
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 205
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbefore starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0188. 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, see
Engine Overheating 0231.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.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
236 Vehicle Care
{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 0104.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0299.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0219.
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 0307.
{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.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0219 for battery location.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
242 Vehicle Care
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 0218.
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

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 243
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):

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
248 Vehicle Care
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

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 279
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.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.
5. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground so there is
enough room for the spare tire
to fit.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 289
5. Secure the vehicle to the dollyfollowing 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 0307.
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)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
(Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
338 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 213
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 226
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 57
Airbags Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Airbags (cont'd)
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 189 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Audio Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 133
Audio Players CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 223