
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
98 Instruments and Controls
Low Fuel Warning Light
English Shown, Metric Similar
This light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition is turned
on as a check to indicate it is
working. If it does not come on,
have it fixed.
The low fuel warning light comes on
and a chime sounds when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The light turns
off when fuel is added to the
fuel tank.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 99.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See Immobilizer Operation
0 20.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer 0110.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when the cruise
control is set.
This light goes out when the cruise
control is canceled. See Cruise
Control 0179.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Instruments and Controls 103
If a low tire pressure condition is
detected by the system while
driving, a message advising you to
check the pressure in a specific tire
will appear in the display. SeeTire
Pressure 0262.
If the tire pressure display shows
dashes instead of a value, there
may be a problem with the vehicle.
If this consistently occurs, see your
dealer for service.
Engine Hours
Press
Tuntil ENGINE HOURS
displays. This display shows the
total number of hours the engine
has run.
Relearn Tire Positions
The vehicle may have this display.
To access this display, the vehicle
must be in P (Park). If the vehicle
has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or
sensor, the system must re-learn
the tire positions. To re-learn
the tire positions, see
Tire Pressure
Monitor System 0263. See Tire
Inspection 0267 and
Tire Rotation 0267.
Change Compass Zone
The vehicle may have this feature.
To change the compass zone
through the DIC, see Compass
0 81.
Calibrate Compass
The vehicle may have this feature.
The compass can be manually
calibrated. To calibrate the compass
through the DIC, see Compass
0 81.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is
performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Infotainment System 125
FM Stereo
FM stereo gives the best sound, but
FM signals reach only about 16 to
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Tall buildings or
hills can interfere with FM signals,
causing the sound to fade in
and out.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause
interference with the radio. This
interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls,
charging the phone's battery,
or simply having the phone on. This
interference causes an increased
level of static while listening to the
radio. If static is received while
listening to the radio, unplug the
cellular phone and turn it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna will go
through most car washes as long as
it is securely attached. If the
antenna becomes slightly bent,
straighten it out by hand. If it is
badly bent, replace it.Occasionally check that the antenna
is tight at the base. If tightening is
required, protect the paint from
damage.
Multi-Band Antenna
The multi-band antenna is on the
roof of the vehicle. The antenna is
used for the Navigation System,
OnStar and the SiriusXM Satellite
Radio Service System if the vehicle
has these features. Tall buildings,
hills, trees, heavy foliage, tunnels,
bridges, and garages will affect
reception. Keep the antenna clear of
obstructions for clear reception.
Make sure there is sufficient
clearance when entering garages or
parking structures.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices
When using media devices such as
CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, SD
cards, USB devices, and mobile
devices, consider the source.
Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system
operation or performance. Avoid use
if the content or origin cannot be
trusted.
CD Player
Care of the CD Player
Do not add any label to a CD.
It could get caught in the CD player.
If a CD is recorded on a personal
computer and a description label is
needed, try labeling the top of the
recorded CD with a marking pen.
The use of CD lens cleaners is not
advised, due to the risk of
contaminating the lens of the CD
optics with lubricants internal to the
CD player mechanism.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Driving and Operating 161
Warning (Continued)
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.When you carry
something inside the
vehicle, secure it
whenever you can.
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless you
need to.
Add-On Equipment
When carrying removable items,
a limit on how many people
carried inside the vehicle may
be necessary. Be sure to weigh
the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines: . Keep the vehicle speed at
88 km/h (55 mph) or less for
the first 805 km (500 mi).
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
. Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Trailer Towing
0 200 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle
and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Driving and Operating 167
For V6 engines, the cord for
the engine coolant heater is on
the driver side of the engine
compartment.
For V8 engines, the cord for
the engine coolant heater is
behind the engine air cleaner/
filter.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
5. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
6. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts
and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Driving and Operating 197
tires, and mirrors. SeeTowing
Equipment 0207. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then
manually apply the trailer brake
controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally
check that the cargo and trailer are
secure and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused
by the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal
when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can
help to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly
and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass
on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Vehicle Care 217
3. Lift the hood and release thehood prop rod from its retainer,
in the front of the engine
compartment. Securely insert
the rod end into the slot
marked with an arrow, on the
underside of the hood. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on
properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Lift the hood and remove the hood prop rod from the
underside of the hood. Return
the prop rod to its retainer. The
prop rod must click into place
when returning it to the retainer
to prevent hood damage.
3. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release
it. Check to make sure the
hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with
additional force if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the
hood is not latched completely.
The hood could open fully, block
your vision, and cause a crash.
You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely
before driving.
Engine Compartment
Overview
For diesel engine vehicles, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Vehicle Care 229
5. Install the top cover by sliding itinto position on the housing
base, and secure using eight
screws.
6.0L V8 Engine
1. Retaining Clips
2. Housing Base
3. Housing Cover
To inspect and replace the filter:
1. Unlock the two retaining clips (1) on the sides of the
housing cover (3) and on the
housing base (2) and pull the
cover off. 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 by aligning the arrow on
one side of the air cleaner/filter
end cap with the arrow on top
of the housing base.
5. Install the housing cover by aligning the arrow on top of the
cover to the arrow on top of the
housing base, and fasten the
two retaining clips.
See Maintenance Schedule 0304 to
determine when to replace the
engine air cleaner/filter.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. Use caution
when working on the engine. Do
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not start the engine or drive the
vehicle with the air cleaner/filter
off, as flames may be present if
the engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.