1996 GMC SAVANA radiator

NOTICE:
~~
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
I NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
FULL COLD, or a little higher.
6-22
k
ProCarManuals.com

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix ut the
coolcrnt mcoveq* tmk.
A CAUTION:
Tbrning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank. but be careful
not
to spill it.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if' you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it
will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator pressure cap nust be tightly installed with
the arrows
on the cap lined up with the overflow tube on
the radiator filler neck.
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed to prevent coolant
loss
and possible engine damage from overheating. Be
sure the arrows on the cap line up with the
overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
6-23
ProCarManuals.com

Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine cooling system. The thermoskt stops the
tlow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches
a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat,
an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
tluid unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten
it. Then remove the cap again
and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring
the level up to
the mark.
To prevent brake fluid contamination, never check or
fill
the power steering reservoir with the master cylinder
cover off.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
ProCarManuals.com

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
I
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID. Add washer
fluid
until the tank is full.
NOTICE:
a
a
a
0
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your
windshield washer. It can damage your
washer system and paint.
6-25
ProCarManuals.com

Fuel Tank Capacity
TYPE
Standard Tank
Cutaway Standard Tdnk
Cutaway Optional Tank
All quantities are approximate.
QUANTITY
3 I gallons (I 17.3 L)
35 gallons (132 L)
55 gallons (208.2 L)
Normal Rc --' :ermt Parts
Engine "VORTEC" 4300
VIN W
Oil Filter PFS2
Air Cleaner Filter'l'
A9 17C
PCV Valve CV789C
Spark Plugs
4 1-932
Fuel Filter GF48 1
Radiator Cap RC36 VORTEC"
5000
M
PF1218
A9 17C
cv774c
4 1-932
CF48
1
RC36
'"For severe dusty conditions, use AC Air Filter, Part No. 1236C. "VORTEC"
5700 "VORTEC" 7400
R J
PF1218
PF1218
A9 17C A917C
cv774c cv774c
4 1-932 4 1-932
GF48
1 GF48 I
RC36 RC36
6-67
ProCarManuals.com

1 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines I
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
AI1 Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
An Ernission Control Service.
0 Replace spark plugs.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
An Emission Colztrol Service.
filter if the vehicle’s GVWR is over
8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one
or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90” F
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If yxt do mt use yx.tr vehicle lmder- any of
thew conditio~~s, the flL.rici md,filt6>r do not
require dhnging.
0 Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation
(Pcv) valve. An Emission Cor~trol Service.
DATE SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-29
ProCarManuals.com

I
97,500 Miles (162 500 I;
Long Tripmighway Maintenance Sc‘-ed-de -- Gasoline Engines I ~~ -
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components; see footnote ##
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
El Check axle fluid level and add fluid
as needed. **
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
CI Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emissio~? Cor~trol Service. f
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
0 Replace spark plugs.
An Emissiorz Control Seriice.
Arz Emission Corztrol Sul-vice.
(Continued)
7-41
ProCarManuals.com

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall).
You should let your GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these
jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found
in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications”
in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged,
loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause
a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace
any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
7-47
ProCarManuals.com