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GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
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Driving and Operating 207
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, seeEngine Overheating 0232.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface. If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0300.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
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GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Vehicle Care 237
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
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 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 burn,
if the engine is hot enough. 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.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0105. Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See
Maintenance
Schedule 0300.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0220.
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 MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0308.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
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GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Vehicle Care 243
Headlamps
Composite Headlamp
1. High-Beam Headlamp
2. Low-Beam Headlamp
To remove the headlamp assembly
from the vehicle and access the
bulbs:1. Open the hood. See Hood
0 219.
2. Remove the two bolts from the
headlamp assembly.
3. Lift the headlamp assembly to release the lower tabs from the
radiator support.
4. Turn the headlamp forward and upward to remove it from the
grille.5. Disconnect the electricalconnector.
6. Turn the bulb counterclockwise one-quarter turn to remove it
from the headlamp assembly.
7. Install the new bulb into the headlamp assembly and
connect the electrical
connector.
8. Reverse the steps to reinstall the headlamp assembly.
To prevent headlamp vibration
and shortened bulb life, be
sure to insert the headlamp
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GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
244 Vehicle Care
assembly tabs in the slots at
the lower portion of the
housing.
Sealed-Beam Headlamp
1. Headlamp Retainer Screws
2. Headlamp Retainer
3. Sealed-BeamHeadlamp Bulb
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Remove the four screws (1) from the headlamp retainer (2).
Pull the retainer (2) out and set
it aside. 2. Pull the bulb (3) forward to gain
access to the electrical
connector.
3. Disconnect the electrical
connector (2) and remove the
headlamp bulb (1).
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 to reinstall the headlamp.
Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps
1. Front Parking and Turn
Signal Lamp
2. Front Sidemarker Lamp
To replace the front turn signal,
sidemarker, and/or parking lamp
bulb(s):
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GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Vehicle Care 249
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Fuses Usage
1 ABS motor
2 ABS module Fuses Usage
3 Right trailer stoplamp/Turnlamp
4 –
5 –
6 Fuel system control module/Ignition
7 Body control module 5
8 Body control module 7
9 Body control module 4
10 Instrument cluster
11 Trailer wiring
12 Interior rear vision camera module
13 –
14 Windshield washer
16 Horn
17 Transmission
18 A/C
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280 Vehicle Care
Front Position
Front Position
Rear Position
Rear Alternative Position (DieselVehicles)
4. Position the jack under the vehicle, as shown. The front position jacking point
is on the frame. The rear
position jacking point is on the
rear axle.
If the exhaust system interferes
with the jack location in the
rear axle, such as in Diesel
vehicles, place the jack (1) on
the rear axle between the axle
housing and the shock
absorber bracket in order to
avoid any interference with the
exhaust pipe (2).
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
jacked up is dangerous. If the
vehicle slips off the jack you could
be badly injured or killed. Never
get under a vehicle when it is
supported only by a jack.
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GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
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290 Vehicle Care
Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the
Ground)
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 0191.
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.
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 0308.
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
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
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GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
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Index 339
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 214
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 227
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 160, 162
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 58
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Airbags (cont'd)
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 190 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Audio Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 134
Audio Players
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186