GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
78 Instruments and Controls
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.A loose or missing fuel cap may cause
the light to come on. See Filling the Tank
0 153. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed may turn the light off.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel 0153.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 171. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is on while the engine is off.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
When the vehicle is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. The light stays on if
the parking brake does not fully release. If it
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Instruments and Controls 81
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 211.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 212.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This 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 light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
English Shown, Metric Similar A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on, and a chime sounds when
the fuel gauge indicator nears empty. The
light turns off when fuel is added. If it does
not, have the vehicle serviced.
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 016.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 155
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The wrong
type of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may turn on the malfunction indicator
lamp, and could damage the fuel system
and emissions system. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 077.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see Towing the
Vehicle 0234. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0235.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
170 Driving and Operating
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will notfunction if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
142.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment 0167 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection. Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
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).
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 171
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) 077.
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 045 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 045.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
232 Vehicle Care
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-15555961) -
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Service and Maintenance 249
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See“Underbody Maintenance”
in Exterior Care 0236.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
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 0251 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.
GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Index 277
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 249
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114, 116
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 41
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 41
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 40
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 45
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 45
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Audio Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 194
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103