2011 GMC SAVANA PASSENGER engine oil

Black plate (12,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-12 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑3 and be
sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, it may be decided to
have this done at the dealer service
department.
If not taken to the dealer, be sure to
follow all the instructions here or a
false reading on the dipstick could
result.
Notice: Too much or too
little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:.When outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
.At high speed for quite a while.
.In heavy traffic
—especially in
hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 24 km (15 mi) when
outside temperatures are above
10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), drive the vehicle in 3 (Third)
until the engine temperature gauge
moves and then remains steady for
10 minutes.

Black plate (15,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at the dealer
service department, which can
monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission
fluid level increases with
temperature. To obtain a highly
accurate fluid level check, the
transmission temperature must be
measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur.
Notice:Too much or too
little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the
engine Off, before checking the
transmission fluid level if the vehicle
has been driven:
.In hot weather, when outside
temperatures are above
32°C (90°F).
.The vehicle is heavily loaded.
.At high speed for quite a while in
hot weather.
.In heavy traffic and hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer.
After driving under these conditions,
a hot check can be performed. The
fluid should be Hot, which is 71°C to
93°C (160°F to 200°F).
A cold fluid level check can be
performed after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more
with the engine off, but this is used
only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures is between 15°C to
32°C (60°F to 90°F). Should the
fluid level be low during this cold
check, the fluid must be checked
Warm or Hot before adding fluid.
If the outside temperature is colder
than 15°C (60°F) or hotter than
32°C (90°F), a cold check cannot be
performed.
A warm fluid level check can be
performed by driving the vehicle
under lightly loaded conditions and
outside temperatures between 10°C
to 27°C (50°F to 80°F). The vehicle
should be driven for at least 24 km
(15 mi) before performing a warm
check. Checking the fluid Warm or
Hot will give a more accurate
reading of the fluid level than a cold
check.
Because the vehicle is equipped
with a high-efficiency air-to-oil
cooler, the transmission fluid
temperature may not reach the
required Hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly
loaded driving vehicle conditions.

Black plate (18,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.
The engine air cleaner/filter is
located near the center of the
engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for more information on
location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑3 for more
information. If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required. Never use
compressed air to clean the filter. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter, do the following:
1. Unhook the retainer clips and
remove the cover.
2. Lift the filter out of the engine air cleaner/filter housing. Care
should be taken to dislodge as
little dirt as possible.
3. Clean the engine air cleaner/ filter housing.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter. Make sure that the
filter fits properly into the
housing.
5. Reinstall the cover and fasten the retaining clips.

Black plate (20,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-20 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating on
page 10‑24.
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to −37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in the
vehicle cooling system, the
vehicle could be damaged. Use
only the proper mixture of the
engine coolant listed in this
manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7 for more
information.

Black plate (21,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-21
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the COLD FILL mark, add
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure
the cooling system is cool before
this is done.
The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at or above the
COLD FILL mark. If it is not, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to a dealer for
service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank for Gasoline
Engines
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see“How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Recovery Tank” under“Van
Models” in the Cooling System
section of the Duramax diesel
supplement for the proper coolant
fill procedure.
{WARNING
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant recovery tank.

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 (3,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Scheduled
Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil
Soon Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7.An
Emission Control Service.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, service is
required for the vehicle as soon as
possible, within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. If driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system
might not indicate the need for
vehicle service for more than a year.
The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset. Your dealer has trained service
technicians who will perform this
work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7 and
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11. An Emission Control
Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑20.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑27.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑91. Worn or
damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑37.
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑57.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑63.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation on page 10‑63.
.Fluids visual leak check (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and the
fluid level checked.

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.