2021 GMC SAVANA automatic transmission

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
214 Vehicle Care
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0216.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0131.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0131. GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0131.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side
of an asymmetrical tire that must
always face outward when mounted on
a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air
pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number
ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds
to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The
maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire can be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating
for a tire at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 227
slowly. But if there ever is a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
on while severely underinflated or flat
may cause a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
underinflated or flat. Have your dealer or
an authorized tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 092.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 237
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles
rolling, set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic transmission
in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
Neutral before setting the parking brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
3. Turn the ignition off on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged
into the 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 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 (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Do not let the other end

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
250 Service and Maintenance
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
SeeTire Rotation 0220.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0184 and
Engine Oil Life System 0186.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0191.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0196.
.Check tire inflation pressures, including
the spare. See Tire Pressure0216.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 220.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0189.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 241.
.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 Care0241.
.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 035.
.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 0241.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0200.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0201.
.Check ignition transmission lock. See
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 0201.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 201.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Lubricate the steering linkage (greasable
joints). See Normal and Severe
Maintenance Schedules. For severe
commercial use vehicles, see Special
Application Services 0253.
.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.
See Tire Changing 0228.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
252 Service and Maintenance
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 mi84 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 and/or boots.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (3)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (4)@
Replace brake fluid. (5)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (6)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (7)
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition. (2)
Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 189.
(3) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0191. (4)
Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(5) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0197.
(6) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0201.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Service and Maintenance 255
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 or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, 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 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. See Cooling System
0 191.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0184.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. See your dealer. Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid. See your dealer. Rear Axle See your dealer.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
260 Technical Data
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Fuel Tank
ICutaway (Optional Tank)* 215.7 L
57.0 gal
ICutaway (Standard Tank) 121.1 L
32.0 gal
IPassenger 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 190Y 140 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)
6.6L V8 (L8T) 7Automatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–0.043 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Index 281
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 253
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119, 122
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 41
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 40
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 40
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 45
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 44
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Audio Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Audio Players CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186, 189
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 201