GMC SAVANA 2006 Owner's Manual

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the handle, located just above
the parking brake pedal, marked BRAKE RELEASE to
release the parking brake.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light will go off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-37. That section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
Shifting Into Park (P)
{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 rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-37.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake with your left foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling the
shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it
will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-23

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 rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you
move the shift lever into 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 was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
vehicle 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 torque lock.
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, seeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-23.
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).
2-24

Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-21.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then,
move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cannot
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to LOCK.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive
gear you want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
2-25

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine and fuel operated heater exhaust can
kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO),
which you cannot see or smell. It can cause
unconsciousness and death. If your vehicle
has a diesel engine and a fuel operated heater,
see “Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)” in the diesel
engine supplement.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Your exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
2-26

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-26.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-25.
{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 rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are 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 will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-23.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-37.
2-27

Mirrors
Manual 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.
If you have a cargo van without the rear door glass,
your vehicle may not have an inside rearview mirror.
Outside Manual Mirror
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.
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors
If your vehicle is equipped
with this style 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.
2-28

2. Turn the mirror head
so that it swings further
outboard and adjust
the mirror surface
as needed.
If your vehicle is equipped
with this style camper-type
mirrors, they can be
adjusted so you can have
a clear view of the
objects behind you.Adjust the mirror by rotating it left or right. Once the mirror
is adjusted to the correct position, tighten the set screw,
located at the end of the arm, to hold the mirror in place.
These mirrors can also be manually folded in.
On the lower portion of each mirror is a convex mirror.
A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see
more from the driver’s seat.
Outside Power Mirrors
If the vehicle has power
mirrors, the control is
located on the driver’s
side door.
Select each mirror by turning the knob clockwise for the
passenger’s side mirror or counterclockwise for the
driver’s side mirror. The center position is neutral.
Then, adjust the mirror angle by moving the knob in the
desired direction.
2-29

Outside Convex Mirror
Your passenger’s side mirror may be convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from
the driver’s seat.
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
Outside Heated Mirrors
If your vehicle is equipped
with outside heated
mirrors, they can be
defrosted by pressing the
mirror button located
near the fan control.
An indicator light in the button will light when the outside
heated mirrors are activated.
Your rear window defogger comes on when the outside
heated mirrors are on. If your vehicle has a rear
window defogger, see “Rear Window Defogger” in
Climate Control System on page 3-17.
Storage Areas
If equipped, your front storage compartment is at the
center of the instrument panel extension, by the floor.
To open the compartment, pull up on the latch.
The compartment will open automatically.
Storage compartments may also be included on the
inside of each front door.
2-30

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-14
Dome Lamps...............................................3-15
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-15
Exit Lighting.................................................3-15
Reading Lamps............................................3-15
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-16
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-17Climate Controls............................................3-17
Climate Control System.................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-20
Rear Heating System....................................3-21
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Airbag Off Light............................................3-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-29
Charging System Light..................................3-32
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-32
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-33
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-34
StabiliTrak
®Not Ready Light..........................3-34
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light..............................3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Change Engine Oil Light................................3-39
Security Light...............................................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-40
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-41
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-41
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light.....3-41
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-42
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Audio System(s).............................................3-43
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-44
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-44AM-FM Radio...............................................3-45
Radio with CD..............................................3-47
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-52
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-63
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non-RDS Radios).......3-74
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios).............3-74
Radio Reception...........................................3-75
Care of the Cassette Tape Player...................3-75
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-76
Care of the CD Player...................................3-77
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-77
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-77
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2