GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 223
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Turn the ignition key 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.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, use the following
procedures to check the fluid level.
However, if there is a large leak, it
may be necessary to have the
vehicle towed to a dealer and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further. Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in
Maintenance
Schedule 0299, and be sure to use
the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0307.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at your dealer,
which can monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission fluid
level increases with temperature. To
obtain a highly accurate fluid level
check, the transmission temperature
must be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur.
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
(Continued)
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
224 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the
engine off, before checking the
transmission fluid level if the vehicle
has been driven:
. In hot weather, when outside
temperatures are above 32 °C
(90 °F).
. The vehicle is heavily loaded.
. At high speed for quite a while in
hot weather.
. In heavy traffic and hot weather.
. While pulling a trailer.
After driving under these conditions,
a hot check can be performed. The
fluid should be hot, which is 71 °C to
93 °C (160 °F to 200 °F). A cold fluid level check can be
performed after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more
with the engine off, but this is used
only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes if the
outside temperature is between 15 °
C to 32 °C (60 °F to 90 °F). Should
the fluid level be low during this cold
check, the fluid must be checked
warm or hot before adding fluid.
If the outside temperature is colder
than 15 °C (60 °F) or hotter than 32 °
C (90 °F), a cold check cannot be
performed.
A warm fluid level check can be
performed by driving the vehicle
under lightly loaded conditions and
outside temperatures between 10 °C
to 27 °C (50 °F to 80 °F). The
vehicle should be driven for at least
24 km (15 mi) before performing a
warm check. Checking the fluid
warm or hot will give a more
accurate reading of the fluid level
than a cold check.
Because the vehicle is equipped
with a high-efficiency air-to-oil
cooler, the transmission fluid
temperature may not reach therequired hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly
loaded driving vehicle conditions.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With a foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through
each gear range, pausing for
about three seconds in each
range. When M is reached,
move the selector from M1
through M3. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for two minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the
engine, use the steps that follow.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
228 Vehicle Care
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0231.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature. .
Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0307.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 293
Caution (Continued)
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 all other brake parts.
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
attachment, connections, 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 the 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.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
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.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Index 341
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Electrical System
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 250
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 247
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 219
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 98
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Cooling System Messages . . . .113
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Engine (cont'd)
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 184
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Enhanced Technology Glass . . . . 38
Entry/Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 326
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 126
F
Fan Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 128
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 223 Fluid (cont'd)
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Front Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 107
Requirements, California . . . . . 199
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 250
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 247
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
342 Index
G
GaugesEngine Coolant Temperature . . . 98
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Warning Lights andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 298
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Glass, Enhanced Technology . . . . 38
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 128
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Headlamps (cont'd)
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 107
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 126
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 159
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 170
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
I
Idle System
Fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 36
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 115
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 25
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 255
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 126
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 102
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Lamps, Bulb Replacement . . . . . . 243
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79