
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
226 Vehicle Care
It does not take much fluid,
generally less than 0.5 L (1 pt). Do
not overfill.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0307.
. After adding fluid, recheck the
fluid level as described under
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in
this section.
. When the correct fluid level is
obtained, push the dipstick back
in all the way; then flip the
handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The air cleaner/filter assembly is on
the front of the engine compartment
on the driver side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview 0219.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0299.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
filter housing open. Before removing
the engine air filter, make sure that
the engine air filter housing and
nearby components are free of dirt
and debris. Remove the engine air
filter. Lightly tap and shake the
engine air filter (away from the
vehicle) to release dust and dirt.
Inspect the engine air filter for
damage, and replace if damaged.
Do not clean the engine air filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
6.0L V8 Engine Shown, 4.8L V8 Engine Similar
1. Retaining Clips
2. Housing Base
3. Housing Cover
To inspect and replace the filter:
1. Unlock the two retaining clips (1) on the sides of the
housing cover (3) and on the
housing base (2) and pull the
cover off.
2. Remove the air cleaner/filter from the housing base. Take
care to dislodge as little dirt as
possible.

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
Vehicle Care 285
cigarette lighter or the
accessory power outlet. Turn
off the radio and all lamps that
are not needed. This will avoid
sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save the
radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations of the other
vehicle.
On your van, use the unpainted
radio antenna bracket as a
remote negative (−) terminal.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will
go to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Negative (−)
will go to an unpainted metal
part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one. On your van, use the unpainted
radio antenna bracket as a
remote negative (−) terminal.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a
short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts
too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal on the
dead battery because this can
cause sparks.
6. Connect the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the dead battery.
Use a remote positive (+)
terminal if the vehicle has one.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Service and Maintenance 305
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0307 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.

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

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Index 339
Automatic TransmissionManual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
B
Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Battery - North America . . . . 236, 283
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 240
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 104
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 176 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 245
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241, 242
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 245
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .216, 236, 283
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Carbon Monoxide (cont'd)
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 101
Check Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 240
Malfunction IndicatorEngine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 68
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79, 81
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 159

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