
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
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 0154.
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.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
026.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has 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
lamps, press and hold
/for at
least four seconds.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
84 Seats and Restraints
{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. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light 0101 for more information,
including important safety
information.
If the vehicle does not have a rear
seat that will accommodate a
rear-facing child restraint, a
rear-facing child restraint should not
be installed in the vehicle, even if
the airbag is off. If the child restraint uses a top
tether, see
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) 075 for top tether anchor
locations.
Do not secure a child restraint in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached.
When using the lap-shoulder belt to
secure the child restraint in this
position, follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint and the
following instructions:
1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the
forward-facing child restraint.
Move the seat upward or the
seatback to an upright position, if needed, to get a tight
installation of the child
restraint.
When the airbag off switch has
turned off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag, the
off indicator in the airbag off
light should light and stay lit
when you start the vehicle. See
Airbag On-Off Light
0102.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions
of the vehicle’s seat belt
through or around the restraint.
The child restraint instructions
will show you how.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Instruments and Controls 103
Warning (Continued)
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. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light 0101 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
Center (DIC) can also appear. This
light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt,
or that there is an electrical
problem. Have it checked right
away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on, turn
off accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is on
and the engine is not running. See
Ignition Positions
0172.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Driving and Operating 165
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0253.
. 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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
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 assist. 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 0186.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes
should be applied sooner than

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
202 Driving and Operating
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 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. 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 0301.
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.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Vehicle Care 287
Caution (Continued)
out of the way before clamping
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.
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-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Index 345
Driving (cont'd)Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 251
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 246
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 215
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Engine (cont'd)
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 179
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Enhanced Technology Glass . . . . 39
Entry/Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 328
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 120
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 121
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 123
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 221, 224
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Front Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23