2009 GMC SAVANA Owner's Manual

Shifting Out of Park
The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply the brakes before
you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 2-23.
The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
•Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in P (Park).
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
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 the 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 P (Park) 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 P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park)
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have the
vehicle serviced.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
2-29

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust and fuel operated heater exhaust
can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO),
which you cannot see or smell. It can cause
unconsciousness and death. If your vehicle has a
diesel engine and a fuel operated heater, see
“Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)” in the diesel engine
supplement.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
•The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
•Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
•Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
•
Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.
•Repairs were not done correctly.
•Your vehicle or the exhaust system has been
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your
vehicle:
•Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO.
•Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
2-30

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust on page 2-30.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-27.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-26.
2-31

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it for
a clearer view behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps behind. Push the tab
forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
If you have a cargo van without the rear door glass, the
vehicle may not have an inside rearview mirror.
Outside Manual Mirrors
Adjust the mirrors by pressing the mirror up and down
and left and right so you can see a little of the side of your
vehicle, and have a clear view of objects behind you.
The mirrors can be manually folded in or out.
On the lower portion of each mirror is an auxiliary
convex mirror. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so
you can see more from the driver seat. The auxiliary
convex mirrors can be adjusted manually by pressing
the mirror.
Outside Towing Mirrors
Vehicles with towing
mirrors can be adjusted
manually for a clear view of
the objects behind you.
On the lower portion of each mirror there is an auxiliary
convex mirror that can be adjusted manually to
provide an extended field of view.
The mirrors can be manually folded in or out.
2-32

Outside Power Mirrors
Vehicles with outside
power mirrors have
controls located on the
driver’s side door.
Select each mirror by turning the knob clockwise for the
passenger side mirror or counterclockwise for the
driver’s side mirror. The center position is neutral.
Then, adjust the mirror angle by moving the knob in the
desired direction. The auxiliary convex mirrors can
only be adjusted manually.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If
you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver’s seat.
2-33

Outside Heated Mirrors
Vehicles with outside
heated mirrors can be
defrosted by pressing the
mirror button located
near the fan control.
An indicator light in the button lights when the outside
heated mirrors are activated.
The rear window defogger comes on when the outside
heated mirrors are on. If the vehicle has a rear
window defogger, see “Rear Window Defogger” in
Climate Control System on page 3-19for more
information.
Storage Areas
Your vehicle may have a front storage compartment. It is
located at the center of the instrument panel extension,
by the floor. To open the compartment, pull up on the
latch. The compartment will open automatically.
Storage compartments may also be included on the
inside of each front door.
2-34

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
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..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-19Climate 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...................................3-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Airbag Off Light............................................3-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-32
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-33
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 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........................................3-39
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-40
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-41
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-41
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-43
DIC Compass..............................................3-48
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-50
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-59Audio System(s).............................................3-65
Setting the Clock..........................................3-66
Radio(s)......................................................3-68
Using an MP3..............................................3-79
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-84
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-85
Radio Reception...........................................3-86
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-86
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2