds. Try recalling the exit
position again. If the exit position is
still not recalling, see your dealer for
service.
See “Easy Exit Seat” under Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑45
for more information.
Lumbar Adjustment
Manual Lumbar
On vehicles with this feature, the
handle is located on the inboard
side of the seatback.
Move the handle forward or
rearward to increase or decrease
lumbar support.
Power Lumbar
On vehicles with power lumbar, the
controls used to operate this feature
are located on the outboard side
of the seats. See Power Seat
Adjustment
more information.
To increase or decrease lumbar
support, press and hold the front
or rear of the control (C).
Release the control when the
seatback reaches the desired level
of lumbar support.
on page 3‑4
for
Page 61
Blackplate(7,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-7
Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING
{
Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.
The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you could
go into it, receiving neck or other
injuries.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at
your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.
Page 62
Blackplate(8,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-8Seats and Restraints
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push
a pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
WARNING
{
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.
On vehicles with seats that have
manual reclining seatbacks, the
lever used to operate them is
located on the outboard side of
the seat.
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
Page 63
Blackplate(9,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-9
Power Reclining Seatbacks
On vehicles with seats that have
power reclining seatbacks, the
controls used to operate them are
on the outboard side of the seats.
.
Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline the seatback.
.
Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise the seatback.
Heated Front Seats
WARNING
{
If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures.
To reduce the risk of burns,
people with such a condition
should use care when using
the seat heater, especially for
long periods of time. Do not
place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as
a blanket, cushion, cover or
similar item. This may cause
the seat heater to overheat.
An overheated seat heater may
cause a burn or may damage
the seat.
On vehicles with heated front seats,
the controls are on the center
console. To operate the heated
seats the engine must be running.
I (Heated Seatback): Press to
turn on the heated seatback.
J (Heated Seat and Seatback):
Press to turn on or off the heated
seat and seatback.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press
of the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then the off setting. Three lights
indicate the highest setting and one
light the lowest.
The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.
Page 64
Blackplate(10,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-10Seats and Restraints
Remote Start Heated Seats
When it is cold outside, the heated
seats may turn on automatically
during a remote vehicle start.
The heated seats will be canceled
when the ignition is turned on.
Press the desired heated seat
button to use the heated seats
after the vehicle is started.
The heated seat button lights will
not turn on during a remote start.
The temperature of an unoccupied
seat may be reduced.
See Remote Vehicle Start
page 2‑6
for more information.
on
Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats
WARNING
{
If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. See
the Warning under Heated FrontSeats on page 3‑9.
On vehicles with the heated
and ventilated seat feature, the
controls are on the center console.
To operate the heated seats the
engine must be running.
H (Ventilated Seat): Press to
ventilate the entire seat.
J (Heated Seat and Seatback):
Press to heat the entire seat.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the seat will change to
the next lower setting, and then to
the off setting. The lights indicate
three for the highest setting and one
for the lowest.
The passenger heated seat may
take longer to heat up.
The heated and ventilated seats
are canceled after the ignition is
turned off.
Remote Start Heated Seats
When it is cold outside, the heated
seats may turn on automatically
during a remote vehicle start.
The heated seats will be canceled
when the ignition is turned on.
Press the heated seat button to
use the heated seats after the
vehicle is started.
The heated seat button lights will
not turn on during a remote start.
The temperature of an unoccupied
seat may be reduced.
See Remote Vehicle Start
page 2‑6
for more information.
on
Page 65
Blackplate(11,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-11
Rear Seats
A. Seat Adjustment Handle
B. Reclining Seatback Strap
C. Sliding Seat Lever
Entering and Exiting the
Third Row
WARNING
{
Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.
Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.
To access the third row:
1. Remove objects on the floor in
front of or on the second row
seat, or in the seat tracks on
the floor.
2. Move the front center console
armrest completely forward.
See Center Console Storage
on page 4‑2
.
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3-12Seats and Restraints
3. Place folding armrests in the
upright position.
4. Ensure that the safety belt is
unfastened and in the stowed
position.
5. Pull the sliding seat lever (C)
forward and move the seatback
forward. The seat cushion will
fold, and the entire seat will slide
forward. The head restraints will
fold out of the way automatically.
Returning the Seat to the
Seating Position
To return the second row seat to its
normal seating position:
1. Remove objects on the floor
behind the second row seat or
in the seat tracks on the floor.
2. Pull the seatback rearward until
it is locked in place.
3. Slide the seat rearward by
pushing on the seatback until it
is locked into place.
4. Return the head restraint to the
upright position by reaching
behind the seat and pulling the
head restraint forward until it
locks into place.
Push and pull on the head
restraint to make sure that it
is locked.
5. Push down on the rear of the
seat cushion until it is locked in
place.
6. Push and pull on the seatback
and seat cushion to make sure
they are locked in place.
7. Check that the safety belt is not
under the seat cushion.
Reclining the Seatbacks
To recline the seatback:
1. Leaning forward in the seat, pull
the reclining seatback strap (B).
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, then release
the strap to lock the seatback in
place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
Folding the Rear Seat
To fold the second row seats:
1. Remove anything on or under
the seat.
2. Place the armrest in the upright
position, and unfasten the
safety belt.
3. Pull forward on the reclining
seatback strap (B) and push
down on the seatback.
The head restraint will fold down
automatically.
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Seats and Restraints3-13
To return the seatback to the
seating position, lift the upper
corner of the seatback and push it
rearward until it locks into place.
Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked. Pull up on
the head restraint to return it to the
upright, locked position.
Adjusting the Seats
To adjust the second row seats, pull
outward on the seat adjustment
handle (A). Slide the seat forward
or rearward to the desired position.
Release the handle and push and
pull on the seat to make sure it is
locked.
Third Row Seats
WARNING
{
Using the third row seating
position while the second row
is folded, or pushed forward in
the entry position, could cause
injury in a sudden stop or crash.
Be sure to return the seat to the
passenger seating position. Push
and pull on the seat to make sure
it is locked into place.
The third row seats can be folded
forward or removed.
Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.
To fold the seatback:
1. Remove anything on or under
the seat.
2. Disconnect the rear safety belt
mini-latch, using a key in the
slot on the mini-buckle, let the
belt retract into the headliner.
Stow the mini-latch in the holder
located in the headliner.
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3-14Seats and Restraints
3. Pull up on the release lever
located on the back of the seat.
4. Push the seatback forward to
lay flat.
To return the seatback to the
seating position:
1. Raise the seatback into place by
using the pullstrap from the rear
of the vehicle, or by pushing it
into place from inside the
vehicle.
WARNING
{
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked in place.
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. After raising
the rear seatback, always check
to be sure that the safety belts
are properly routed and attached,
and are not twisted.
3. Reconnect the center safety belt
mini-latch to the mini-buckle.
Do not let it twist.
4. Pull on the safety belt to be sure
the mini-latch is secure.
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Seats and Restraints3-15
Removing the Third Row Seats
1. Remove the cargo management
system, if it is in the vehicle.
See Cargo Management System
on page 4‑3
2. Remove anything on or under
the seat.
Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.
3. Fold the seatback down.
See “Folding the Seatback”
earlier in this section.
4. Remove the rear bolts located
on the floor on each side of
the seat.
.
5. Remove the seat by tilting it
slightly upward, and then pulling
it out of the rear of the vehicle in
one motion.
6. Replace the bolts in the floor
holes for storage.
Installing the Third Row Seats
1. Before installing the seat
the seatback must be folded
forward. See “Folding the
Seatback” earlier in this section.
The seats must be placed in
the proper locations to attach
correctly. The wider seat must
be installed on the driver side
and the narrower seat on the
passenger side. Remove the
bolts from the holes in the floor
before installing the seats.
2. Place the seat on the vehicle
floor so that the front seat hooks
are on the vehicle bars.
3. Reinstall the bolts, and torque to
55 Y (41 lb ft). Pull up on the
seat to make sure it is locked in
place.
4. Raise the seatback to its upright
position. Push and pull on the
seatback to make sure it is
locked into place.
5. Reconnect the center safety belt
mini-latch to the mini-buckle.
Do not let it twist.
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3-16Seats and Restraints
Safety Belts
This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.
WARNING
{
Do not let anyone ride where
a safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or
your passenger(s) are not
wearing safety belts, the injuries
can be much worse. You can hit
things inside the vehicle harder
or be ejected from the vehicle.
You and your passenger(s) can
be seriously injured or killed. In
the same crash, you might not be,
if you are buckled up. Always
fasten your safety belt, and
check that your passenger(s)
are restrained properly too.
WARNING
{
It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that
is not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone
in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders
page 5‑15
information.
for additional
on
In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:
You never know if you will be in
a crash. If you do have a crash,
you do not know if it will be a
serious one.
A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.
After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!
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Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.
Seats and Restraints3-17
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose
it is just a seat on wheels.
Put someone on it.Get it up to speed. Then stop the
vehicle. The rider does not stop.
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3-18Seats and Restraints
The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...
or the instrument panel...or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down
as the vehicle does. You get more
time to stop. You stop over more
distance, and your strongest bones
take the forces. That is why safety
belts make such good sense.
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Seats and Restraints3-19
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?
A: You could be — whether you
are wearing a safety belt or
not. But your chance of being
conscious during and after an
accident, so you can unbuckle
and get out, is much greater if
you are belted. And you can
unbuckle a safety belt, even if
you are upside down.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why
should I have to wear safety
belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work
with safety belts — not instead
of them. Whether or not an
airbag is provided, all occupants
still have to buckle up to get
the most protection. That is
true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other
collisions.
Q: If I am a good driver, and I
never drive far from home,
why should I wear safety
belts?
A: You may be an excellent driver,
but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such
as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 miles) of home.
And the greatest number of
serious injuries and deaths
occur at speeds of less than
65 km/h (40 mph).
Safety belts are for everyone.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly
This section is only for people of
adult size.
Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in
the vehicle, see Older Children
page 3‑48
Children
those rules for everyone's
protection.
It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash. And they can strike others in
the vehicle who are wearing safety
belts.
or Infants and Young
on page 3‑50
. Follow
on
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3-20Seats and Restraints
First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.
Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front of you.
The lap part of the belt should be
worn low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash, this
applies force to the strong pelvic
bones and you would be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you
slid under it, the belt would apply
force on your abdomen. This could
cause serious or even fatal injuries.
The shoulder belt should go over
the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.
The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose.
It will not give as much
protection this way.
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Seats and Restraints3-21
WARNING
{
You can be seriously hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The lap belt is too loose. It will
not give nearly as much
protection this way.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously hurt if your
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap
belt and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
The lap belt should be worn
low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs.
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3-22Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is buckled in the wrong
buckle.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if
your belt is buckled in the wrong
place like this. In a crash, the belt
would go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there,
not on the pelvic bones. This
could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt
into the buckle nearest you.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is over an armrest.
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Seats and Restraints3-23
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if
your belt goes over an armrest
like this. The belt would be much
too high. In a crash, you can slide
under the belt. The belt force
would then be applied on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is worn under
the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if
you wear the shoulder belt under
your arm. In a crash, your body
would move too far forward,
which would increase the chance
of head and neck injury. Also,
the belt would apply too much
force to the ribs, which are not
as strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure
internal organs like your liver or
spleen. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.
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3-24Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is behind the body.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move
too far forward increasing the
chance of head and neck injury.
You might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then
be applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is twisted across
the body.
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Seats and Restraints3-25
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not have the full width of the belt
to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it
can work properly, or ask your
dealer to fix it.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.
If you are using a rear seating
position with a detachable safety
belt and the safety belt is not
attached, see Third Row Seats
page 3‑13
reconnecting the safety belt to
the mini-buckle.
The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.
for instruction on
on
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out
all the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.
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3-26Seats and Restraints
3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.
4. Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see SafetyBelt Extender on page 3‑31.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
5. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you.
See “Shoulder Belt Height
Adjuster” later in this section
for instructions on use and
important safety information.
6. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.
It may be necessary to pull
the stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.
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To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position. Slide
the latch plate up the safety belt
webbing when the safety belt is not
in use. The latch plate should rest
on the stitching on the safety belt,
near the guide loop on the side wall.
Before a door is closed, be sure
the safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger seating
positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the
shoulder but not falling off of it.
The belt should be close to but
not contacting the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness
of the safety belt in a crash.
Seats and Restraints3-27
To move it down, push down on
the button (A) and move the height
adjuster to the desired position.
You can move the height adjuster
up by pushing up on the shoulder
belt guide.
After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it down
without pushing the button to make
sure it has locked into position.
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3-28Seats and Restraints
Safety Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for the front outboard
occupants. Although the safety
belt pretensioners cannot be seen,
they are part of the safety belt
assembly. They can help tighten the
safety belts during the early stages
of a moderate to severe frontal,
near frontal, or rear crash if the
threshold conditions for pretensioner
activation are met. And, for vehicles
with side impact airbags, safety belt
pretensioners can help tighten the
safety belts in a side crash or a
rollover event.
Pretensioners work only once.
If the pretensioners activate in a
crash, they will need to be replaced,
and probably other new parts for
the vehicle's safety belt system.
See Replacing Safety Belt SystemParts After a Crash on page 3‑32.
Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides
This vehicle may have rear shoulder
belt comfort guides. If not, they
are available through your dealer.
The guides may provide added
safety belt comfort for older children
who have outgrown booster seats
and for some adults. When installed
and properly adjusted, the comfort
guide positions the shoulder belt
away from the neck and head.
Here is how to install a comfort
guide to the safety belt:
Outboard Positions
1. For the outboard positions,
remove the guide from its
storage clip on the interior body.
For the third row center position,
locate the comfort guide which
is located in a storage pocket,
at the top of the seat, under the
headrest on the driver's side of
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the vehicle. To access the
comfort guide, you will first need
to move the headrest forward by
pulling on the handle behind the
seatback. The comfort guide will
now be accessible.
Seats and Restraints3-29
Third Row Center Position
Pull the comfort guide out of
its storage location and then
return the headrest to its upright
position.
2. Place the guide over the belt
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.
3. Be sure that the belt is
not twisted and it lies flat.
The elastic cord must be under
the belt and the guide on top.
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3-30Seats and Restraints
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.
4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.
To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt
can be removed from the guide.
Slide the guide into its storage
location or on its storage clip.
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they do not
wear safety belts.
A pregnant woman should wear
a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap
portion should be worn as low as
possible, below the rounding,
throughout the pregnancy.
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Seats and Restraints3-31
The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer will order you
an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults.
Never use it for securing child seats.
To wear it, attach it to the regular
safety belt. For more information,
see the instruction sheet that comes
with the extender.
Safety System Check
Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors,
and anchorages are working
properly. Look for any other loose
or damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety Belt
Reminders
information.
on page 5‑15
for more
Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care
page 3‑31
.
on
Safety Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
WARNING
{
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
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3-32Seats and Restraints
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts After a
Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in
a crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the safety
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑16.
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following
airbags:
.
A frontal airbag for the driver.
.
A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.
.
A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.
.
A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the right front
passenger.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the driver,
passenger seated directly
behind the driver, and the
third row outboard passenger
position.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger, passenger
seated directly behind the right
front passenger, and the third
row outboard passenger
position.
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Seats and Restraints3-33
All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.
With seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG will
appear on the side of the seatback
closest to the door.
With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:
WARNING
{
You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even
if you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, but do not replace them.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should anAirbag Inflate? on page 3‑36.
Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
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GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-34Seats and Restraints
WARNING
{
Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or
very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to the airbag, as you would
be if you were sitting on the edge
of your seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in
position before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.
Occupants should not lean on
or sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.
WARNING
{
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle's safety belt
system nor its airbag system
is designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in
your vehicle. To read how, see
Older Children
Infants and Young Children
page 3‑50
on page 3‑48
.
or
on
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light
for more information.
on page 5‑16
Page 89
Blackplate(35,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Where Are the Airbags?
Seats and Restraints3-35
The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.
The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on
the passenger side.
Driver Side shown, Passenger
Side similar
The seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.
Page 90
Blackplate(36,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-36Seats and Restraints
Driver Side shown, Passenger
Side similar
The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, passengers
behind the driver and right front
passenger, and the third row
outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.
WARNING
{
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories
that block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will
be blocked.
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver's or
right front passenger's head and
chest. However, they are only
designed to inflate if the impact
exceeds a predetermined
deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how
severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help
restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will
or should deploy is not based on
how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact, and how
quickly your vehicle slows down.
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Blackplate(37,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-37
Frontal airbags may inflate
at different crash speeds.
For example:
.
If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.
.
If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.
.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).
.
If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and
a more severe frontal impact.
For moderate frontal impacts,
dual-stage airbags inflate at a
level less than full deployment.
For more severe frontal impacts,
full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags.
See Airbag System
on page 3‑32
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes. In addition, these roof-rail
airbags are intended to inflate
during a rollover or in a severe
frontal impact. Seat-mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags will
inflate if the crash severity is above
the system's designed threshold
level. The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not intended to inflate in frontal
impacts, near-frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts.
.
Page 92
Blackplate(38,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-38Seats and Restraints
Roof-rail airbags are not
intended to inflate in rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is intended to deploy on the side
of the vehicle that is struck. Both
roof-rail airbags will deploy when
either side of the vehicle is struck,
or if the sensing system predicts
that the vehicle is about to roll over,
or in a severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because
of what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle hits,
the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
For seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact. In a
rollover event, roof-rail airbag
deployment is determined by the
direction of the roll.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are
all part of the airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located
inside the steering wheel and
instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
there are airbag modules in the side
of the front seatbacks closest to
the door. For vehicles with roof-rail
airbags, there are airbag modules in
the ceiling of the vehicle, near the
side windows that have occupant
seating positions.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants
can contact the inside of the
vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts.
Frontal airbags distribute the
force of the impact more evenly
over the occupant's upper body,
stopping the occupant more
gradually. Seat‐mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags
distribute the force of the impact
more evenly over the occupant's
upper body.
Page 93
Blackplate(39,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-39
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk
of full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in
many types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate?
page 3‑36
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.
for more information.
on
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they deploy. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbag modules, see What Makesan Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑38.
The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out
of the windshield or being able to
steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
{
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon
as it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the
fuel system after the airbags inflate.
Page 94
Blackplate(40,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-40Seats and Restraints
You can lock the doors, turn off the
interior lamps and hazard warning
flashers by using the controls for
those features.
WARNING
{
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions
in the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage
may also occur from the right front
passenger airbag.
.
Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some
new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.
.
The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. See Vehicle Data
Recording and Privacy
page 13‑17
and Event Data
on
Recorders on page 13‑17.
.
Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.
Page 95
Blackplate(41,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-41
Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible
on the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.
United States
Canada and Mexico
The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, are visible
during the system check. If you
are using remote start, if equipped,
to start the vehicle from a distance,
you may not see the system
check. When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or
OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will
be visible. See Passenger AirbagStatus Indicator on page 5‑16.
The passenger sensing system
turns off the right front passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbag,
seat‐mounted side impact airbags
and the roof-rail airbags are not
affected by the passenger sensing
system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part
of the right front passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right
front passenger frontal airbag
should be enabled (may inflate)
or not.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.
We recommend that children be
secured in a rear seat, including:
an infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child
riding in a forward-facing child seat;
an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are large
enough, using safety belts.
Page 96
Blackplate(42,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-42Seats and Restraints
A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk
to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.
WARNING
{
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right
front passenger airbag inflates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag is turned off.
Secure rear-facing child
restraints in a rear seat, even if
the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front
passenger frontal airbag if:
.
The right front passenger seat is
unoccupied.
.
The system determines that
an infant is present in a child
restraint.
.
A right front passenger takes
his/her weight off of the seat for
a period of time.
.
Or, if there is a critical problem
with the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front
passenger frontal airbag, the off
indicator will light and stay lit to
remind you that the airbag is off.
See Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator on page 5‑16.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on (may inflate)
the right front passenger frontal
airbag anytime the system senses
that a person of adult size is
sitting properly in the right front
passenger seat.
When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbag to be
enabled, the on indicator will light
and stay lit to remind you that the
airbag is active.
Page 97
Blackplate(43,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-43
For some children, including
children in child restraints, and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag, depending upon
the person’s seating posture
and body build. Everyone in the
vehicle who has outgrown child
restraints should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
WARNING
{
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness
Light
on page 5‑16
information, including important
safety information.
for more
If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions
provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to
Securing Child Restraints
(Rear Seat )
or Securing Child Restraints
(Right Front Passenger Seat)
page 3‑65
on page 3‑63
on
.
5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is
still lit, turn the vehicle off.
Then slightly recline the vehicle
seatback and adjust the seat
cushion, if adjustable, to make
sure that the vehicle seatback is
not pushing the child restraint
into the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child
restraint is not trapped under
the vehicle head restraint.
If this happens, adjust the head
restraint. See Head Restraints
on page 3‑2
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system
may or may not turn off the
airbag for a child in a child
restraint depending upon the
child’s seating posture and body
build. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.
.
Page 98
Blackplate(44,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-44Seats and Restraints
If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in
the right front passenger seat, but
the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat. If this happens,
use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and
enable the right front passenger
frontal airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation
Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers
and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system maintain
the passenger airbag status.
See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such
as seat covers, seat heaters, and
seat massagers can affect how
well the passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that
you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
page 3‑46
about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.
for more information
on
Page 99
Blackplate(45,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-45
A wet seat can affect the
performance of the passenger
sensing system. Here is how:
.
The passenger sensing system
may turn off the passenger
airbag when liquid is soaked
into the seat. If this happens,
the off indicator will be lit, and
the airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel will also be lit.
.
Liquid pooled on the seat that
has not soaked in may make it
more likely that the passenger
sensing system will enable (turn
on) the passenger airbag while a
child restraint or child occupant
is on the seat. If the passenger
airbag is turned on, the on
indicator will be lit.
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry
the seat immediately. If the airbag
readiness light is lit, do not install
a child restraint or allow anyone
to occupy the seat. See Airbag
Readiness Light
for important safety information.
on page 5‑16
The on indicator may be lit if
an object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop or
other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not
desired remove the object from
the seat.
WARNING
{
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are
parts of the airbag system in
several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing
the vehicle and the airbag system.
To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑15.
WARNING
{
For up to 10 seconds after the
ignition is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Page 100
Blackplate(46,1)
GMCAcadia/AcadiaDenaliOwnerManual-2011
3-46Seats and Restraints
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Is there anything I might add
to or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that
change the vehicle's frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
trim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system
for the right front passenger
position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger
seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate
properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery or trim,
or with GM covers, upholstery
or trim designed for a different
vehicle. Any object, such as
an aftermarket seat heater or
a comfort enhancing pad or
device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing System
page 3‑41
If you have questions,
call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction
.
on
Procedure in this manual.
See Customer SatisfactionProcedure on page 13‑1.
If the vehicle has rollover
roof-rail airbags, see Different
Size Tires and Wheels
page 10‑58
important information.
Q: Because I have a disability,
I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?
A: If you have questions,
call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two
of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual.
See Customer SatisfactionProcedure on page 13‑1.
In addition, the dealer and the
service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.
for additional
on
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