File in Section:

Service Bulletin

-

Bulletin No.:

16-NA-135

Date:

May, 2016

INFORMATION
Subject:

2017 GMC Acadia New Model Features

Attention: United States, Canada and Mexico. This Bulletin also applies to Export vehicles. Export
Countries Include: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen.

Brand:

GMC

Model:

Acadia

Model Year:
From:

2017

Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

To:

2017

VIN:
From:

All

To:

All

Engine:

Transmission:

Gasoline, 4
Cylinder, L4,
2.5L, DI,
DOHC, DCVCP,
VVT —
RPO LCV
Gasoline, 6
Cylinder, V6,
3.6L, DI,
DOHC, VVT,
GEN 2 —
RPO LGX

Hydra-Matic™
6T50,
Automatic, 6Speed, GEN 3,
VAR 1 —
RPO M2D
Hydra-Matic™
6T70,
Automatic, 6Speed, AWD,
GEN 2 —
RPO M7U
Hydra-Matic™
6T70,
Automatic, 6Speed, FWD,
GEN 2 —
RPO M7W

Page 2

May, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

Overview

4487956

Acadia Denali
Bulletin Purpose
This is a special bulletin to introduce the 2017 GMC
Acadia. The purpose of this bulletin is to help the
Service Department Personnel become familiar with
some of the vehicle’s new features and to describe
some of the action they will need to take to service this
vehicle.
Trim Levels
The 2017 Acadia is available in the following trim
levels: (some trim levels are not available in Canada)
• Acadia SL FWD
• Acadia SLE-1 FWD
• Acadia SLE-2 AWD
• Acadia SLT-1 FWD
• Acadia SLT-2 AWD
• Acadia All Terrain AWD, available on SLE-2
or SLT-1
• Acadia Denali FWD
• Acadia Denali AWD

Overview
The all-new 2017 Acadia is a reimagined crossover
aimed at the heart of the midsize segment, designed to
offer great versatility and refinement, with more
advanced safety technologies. The new Acadia offers
more efficient powertrains, while continuing to offer
three rows of seating on most models. The premium
Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain
model offering enhanced off-road capability. The
Acadia offers customers a midsize crossover
positioned between the compact Terrain and full-size
Yukon. Depending on the model, it is available with five,
six or seven passenger seating, while offering greater
maneuverability than the first-generation. The body
structure incorporates press-hardened, high-strength
steels, which allowed thinner components in some
areas offering comparable or better crash performance
than conventional materials. They also help reduce the
base model curb weight by approximately 700 pounds
(318 kg), compared to the current model. New splayed
front frame rails also contribute to crashworthiness.
They flare outward to provide effective folding and
crushing performance during small overlap frontal
crash situations.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

May, 2016

Vehicle Highlights
Some of the vehicle highlights are:
A new 2.5L 4 cylinder engine is standard, and is
bolstered by GMC’s first application of Engine Auto
Stop/Start technology, which enhances efficiency in
stop-and-go driving. The 2.5L is mated to the
Hydra-Matic™ 6T50 6-speed automatic transmission.
A new available V6 3.6L engine is more powerful and
efficient than the current model, while offering
4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) estimated trailering capability
with the available towing package. The 3.6L is mated to
the Hydra-Matic™ 6T70 6-speed automatic
transmission.
Both of the engines feature direct injection (DI) and
variable valve timing (VVT), and both are mated to
Hydra-Matic™ 6-speed automatic transmissions and
an electronically controlled drive mode selector.
A split folding second row seat improves on the original
Smart Slide feature of the current model. It offers
greater flexibility, including the capability of the
curbside seat sliding and tilting forward even with a
forward facing child seat in place. The driver side
section tips and slides forward for easier access to the
third row.
The 50/50-split, 2-passenger third row seat folds flat for
a completely flat load floor behind the second row and
when the second row is also folded, there’s 79 cubic
feet (2,237 liters) of cargo room. Levers at the rear of
the vehicle make it easier to fold the second and third
row seats. All three rows offer USB charge ports for
compatible electronic devices.

Page 3

The rear of the center console features a unique pull
out storage drawer. It is accessible to rear seat
passengers and allows items such as electronic
devices and small toys to be stored out of sight for
greater security and reduced clutter.
A new standard rear seat alert that can remind the
driver when an item may have been left in the second
and third row seats.
HID lamps on the Denali and halogen projectors on the
other models.
Active safety features are designed to help make
drivers more aware of their surroundings and potential
crash situations. They are available depending on the
model.
An available Tow Vision Trailering system helps make
hitching easier by employing a rear vision camera
(RVC), with dynamic guidelines, to help line up the
Acadia’s hitch with the trailer, as well as offering views
of the trailer while driving.
Available hands-free power liftgate.
Capless refueling system.
The Acadia has available phone integration technology
through GMC’s available IntelliLink® system. It offers
support for Apple® CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto and
requires a compatible smartphone. An available
OnStar® 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot provides a mobile hub
for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The
hotspot is ON whenever the vehicle is ON and comes
with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial (United
States and Canada).

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May, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

Acadia All Terrain Model

4487940

Acadia All Terrain
The new Acadia All Terrain model matches distinctive
design elements with enhanced off-road-driving ability.
At the heart of the Acadia All Terrain’s capability is the
3.6L V6 matched with an advanced AWD system with
Active Twin Clutch, which optimizes traction for every
condition it encounters. And while it is engineered for
optimal performance in wet, snowy and icy conditions,
it also provides enhanced stability in dry conditions. It
also has a specific All Terrain mode in place of the
Off-Road mode on the drive mode selector, which
works with the model’s exclusive AWD system to offer
enhanced hill-climb capability. All Terrain models are
distinguished from the rest of the Acadia lineup with a
body-color grille surround, black chrome trim and
unique wheels. Inside is exclusive 5 passenger seating
(2+3), dynamic All Terrain interior accents and covered
storage bins in the rear cargo floor in place of a third
row seat.
Some additional features include:
– Enhanced off-road/multi-terrain capabilities.
– All Terrain option on Traction Mode Selector.
– Hill Descent Control.
– Premium performance on snow, mud or deep sand
surfaces.

Chassis and Driving Dynamics Features
Chassis and driving dynamics features include:
• MacPherson strut front suspension.
• Five-link rear suspension.
• Rack mounted electric power steering system.
• Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors.
• Electronic park brake.
• Available electronically controlled continuous
damping system (Denali).
New Available Safety Features
The following safety features are new and available on
the 2017 Acadia:
• Lane Keep Assist.
• Front Park Assist.
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Forward Automatic Braking.
• Lane Change Alert.
• Safety Alert Seat.
• Surround Vision.
• IntelliBeam: Available IntelliBeam technology
automatically turns high-beam headlamps ON and
OFF according to surrounding traffic conditions.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

May, 2016

Brakes
This vehicle is equipped with a TRW EBC460 brake
system. The electronic brake control module (EBCM)
and the brake pressure modulator are serviced
separately. The brake pressure modulator uses a four
circuit configuration to control hydraulic pressure to
each wheel independently.
Depending on the vehicle options, the following
performance enhancement systems are provided:
• Antilock Brake System: When wheel slip is
detected during a brake application, an ABS event
occurs. During ABS braking, hydraulic pressure in
the individual wheel circuits is controlled to
prevent any wheel from slipping. A separate
hydraulic line and specific solenoid valves are
provided for each wheel. The ABS can decrease,
hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to each
wheel. The ABS does not, however, increase
hydraulic pressure above the amount which is
transmitted by the master cylinder during braking.
• Cornering Brake Control: Cornering brake
control is a slip control function that is intended to
improve the vehicle's lateral/yaw stability during
combined braking and cornering situations. The
EBCM will reduce the brake pressure to the inside
wheels by commanding the appropriate solenoid
valves ON and OFF.
• Dynamic Rear Proportioning: The dynamic rear
proportioning is a control system that replaces the
mechanical proportioning valve. Under certain
driving conditions the electronic brake control
module will reduce the rear wheel brake pressure
by commanding the appropriate solenoid valves
ON and OFF.
• Hill Descent Control System: The hill descent
control system allows a smooth and controlled hill
descent in rough terrain without the driver needing
to touch the brake pedal. The vehicle will
automatically decelerate to a low speed and
remain at that speed while activated. Some noise
or vibration from the brake system may be
apparent when the system is active. The descent
control system may be activated, if equipped, by
pressing the button on the console. To activate,
press the button when traveling at speeds less
that 30 mph (48 km/h). To deactivate, press the
button on the console, the brake pedal, or the
accelerator. Descent control enables the vehicle
to descend using the ABS to control each wheel's
speed. If the vehicle accelerates without driver
input, the system automatically applies the brakes
to slow the vehicle down to the desired speed.
• Hill Hold Start Assist: The hill hold start assist
allows the driver to launch the vehicle without a
roll back while moving the foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal. The EBCM
calculates the brake pressure, which is needed to
hold the vehicle on an incline and locks that
pressure for a certain time by commanding the
appropriate solenoid valves ON and OFF when
the brake pedal is released. Hill hold start assist is

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Page 5
activated when the EBCM determines that the
driver wishes to move the vehicle up-hill, either
backwards or forwards.
Hydraulic Brake Assist: The brake assist
function is designed to support the driver in
emergency braking situations. The EBCM
receives inputs from the brake pressure sensor.
When the EBCM senses an emergency braking
situation, the EBCM will actively increase the
brake pressure to a specific maximum.
Intelligent Brake Assist: The intelligent brake
assist function is designed to provide limited
braking to help prevent front and rear low speed
collisions. The EBCM receives inputs from the
brake pedal position sensor, wheel speed
sensors, short range radar and ultrasonic sensors
to detect a collision. When the EBCM senses a
possible collision, it will actively increase the
hydraulic brake pressure to apply the brakes.
Optimized Hydraulic Braking System: With
some engines the EBCM monitors the vacuum in
the brake booster with a vacuum sensor and
controls a brake booster vacuum pump depending
on vacuum sensor input. It also has a hydraulic
brake boost feature which supplements the brake
system to maintain consistent brake performance
under conditions of low brake booster vacuum.
Low brake booster vacuum conditions can include
initial start up after the vehicle has been parked for
several hours, very frequent brake stops, or high
altitude driving. The hydraulic brake boost system
activates only during a brake apply under low
vacuum conditions. In this case the EBCM will
actively increase and control the hydraulic brake
pressure by turning the pump motor ON and the
appropriate solenoid valves ON and OFF. When
hydraulic brake boost is active, a series of rapid
pulsations is felt in the brake pedal.
Stability Control: Electronic stability control
provides added stability during aggressive
maneuvers. Yaw rate is the rate of rotation about
the vehicle's vertical axis. The stability control is
activated when the EBCM determines that the
desired yaw rate does not match the actual yaw
rate as measured by the yaw rate sensor. The
difference between the desired yaw rate and the
actual yaw rate is the yaw rate error, which is a
measurement of over steer or under steer. When a
yaw rate error is detected, the EBCM attempts to
correct the vehicle's yaw motion by applying brake
pressure to one or more of the wheels. The
amount of brake pressure which is applied varies,
depending on the correction required.
Traction Control: When drive wheel slip is noted,
the EBCM will enter traction control mode. First,
the EBCM requests the engine control module
(ECM) to reduce the amount of torque to the drive
wheels via a serial data message. The ECM
reduces torque to the drive wheels and reports the
amount of delivered torque. If the engine torque
reduction does not reduce drive wheel slip, the
EBCM will actively apply the brakes on the
slipping drive wheel. During traction control
braking, hydraulic pressure in each drive wheel
circuit is controlled to prevent the drive wheels

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May, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

from slipping. The EBCM commands the pump
motor and appropriate solenoid valves ON and
OFF to apply brake pressure to the slipping wheel.
Trailer Brake Control System: A trailer brake
control system is used to control the amount of
trailer braking power that is made available to
trailers with brakes that require a controlled output
electrical signal for actuation. The trailer brake
control system determines the trailer brake type
(Electric Brake or Electric Over Hydraulic Brake)
automatically.
Trailer Sway Control: The trailer sway control
will detect any vehicle yaw instability, caused by
an attached trailer. When instability is detected,
the EBCM attempts to correct the vehicle's yaw
motion by applying brake pressure to one or more
of the wheels. The engine torque may also be
reduced, if it is necessary to slow down the
vehicle.

Duralife Ferritic Nitro Carburized Rotors
The vehicle is equipped with Duralife ferritic nitro
carburized (FNC) brake rotors and low drag brake
calipers. Application of the FNC technology involves an
additional manufacturing process that heats the rotors
at 1,040°F (560°C) for up to 24 hours in a giant oven.
Inside the nitrogen-rich atmosphere, nitrogen atoms
bond to the surface of the steel rotor, hardening and
strengthening the rotor. This hardened layer allows the
rotor to wear slower and reduces rotor corrosion.

4488787

Shown is a typical view of the 2.5L L4 engine.
Engine Component Description and Operation
•

Engines
2.5L L4 Engine — RPO LCV
GM’s versatile and technologically advanced Ecotec
engine family expands with a new, larger 2.5L variant. It
is based on a new generation of large-displacement
four-cylinder engines, which was designed for greater
efficiency. GM proprietary computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) analysis techniques were used to develop an
all-new combustion system with a higher compression
ratio. The new combustion system features improved
knock resistance and higher flowing intake and exhaust
ports in the cylinder head which help increase
efficiency, power, and torque. The new Ecotec also has
increased authority cam phasing to minimize any
compromise between efficiency, performance,
emissions, and driveability. Like the current generation
of technically advanced Ecotec engines, the 2.5L also
features a high pressure direct injection fuel system,
dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable
valve timing, electronic throttle control, and pistons with
jet-spray oil cooling. When equipped with this engine,
the vehicle has Active Grille Shutters.

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Acoustic Intake Manifold Cover: The 2.5L uses
a composite plastic lightweight intake manifold.
But plastic conducts noise, so engineers wrapped
the intake with a clamshell-like isolating cover. It
has a sound absorbing “blanket” on the inside that
snugs against the intake to provide isolation, and
the cover has a visually clean outer layer, which
works as a noise barrier.
Cam Driven High Pressure Fuel Pump: A cam
driven high pressure fuel pump provides the fuel
pressure required of the direct injection (DI)
system in the Ecotec 2.5L. The engine mounted
fuel pump is augmented by a conventional
electrically operated supply pump in the fuel tank.
The fuel delivery system features a high-pressure
stainless steel feed line and a pressure-regulated
fuel rail, without a conventional fuel return line
from the engine to the tank. Fuel pressure varies
from about 750 psi (5,171 kPa) at idle to 2,250 psi
(15,513 kPa) at wide-open throttle.
Camshaft Drive with Inverted Tooth Chain:
Like the drive chain for the balance shafts, the
camshaft drive chain uses a premium, inverted
tooth design that is significantly quieter than a
roller type chain. As its name implies, an inverted
tooth chain has teeth on its links – two-pin rolling
pivot joints – that essentially wrap around the gear