GMC Acadia: How to Reset Stereo System

On a longer trip, your car’s radio will likely cycle through the nearest stations to connect with the ones with the strongest signal. However, if the radio gets stuck on a station with a weak signal, you might hear only static for a while. If you can’t get the radio to work through the infotainment system, you’ll need to reset the entire stereo system. Here’s how you can do that.

Reset Stereo System GMC Acadia 2014-2016

In 2014, GMC added the MyLink or Intelilink systems to vehicles, streamlining how the stereo system worked and how it could be connected to phones and other devices. Resetting the stereo system in vehicles made between 2014 and 2016 is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is hold both the “Fast-forward” and “Home” buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. This should reset the entire infotainment system and allow you to change radio stations as usual.

Reset Stereo System GMC Acadia 2017-2019

There are two main ways you can reset the infotainment system on a GMC Acadia made between 2017 and 2019.

The first is identical to the original Intelilink system instructions. Press and hold the “Home” and “Fast-forward” buttons for 10 seconds.

The second method is to use the OnStar call button, and then immediately hang up. Calling shuts off the radio, and hanging up resumes its natural function. Ideally, this will quickly reset the system.

Reset Stereo System GMC Acadia without Google 2019+

The most modern GM infotainment system (used in most GM vehicles) can either have direct Google integration or come separately. If your system doesn’t respond to “Hey, Google,” it most likely doesn’t have built-in Google functionality.

Resetting the newest GM infotainment systems is simple. All you have to do is turn the car off and then back on again. You may need to wait a few minutes for the computer systems to shut off completely before starting the car.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, you can try a slightly more complex method that should yield the same results:

1. Turn off the car.
2. Open the driver’s door and keep it open for three minutes.
3. Close the driver’s door.
4. Turn on the car.

Alternatively, you can try to use remote start:

1. Shut off the car.
2. Get out of the vehicle and take the key fob.
3. Let the car stay off for about three minutes.
4. Remotely start the vehicle.
5. Get in and insert the key fob.
6. Start the engine.

Both of these options should reset the infotainment system and can work on Google-enabled vehicles as well.

Reset Stereo System GMC Acadia with Google 2022+

If your Acadia has been Google-enabled, you can try using the hang-up button to reset the stereo system. While the vehicle is in Park, press and hold the hang-up button on the steering column for 10 seconds.

Reset Car Electronics

If resetting the car’s stereo still doesn’t give you access to radio controls, you can try to reboot the entire electronics system. This should be a last resort:

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Pop the hood.
3. Disconnect the battery (negative first).
4. Drain the remaining power by turning on the headlights or using the horn.
5. Wait for a few minutes.
6. Reconnect the battery (positive first) and close the hood.
7. Turn on the car.

Resetting Car Stereo on Older Models

If you have an older vehicle, you can try to reset just the radio system:

1. Hold the “Band” button until your radio screen shows “Settings” or “Menu.”
2. Use the up or down arrows to scroll to “Factory Settings,” then select it with the right arrow or “Enter.”
3. Find “Reset” and select it.
4. Restart the car to ensure the car’s radio system has been reset.

If you’ve installed an aftermarket radio in your car, you can try to disconnect it from the front panel (if it’s not fully integrated), and then reconnect it. This should remove most temporary glitches.

FAQ

What do I do if my car stereo system keeps glitching?

If you’re encountering repeated freezing or glitching in the radio system, consult a qualified GMC service technician. This is especially important if your car is still in its original warranty or relatively new.