GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:
Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
%:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®(if equipped)
J: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Instruments and Controls 93
The vehicle may have two
accessory power outlets on the
instrument panel.
Remove the cover to access and
replace when not in use.
Certain power accessory plugs may
not be compatible to the accessory
power outlet and could overload
vehicle or adapter fuses. If a
problem is experienced, see your
dealer.
{Warning
Power is always supplied to the
outlets. Do not leave electrical
equipment plugged in when the
vehicle is not in use because the
vehicle could catch fire and cause
injury or death.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment
plugged in for an extended period
of time while the vehicle is off will(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
drain the battery. Always unplug
electrical equipment when not in
use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum
20 amp rating.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
the equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0213.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Power Outlet 110/120 Volt
Alternating Current
This power outlet can be used to
plug in electrical equipment that
uses a maximum limit of 150 watts.
The 110/120 volt power outlet is on
the instrument panel.
An indicator light on the outlet turns
on to show it is in use. The light
comes on when the ignition is in
ON/RUN, equipment requiring less
than 150 watts is plugged into the
outlet, and no system fault is
detected.
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition is in LOCK/OFF or
if the equipment is not fully seated
into the outlet.
If equipment is connected using
more than 150 watts or a system
fault is detected, a protection circuit
shuts off the power supply and the
indicator light turns off. To reset the
circuit, unplug the item and plug it
back in or turn the Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) off and
then back on. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0181.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
94 Instruments and Controls
The power outlet is not designed for
the following, and may not work
properly if they are plugged in:
.Equipment with high initial peak
wattage, such as
compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools.
. Other equipment requiring an
extremely stable power supply,
such as
microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets and touch
sensor lamps.
. Medical equipment.
Cigarette Lighter
If equipped with a cigarette lighter,
to heat push it in all the way and let
go. When it is ready for use, it will
pop back out by itself.
Do not use the lighter to plug in
accessory devices. Use the power
outlets provided.
Caution
Holding a cigarette lighter in while
it is heating does not let the
lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot.
Damage from overheating can
occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be
blown. Do not hold a cigarette
lighter in while it is heating.
Ashtrays
If equipped with a removable
ashtray, it can be placed into the
front floor console cupholder. Open
the cover to use.
Caution
If papers, pins, or other
flammable items are put in the
ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage the
vehicle. Never put flammable
items in the ashtray.
Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could
prevent injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly
when the engine is started to
indicate they are working. When
one of the warning lights comes on
and stays on while driving, or when
one of the gauges shows there may
be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even
dangerous.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
128 Lighting
Hazard Warning Flashers
|:Press this button to make the
front and rear turn signal lamps
flash on and off. This warns others
that you are having trouble. Press
again to turn the flashers off.
When the hazard warning flashers
are on, the vehicle's turn signals will
not work.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
G: An arrow on the instrument
cluster flashes in the direction of the
turn or lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all
the way up or down.
To signal a lane change, raise or
lower the lever until the arrow starts
to flash. The turn signal
automatically flashes three times
and if the Tow/Haul Mode is active it
flashes six times. Holding the turn
signal lever for more than
one second causes the turn signals
to flash continually until the lever is
released.
The lever returns to its starting
position when released. If after signaling a turn or lane
change the arrow flashes rapidly or
does not come on, a signal bulb
may be burned out.
Have any burned out bulbs
replaced. If a bulb is not burned out,
check the fuse. See
Fuses and
Circuit Breakers 0247.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for more
than 1.2 km (0.75 mi), a chime
sounds at each flash of the turn
signal and the message TURN
SIGNAL ON also appears in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See
Lamp Messages 0115. To turn off
the chime and message, move the
turn signal lever to the off position.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/6/16
212 Driving and Operating
State and local regulations may also
require the trailer to have its own
braking system if loaded above a
certain threshold.
Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Do not tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The optional heavy-duty trailer
wiring package includes a wiring
harness, with a seven-pin connector
at the rear of the vehicle and a
four-wire harness assembly under
the driver side of the instrument
panel. The four-wire harness
assembly comes without a
connector.
If the vehicle does not have a trailer
hitch, the seven-wire harness
assembly with connector is taped
together and located in a frame
pocket at the driver side rear left
corner of the frame.If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, the
seven-wire harness assembly with
connector is attached to a bracket
on the hitch platform. In both cases,
the seven-wire harness has a
connector and includes a 30-amp
feed wire.
Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade terminals
meeting SAE J2863 specifications
for proper electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness connector
contains the following trailer circuits:
.
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
(10A fuse)**
. White: Ground
. Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
. Dark Green: Right Rear Stop
and Turn Signal*
. Red/Black Stripe: Battery Feed
(30A Fuse)
. Brown: Trailer Park Lamp
Supply Voltage (15A fuse)**
. Yellow: Left Rear Stop and Turn
Signal * The four-wire harness (without
connector) contains the following
circuits:
.
Black: Ground
. Red/White: Battery Feed
. Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
. Light Blue: CHMSL/Stoplamp
Supply Voltage
* If the vehicle is a cutaway with
trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will
be shared for both left/stop trailer
turn and right/stop trailer turn
signals. However, the cutaway
lighting connector will have a
10 amp fuse for each signal.
** If the vehicle is a cutaway with
trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will
be shared for trailer park lamps and
cutaway rear lighting connector park
lamps. Also, a 10 amp fuse will be
shared for trailer back-up lamps and
cutaway rear lighting connector
back-up lamps.
Tow/Haul Mode
This button is on the instrument
panel, to the right of the steering
wheel.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 215
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 216
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 216
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 222
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 226
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 233
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Battery - North America . . . . . . 236
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 238
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 239
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 240
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 240Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 243
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 245
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 245
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 246
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 247 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 250
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
246 Vehicle Care
2. License Plate BulbAssembly
3. Screws
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Remove the screws (3) that secure the license plate bulb
assembly (2).
2. Turn the bulb socket (1) counterclockwise and pull the
bulb straight out of the socket.
3. Install the new bulb.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reinstall the license plate bulb
assembly.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb
Number
Back-up, Rear
Parking, Stoplamp,
and Turn
Signal Lamp 3157KX
Center
High-Mounted
Stoplamp
(CHMSL) 912LLExterior Lamp
Bulb
Number
Front Parking and
Turn Signal Lamp 3157KX
Front
Sidemarker Lamp 194LL
License
Plate Lamp 194LL
Headlamps Composite
High-Beam
Headlamp 9005LL
Composite
Low-Beam
Headlamp 9006LL
Sealed Beam
Headlamp H6054
For replacement bulbs not listed
here, contact your dealer.
Electrical System
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 247
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses and circuit
breakers. This greatly reduces the
chance of fires caused by electrical
problems.
Look at the silver-colored band
inside the fuse. If the band is broken
or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure
you replace a bad fuse with a new
one of the identical size and rating.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
For vans with a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
The fuse block is located in the
engine compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle.
Vehicles with upfitter content
See www.gmupfitter.com for upfitter
provisions and best practices.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical
component.