2022 GMC SAVANA coolant level

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
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
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
74 Instruments and Controls
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.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Metric
EnglishThis gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard the
vehicle is working. During a majority of the
operation, the gauge will read 100 °C (210 °F)
or less. If the vehicle is pulling a load or
going up hills, it is normal for the
temperature to fluctuate and approach the
122 °C (250 °F) mark. If the gauge reaches
the 125 °C (260 °F) mark, it indicates that the
cooling system is working beyond its
capacity.
See
Engine Overheating 0187.
Voltmeter Gauge

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 157
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 Equipment0167. 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.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0187.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Vehicle Care 185
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant recovery tank. If the coolant inside
the coolant recovery tank is boiling, do not
do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at or above the indicated mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant recovery
tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
The coolant recovery tank cap has this
symbol on it.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level
should be at or above the COLD FILL mark.
If it is not, there could be a leak in the
cooling system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant or take
the vehicle to a dealer for service.
How to Add Coolant to the Recovery
Tank for Gasoline Engines
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,(Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Vehicle Care 187
7. By this time, the coolant level inside theradiator filler neck may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture through the filler neck until the
level reaches the base of the filler neck.
8. Replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to
flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the
pressure cap.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away. The vehicle has an indicator to warn of
engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature
gauge on the vehicle's instrument cluster.
See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0 74.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but instead get
service help right away, see Roadside
Assistance Program 0261.
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans
are running. If the engine is overheating, the
fan should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
See if the engine cooling fan speed increases
when idle speed is doubled by pushing the
accelerator pedal down. If it does not, the
vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
If Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
.Tows a trailer.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Vehicle Care 189
4. Replace the cap and completelytighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the COLD FILL mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring
the level up to the mark.
To prevent contamination of brake fluid,
never check or fill the power steering
reservoir with the brake master cylinder
cover off.
What to Use
Caution
Use of the incorrect fluid may damage
the vehicle and the damages may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0251.
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0251.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use
the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage
hoses and seals.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer
fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. If operating the
vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview 0176 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
246 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 0215.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0179 and
Engine Oil Life System 0181.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0183.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0189.
.Check tire inflation pressures, including
the spare. See Tire Pressure0211.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 215.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0182.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 236.
.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 Care0236.
.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 036.
.Visually inspect the fuel system including
the evaporative (EVAP) system for
damage or leaks. Visually check all fuel
pipes, vapor lines, and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0236.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0194.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0194.
.Check ignition transmission lock. See
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 0194.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 194.
.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 0248.
.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 0223.