2024 GMC Acadia Fluid Type Specs: The Complete Guide

As an ASE-certified Master Technician, I'm here to provide you with the definitive guide to factory-recommended fluid specifications for your 2024 GMC Acadia. Using the correct fluids is paramount for maintaining your vehicle's performance, longevity, and warranty compliance. This guide covers every essential fluid, capacity, and specification to keep your Acadia running optimally.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity (approximate)
Engine Oil	SAE 0W-20, API SP, GM dexos1 Gen3	5.3 quarts
Engine Coolant	Dex-Cool ( silicate, phosphate, & nitrite-free OAT)	10.5 quarts
Transmission Fluid	AW-2	9.5 - 10 quarts (drain/fill varies)
Transfer Case (AWD)	GM Transfer Case Fluid (part number may vary based on specific unit)	1.5 - 2 quarts
Front Differential	SAE 75W-90, API GL-5 (GM part number 88862624 or equivalent)	1.5 - 2 quarts
Rear Differential	SAE 75W-90, API GL-5 (GM part number 88862624 or equivalent)	1.5 - 2 quarts
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to cap for specific recommendation)	As needed
Power Steering Fluid	Electric Power Steering - No serviceable fluid	N/A
Washer Fluid	GM Optikleen Washer Solvent or equivalent all-season formula	1 gallon

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Engine Oil

For your 2024 GMC Acadia, the factory fill and recommended replacement engine oil is SAE 0W-20 meeting API SP and the GM dexos1 Gen3 specification. The approximate capacity for an oil change with filter is typically 5.3 quarts. Always confirm the exact capacity with your owner's manual, as slight variations can occur depending on the specific engine variant.

Intervals and Pitfalls:

• Change Interval: Adhere to the Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system in your Acadia, which will indicate when an oil change is due. This is typically between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, or annually, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe duty (heavy towing, extreme temperatures, short trips) may necessitate more frequent changes.
• Never Deviate: Using oil that does not meet the dexos1 Gen3 specification can lead to issues such as Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), reduced fuel economy, and premature engine wear. It can also void your powertrain warranty. Always look for the official dexos1 Gen3 logo on the oil bottle.
• API SP: This is the latest API service category, offering improved protection against LSPI, turbocharger wear protection, and better fuel economy for modern engines.

Engine Coolant

Your 2024 GMC Acadia uses a long-life, extended-drain Dex-Cool coolant. This is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant that is typically orange-red in color. It is silicate, phosphate, and nitrite-free. The system capacity is approximately 10.5 quarts.

Intervals and Pitfalls:

• Change Interval: Dex-Cool is designed for extended service intervals, often around 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Refer to your owner's manual for the precise recommended service interval.
• Never Mix: Mixing Dex-Cool (OAT) with conventional IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolants can lead to chemical incompatibilities, gelling, corrosion, and severe damage to your cooling system components. Always use only Dex-Cool or an approved Dex-Cool compatible equivalent. Look for products specifically stating compatibility with GM Dex-Cool specifications.
• Dilution: Always use deionized or distilled water if you are mixing concentrated coolant. Pre-mixed 50/50 solutions are convenient and recommended.

Transmission Fluid

The 2024 GMC Acadia, depending on its specific transmission (which varies with engine and drivetrain), will most likely utilize AW-2 transmission fluid. The approximate capacity for a fluid exchange can range from 9.5 to 10 quarts, however, a typical drain and fill will only replace a portion of the total fluid. Always consult your owner's manual or OEM service information for the exact fluid type and capacity specific to your Acadia's transmission configuration.

Intervals and Pitfalls:

• Change Interval: Transmission fluid is generally considered a "lifetime" fluid by some manufacturers under normal conditions, but this is a broad interpretation. For optimal longevity, especially if you tow, drive in heavy city traffic, or in extreme temperatures, a fluid and filter change (if applicable) every 50,000-75,000 miles is highly recommended. Always refer to your owner's manual for severe duty schedules.
• Specific Fluid is Key: Never use "universal" automatic transmission fluids. The AW-2 specification is unique and critical for the proper operation and longevity of your Acadia's sophisticated transmission. Using the wrong fluid can lead to harsh shifts, premature wear, and catastrophic transmission failure.
• Level Check: Checking transmission fluid level often requires specific procedures, usually with the engine warm and running, and cycling through gears. Improper level checks can lead to overfilling or underfilling, both of which are detrimental.

Transfer Case Fluid (AWD Models Only)

For 2024 Acadia models equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the transfer case requires a specific GM Transfer Case Fluid. The exact GM part number may vary depending on the specific transfer case unit installed. The approximate capacity is typically 1.5 to 2 quarts.

Intervals and Pitfalls:

• Change Interval: Typically, transfer case fluid should be inspected and potentially changed every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or more frequently if regularly engaging in AWD operation, towing, or off-road driving. Consult your owner's manual.
• Correct Fluid Only: The transfer case is a precision component. Using any fluid other than the specified GM transfer case fluid can lead to premature wear, noise, and potential failure.

Front and Rear Differential Fluid

Both the front and rear differentials in your 2024 Acadia (front for FWD and AWD, rear for AWD) generally specify SAE 75W-90 gear oil meeting API GL-5 specifications. GM often recommends their specific part numbers, such as GM part number 88862624 (or an equivalent). Each differential holds approximately 1.5 to 2 quarts.

Intervals and Pitfalls:

• Change Interval: Differential fluid changes are typically recommended every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner under severe service conditions like heavy towing or frequent stop-and-go driving. Neglecting differential fluid can lead to excessive wear and noise.
• API GL-5 is Crucial: GL-5 rated gear oils provide the necessary extreme pressure (EP) protection for hypoid gears found in differentials. Do not use GL-4 fluids where GL-5 is specified.
• No LSD Additive Needed for Open Diffs: Most Acadia models will have open differentials, which do not require a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) additive. If your vehicle did have an LSD (which is rare in standard Acadia configurations), it would require an LSD-compatible gear oil or an additional friction modifier.

Brake Fluid

Your 2024 GMC Acadia will use either DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Always verify the specific recommendation directly on your brake fluid reservoir cap or in your owner's manual. The capacity is "as needed" for topping off or a complete flush.

Intervals and Pitfalls:

• Change Interval: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. This reduces its boiling point and can lead to internal corrosion in the brake system. It's generally recommended to flush and replace brake fluid every 2-3 years, regardless of mileage.
• DOT 3 vs. DOT 4: DOT 4 has a higher dry and wet boiling point than DOT 3. It is generally safe to upgrade from DOT 3 to DOT 4, but never downgrade from DOT 4 to DOT 3. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it is incompatible with systems designed for DOT 3, 4, or 5.1 and can cause severe damage.
• Contamination: Keep brake fluid clean and free from contamination. Even a small amount of oil or other fluids can compromise the entire brake system.

Power Steering Fluid

Good news! Your 2024 GMC Acadia is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. This means there is no traditional hydraulic pump, reservoir, or power steering fluid to check or replace. The system is electronically controlled, simplifying maintenance in this area.

Washer Fluid

Use a high-quality, all-season windshield washer solvent, such as GM Optikleen Washer Solvent or an equivalent. The reservoir capacity is approximately 1 gallon.

Intervals and Pitfalls:

• Winter Protection: In colder climates, ensure you use a washer fluid designed for freezing temperatures to prevent the fluid from freezing in the reservoir and lines, which can cause damage to the pump and hoses.
• Never Use Water Only: While water will clean, it offers no freeze protection, can leave streaks, and doesn't effectively remove road grime or insect splatter.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The 2024 GMC Acadia is exclusively offered with gasoline engines. Therefore, it does not utilize Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

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