2003 GMC SAVANA power steering

Engine Coolant Heater
In very cold weather, 0°F(−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F(0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord for the engine coolant heater is located
on the driver’s side of the engine compartment and
is attached to the hose for the power steering
reservoir.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause afire. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
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2003 - Savana OM

Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to
the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice,
sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the“driver lost control”accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction.
If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice,
you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on
the condition of your tires and the road surface,
the angle at which the curve is banked, and your
speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one
factor you can control.
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2003 - Savana OM

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood.....................5-9
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-17
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Engine Coolant.............................................5-22
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-25
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System
............................................5-28
Engine Fan Noise
.........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid
.....................................5-35Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-47
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Noise Control System.....................................5-49
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-52
Taillamps.....................................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-56
Inflation – Tire Pressure................................5-57
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-58
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-60
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
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2003 - Savana OM

A. Battery
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
D. Transmission Fluid Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill
F. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Reservoir
J. Brake Master Cylinder
K. Windshield Washer Fluid
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.The engine oil dipstick has
a yellow handle and is
located near the center of
the engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for more information
on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
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2003 - Savana OM

Power Steering Fluid
The power steeringfluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steeringfluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. Afluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
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 thefluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the COLD FILL mark.
If necessary, add only enoughfluid to bring the
level up to the mark.
To prevent contamination of brakefluid, never check or
fill the power steering reservoir with the brake master
cylinder cover off.
What to Use
To determine what kind offluid to use, seePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-18.
Always use the properfluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your 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. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-10.
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, chang, 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 theoor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-30.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
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2003 - Savana OM

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number or specication may be obtained from
your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22.
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brakeuid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent or
equivalent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242, or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 1052884,
in Canada 993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242, or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Wheel
BearingsWheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2,
Category GC or GC-LB
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344,
in Canada 993037, or equivalent).
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2003 - Savana OM

Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-94
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-12
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-15
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-12
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Exit Lighting...................................................3-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Fabric/Carpet.................................................5-82
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finding a PTY Station.............................3-52, 3-63
Finding a Station....................3-42, 3-45, 3-50, 3-61
Finish Care....................................................5-86
Finish Damage...............................................5-88
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-76
Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-65
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-66
Floor Console Fuse Block................................5-92
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36FM ...............................................................3-74
Following Distance..........................................4-43
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage .........................................................3-40
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-16
Fuel Regulator................................................2-22
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-32
Fuel..........................................................3-40
Oil Pressure...............................................3-36
Speedometer..............................................3-25
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-30
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2003 - Savana OM