2011 GMC SAVANA tow

Black plate (78,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-78 Vehicle Care
{WARNING
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
9. Put the wheel nuts back on withthe rounded end of the nuts
toward the wheel. Tighten each
wheel nut by hand until the
wheel is held against the hub. 10. Lower the vehicle by turning
the jack handle
counterclockwise. Lower the
jack completely.
{WARNING
Wheel nuts that are not tight can
work loose. If all the nuts on a
wheel come off, the wheel can
come off the vehicle, causing a
crash. All wheel nuts must be
properly tightened. Follow the
rules in this section to be sure
they are.
{WARNING
If wheel studs are damaged, they
can break. If all the studs on a
wheel broke, the wheel could
come off and cause a crash.
If any stud is damaged because
of a loose-running wheel, it could
be that all of the studs are
damaged. To be sure, replace all
studs on the wheel. If the stud
holes in a wheel have become
larger, the wheel could collapse in
operation. Replace any wheel if
its stud holes have become larger
or distorted in any way. Inspect
hubs and hub‐piloted wheels for
damage. Because of loose
running wheels, piloting pad
damage may occur and require
replacement of the entire hub, for
proper centering of the wheels.
When replacing studs, hubs,
wheel nuts or wheels, be sure to
use GM original equipment parts.

Black plate (80,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-80 Vehicle Care
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle with the valve
stem pointed down.
2. Pull the retaining bar through thecenter of the wheel, making sure
it is properly attached.
3. Pull the wheel toward the rear of the vehicle, keeping the cable
tight.
4. Put the chisel end of the hoist extension on an angle through
the hole in the rear door frame,
above the bumper.
5. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle.
Continue turning the wheel
wrench until the tire is secure and the cable is tight. The spare
tire hoist cannot be
overtightened.
6. Make sure the tire is stored
securely. Push, pull (A), and then
try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire
moves, use the wheel wrench to
tighten the cable.
You will hear two clicks when the
tire is up all the way.
7. Return the jacking equipment to the proper location. Secure the
items and replace the jack cover.

Black plate (81,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-81
Secondary Latch System
This vehicle has an
underbody-mounted tire hoist
assembly equipped with a
secondary latch system. It is
designed to stop the spare tire from
suddenly falling off the vehicle if the
cable holding the spare tire is
damaged. For the secondary latch
to work, the tire must be stowed
with the valve stem pointing down.
See“Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools” underTire Changing on
page 10‑73 for instructions on
storing the spare tire correctly.{WARNING
Before beginning this procedure
read all the instructions. Failure to
read and follow the instructions
could damage the hoist assembly
and you and others could get
hurt. Read and follow the
instructions listed next.
To release the spare tire from the
secondary latch:
{WARNING
Someone standing too close
during the procedure could be
injured by the jack. If the spare
tire does not slide off the jack
completely, make sure no one is
behind you or on either side of
you as you pull the jack out from
under the spare.
1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable end is visible.
If the cable is not visible, start
this procedure at Step 6.
2. Turn the hoist extension counterclockwise until
approximately 15 cm (6 in) of
cable is exposed.

Black plate (88,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-88 Vehicle Care
Towing
Towing the Vehicle
Notice:To avoid damage, the
disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the
ground. Care must be taken with
vehicles that have low ground
clearance and/or special
equipment. Always flatbed on a
car carrier.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑6.
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motorhome, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing” in this
section.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle –such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly. Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:.What is the towing capacity
of the towing vehicle? Be
sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
travelled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.

Black plate (89,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-89
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel‐Drive Vehicles
Notice:If the vehicle is towed
with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
tow the vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive vehicles should
not be towed with all four wheels on
the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions
for internal lubrication while being
towed.
All‐Wheel‐Drive Vehicles
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on
a platform trailer with all four wheels
off the ground.
Notice:
Towing an all-wheel-drive
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will
damage drivetrain components.
Do not tow an all-wheel-drive
vehicle with any of its wheels on
the ground.
Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the
Ground) –Two‐Wheel‐Drive
Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow
the vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow
vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.

Black plate (90,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-90 Vehicle Care
3. Firmly set the parking brake.See Parking Brake on page 9‑36
for more information.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. If the tow vehicle will not be
started or driven for six weeks or
more, remove the battery cable
from the negative terminal (post)
of the battery to prevent the
battery from draining while
towing. Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the
Ground)
–All‐Wheel‐Drive
Vehicles
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with two wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on
a platform trailer with all four wheels
off the ground. Notice:
Towing an all-wheel-drive
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will
damage drivetrain components.
Do not tow an all-wheel-drive
vehicle with any of its wheels on
the ground.

Black plate (91,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-91
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
If dirt and/or contaminants build up
in the glass seals, use a cloth and
water to clean the glass seals.
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
frequent application may be
required. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Washing the Vehicle
The best way to preserve the finish
is to keep it clean by washing it
often.
Notice: Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it
would not be covered by the
warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain
acid or abrasives, as they can
damage the paint, metal or plastic
on the vehicle. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from your
dealer. Follow all manufacturers'
directions regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety precautions and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.

Black plate (93,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer fluid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions.
.Sand and salt.
.Heat and sun.
.Snow and ice, without proper
removal.
Aluminum Wheels
Notice:Using strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use only approved
cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft
clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft
clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Notice: Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only. The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could
damage the surface. Do not use
chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:
Driving the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, could damage
the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Never drive a vehicle that has
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes.