maintenance GMC SAVANA 2011 Owner's Guide

Black plate (32,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-32 Vehicle Care
If the level is below the bottom of
the filler plug hole, some lubricant
will need to be added. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the filler plug hole. Use
care not to overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer toRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it.
See Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑3.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug hole, some lubricant
may need to be added.
When the differential is cold, add
enough lubricant to raise the level to
10 mm (3/8 in) below the fill
plug hole.
When the differential is at operating
temperature (warm), add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug hole.

Black plate (33,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-33
What to Use
Refer toRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check the
lubricant. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑3.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If you have the 1500 Series, the
proper level is from 15 mm (5/8 in) to
40 mm (1 5/8 in) below the bottom of
the fill plug hole. The proper level
for the 2500 and 3500 Series is
from 0 to 6 mm (1/4 in) below the
bottom of the fill plug hole. Add only
enough fluid to reach the proper
level.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Noise Control System
The following information relates to
compliance with federal noise
emission standards for vehicles with
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of more than 4 536 kg
(10,000 lbs). The Maintenance
Schedule provides information on
maintaining the noise control system
to minimize degradation of the noise
emission control system during the
life of the vehicle. The noise control
system warranty is given in the
vehicle warranty booklet.
These standards apply only to
vehicles sold in the United States.

Black plate (34,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-34 Vehicle Care
Federal law prohibits the following
acts or the causing thereof:
1. The removal or renderinginoperative by any person,
other than for purposes of
maintenance, repair or
replacement, of any device or
element of design incorporated
into any new vehicle for the
purpose of noise control, prior to
its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has
been removed or rendered
inoperative by any person. Among those acts presumed to
constitute tampering are the acts
listed below.
Insulation:
.Removal of the noise shields or
any underhood insulation.
Engine:
.Removal or rendering engine
speed governor, if the vehicle
has one, inoperative so as to
allow engine speed to exceed
manufacturer specifications.
Fan and Drive:
.Removal of fan clutch, if the
vehicle has one, or rendering
clutch inoperative.
.Removal of the fan shroud, if the
vehicle has one. Air Intake:
.Removal of the air cleaner
silencer.
.Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.Removal of the muffler and/or
resonator.
.Removal of the exhaust pipes
and exhaust pipe clamps.
Fuel Operated Heater
(FOH) —Diesel Engine:
.Removal of the muffler.

Black plate (37,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-37
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑3 for more information on
wiper blade inspection.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. To remove the type
with a release clip, do the following:
1. Lift the wiper arm until it locks into a vertical position.
2. Press down on the blade
assembly pivot locking tab. Pull
down on the blade assembly to
release it from the wiper
arm hook.
3. The insert has two notches at one end that are locked by
bottom claws of the blade
assembly. At the notched end,
pull the insert from the blade
assembly. 4. To install the new wiper insert,
slide the notched end last, into
the end with two blade claws.
Then slide the insert all the way
through the blade claws at the
opposite end.
5. Make sure that the notches are locked by the bottom claws.
Make sure that all other claws
are properly locked on both
sides of the insert slot.
6. Put the blade assembly pivot in the wiper arm hook. Pull it up
until the pivot locking tab locks
in the hook slot.
7. Carefully lower the wiper arm and blade assembly into the
windshield.

Black plate (58,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-58 Vehicle Care
Remove the valve cap from the
tire valve stem. Press the tire
gauge firmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire inflation pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no
further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low,
add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the
inflation pressure is high, press
on the metal stem in the center
of the tire valve to release air.
Re-check the tire pressure with
the tire gauge.
Return the valve caps on the
valve stems to prevent leaks
and keep out dirt and moisture.Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare
(if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly
under‐inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under‐inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under‐inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is
not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under‐inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.

Black plate (60,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-60 Vehicle Care
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑12.
A message to check the pressure in
a specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low
tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on at
each ignition cycle until the tires are
inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. If the vehicle has DIC
buttons, tire pressure levels can be
viewed. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays, see Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑27 andTire
Messages on page 5‑38.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
could be an early indicator that the
air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper
pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of the original
equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when
they are cold. See
Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑12, for an example
of the Tire and Loading Information
label and its location. Also see Tire
Pressure on page 10‑57.
The TPMS can warn about a
low tire pressure condition but it
does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection
on page 10‑63, Tire Rotation on
page 10‑63 andTires on
page 10‑50.
Notice: Tire sealant materials are
not all the same. A non-approved
tire sealant could damage the
TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use only the
GM-approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the
low tire pressure warning light
flashes for about one minute and
then stays on for the remainder of
the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message also displays. The
malfunction light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected.
Some of the conditions that can
cause these to come on are:
.One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a
TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message
should go off after the road tire
is replaced and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See "TPMS Sensor
Matching Process" later in this
section.

Black plate (63,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-63
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected
for signs of wear or damage at
least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or
more places around the tire
can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric
showing through the tire's
rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or
fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of
the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑3.
Tires are rotated to achieve a
uniform wear for all tires. The
first rotation is the most
important.
Any time unusual wear is
noticed, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check the wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on page 10‑65andWheel
Replacement on page 10‑70.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
If the vehicle has a compact
spare tire, do not include it in the
tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See
Tire Pressure on page 10‑57
and Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑12.

Black plate (64,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-64 Vehicle Care
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on
page 10‑59.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
{WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.
Dual Tire Rotation
When the vehicle is new,
or whenever a wheel, wheel bolt,
or wheel nut is replaced, check the
wheel nut torque after
160, 1 600, and 10 000 km
(100, 1,000, and 6,000 m) of driving.
For proper wheel nut tightening
information, see “Removing the Flat
Tire and Installing the Spare Tire”
later in this section, under If a Tire
Goes Flat on page 10‑71. Also see
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2. The outer tire on a dual wheel setup
generally wears faster than the
inner tire. Tires last longer and wear
more evenly if they are rotated. See
Tire Inspection on page 10‑63
and
Tire Rotation on page 10‑63. Also
see Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑3.
{WARNING
If the vehicle is operated with a
tire that is underinflated, the tire
can overheat. An overheated tire
can lose air suddenly or catch
fire. You or others could be
injured. Properly inflate all tires,
including the spare.
See Tires on page 10‑50 andTire
Pressure on page 10‑57 for more
information on proper tire inflation.

Black plate (65,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-65
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining.Some commercial truck tires,
including Goodyear LT225/75R16
G949 RSA and Goodyear LT225/
75R16 G933 RSD, may not have
treadwear indicators. If the tires do
not have treadwear indicators,
replace the tires when the tread
depth is down to 3.2 mm (1/8 in) for
the front tires, or 1.6 mm (1/16 in) for
the rear tires. See
Tire Inspection
on page 10‑63 andTire Rotation on
page 10‑63 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple conditions
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. Tires will typically
need to be replaced due to wear
before they may need to be
replaced due to age. Consult the tire
manufacturer for more information
on when tires should be replaced.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free
of grease, gasoline or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.

Black plate (72,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2011
10-72 Vehicle Care
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 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 on page 6‑4.
{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 on both sides of the tire at the
opposite corner of the tire
being changed.