tow GMC SAVANA 2001 Owner's Guide

2-30 Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you've moved the shift lever to PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it
toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever
wasn't fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

2-33
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time,
but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the
other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
Horn
Press the horn symbol in the middle of the steering
wheel to sound the horn.

2-35 Turn and Lane Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up
or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will
return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
at twice the normal rate, a signal bulb may be burned
out and other drivers may not see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned
-out bulbs and a blown
fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index).
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high
to low, pull the multifunction lever all the way toward
you. Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
also will be on.

2-44
Mirrors
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
Pull the tab under the mirror toward you to reduce
glare from headlamps behind you after dark. Push
the tab away from you to restore the mirror to the
original position.
Outside Mirrors
Adjust your outside mirrors so you can see a little of the
side of your vehicle, and have a clear view of objects
behind you. Some mirrors can be folded in to enter
narrow passageways.Electric Outside Rearview Mirrors (Option)
If you have electric mirrors, they can be adjusted from
inside the vehicle.
Select the mirror you want
to move by turning the
switch clockwise to adjust
the passenger's side mirror
and counterclockwise to
adjust the driver's side
mirror. The center position
is neutral.
Then, adjust the mirror angle by pressing the outer
arrows on the switch until the mirror is adjusted to
where you want it.

2-46 Camper-Type Mirrors (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped
with the camper
-type
mirrors, they can be
adjusted so you can have a
clear view of any objects
behind you.
1. To adjust the mirrors
when towing a trailer,
turn the mirror by
pushing the mirror
head toward the front
of the vehicle.
2. Turn the mirror head
so that it swings
further outboard and
adjust the mirror
surface as needed.

2-58
United States Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there's
a problem.If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.

2-61
NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle or
the replacement of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls
and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or
CHECK ENGINE light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
This may also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn't come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:

Light Flashing
-- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.
Light On Steady
-- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:

Reducing vehicle speed.

Avoiding hard accelerations.

Avoiding steep uphill grades.

If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady,
see ªIf the Light Is On Steadyº following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see ªIf the Light
Is On Steadyº following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.

2-63
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light is
on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD (on
-board diagnostic) system determines that
critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would
be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
if you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems during
normal driving. This may take several days of routine
driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does
not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service
Engine Soon Light) (Check Engine Light)
(8.1L Gasoline Engine -- Except California)
United States Canada
If this light comes on or flashes while you are driving,
two things may happen.
First, you won't notice any difference in engine
performance, but your tail pipe emissions may increase.
Second, your engine may not run properly or may stall
without warning. If either of these things happen, drive
or tow your vehicle to your dealer for service.
This light should come on when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is
working. If it does not come on at all, have it repaired.

3-2
Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system
work for you.
With these systems, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle.
Heater Controls
If your vehicle does not have air conditioning, your
heater controls will look like this.
Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the heating system control
panel regulates the fan speed. The knob has four speed
positions. To increase airflow, turn the knob toward HI.To decrease airflow, turn it toward LO. To turn the fan
off, turn the mode knob on the far right to OFF.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel regulates the
temperature of the air flowing into your vehicle. Turn
the knob toward the red area for warmer air. Turn the
knob toward the blue area for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob changes the heater setting.
VENT: This setting directs air through the
instrument panel vents.
BI-LEVEL: This setting divides airflow between
the heater floor vents and instrument panel vents.
HEAT: This setting directs air through the heater
floor vents.
HEAT/DEFOG: This setting divides airflow
between the heater floor vents and windshield.
DEFROST: This setting directs air through the
windshield defroster vents. This setting is used to
remove fog or ice from the windshield.

3-3 Heater/Air Conditioning Controls
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has air conditioning, your heater/air
conditioning controls will look like this.
Before using your vehicle's air conditioning, open the
windows to clear the vehicle of hot air.Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the heating system control
panel regulates the fan speed. The knob has four speed
positions. To increase airflow, turn the knob toward HI.
To decrease airflow, turn it toward LO. To turn the fan
off, turn the mode knob on the far right to OFF.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the
temperature of the air flowing into the passenger
compartment of your vehicle. This knob will allow you to
adjust the air temperature independently of the function knob
setting. Turn the knob toward the red area for warmer air.
Turn the knob toward the blue area for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel changes the
heater/air conditioning setting.
MAX A/C: Turn the right knob to MAX A/C for
maximum cooling. This setting puts the system in the
recirculation mode and helps to maximize your air
conditioner's performance and your vehicle's fuel
economy. This setting also cools the air the fastest. After
the vehicle's interior reaches a comfortable temperature,
turn the knob clockwise to place the air conditioning
system in the A/C mode.