2011 GMC SAVANA PASSENGER brake fluid

Black plate (16,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a levelplace. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through
each gear range, pausing for
about three seconds in each
range. When M is reached,
move the selector from M1
through M3. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for two minutes or more. Then, without shutting off the
engine:
The transmission dipstick is located
near the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for more information
on location.
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with
a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it
back out again.
A. COLD Range
B. WARM Range
C. HOT Range
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The
fluid level must be in the
COLD (A) range for a cold
check, transmission temperature
27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F),
between the COLD (A) and
HOT (C) range for a WARM (B)
check, 50°C to 60°C (122°F to
140°F) or in the HOT (C)
cross-hatched range for a hot
check, 71°C to 93°C (160°F to
200°F). Be sure to keep the
dipstick pointed down to get an
accurate reading.

Black plate (27,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-27
4. Replace the cap and completelytighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be at the COLD
FILL mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
To prevent contamination of brake
fluid, never check or fill the power
steering reservoir with the brake
master cylinder cover off.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7. Always
use the proper fluid. Failure to use
the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for reservoir location. Notice
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer's instructions
for adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean as
well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.

Black plate (29,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-29
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{WARNING
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and/or fuel
operated heater parts,
if equipped. If the vehicle has a
diesel engine and a fuel operated
heater, see “Fuel Operated
Heater (FOH)” in the diesel
engine supplement. The fluid will
burn if the engine is hot enough.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
You or others could be burned,
and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking
Brake Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑3.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6.

Black plate (30,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-30 Vehicle Care
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
Notice
.Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.

Black plate (4,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑18.
.Brake system inspection (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection for
damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Lubricate the front suspension,
kingpin bushings, steering
linkage, and rear driveline center
splines.
.Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, folding seat
hardware, and rear compartment
hinges, linkage, and handle pivot
points lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7. More
frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle is
exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See
Safety System
Check on page 3‑23.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
.Vehicles with diesel engine or
GVWR above 4 536 kg
(10,000 lbs) only: Shields
inspection for damage or
looseness. Adjust or replace as
required. This is a Noise
Emission Control Service.
Applicable to vehicles sold in the
United States and recommended
for vehicles sold in Canada.
Additional Required Services
At the First 160 km/100 Miles,
1 600 km/1,000 Miles, and
10 000 km/6,000 Miles
.For vehicles with dual wheels:
Check dual wheel nut torque.
For proper torque, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be
rotated every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi. See Tire Rotation on
page 10‑63.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑20.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑27.

Black plate (5,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check.
SeeTire Pressure on
page 10‑57.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑63.
Once a Year
.See Starter Switch Check on
page 10‑35.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑35.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑36.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check on
page 10‑36.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Underbody flushing service.
.Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass
Support Gas Strut Service:
Visually inspect gas strut,
if equipped, for signs of wear,
cracks, or other damage. Check
the hold open ability of the gas
strut. Contact your dealer if
service is required.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑18.
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (severe service) for
vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly
or mountainous terrain, when
frequently towing a trailer,
or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on
page 10‑12 orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑14.
.All‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly
driven when frequently towing a
trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. Check vent
hose at transfer case for
kinks and proper installation.
Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of
debris. During any maintenance,
if a power washer is used to
clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer
case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.

Black plate (7,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-7
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
maintenance schedule section in the Duramax Diesel Supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos specification. Oils
meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification
mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos
certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. See
Engine Oil on
page 10‑7.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑20.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 89021184, in Canada 89021186).
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®‐VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-18
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Airbag
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32 Airbag System (cont.)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-27
Airbags On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-19
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Servicing Airbag-EquippedVehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . 10-31, 9-35
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages . . . . . 5-38
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-91
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-95 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Audio System Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27, 9-31
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12, 10-14
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Shift Lock ControlFunction Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33