signal is activated and a vehicle is also detected
on the same side, the display will flash as an extra
warning not to change lanes. This system is part
of the LCA system.

Safety — Surround Vision
Surround Vision
Notice: The Surround Vision cameras have blind
spots and will not display all objects near the
corners of the vehicle. Folding side mirrors that are
out of position will not display the surround view
correctly.
Surround Vision displays an image of the area
surrounding the vehicle, along with the front or rear
camera views in the center stack. The front camera is in
the grille or near the front emblem, the side cameras
are on the bottom of the outside rearview mirrors, and
the rear camera is above the license plate.

4451337

1 = Areas displayed by the Surround Vision cameras.
2 = Areas not displayed by the Surround Vision
cameras.

Steering
The Acadia is equipped with a belt driven electric power
steering system which reduces the amount of effort
needed to steer the vehicle by utilizing the power
steering control module to control the power steering
motor to maneuver the steering rack. The power
steering control module uses input from the torque
sensor, motor rotational sensor, battery voltage circuit
and GMLAN serial data circuit to determine the level of
motor assist. Vehicle speed and engine speed from the
GMLAN serial data circuit is also used to adjust the
amount of steering assist needed to steer the vehicle.
At low speeds more assist is provided for easy turning
during parking maneuvers. At higher speeds less assist
is provided for improved road feel and directional
stability

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

May, 2016

The belt driven electronic power steering system
consists of the following components:
• A belt drive and a ball nut mechanism.
• A power pack which contains the power steering
control module, its sensors, and the power
steering motor.
• A torque sensor.
• The steering gear (rack and pinion).

Page 17

Transmissions
HydraMatic™ 6T50 Automatic 6-Speed FWD with
Start/Stop — RPO M2D

Suspension
Front Suspension
The Acadia is equipped with a MacPherson strut front
suspension. The front suspension absorbs the impact
of the tires travelling over irregular road surfaces and
dissipates this energy throughout the suspension
system. This process isolates the vehicle occupants
from the road surface. The rate at which the
suspension dissipates the energy and the amount of
energy that is absorbed is how the suspension defines
the vehicle’s ride characteristics. Ride characteristics
are designed into the suspension system and are not
adjustable. The suspension system must allow for the
vertical movement of the tire and wheel assembly as
the vehicle travels over irregular road surfaces while
maintaining the tire's horizontal relationship to the road.
Rear Suspension
The Acadia is equipped with an independent 5-link rear
suspension. The rear suspension maintains the
relationship of the rear axle to the body and controls the
torque reaction on acceleration and braking. Rear
suspension adjustment is achieved through adjustable
toe links and lower control arms. The rear coil springs
are retained between the body and the lower control
arm. Rubber insulators isolate the coil spring at both
top and bottom. The rear suspension consists of
2 shock absorbers attached to the lower control arm
and the reinforced body areas.
Electronic Suspension Control System (Available
SLT-2 and Denali)
The electronic suspension control system individually
controls the damping force of each of the 4 shock
absorbers in order to keep the vehicle body as calm as
possible. Changes of the damping forces can be
accomplished within milliseconds. Suspension
characteristics can be changed at any time by
activating the Sport mode or Tour mode. The
Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system provides
superior vehicle ride and handling under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions. The system is fully
automatic and uses a computer controller to
continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheel to body
position, lift/dive, and steering position of the vehicle.
The controller then sends signals to each shock
absorber to independently adjust the damping level to
provide the optimum vehicle ride.

4492387

The HydraMatic™ 6T50 is a 6-speed, front wheel drive,
electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle
with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch
and a surge accumulator for the start/stop system. This
transmission features Gen 3 upgrades implemented to
enhance efficiency. The pump, for example, has been
moved off-axis, which allows better sealing of the
torque converter, reducing pump flow demands to
enhance fuel economy. Additionally, the pump is now a
binary vane-type, which allows lower power
consumption during times of lower flow demands and at
higher engine speeds. This transmission is used with
the 2.5L engine.
HydraMatic™ 6T70 Automatic 6-Speed AWD —
RPO M7U

4492450

Page 18

May, 2016

The HydraMatic™ 6T70 transmission is part of GM's
family of technically advanced, fuel saving 6-speed
automatics designed to optimize efficiency while
delivering exceptional smoothness and an excellent
feeling of performance. Because of the wide ratio
spread, first gear is a very high ratio, which provides
brisk acceleration from a stop. Sixth gear is an
overdrive ratio, which keeps the engine revolutions as
low as possible for highway cruising, reducing engine
friction losses and improving fuel economy. Instead of
"folding" the transmission around the end of a
transversely mounted engine (which has been one of
the dominant GM transaxle design conventions), the
6T70 contains all of the gearing in line with the
crankshaft centerline of the engine. The advantages of
this layout can translate to a shorter overall vehicle
length, more interior room and lower powertrain height.
This transmission is used with the 3.6L engine.
HydraMatic™ 6T70 Automatic 6-Speed FWD —
RPO M7W
The HydraMatic™ 6T70 transmission is part of GM's
family of technically advanced, fuel saving 6-speed
automatics designed to optimize efficiency while
delivering exceptional smoothness and an excellent
feeling of performance. Because of the wide ratio
spread, first gear is a very high ratio, which provides
brisk acceleration from a stop. Sixth gear is an
overdrive ratio, which keeps the engine revolutions as
low as possible for highway cruising, reducing engine
friction losses and improving fuel economy. Instead of
"folding" the transmission around the end of a
transversely mounted engine (which has been one of
the dominant GM transaxle design conventions), the
6T70 contains all of the gearing in line with the
crankshaft centerline of the engine. The advantages of
this layout can translate to a shorter overall vehicle
length, more interior room and lower powertrain height.
This transmission is used with the 3.6L engine.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

The AWD system with Active Twin Clutch delivers
greater handling, stability and driver confidence by
preemptively and electronically splitting torque between
the rear wheels to provide additional control versus a
50/50 split in a single clutch system.
It provides the following benefits:
• Specific All-Terrain mode in place of the Off-Road
mode on the drive mode selector.
• Enhanced traction, stability and performance
during vehicle acceleration and cornering during
dry normal conditions.
• Optimal handling and improved traction in wet/
snowy/icy conditions.
• Improved vehicle response when road traction is
not uniform, such as when the right side of the
vehicle is on ice and the left side is on dry
pavement.
• Active Twin Clutch with active torque bias has
increased capability to add stability across all
driving conditions.
• A fuel economy benefit is realized by not pushing
torque when it is not needed.
Power Transfer Unit

AWD with Active Twin Clutch — Acadia All-Terrain

4492842

4424641

The GKN model 761 power transfer unit (PTU) is
positioned in the right side of the vehicle and in model
dependent applications is bolted to the transmission via
an adapter plate. The primary function of the PTU is to
receive power from the transmission and transfer it
through the propeller shaft to the rear differential using
helical and hypoid gear sets. The PTU housing, cover,
extension housing, and rear output shaft housing are a
cast aluminum design. Gear tooth clearances and
bearing preloads are maintained by shims located
behind the bearing races. The housings, internal gears,
and bearings are not serviceable components. If
housing, gear set, or bearing damage occurs, the
assembly must be replaced. The PTU fluid is fill-for-life
with no maintenance fluid change intervals required.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

May, 2016

The disconnect-design PTU has the ability to internally
engage and send power and torque to the rear
propeller shaft, activating AWD mode. Shifting is
performed by a PTU mounted actuator motor, internal
linear and rotary cams, and shift collar. The actuator
motor operates as directed by the rear differential
clutch control module to perform the shifting operations.
During normal driving situations, the PTU operates in
FWD mode with no rotation of the rear propeller shaft.
The rear differential clutch control module monitors
wheel slip based on the inputs from the wheel speed
sensors and vehicle speed sensor. When the vehicle
experiences a wheel slip condition, the control module
sends a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the
PTU actuator motor. The actuator motor rotates the
worm gear and rotary cam, moving the shift collar to
engage AWD and propeller shaft rotation. AWD mode
will remain active until the slip condition has stopped.
The process would repeat if wheel slip is detected
again.
Drive Mode Control
The Drive Mode Control has the following Modes:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Sport, All-Wheel Drive
(AWD), Snow/Ice, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road or All
Terrain. Rotate the Drive Mode Control knob on the
center console to select a mode. Continue turning the
knob through the available modes as needed.
The various modes function as follows:
• FWD : Vehicle is in FWD Mode. Use this mode
during normal driving conditions.
• Sport : Sport Mode improves vehicle handling
and acceleration on dry pavement. When active,
Sport Mode modifies steering efforts, transmission
shifting, AWD torque, and suspension tuning
(when equipped with Continuous Damping
Control). For AWD vehicles, choosing Sport Mode
also engages AWD Mode.
• AWD (AWD Vehicles Only) : AWD Mode
provides drive torque to all four wheels. Select
AWD to improve traction and control on slippery
road surfaces, such as gravel, sand, wet
pavement, snow, and ice. When in AWD Mode,
the AWD Mode indicator will illuminate.
• Snow/Ice (FWD Vehicles Only) : Snow/Ice Mode
improves vehicle acceleration on snow and ice
covered roads.
• Tow Haul : Available when the vehicle is in FWD
or AWD Mode. Use this mode to assist in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds when driving
on downhill grades by using the engine and
transmission to slow the vehicle.
• Off-Road (AWD Only) or All-Terrain: Vehicle is
in AWD Mode. Use this mode for off-road
recreational driving. Off-Road optimizes traction in
off-road conditions (gravel, sand, mud). All Terrain
functions like Off-Road mode, but adds enhanced
hill climbing capability & unique tuning.

Page 19

Drive Mode Control Knob FWD

4493985

1.
2.
3.
4.

Normal 2x4 FWD
Snow
Sport
Trailer/Tow (If equipped - not shown) (Shown on
Drive Mode Control Knob AWD)

Drive Mode Control Knob AWD

4494523

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Normal 2x4 FWD (AWD Disconnect)
4x4 AWD
Sport
Off-Road or All-Terrain (Depending on model)
Trailer/Tow (If equipped)

Page 20

May, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

Towing the Vehicle — Recreational
Vehicle Towing

Dinghy Towing — FWD 3.6L
If the vehicle is front-wheel drive, it can be dinghy
towed from the front. These vehicles may also be
towed by putting the front wheels on a dolly.

Towing the Vehicle
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed car carrier. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will occur. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles if necessary. A towed
vehicle should have its drive wheels off the ground.

Trailer Towing
The Acadia base towing capacity is 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
Vehicles equipped with the Trailer Towing Package
have a towing capacity of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg). Use the
Tow/Haul mode when pulling a heavy trailer to reduce
the frequency of transmission shifts and improve the
control of vehicle speed.

Dinghy Towing — 2.5L
This vehicle was not designed or intended to be dinghy
towed.
Dinghy Towing — AWD 3.6L
If the vehicle is all-wheel drive, it can be dinghy towed
from the front. These vehicles can also be towed by
placing them on a platform trailer with all four wheels
off of the ground. These vehicles cannot be towed
using a dolly.

Special Tools
The following new tools were released for the 2017
Acadia:

Special Tools — Tool Number and Description
Tool Number

Description

DT-47791-B

Converter Seal Driver

DT-49131

Seal Staking Tool

EN-42385-70

Head Bolt Thread Repair Torque Plate

EN-44226-5

Crankshaft Protector Button

EN-46335-A

Valve Spring Compressor (On-vehicle)

EN-49941

Piston Pin Retainer Remover

EN-51333

Timing Chain Retainer Set

EN-51766

Rear Seal Installation Pilot

DT-51329-A

Driveshaft Remover

DT-51834

Seal Installer, RH Input & Pinion Cassette

DT-51835

Seal Installer, LH Input & IDS Cassette

Training Courses
The majority of the systems found on this vehicle are
taught in GM’s core curriculum from a conceptual
theory and operation perspective. The North American
technical training core curriculum structure is system
based.
To access all of the available training courses in the
United States, visit the following website:
www.centerlearning.com
In Canada, Go to GM GlobalConnect and select
Centre of Learning

Training Course Name or System — Course Number and Description
Course Name or System

Course Number and Description

New Model Feature
2017 GMC Acadia New Model Features

#10317.40W — 2017 GMC Acadia New Model Features (U.S.
and Can)

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

#16440.17D-V — Engines: New and Updates for RPOs LCV,
LTG, LL0 (United States Only)
#16043.16H — Gen 2 Overhaul/Repair Certification
(Canada Only)

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-135

May, 2016

Page 21

Training Course Name or System — Course Number and Description (cont'd)
Course Name or System

Course Number and Description
#16440.20D — Engines: New and Updates for RPOs LF4,
LGX, LGW, L3A, LV7, LE2 and LWN (United States Only)

Transmission
HydraMatic™ 6T50, 6T70 6-Speed Automatic Transmissions
— RPO M2D, M7U and M7W

#17440.12D — Transmissions New & Updates: HydraMatic
6T40/45 (U.S. only)
#17440.13D-R2 — Transmissions New & Updates: 6T70/
6T75, 6L50/6L80/6L90, 4L60/4L70 (U.S. only)
#17036.16H – 6T70 Transmission Overhaul & Service
(Can only)
#17036.01V – 6T40/45 Unit Repair (Can only)

Safety Systems Forward Collision Alert / Lane Departure
Warning and Rear Vision Camera

#22048.42W1-W3 GM Safety Systems 1-3 (United States and
Canada)

Version Information
Version

1

Modified

—

Trademark Footnotes
ACDelco® is a Registered Trademark of General
Motors LLC
Android™ Auto is a Trademark of Google Inc.
Apple® is a Registered Trademark of Apple Inc.
The Bluetooth® Word Mark and Logos are
Registered Trademarks Owned by Bluetooth
SIG, Inc.
CarPlay™ is a Trademark of Apple Inc.
dexos® is a Registered Trademark of General
Motors LLC

dexos1® Icons are Registered Logos of General
Motors LLC
Google® is a Registered Trademark of Google Inc.
HydraMatic™ is a Trademark of General
Motors LLC
IntelliLink® is a Registered Trademark of General
Motors LLC (United States)
iPhone® is a Registered Trademark of Apple Inc.
OnStar® is a Registered Trademark of OnStar LLC
StabiliTrak® is a Registered Trademark of General
Motors LLC

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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