GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 241
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer toRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327 to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use.
1. WARM Range
2. HOT Range
Using a funnel, add fluid down the
transmission dipstick tube only after
checking the transmission fluid
while it is warm or hot. A cold check
is used only as a reference. If the
fluid level is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up
to the middle of the WARM (1) or
HOT (2) range depending on the
ambient temperature and prior
driving conditions. Refer to “How to
Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid” earlier in this section for
instructions on driving to achieve warm or hot transmission fluid.
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 correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0327.
. 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.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8-Speed
Transmission)
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. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. See Publication
Ordering Information 0344.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
242 Vehicle Care
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 correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0327.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 319. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327.
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
0 232. When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule
0319.
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.
4.3L V6 Engine
To inspect and replace the filter: 1. Remove the eight screws, slide the top cover forward and lift,
to gain access to the air
cleaner/filter.
2. Remove the air cleaner/filter from the housing base. Take
care to dislodge as little dirt as
possible.
3. Clean the air cleaner/filter sealing surface and
housing base.
4. Install the engine air cleaner/ filter in the housing base.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 249
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
. Stops after high-speed driving
. Idles for long periods in traffic
. Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat warning no longer displays, the vehicle can be
driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a
safe vehicle distance from the
vehicle in front. If the warning does
not come back on, continue to drive
normally and have the cooling
system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam,
push down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least
three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still on, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood, get service help right away.
Engine Fan
The vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when
starting the engine. It will go away
as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 307
Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the
Ground)
To tow the vehicle from the rear:1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0191.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park). 5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following 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 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 0327.
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)
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Service and Maintenance 323
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Lubricate the steering linkage.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (1)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (2)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (3)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (4)@
Replace brake fluid. (5)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (6)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Service and Maintenance 327
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
maintenance schedule section in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (6-Speed Transmission) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (8-Speed Transmission) DEXRON-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Chassis Lubrication, Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. SeeCooling System 0244.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 235.
Front Wheel Bearings Wheel bearing lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1051344, in Canada 993037).
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19353127).
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Technical Data 333
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Fuel Tank
Cutaway (Optional Tank)* 215.7 L 57.0 gal
Cutaway (Standard Tank) 124.9 L 33.0 gal
Passenger and Cargo 117.3 L 31.0 gal
* 4 039 mm (159 in) wheelbase or 4 496 mm (177 in) wheelbase only
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
4.3L V6 (LV1) PAutomatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)
6.0L V8 (L96) GAutomatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)
6.0L V8 (LC8) (Capable of
Being Upfit for Gaseous Fuel) B
Automatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
362 Index
AutomaticDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 238, 241
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Battery - North America . . . . 253, 301
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 257
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 109 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 176
Bulb Replacement Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 261
Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 262
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .229, 253, 301,
Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 107
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 256
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 73