
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Driving and Operating 163
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, turn off the vehicle
only in an emergency.
In an emergency, if the vehicle
cannot be pulled over and must be
turned off while driving: 1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column,
then turn the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. Continue
braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop. 5. Shift to P (Park).
6. Continue to hold the brake
pedal, then set the parking
brake. See Parking Brake
0 176.
7. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column,
then turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF.
8. Remove the key.
9. Release the brake pedal.
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it
is all the way in —or pushed all
the way in toward the steering
column when turning off the
vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This
position allows features such as the
infotainment system to operate
while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column,
if equipped with a locking steering
column. Use this position if the vehicle must be pushed or towed.
See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0166.
From ON/RUN, push the key all the
way in toward the steering column,
then turn the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/
ACCESSORY with the engine off,
the battery could drain and the
vehicle may not start.
A warning chime will sound when
the driver door is opened and the
key is in the ignition.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
164 Driving and Operating
If the key is left in ON/RUN with the
engine off, the battery could drain
and the vehicle may not start.
3 (START) :This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
returns to ON/RUN for driving.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To place the transmission in the
proper gear:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
0 212.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist. Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When
the engine starts, let go of the
key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets
warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the
oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light
is on and the FUEL LEVEL
LOW message is displayed in
the Driver Information Center
(DIC), the Computer-Controlled
Cranking System is disabled to
prevent possible vehicle
component damage. When this
happens, hold the ignition
switch in the START position to
continue engine cranking.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Driving and Operating 165
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for
up to 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Fast Idle System
If equipped, this feature is available
only with cruise control. The manual
fast idle switch is operated using the
cruise control buttons on the left
side of the steering wheel.
This system can be used to
increase engine idle speed
whenever the following conditions
are met:
.
The parking brake is set.
. The brake pedal is not pressed.
. The vehicle must not be moving
and the accelerator must not be
pressed. To control the fast idle:
.
To enable the Fast Idle System,
press and release the cruise
control on/off button and ensure
that the switch indicator light
is lit.
. Press and release the cruise
control SET- button. Engine
speed will be held at
approximately 1200 rpm.
When the fast idle is active, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display FAST IDLE ON.
One of the following actions will turn
off the fast idle:
. Pressing the brake.
. Selecting the cruise control
cancel button.
. Releasing the parking brake.
. Moving the transmission shift
lever out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral).
. Selecting the cruise control on/
off button when it was
previously on.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Driving and Operating 169
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You have to fully apply the
brakes before you can shift from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. See
Automatic Transmission0170.
The shift lock control system is
designed to:
. Prevent the ignition key from
being removed unless the shift
lever is in P (Park).
. Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system is
always functional except in the case
of a dead battery or low voltage
(less than 9 V) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0286.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal. 2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem
shifting, have the vehicle serviced.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: . The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
. The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
(Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
OnStar 335
Press=to:
. Open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display. See the
infotainment manual for
information on how to use the
OnStar app.
Or
. Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn
Navigation voice commands.
. Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi
hotspot name or SSID and
password, if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an
Advisor to:
. Verify account information or
update contact information.
. Get driving directions. .
Receive a Diagnostic check of
the vehicle's key operating
systems.
. Receive Roadside Assistance.
. Manage Wi-Fi Settings,
if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection
to an OnStar Advisor available
24/7 to:
. Get help for an emergency.
. Be a Good Samaritan or
respond to an AMBER Alert.
. Get assistance in severe
weather or other crisis situations
and find evacuation routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an
active safety and security plan. With
Automatic Crash Response, built-in
sensors can automatically alert a
specially trained OnStar Advisor
who is immediately connected in to
the vehicle to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to
an OnStar Advisor who can contact
emergency service providers, direct
them to your exact location, and
relay important information.
With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially
trained Advisors are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to
provide a central point of contact,
assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors
can locate a nearby service provider
to help with a flat tire, a battery
jump, or an empty gas tank.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
348 Index
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . 5
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 22
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . 9
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 256
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . .110
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Lamps (cont'd)
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Lamps, Bulb Replacement . . . . . . 244
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . 95
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Entry/Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Lights Airbag On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . 94
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Lights (cont'd)
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . .110
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . . . 95
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . 14
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 98

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
350 Index
PowerDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 166
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 41
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 331
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 326
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .214, 239, 286, Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 329
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Radios (cont'd)
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Rear Climate Control System . . . 146
Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Rear Heating System . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 183
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 291
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314 Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 54
Replacing LATCH System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 331
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 319
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
S
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 331
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331