2008 GMC SAVANA PASSENGER automatic transmission

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-6
Door Locks....................................................2-6
Power Door Locks..........................................2-6
Cargo Door Relocking.....................................2-7
Delayed Locking.............................................2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-7
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-8
Automatic Door Unlock....................................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-8
Lockout Protection..........................................2-9
Sliding Side Door...........................................2-9
60/40 Swing-Out Side Door............................2-10
Rear Doors..................................................2-12
Windows........................................................2-13
Manual Windows..........................................2-13
Power Windows............................................2-14
Swing-Out Windows......................................2-15
Enhanced Technology Glass..........................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-16
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-16
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-17Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-18
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-18
Ignition Positions..........................................2-19
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-20
Starting the Engine.......................................2-20
Fuel Regulator.............................................2-21
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-21
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-22
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-25
Parking Brake..............................................2-26
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-27
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-29
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-29
Engine Exhaust............................................2-30
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-31
Mirrors...........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Manual Mirror...................................2-32
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors.........................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-33
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-33
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-34
Storage Areas................................................2-34
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Automatic Door Lock
The doors will automatically lock when the shift lever is
moved out of PARK (P). The automatic door locking
feature cannot be disabled.
Automatic Door Unlock
The vehicle doors with automatically unlock when the
shift lever is moved into PARK (P).
The automatic unlock feature can be disabled or
programmed in different ways if the vehicle has an
automatic transmission. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 3-58for more information.
Rear Door Security Locks
Security locks are located on the front portion of the
60/40 side swing-out door, or the side sliding door.For the 60/40 side
swing-out door, move the
button to the right for the
driver’s side door or to the
left for the passenger’s side
door to engage the security
feature.
Move the button to the left for the driver’s side door or
to the right for the passenger’s side door to return the
door locks to normal operation.60/40 Swing-Out Side
Door; Driver’s Side
Shown, Passenger’s
Side Similar
2-8

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 a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not 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 do not, 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/retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for your shift
lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
2-22

{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-27. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-28.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) with the ignition in RUN.If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
PARK (P) on page 2-29.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-19.
2-23

While activated, the
indicator light on the
instrument panel
will be on.
Tow/haul mode will turn off automatically when the
ignition is turned off. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light
on page 3-40.
Tow/haul is most effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75 percent of the vehicle’s
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight
of the Trailer” later in this section.
Driving with tow/haul activated without a heavy load will
cause reduced fuel economy and unpleasant engine
and transmission driving characteristics, but will not
cause damage.Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake
pedal with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the handle, located just above the
parking brake pedal, with the parking brake symbol, to
release the parking brake.
2-26

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-22.
The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
•Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P).
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN
and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system is always functional
except in the case of a dead battery or low voltage
(less than 9 V) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-40for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift
lever all the way into PARK (P)
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have your
vehicle serviced soon.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
2-29

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on all vehicles first sold
in Canada.
The DRL system will come on in daylight when the
following conditions are met:
•The ignition is on.
•The exterior lamps control is in the AUTO position.
•The shift lever is not in PARK (P).
•The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL are on, only the DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker, and other lamps will not
be on. The instrument panel will not be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp control to the
off position and then release it. For vehicles first sold
in Canada, the transmission must be in the PARK
(P) position, before the DRL can be turned off.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the headlamp switch
is in AUTO, the automatic headlamp system will turn on
the headlamps at the normal brightness along with other
lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps,
roof marker lamps, and the instrument panel lights.
The radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then release.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, the transmission must
be in the PARK (P) position, before the automatic
headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of
the instrument panel. Be sure it is not covered, or
the system will be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and
nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
and the automatic headlamp systems so that driving
under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not
affect the system. The DRL and automatic headlamp
system will only be affected when the light sensor sees
a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay.
3-15

Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak®
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
If the brake-traction control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high speed
braking, the brake-traction control will be automatically
disabled. The system will come back on after the
brakes have cooled. This can take up to two minutes or
longer depending on brake usage.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens you may
notice a reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise
or vibration. This is normal.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If your vehicle has all-wheel drive, your engine’s driving
power is sent to all four wheels for extra traction
when needed.
This is like four-wheel drive, but there is no separate
lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle.
It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
You may experience a brief vehicle vibration upon
acceleration when driving in slippery conditions. This is
normal and is an indication that the all-wheel drive
system is functioning properly.
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.
4-7