automatic transmission fluid GMC SAVANA 1997 Owners Manual

Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig
could
start to move. People can be injured, and both
your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
But
if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet. Then turn your wheels into the curb
if facing downhill or into ttaffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until
the chocks absorb the load.
4. Re-apply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and
then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking
on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things
that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and brake adjustment. Each of these is covered in this
manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts
are tight.
4-37
ProCarManuals.com

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how
to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-5
6-7
6-1 1
6-12 6-17
6-18 6-22
6-22
6-25
6-26
6-26
6-27
6-28
6-32 Service
Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the
Hood
Noise Control System
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
Air Cleaner (Gasoline Engines)
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Axle
Engine Coolant Radiator Pressure Cap
Thermostat Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes
Battery 6-32
6-32
6-40
6-4
1
6-49
6-50
6-54
6-55
6-55 6-55
6-56
6-57
6-5
8
6-59
6-63
6-66
6-67 Bulb
Replacement
Halogen Bulbs
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Cleaning Tires Sheet Metal Damage
Finish Damage
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Lamp and Bulb Data
ProCarManuals.com

Operating the engine with the air cleaner off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires,
you could be burned. Don’t
drive with
it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage
it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
~ Automatic Transmission Fluid
~ When to Check and Change
~ A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil
is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle’s GVWR is over 8,600 or
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If your vehicle’s
GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do
not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the
fluid and filter do
not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
6-18
ProCarManuals.com

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area for
a
cold check or in the HOT area or cross-hatched area
for
a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down
to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants’’
in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid HOT. (A COLD check is used only as a reference.) If the
fluid
level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to
bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It
doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Don’t ovefill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-I11
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down
to lock the dipstick in place.
ProCarManuals.com

Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
48,000 Miles (80 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
I7 Check axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
**.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle’s
GVWR is over
8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 * F
(32” C) or higher.
ProCarManuals.com

Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
99,000 Miles (165 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
**.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Sewice.
0 Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle’s
GVWR is over
8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 O C) or higher.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-30
ProCarManuals.com

1 Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
0 Vehicles With GVWR Above 8,500 lbs.
Only: Inspect shields and underhood
insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust
or replace as required.
This is a Noise Emission
Control Service. Applicable only to vehicles sold in
the United States.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
DATE SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
50,OV Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehicle’s GVWR is over
8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 O F
(32 O C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid andfilter
do not require changing.
DATE
SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
ProCarManuals.com

1 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
* *.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
An Emission Control Service.
100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km)
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle’s
GVWR is over
8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more
of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 O F
(32°C) or higher.
(Continued)
7-43
ProCarManuals.com

At Least Twice a Year At Least Once
a Year
Restraint System Check Key Lock Cylinders
Service
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it
repaired. Have
any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.) Lubricate the key lock
cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part
D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood hinges, hood prop rod pivot, fuel
filler door, rear compartment hinges, latches, locks and
any moving seat hardware.
Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed
to a corrosive environment.
Wiper Blade Check Starter Switch Check
Inspect wiper blades
for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transmission” in the Index.
A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
I
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
I. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
7-46
ProCarManuals.com

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
(Gasoline
Engine)
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil”
in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench’ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL@
coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
Delco Supreme 11
@ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
USAGE
Parking Brake
Cable Guides
Power Steering System
Automatic
Transmission
Key Lock
Cylinders
Chassis
Lubrication
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI
## 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part
No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
10500 17 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXRON@-IU Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purpose lubricant, Superlube@ (GM
Part No. 12346241
or equivalent).
Chassis lubricant
(GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI ## 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
c
7-5 1
ProCarManuals.com