GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
22 In Brief
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
0 263.
Fuel (Gasoline)
Regular Fuel
Use only unleaded gasoline rated
87 octane or higher in your vehicle.
Do not use gasoline with an octane
rating lower as it may result in
vehicle damage and lower fuel
economy. See Fuel0200.
Fuel (Diesel)
For diesel vehicles, do not use
gasoline. See “Fuel for Diesel
Engines” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
E85 or FlexFuel
FlexFuel Possible
Certain models are compatible with
E85 fuel. See E85 or FlexFuel
0 202.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter. The oil life system
should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within five seconds. 3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System 0223.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
. Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
. Combine several trips into a
single trip.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
To replace the battery:1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along the
parting line of the transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
. Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down. Replace with
a CR2032 or equivalent
battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote
start feature. This feature allows you
to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the
vehicle's heating or air conditioning
systems. See Climate Control
Systems 0160.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature
if the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
The RKE transmitter range may be
less while the vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter, see
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System 026.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Press and release
Qon the
transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/
until the turn signal lamps
flash. If you cannot see the
vehicle's lamps, press and hold
for at least four seconds.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
102 Instruments and Controls
Canada
{Warning
If the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is turned off for a
person who is not in a risk group
identified by the national
government, that person will not
have the extra protection of an
airbag. In a crash, the airbag will
not be able to inflate and help
protect the person sitting there.
Do not turn off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag unless
the person sitting there is in a risk(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
group identified by the national
government. SeeAirbag On-Off
Switch 063 for more information,
including important safety
information.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. For
example, the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag could
inflate even though the airbag
on-off switch is turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have the vehicle serviced
right away. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0100 for more information,
including important safety
information. If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit, it means that the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag is enabled,
and may inflate. See
Airbag On-Off
Switch 063 for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when the
ignition key is turned to START, but
the engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
The light should go out once the
engine starts. If it stays on,
or comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the
charging system. A charging system
message in the Driver Information
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Driving and Operating 171
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0254.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident). .
Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For slippery road driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
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.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
288 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
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.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will
occur. Use ramps to help reduce
approach angles if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its
drive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must
be towed.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
342 Index
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Electrical System
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 252
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 220
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 99
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Cooling System Messages . . . .114
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Engine (cont'd)
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 185
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Enhanced Technology Glass . . . . 39
Entry/Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 327
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 126
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 127
F
Fan Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 129
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298 Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 224
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Front Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 108
Requirements, California . . . . . 201
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 252