2021 GMC SAVANA recommended oil

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
84 Instruments and Controls
of the current oil life remains. The engine oil
life system will alert you to change the oil
on a schedule consistent with your driving
conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. You should change
the oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil
0 184. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0249.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE
yourself after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Also, be careful not to reset the
OIL LIFE accidentally at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset the engine oil life
system, see Engine Oil Life System 0186.
Side Blind Zone Alert
If the vehicle has Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA), this display allows the system to be
turned on or off. Press
Tuntil SBZA
displays. Once in this display, press
Vto
select between ON or OFF. When the SBZA system is turned off, a DIC message will
display. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
0 155.
Park Assist
If the vehicle has the Rear Park Assist (RPA)
system, press
Tuntil PARK ASSIST
displays. This display allows the system to
be turned on or off. Once in this display,
press to select between ON or OFF. The RPA
system automatically turns back on after
each vehicle start. When the RPA system is
turned off and the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park), the DIC will display the PARK
ASSIST OFF message as a reminder that the
system has been turned off. See Park Assist
0 153.
Units
Press
Tuntil UNITS displays. This display
allows you to select between metric or
English units of measurement. Once in this
display, press
Vto select between METRIC
or ENGLISH units.
Tire Pressure
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), the pressure for each tire
can be viewed in the DIC. The tire pressure
will be shown in either kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi). Press
Tuntil
the DIC displays FRONT TIRES PSI (kPa)
LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press
Tagain until the
DIC displays REAR TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ##
RIGHT ##.
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. See
Tire Pressure 0216.
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

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
158 Driving and Operating
Recommended Fuel
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Fuel for
Diesel Engines” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Use regular unleaded gasoline meeting
ASTM specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87 —(R+M)/2 —or higher.
Do not use gasoline with a posted octane
rating of less than 87, as this may cause
engine knock and will lower fuel economy.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel.
Do not use gasoline with ethanol levels
greater than 15% by volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.For vehicles that are not FlexFuel, fuel
labeled greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level ethanol
blends (16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of methanol,
methylal, ferrocene, and aniline. These
fuels can corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT), which can damage
the emissions control system and
spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating of
less than the recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel economy and
performance, and may decrease the
life of the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels 0158.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your vehicle.
If your country does not have TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to the
vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at every oil
change or 15 000 km (9,000 mi), whichever
occurs first. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
−Gasoline will help keep your vehicle’s
engine fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge 071.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently
and can cause injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid
injuries to you and others:
(Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 161
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0145. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0144.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer: (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0141.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment 0172. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
184 Vehicle Care
10. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. SeeBrake Fluid 0197.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0196.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil”
in the Duramax diesel supplement.
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0186.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0180 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
4.3L V6 Engine
6.6L V8 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1
qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 185
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specifications 0258.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range), the engine could be
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0180 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the
dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0255. Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have
been approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked with the
dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of
extreme cold, where the temperature falls
below −29 °C (−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may
be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it
is recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification”
earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
186 Vehicle Care
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an engine oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is not
necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service peoplewho will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System on most
models:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 81.
2. Press and hold
Von the DIC while the
Oil Life display is active. The oil life will
change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 81. 2. Fully press and release the accelerator
pedal three times within five seconds.
If the display shows 100%, the system is
reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. If a small leak is
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 in Maintenance Schedule 0249, and
be sure to use the transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 255.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 187
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 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.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 241
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0255.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,