GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
208 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer” following.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Weight of the Trailer
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how frequently the vehicle is used to
pull a trailer are all important. Take
into consideration any special
equipment on the vehicle, and the
amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers,and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
234 Vehicle Care
Engine Fan
The vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when
starting the engine. It will go away
as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0220 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. 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.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
260 Vehicle Care
Belt:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 262.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 173.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0173.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0173. Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
262 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated
cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0173.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
:Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle
Load Limits 0173.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively.
Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.Unusual wear.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards.
The Tire and Loading
Information label on the vehicle
indicates the original equipment
tires and the correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the
minimum air pressure needed to
support the vehicle's maximum
load carrying capacity.
For additional information
regarding how much weight the
vehicle can carry, and an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0173. How the
vehicle is loaded affects vehicle
handling and ride comfort. Never
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
312 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement for more information.
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0308 for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge amount, see the refrigerant label located under thehood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System without Rear Heat
4.8L V8 11.8 L 12.4 qt
6.0L V8 13.1 L 13.8 qt
Cooling System with Rear Heat
4.8L V8 14.6 L 15.4 qt
6.0L V8 16.1 L 17.0 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 5.7 L 6.0 qt
Fuel Tank Cutaway (Optional Tank)* 215.7 L 57.0 gal
Cutaway (Standard Tank) 124.9 L 33.0 gal
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Technical Data 313
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Passenger and Cargo 117.3 L 31.0 gal
* 4 039 mm (159 in) wheelbase or 4 496 mm (177 in) wheelbase only
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
4.8L V8 FAutomatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)
6.0L V8 GAutomatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)
6.0L V8 (Capable of Being Upfit
for Gaseous Fuel) B
Automatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
340 Index
Automatic (cont'd)Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
B
Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Battery - North America . . . . 238, 285
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 241
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 105
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 177
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 246
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242, 243
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 246
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .217, 238, 285
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 102
Check
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 241
Malfunction IndicatorEngine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 69
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81, 83
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295