2015 GMC SAVANA Owner's Manual

Black plate (78,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
10-78 Vehicle Care
8. Connect the other end of thenegative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal location on
the vehicle with the dead battery.
On your van, use the unpainted
radio antenna bracket as a
remote negative (−) terminal.
{Caution
The vehicle uses the unpainted
radio antenna bracket as a
remote negative (-) terminal.
Move the antenna coaxial cable
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
out of the way before clamping
the negative jumper cable to the
fixed antenna bracket. Avoid
touching the negative cable clamp
to the air conditioning line. Failure
to do either of these could
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
9. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine
for a while.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
{Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.

Black plate (79,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
Vehicle Care 10-79
Towing the Vehicle
{Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
car carrier or a wheel lift tow truck. If
a wheel lift tow truck is used, the
drive wheels cannot contact the
road while the vehicle is being
towed. A wheel dolly must be used
to lift all drive wheels off the ground.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
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
traveled? 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.
{Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.

Black plate (80,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
10-80 Vehicle Care
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
{Caution
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.The vehicle should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the
Ground)
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. 3. Firmly set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on
page 9-29.
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.

Black plate (81,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
Vehicle Care 10-81
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-10.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
{Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
products can be obtained from
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
{Caution
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.
The
esymbol is on any
underhood compartment electrical
center that should not be power washed. This could cause damage
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
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.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as

Black plate (82,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
10-82 Vehicle Care
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See
your dealer for approved cleaning
products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber,
decals, simulated wood, or flat paint
as damage can occur.
{Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Moldings
{Caution
Failure to clean and protect the
bright metal moldings can result
in a hazy white finish or pitting.
This damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. The bright metal moldings on the
vehicle are aluminum. To prevent
damage always follow these
cleaning instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool to
the touch before applying any
cleaning solution.
.Use a cleaning solution
approved for aluminum. Some
cleaners are highly acidic or
contain alkaline substances and
can damage the moldings.
.Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer
’s instructions.
.Do not use chrome cleaners.
.Do not use cleaners that are not
intended for automotive use.
.Use a nonabrasive wax on the
vehicle after washing to protect
and extend the molding finish.

Black plate (83,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
Vehicle Care 10-83
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals and
Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses,
emblems, decals and stripes. Follow
instructions under "Washing the
Vehicle" previously in this section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
while they are dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.
{Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
{Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield
when washing the vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean 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. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply Dielectric silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces

Black plate (84,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
10-84 Vehicle Care
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11-10.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
{Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
{Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
{Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, master
cylinder, brake fluid reservoir,
vacuum pipes, electric vacuum
pump including bracket and vent
hose, if equipped.

Black plate (85,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707482) -
2015 - crc - 1/20/15
Vehicle Care 10-85
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Lubricate the upper and lower
control arm ball joints, at least every
other engine oil change .
Lubricate the tie rod ball joints, idler
arm pivot shaft bearings, idler arm
socket, and pitman arm socket, at
least every other engine oil change .
{Caution
Lubrication of applicable Steering/
Suspension points should not be
done unless temperature is -12°C
(10°F) or higher, or damage could
result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, Spring and
Fall, use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular