Black plate (28,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
9-28 Driving and Operating
Notice:Spinning the tires or
holding the vehicle in one place
on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
The vehicle may have a Range
Selection Mode. The Range
Selection Mode helps control the
vehicle's transmission and vehicle
speed while driving down hill or
towing a trailer by letting you select
a desired range of gears. To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the +/− buttons on the
shift lever, to select the desired
range of gears for current driving
conditions.
When M (Manual Mode) is selected
a number displays in the DIC next to
the M indicating the current gear.
This number is the highest gear that
can be used. However, the vehicle
can automatically shift to lower
gears as it adjusts to driving
conditions. This means that all
gears below that number are
available. When 5 (Fifth) is selected,
1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are
automatically shifted by the vehicle,
but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until
the +/− button located on the
steering column lever is used to
change to the gear.
Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑29. While using Range Selection Mode,
Cruise Control and the Tow/Haul
Mode can be used.
Notice:
Spinning the tires or
holding the vehicle in one place
on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
Low Traction Mode can assist in
vehicle acceleration when road
conditions are slippery. While the
vehicle is at a stop, select the
second gear range using Range
Selection Mode. This will limit
torque to the wheels after it detects
wheel slip, preventing the tires from
spinning.
Black plate (29,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
Driving and Operating 9-29
Tow/Haul Mode
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission have a Tow/Haul
Mode. The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts
the transmission shift pattern to
reduce shift cycling, providing
increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling
when towing or hauling heavy loads.
Turn the Tow/Haul Mode on and off
by pressing the button on the
instrument panel. When Tow/Haul is
on, a light on the instrument cluster
will come on.See
Tow/Haul Mode Light on
page 5‑21 for more information.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment on page 9‑54.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
(6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is
only enabled while the Tow/Haul
Mode is selected and the vehicle is
not in the Range Selection Mode.
See “Tow/Haul Mode” listed
previously and Manual Mode on
page 9‑28. Tow/Haul Mode Grade
Braking assists in maintaining
desired vehicle speeds when driving
on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
To disable or enable Tow/Haul
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
three seconds. A DIC message will
be displayed. See Transmission
Messages on page 5‑37. See
Towing Equipment on
page 9‑54.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Automatic Transmission (Six
Speed) on page 9‑22 orAutomatic
Transmission (Four Speed) on
page 9‑26 andCruise Control on
page 9‑34.
Black plate (32,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
9-32 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle may have a vehicle
stability enhancement system called
StabiliTrak. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that
assists the driver with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a discrepancy
between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one
of the vehicle's brakes to assist the
driver with keeping the vehicle on
the intended path.
When the vehicle is started and
begins to move, the system
performs several diagnostic checks
to ensure there are no problems.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal
and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle. Thesystem should initialize before the
vehicle reaches 40 km/h (25 mph).
In some cases, it may take
approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) of
driving before the system initializes.
The Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak indicator light comes on
in the instrument cluster when the
system requires service.
When StabiliTrak activates, the
TCS/StabiliTrak indicator light
flashes in the instrument cluster.
This also occurs when TCS is
activated.
See
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Light on page 5‑22.
For your safety, the system can only
be disabled when the vehicle speed
is less than 40 km/h (25 mph).
Press the StabiliTrak button on the
instrument panel once to turn off the
Traction Control System (TCS). The
appropriate message is displayed in
the DIC.
Press and hold the StabiliTrak
button to turn off StabiliTrak and
TCS. The StabiliTrak Off light
Black plate (33,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
Driving and Operating 9-33
illuminates and the appropriate
messages will be displayed in
the DIC.
To turn StabiliTrak and TCS back
on, press the StabiliTrak button
again. StabiliTrak will automatically
turn back on when the vehicle
speed exceeds 40 km/h (25 mph).
When the StabiliTrak system has
been turned off, system noises may
still be heard as a result of the
brake-traction control coming on.
It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow,
and you want to“rock”the vehicle to
attempt to free it. See If the Vehicle
Is Stuck on page 9‑9.
StabiliTrak System Operation
The StabiliTrak system is normally
on, except when the system is
initializing or has been disabled with
the StabiliTrak button. The
StabiliTrak system will automatically activate to assist the driver in
maintaining vehicle directional
control in most driving conditions.
When activated, the StabiliTrak
system may reduce engine power to
the wheels and apply braking to
individual wheels as necessary to
assist the driver with vehicle
directional control. If cruise control
is being used when StabiliTrak
activates, the cruise control
automatically disengages. The
cruise control can be re-engaged
when road conditions allow. See
Cruise Control on page 9‑34.
The StabiliTrak system may also
turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the
system. If the problem does not
clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, see your dealer for service.
Traction Control Operation
TCS is part of the StabiliTrak
system. TCS limits wheel spin by
reducing engine power to the
wheels and by applying brakes to
each individual wheel as necessary.If the brake-traction control system
activates constantly or if the brakes
have heated up due to high speed
braking, the brake-traction control
will be automatically disabled. The
system will come back on after the
brakes have cooled. This can take
up to two minutes or longer
depending on brake usage.
TCS may activate on dry or rough
roads or under conditions such as
heavy acceleration while turning or
abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
transmission. When this reduction in
acceleration occurs, it may be
noticed, or a noise or vibration may
be heard. This is normal.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle's performance.
See
Accessories and Modifications
on page 10‑3 for more information.
Black plate (36,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain
vehicle speed.
While going downhill:
.Vehicles with a four speed
automatic transmission may
need to have the brakes applied
or the transmission shifted to a
lower gear to help maintain
driver selected speed.
.Vehicles with a six speed
automatic transmission have
Cruise Grade Braking to help
maintain driver selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started and
Cruise Control is active. It is not
enabled in Range Selection Mode.
It assists in maintaining driver
selected speed when driving on downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
To disable and enable Cruise Grade
Braking for the current ignition key
cycle, press and hold the Tow/Haul
button for three seconds. A DIC
message displays. See
Transmission Messages on
page 5‑37.
When the brakes are manually
applied the cruise control is
disengaged.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise
control:
.To disengage cruise control,
step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press the[on the steering
wheel.
.To turn off the cruise control,
press
Ion the steering wheel. Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
Iis
pressed or if the vehicle is
turned off.
Black plate (37,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
Driving and Operating 9-37
Object Detection
Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system uses
sensors on the rear bumper to
assist with parking and avoiding
objects while in R (Reverse).
{WARNING
The URPA system does not
detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
below the bumper or that are too
close or too far from the vehicle.
It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To
prevent injury, death, or vehicle
damage, even with URPA, always
check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before
backing.
How the System Works
URPA comes on automatically when
the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). A single tone sounds
to indicate the system is working.
URPA operates only at speeds less
than 8 km/h (5 mph).
An obstacle is indicated by audible
beeps. The time between the beeps
gets shorter as the vehicle
approaches the obstacle.
A continuous tone is heard when
the distance is less than
30 cm (12 in).
To be detected, objects must be at
least 25 cm (10 in) off the ground
and below rear door level. Objects
must also be within 2.5 m (8 ft) from
the rear bumper. This distance may
be less during warmer or humid
weather.
Turning the System On and Off
The system can be disabled through
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See“Park Assist” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑24.
URPA defaults to the on setting
each time the vehicle is started.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC:
SERVICE PARK ASSIST: If this
message occurs, take the vehicle to
your dealer for repair.
PARK ASSIST OFF: This message
occurs if the driver disables the
system or if the vehicle is driven
above 8 km/h (5 mph) in
R (Reverse).
Black plate (38,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
9-38 Driving and Operating
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL:This
message can occur under the
following conditions:
.The ultrasonic sensors are not
clean. Keep the rear bumper
free of mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, and frost. The message
may not clear until frost or ice
has melted all around and inside
the sensor.
.A trailer is attached to the
vehicle, or a bicycle or an object
hanging out of the rear door
during the current or last drive
cycle. URPA will return to normal
operation after it is determined
the object is removed. This
could take a few drive cycles.
.A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle.
Other conditions may affect system
performance, such as vibrations
from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very
large truck.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If available, the Rear Vision Camera
(RVC) system displays part of the
scene behind the vehicle.
{WARNING
The RVC system does not display
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
animals, or any other object
located outside the camera's field
of view, below the bumper,
or under the vehicle. Perceived
distances may be different from
actual distances. Do not back the
vehicle using only the RVC
screen, during longer, higher
speed backing maneuvers,
or where there could be cross
traffic. Failure to use proper care
before backing may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Always check behind and around
the vehicle before backing.
Vehicles without Navigation
System
The RVC system displays a view of
the area behind the vehicle. When
the vehicle is on and shifted into
R (Reverse) the video image
appears on the inside rearview
mirror. The video image disappears
after the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse).
Vehicles with Navigation
System
The RVC system is designed to
help the driver when backing up by
displaying a view of the area behind
the vehicle. When the vehicle is
shifted into R (Reverse), the video
image appears on the navigation
screen. After a delay, the navigation
screen displays the last screen after
the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse).
Turning the RVC System On or Off
To turn the RVC system on or off:
1. Shift into P (Park).
Black plate (39,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd Edition - 9/25/12
Driving and Operating 9-39
2. Press MENU to enter theconfigure menu options. Turn
the Multifunction knob until the
Display feature is highlighted
and press the Multifunction
knob. Or press the Display
screen button
3. Select the Rear Camera Options screen button. The Rear Camera
Options screen displays.
4. Select the Video screen button. When the Video screen button is
highlighted the RVC
system is on.
The delay that is received after
shifting out of R (Reverse) is
approximately 10 seconds. The
delay can be canceled by
performing one of the following:
.Pressing a hard key on the
navigation system.
.Shifting into P (Park).
.Reach a vehicle speed of
8 km/h (5 mph). Symbols
The navigation system may have a
feature that allows for viewing
parking assist symbols on the
navigation screen while using the
RVC. The Ultrasonic Rear Park
Assist (URPA) system must not be
disabled to use the caution symbols.
If URPA has been disabled and the
symbols have been turned on, the
Rear Parking Assist Symbols
Unavailable error message may
display. See
Ultrasonic Parking
Assist on page 9‑37.
The symbols appear near objects
detected by the URPA system. The
symbol may cover the object when
viewing the navigation screen.
To turn the symbols on or off:
1. Make sure that URPA has not been disabled.
2. Shift into P (Park).
3. Press MENU to enter the configure menu options. Turn
the Multifunction knob until the
Display feature is highlighted and press the Multifunction
knob. Or press the Display
screen button
4. Select the Rear Camera Options screen button. The Rear Camera
Options screen displays.
5. Touch the Symbols screen button. The screen button will be
highlighted when on.
Guidelines
The RVC system may have a
guideline overlay that can help the
driver align the vehicle when
backing into a parking spot.
To turn the guidelines on or off:
1. Make sure that URPA has not been disabled.
2. Shift into P (Park).
3. Press MENU to enter the configure menu options. Turn
the Multifunction knob until the
Display feature is highlighted
and press the Multifunction
knob. Or press the Display
screen button