2011 GMC SAVANA engine

Black plate (33,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-33
Door Ajar Messages
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.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the driver door is not fully
closed and the vehicle is in a drive
gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, and
close the door again. Check to see
if the message still appears on
the DIC.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
On some vehicles, this message
displays and a chime sounds if the
driver side rear door is not fully
closed and the vehicle is in a drive
gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, andclose the door again. Check to see
if the message still appears on
the DIC.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the passenger door is not
fully closed and the vehicle is in a
drive gear. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for
obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
On some vehicles, this message
displays and a chime sounds if the
passenger side rear door is not fully
closed and the vehicle is in a drive
gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, and
close the door again. Check to see
if the message still appears on
the DIC.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
ENGINE HOT A/C
(Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
See
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge on page 5‑14. To avoid
added strain on a hot engine,
the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the
coolant temperature returns to
normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive the vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.

Black plate (34,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
5-34 Instruments and Controls
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑24 for more information.
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge on
page 5‑14.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑24 for more information.
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the engine cooling system
reaches unsafe temperatures for
operation. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so
to avoid severe damage. This
message clears when the engine
has cooled to a safe operating
temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
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. See Engine
Oil Life System on page 10‑11 for
information on how to reset the
message. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑7 andScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑3 for more
information.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If the vehicle has an oil level sensor,
this message displays if the oil level
in the vehicle is low. Check the oil
level and correct it as necessary.
You may need to let the vehicle cool
or warm up and cycle the ignition to
be sure this message clears. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7 for
additional information.

Black plate (35,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-35
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive the vehicle
while the engine oil pressure is
low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do
not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is
corrected. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑7 for more information.
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑7.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
sounds when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 10‑24
for further information.
This message also displays when
the engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel
as soon as possible. See Fuel
Gauge on page 5‑12 andFuel on
page 9‑42 for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the fuel
cap is not tightened properly. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑20. Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 9‑46. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap allows
fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off.

Black plate (36,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
5-36 Instruments and Controls
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs to
be replaced in the transmitter. See
“Battery Replacement”under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
Lamp Messages
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned off.
See Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1 for more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned on.
SeeExterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1 for more information.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime
sounds if a turn signal is left on for
1.2 km (3/4 of a mile). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off
position.
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®and
this message displays, it means
there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this
message, try to reset the system.
Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine
again. If this message still comes
on, it means there is a problem. You
should see your dealer for service.
The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when there is a
problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message
displays, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See your dealer for
service. See StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑37 for more information.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message may display and the
StabiliTrak indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on
after first driving the vehicle and
exceeding 32 km/h (20 mph) for
30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system
is not functional until the light has
turned off. See StabiliTrak
®System
on page 9‑37 for more information.

Black plate (37,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-37
STABILITRAK OFF
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when you turn off
StabiliTrak, or when the stability
control has been automatically
disabled. To limit wheel spin and
realize the full benefits of the
stability enhancement system, you
should normally leave StabiliTrak
on. However, you should turn
StabiliTrak off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow
and you want to rock the vehicle to
attempt to free it, or if you are
driving in extreme off-road
conditions and require more wheel
spin. SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9‑11. To turn the StabiliTrak
system on or off, see StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑37. There are several conditions that
can cause this message to appear.
.One condition is overheating,
which could occur if StabiliTrak
activates continuously for an
extended period of time.
.The message also displays if the
brake system warning light is on.
See
Brake System Warning
Light on page 5‑23.
.The message could display if the
stability system takes longer
than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving
conditions.
.The message displays if an
engine or vehicle related
problem has been detected and
the vehicle needs service. See
your dealer.
The message turns off as soon as
the conditions that caused the
message to be displayed are no
longer present.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when the Traction
Control System (TCS) is turned off.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑37
for more information.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Have your dealer inspect the
system for problems. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑16 and
Airbag System on page 3‑25 for
more information.

Black plate (38,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
5-38 Instruments and Controls
Anti-theft Alarm System
Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. SeeImmobilizer
Operation on page 2‑12 for more
information.
WAIT TO START
This message displays briefly when
the theft-deterrent system has
initially found incorrect conditions
within the vehicle and is making a
double check. If your vehicle does
not start soon after, try to start it
again. If it still does not start, have
your vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE A/C SYSTEM
This message displays when the
electronic sensors that control the
air conditioning and heating
systems are no longer working.
Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer if you notice
a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a
non-emissions related malfunction
occurs. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING DISABLED
SERVICE THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting
of the engine is disabled due to the
electronic throttle control system.
Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately. This message only appears while
the ignition is in ON/RUN, and will
not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be
acknowledged.
Tire Messages
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE or
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the tires
is low. The low tire pressure warning
light will also come on. See
Tire
Pressure Light on page 5‑25. This
message will also 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

Black plate (39,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-39
shown on the Tire Loading
Information label. SeeTires on
page 10‑50, Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑12, and Tire Pressure on
page 10‑57. The DIC also shows
the tire pressure values. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑27.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
system is not working properly. The
tire pressure light also flashes and
then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure
Light on page 5‑25. Several
conditions may cause this message
to appear. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 10‑59 for
more information. If the warning
comes on and stays on, there may
be a problem with the TPMS. See
your dealer.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the system
is re-learning the tire positions on
the vehicle. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑27 for more
information. The tire positions must
be re-learned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor.
See Tire Inspection on page 10‑63,
Tire Rotation on page 10‑63, Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 10‑59, and Tire Pressure on
page 10‑57 for more information.
Transmission Messages
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer for service.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive the vehicle
while the transmission fluid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster
and/or DIC, you can damage the
transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty. Do not
drive the vehicle with overheated
transmission fluid or while the
transmission temperature
warning is displayed.
This message displays along with a
chime if the transmission fluid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This
message clears and the chime
stops when the fluid temperature
reaches a safe level.

Black plate (7,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Lighting 6-7
Lighting Features
Entry/Exit Lighting
The vehicle has an illuminated
entry/exit feature.
The dome lamps come on if the
E
button is in the out position, when a
door is opened or the key is
removed from the ignition.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle may have Electric
Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery's temperature
and state of charge. It then adjusts
the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltagedisplay on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, wheneverneeded. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as SERVICE
BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
If this messages displays, it is
recommended that the driver reduce
the electrical loads as much as
possible. See
Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages on page 5‑32.
Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the dome
lamps if they are left on for more
than 10 minutes when the ignition is
in LOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent
the battery from running down.