
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 11/25/20
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, and SAVANA are trademarks
and/or service marks of General Motors LLC,
its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC wherever it appears in
this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
If the vehicle has the Duramax Diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement
for additional and specific information on
this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84401537 C Third Printing©2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
2 Introduction
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0123.
2. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons (Out of View). See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 081.
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 092.
Windshield Wiper/Washer 067.
4. Horn 067.
5. Hazard Warning Flashers 092.
6. Instrument Cluster 071.
7. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 142.
Manual Mode 0144 (If Equipped).
8. Climate Control Systems 0119.
9. Infotainment. See Overview (AM-FM
Radio) 097 or
Overview (Radio with CD/MP3) 099. 10.
Power Outlets 069.
11. USB Port (If Equipped). See Auxiliary
Devices 0108.
12. Power Outlet 110/120 Volt Alternating Current. See Power Outlets 069.
13. Rear Heating System 0121 (If Equipped).
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0157 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 154 (If Equipped).
14. Passenger Airbag On-Off Switch (If Equipped). See Airbag On-Off Switch
0 42.
15. Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0147.
16. Tow/Haul Mode Button (If Equipped). See Tow/Haul Mode 0145.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 066 (If
Equipped).
18. Steering Wheel Adjustment 065 (Out of
View), (If Equipped). 19. Parking Brake Release. See
Parking Brake
0 146.
20. Cruise Control 0149 (If Equipped).
Fast Idle System 0138 (If Equipped).
21. Parking Brake 0146.
22. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 076.
23. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
093.
Dome Lamp Override. See Dome Lamps
0 93.
24. Exterior Lamp Controls 090.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
{Warning
If the key is unintentionally rotated while
the vehicle is running, the ignition could
be moved out of the RUN position. This
could be caused by heavy items hanging
from the key ring, or by large or long
items attached to the key ring that could
be contacted by the driver or steering
wheel. If the ignition moves out of the
RUN position, the engine will shut off,
braking and steering power assist may be
impacted, and airbags may not deploy.
To reduce the risk of unintentional
rotation of the ignition key, do not
change the way the ignition key and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if equipped, are connected to the
provided key rings.
The ignition key and key rings, and RKE
transmitter, if equipped, are designed to
work together as a system to reduce the
risk of unintentionally moving the key out
of the RUN position. The ignition key has a
small hole to allow attachment of the
provided key ring. It is important that any replacement ignition keys have a small hole.
See your dealer if a replacement key is
required.
The combination and size of the rings that
came with your keys were specifically
selected for your vehicle. The rings are
connected to the key like two links of a
chain to reduce the risk of unintentionally
moving the key out of the RUN position. Do
not add any additional items to the ring
attached to the ignition key. Attach
additional items only to the second ring,
and limit added items to a few essential
keys or small, light items no larger than an
RKE transmitter.
Interference from radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tags may prevent the
key from starting the vehicle. Keep RFID
tags away from the key when starting the
vehicle.
The key is used for the ignition, and all
locks.
See your dealer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.
If it becomes difficult to turn a key, inspect
the key blade for debris. Periodically clean
with a brush or pick.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside
Assistance Program 0265.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
3. Insert the new battery, positive sidefacing down. Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote start
feature. This feature allows you to start the
engine from outside the vehicle. It may also
start the vehicle's heating or air conditioning
systems. See Climate Control Systems 0119.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws may require a person using
remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of
vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle may run
out of fuel.
The RKE transmitter range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
To start the engine using the remote start
feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release
Qon the transmitter.
3. Immediately press and hold
/until the
turn signal lamps flash. If you cannot see
the lamps, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on while
the engine is running. The doors will be
locked.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat the
steps if a 10-minute extension is desired.
Remote start can be extended only once.
After entering the vehicle during a remote
start, turn the ignition on to drive the
vehicle.
A maximum of two remote starts or a start
with an extension are allowed between
ignition cycles. If the remote start procedure is used again
before the first 10-minute time frame has
ended, the first 10 minutes will immediately
expire and the second 10-minute time frame
will start.
After the engine has been remote started
two times, or a remote start with an
extension, the ignition must be turned on
and then off before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
To cancel a remote start do any of the
following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle
and press
/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
The remote vehicle start feature will not
operate if:
.The key is in the ignition.
.The hood is open.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 076.
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Arming the Alarm System
1. Close the side door/rear doors and thehood. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of two ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
.With a door open, press the
inside
Q.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm. Pressing
Qon the RKE transmitter
a second time will bypass the 30-second
delay and immediately arm the alarm
system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the key or the manual
door lock.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, side door, rear door, or the
hood is opened without first disarming the
system. When the alarm is activated, the
turn signals flash and the horn sounds for
about 30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
left the vehicle and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps and the
lights flash three times, the alarm was
activated while the alarm system was
armed.
If the alarm system has been activated, and
allowed to complete an event
(approximately one minute), a message will
appear on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) the next time the vehicle is started.
Theft Alarm Notification
To enable e-mail or text notification, see
“Theft Alarm Notification” in OnStarSecurity
0 274.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. Lower the driver window and open the driver door.
2. Press
Qon the RKE transmitter.
3. Close the door and wait for a few seconds.
4. Reach in through the open window, unlock the door with the manual door
lock, and open the door.
This should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it
should but the lamps flash, check to see
if the horn works. The horn fuse may be
blown. To replace the fuse, see Fuses and
Circuit Breakers 0205.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0270.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle is equipped with the
PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized Automotive
Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive theft deterrent
system.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
The system is automatically armed when
the key is removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm
the system.
The security light will come on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming the
theft-deterrent system.
If the engine does not start and the security
light comes on, the key may have a
damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the
key appears to be undamaged, try another
ignition key. If the engine still does not
start with the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the first
key may be faulty. See your dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS-Key III+
to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+ decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to eight keys may be
programmed for the vehicle. This procedure
is for learning additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost or do
not operate, you must see your dealer or alocksmith who can service PASS-Key III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the
system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to get a new key blank
that is cut exactly as the ignition key that
operates the system.
To program the new key:
1. Verify the new key has
1stamped
on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key into the ignition lock cylinder and
start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the ignition off and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within 10 seconds of
removing the previous key.
The security light will turn off once the
key has been programmed. It may not
be apparent that the security light went
on due to how quickly the key is
programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1–4 if additional keys are to be programmed. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key III+ key,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms
or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in
the vehicle.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the next lane, you could hit a vehicle
that is driving next to you. Check the
inside mirror or glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
If equipped, the lower portion of the driver
and passenger side mirror is convex.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat. The
convex mirror can be adjusted manually to
the driver preferred position for better
vision.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Manual Mirrors
Adjust the mirrors by moving the mirror up
and down and left and right.
The mirrors can be manually folded
in or out.
On the lower portion of each mirror is an
auxiliary convex mirror. A convex mirror's
surface is curved so you can see more from
the driver seat. The auxiliary convex mirrors
can be adjusted manually by moving the
mirror.
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
Vehicles with towing mirrors can be
adjusted manually for a clear view of the
objects behind you.
On the lower portion of each mirror there is
an auxiliary convex mirror that can be
adjusted manually to provide an extended
field of view.
The mirrors can be manually folded
in or out.
Power Mirrors
If equipped with power mirrors, select each
mirror by turning the knob clockwise for the
passenger side mirror or counterclockwise
for the driver side mirror. The center
position is neutral.Adjust the mirror angle by moving the knob
in the desired direction. The auxiliary convex
mirrors can only be adjusted manually.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
The mirrors can be folded inward toward
the vehicle to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. Push the
mirror outward to return it to the original
position.
Side Blind Zone Alert
The vehicle may have Side Blind Zone Alert.
See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) 0155.
Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
1:Press to heat the mirrors.
An indicator light in the button lights when
the outside heated mirrors are activated.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underClimate
Control Systems 0119.