2008 GMC SAVANA oil change

To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all moving parts.Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
Fuel Regulator
Your vehicle has a fuel regulator that shuts the fuel off
when the engine reaches 5,600 rpm.
Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
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Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamps...............................................3-16
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-16
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-17
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Electric Power Management...........................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Rear Heating System....................................3-22
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Trip Odometer..............................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Airbag Off Light............................................3-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-32
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-32
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-33
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-34
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light..............................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-38
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-39
Security Light...............................................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-40
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

To stop the timer, press the set/reset button briefly while
TIMER is displayed.
To reset the timer to zero, press and hold the set/reset
button while TIMER is displayed.
Average Speed
Press the trip/fuel button until AVERAGE SPEED
displays. This display shows the average speed of
the vehicle in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h). This average is calculated based on
the various vehicle speeds recorded since the last
reset of this value. To reset the value, press and hold
the set/reset button. The display will return to zero.
Digital Tachometer
Press the trip/fuel button until Tachometer ##00 RPM
displays. This display shows the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (RPM).
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):Press this button to scroll
through the following menu items:
Oil Life
Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine oil life system will alert
you to change the oil on a schedule consistent with your
driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on the
display. See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-49. You should
change the oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15. In addition to the
engine oil life system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for more information.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself after
each oil change. It will not reset itself. Also, be careful
not to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any time
other than when the oil has just been changed.
3-45

It cannot be reset accurately until the next oil change.
To reset the engine oil life system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-18.
Units
Press the vehicle information button until UNITS
displays. This display allows you to select between
English or Metric units of measurement. Once in this
display, press the set/reset button to select between
ENGLISH or METRIC units.
Tire Pressure
If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), the pressure for each tire can be
viewed in the DIC. The tire pressure will be shown in
either pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
Press the vehicle information button until the DIC displays
FRONT TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press the
vehicle information button again until the DIC displays
REAR TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##.
If a low or high tire pressure condition is detected by
the system while driving, a message advising you
to check the pressure in a specific tire will appear in
the display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-60
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of
a value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Engine Hours
Press the vehicle information button until ENGINE
HOURS displays. This display shows the total number
of hours the engine has run.
Relearn Tire Positions
Your vehicle may have this display. To access this
display, the vehicle must be in PARK (P). If your vehicle
has the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), after
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor, the
system must re-learn the tire positions. To re-learn
the tire positions, seeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-62. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-68andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-49for more information.
Change Compass Zone
Your vehicle may have this feature. To change the
compass zone through the DIC, seeDIC Compass on
page 3-47.
Calibrate Compass
Your vehicle may have this feature. The compass can
be manually calibrated. To calibrate the compass
through the DIC, seeDIC Compass on page 3-47.
3-46

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned on. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-13for
more information.
CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES
This message displays when calibrating the compass.
Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
to complete the calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-47for more information.
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
This message displays when the compass calibration is
complete. SeeDIC Compass on page 3-47for more
information.
CARGO DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the cargo
door is open while the ignition is in ON/RUN. Turn off
the vehicle and check the cargo door. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the engine oil needs to
be changed. When you change the engine oil, be sure
to reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18for information
on how to reset the message. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline
Engine) on page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for more information.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires needs to
be checked. This message also displays LEFT FRONT,
RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to
indicate which tire needs to be checked. You can receive
more than one tire pressure message at a time. To read
the other messages that may have been sent at the
same time, press the set/reset button. If a tire pressure
message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can.
Have the tire pressures checked and set to those shown
on the Tire Loading Information label. SeeTires on
page 5-53,Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-20, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-60. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-42. If the tire pressure is low,
the low tire pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 3-35.
3-50

To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuel
must be formulated properly for your climate according to
ASTM specification D 5798. If you have trouble starting
on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel is not properly
formulated for your climate. If this happens, switching to
gasoline or adding gasoline to the fuel tank can improve
starting. For good starting and heater efficiency below
32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fuel tank should contain
no more than 70% ethanol. It is best not to alternate
repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do switch
fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible — do not add less than three gallons (11 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately
after refueling for at least seven miles (11 km) to allow the
vehicle to adapt to the change in ethanol concentration.
E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you will
need to refill the fuel tank more often when using E85
than when you are using gasoline. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-10.
Notice:Some additives are not compatible with
E85 fuel and can harm your vehicle’s fuel system.
Do not add anything to E85. Damage caused by
additives would not be covered by your new vehicle
warranty.Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under your
warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel would not be covered by
your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-9

Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet
GM Standard GM6094M are all you need for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
will come on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-49. Change the oil as soon as possible within the
next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over
a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained servicepeople who will perform this work using genuine parts
and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last
oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where you change the oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the message comes back on when you start your
vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat
the procedure. If it still does not reset, see your
dealer/retailer for service.
5-18

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of used oil, ask your dealer/retailer, a
service station, or a local recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.The engine air cleaner/filter is located near the center of
the engine compartment. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for more information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the first oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at
each engine oil change.
5-19