GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
212 Driving and Operating
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 092.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 053 and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 054.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Vehicle Care 225
suspected, use the following
procedures to check the fluid level.
However, if there is a large leak, it
may be necessary to have the
vehicle towed to a dealer and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inMaintenance
Schedule 0304, and be sure to use
the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0312.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at your dealer,
which can monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission fluid
level increases with temperature. To
obtain a highly accurate fluid level
check, the transmission temperature
must be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur.
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
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
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
226 Vehicle Care
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 the
required 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.
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 217 for more information on
location.
1. COLD Range
2. WARM Range
3. HOT Range
1. Flip the handle up, pull out the dipstick, and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and pull it back
out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in
the COLD (1) range for a cold
check, transmission
temperature 27 °C to 32 °C
(80 °F to 90 °F); between the
COLD (1) and HOT (3) range
for a WARM (2) check, 50 °C to
60 °C (122 °F to 140 °F); or in
the HOT (3) cross-hatched
range for a hot check, 71 °C to
93 °C (160 °F to 200 °F). Be
sure to keep the dipstick
pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way;
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
238 Vehicle Care
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0217 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down: .
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 094.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0304.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0217.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
288 Vehicle Care
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 (+)
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
310 Service and Maintenance
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary. Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.
Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
. 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 0312 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.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Index 343
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 212
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 228
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 143, 146
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 46
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Airbags (cont'd)
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 187
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 175
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Audio Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . .117
Audio Players
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
344 Index
AutomaticDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 224, 227
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Battery - North America . . . . 239, 286
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 243
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 94
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Brakes (cont'd)
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 161
Bulb Replacement Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 246
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 247
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .214, 239, 286,
Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . 92
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 242
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 57