GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 235
1.Battery - North America 0253.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0244.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System 0244.
4. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) 0238 or
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(8-Speed Transmission) 0241.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 244.
8. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0242.
9. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid 0249. 10.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0264.
11. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 252.
12. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 250.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section. .
Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0237.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0232 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
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
250 Vehicle Care
The power steering fluid reservoir is
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0232 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. 5. Remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be at the COLD
FILL mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
To prevent contamination of brake
fluid, never check or fill the power
steering reservoir with the brake
master cylinder cover off.
What to Use
Caution
Use of the incorrect fluid may
damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0327.
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the
proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0232 for
reservoir location.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 265
FusesUsage
3 Right trailer stoplamp/ Turn signal lamp
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 –
13 Interior rear vision camera module
14 Windshield washer
16 Horn
17 Transmission
18 A/C
19 Engine control module battery Fuses
Usage
20 Cutaway/Left stoplamp/ Turn signal lamp
21 Left trailer stoplamp/ Turn signal lamp
22 Cutaway/Right stoplamp/Turn
signal lamp
23 –
24 Fuel pump
25 Auxiliary power outlet
26 Body control module 3
27 Special equipment option
28 Airbag
29 Steering wheel sensor
30 Engine control module/ Ignition
31 Transmission control module Ignition
32 Transmission control module 1 battery
33 Rear parking aid module Fuses
Usage
34 –
35 –
36 Fuel system control module battery
41 Transmission control 2 module battery power
42 Trailer wiring
43 –
44 Starter solenoid
45 Engine control module/ Powertrain
46 AC DC inverter
47 –
51 Left high-beam headlamp
52 Right high-beam headlamp
53 Left low-beam headlamp
54 Right low-beam headlamp
55 Wipers
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 311
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicon carbide
tire/wheel cleaning brushes.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
320 Service and Maintenance
.Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0307.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care
0 307.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
drive shafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
loose or missing fasteners, and
axle seal leaks.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 058. .
Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0307.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0256.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0256.
. Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0256.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 257.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed. .
Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0258.
. Lubricate the steering linkage
(greasable joints). See Normal
and Severe Maintenance
Schedules. For severe
commercial use vehicles, see
Special Application Services
0324.
. Visually inspect the spare tire to
ensure that it is tightly stowed
under the vehicle. Push, pull,
and try to turn the tire. If the
spare tire moves, tighten as
necessary. Verify that the wheel
retainer plate compression
spring is fully compressed. See
Tire Changing 0292.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
328 Service and Maintenance
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474).
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 19329450, in Canada 19329451).
Rear Axle (Dual Rear Wheels) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 88900401, in Canada 89021678).
Rear Axle (Single Rear Wheels) SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 19300457, in Canada 19300458).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or equivalent.
Weatherstrip Squeaks Synthetic Grease with Teflon, Superlube (GM Part No. 12371287, in Canada 10953437).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146167) -
2019 - CRC - 11/26/18
364 Index
Driving (cont'd)Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 23
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 170
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 172
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Electrical System
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 267
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 263
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Engine (cont'd)
Check Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 232
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 103
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 185
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Enhanced Technology Glass . . . . 42
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Entry/Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 347
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 126 Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 128
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Fluid
AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 238, 241
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345