check transmission fluid GMC SAVANA 2003 Owner's Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood.....................5-9
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-17
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Engine Coolant.............................................5-22
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-25
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System
............................................5-28
Engine Fan Noise
.........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid
.....................................5-35Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-47
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Noise Control System.....................................5-49
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-52
Taillamps.....................................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-56
Inflation – Tire Pressure................................5-57
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-58
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-60
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1
2003 - Savana OM

A. Battery
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
D. Transmission Fluid Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill
F. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Reservoir
J. Brake Master Cylinder
K. Windshield Washer Fluid
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.The engine oil dipstick has
a yellow handle and is
located near the center of
the engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for more information
on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13
2003 - Savana OM

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmissionfluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both thefluid andfilter 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,
change thefluid andfilter every 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too littlefluid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of thefluid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting afire.
Too littlefluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmissionfluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmissionfluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic–especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
5-19
2003 - Savana OM

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmissionfluid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-18.
Using a funnel, addfluid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmissionfluid while it
is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.)
If thefluid 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 muchfluid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).Don’t overfill.
Notice:We recommend you use onlyfluid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, becausefluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused byfluid other than DEXRON
®-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
•After addingfluid, recheck thefluid level as
described under″How to Check.″
•When the correctfluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; thenflip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle isfilled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occursfirst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F(−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
5-22
2003 - Savana OM

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
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.)
Wiper Blade 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
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-85.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly ination check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is inated to the
correct tire ination pressure, make sure that the spare
tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or
turn the tire. If it moves, use the ratchet/wheel wrench to
tighten the cable. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-66.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-18.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmissionuid level; add if needed.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-19.
Auid loss may indicate a problem. Check the
system and repair if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specied in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubrcate all hood hinges, hood prop rod pivot, fuelller
door, rear compartment hinges, latches, locks, hood
latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor,
release pawl and any moving seat hardware. Part D
tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
6-13
2003 - Savana OM

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-76
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-49
Radio with CD............................................3-45
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-60
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-41
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-41
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-73
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-74
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-24
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-13
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-14
B
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-40
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-15
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-13Brake
Parking......................................................2-26
System Inspection.......................................6-17
System Warning Light..................................3-31
Brake Adjustment............................................5-39
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-39
Brake Wear...................................................5-39
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-20
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Headlamps.................................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-54
Taillamps....................................................5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-61C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada........................................................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
2
2003 - Savana OM

Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-94
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-12
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-15
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-12
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Exit Lighting...................................................3-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Fabric/Carpet.................................................5-82
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finding a PTY Station.............................3-52, 3-63
Finding a Station....................3-42, 3-45, 3-50, 3-61
Finish Care....................................................5-86
Finish Damage...............................................5-88
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-76
Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-65
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-66
Floor Console Fuse Block................................5-92
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36FM ...............................................................3-74
Following Distance..........................................4-43
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage .........................................................3-40
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-16
Fuel Regulator................................................2-22
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-32
Fuel..........................................................3-40
Oil Pressure...............................................3-36
Speedometer..............................................3-25
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-30
6
2003 - Savana OM

Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Glass Surfaces...............................................5-84
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-91
Headlamps....................................................5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-41
Hood
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-9
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn ............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-29How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-31
How to Add Fluid............................................5-22
How to Check........................................5-19, 5-57
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-47
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-35
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter..........5-18
How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL Light......5-16
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
Hydroplaning..................................................4-18
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-34
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-35
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-32
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-26
Ignition Positions.............................................2-21
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-15
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-36
Inflation–Tire Pressure...................................5-57
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror......................2-32
7
2003 - Savana OM

P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-27
Shifting Out of............................................2-29
Parking
Brake........................................................2-26
Over Things That Burn.................................2-30
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-15
Parking on Hills..............................................4-45
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-12
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-16
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants......6-18
PartE-Maintenance Record...........................6-20
Passenger Vans with an Air Bag
Off Switch..................................................1-46
Passenger Vans without an Air Bag
Off Switch..................................................1-45
Passing.................................................4-12, 4-43
Passlock
®......................................................2-20
Payload.........................................................4-31
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-55
Playing a Compact Disc..................3-47, 3-58, 3-66Playing a Specific Loaded
Compact Disc.............................................3-67
Playing the Radio...................3-42, 3-45, 3-49, 3-60
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-9
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-35
Windows....................................................2-17
Power Steering................................................ 4-9
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-32
Primary Radio Controls....................................3-71
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-13
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-25
Radio Messages.............................3-44, 3-47, 3-55
Radios..........................................................3-41
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-42
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-74
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-76
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-76
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-49
11
2003 - Savana OM