fuel GMC SAVANA 2008 User Guide

If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to your
vehicle:
•Reduce vehicle speed.
•Avoid hard accelerations.
•Avoid 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 “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the ignition off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-10.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap hasbeen left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-6. Poor fuel quality causes
the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You
might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when
you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration — these
conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
This will be detected by the system and cause the light to
turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your dealer/
retailer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic
tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that
might have developed.
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Fuel Gage
The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about
how much fuel you have left in your tank.
The gage will first indicate empty before you are out of
fuel, and you should get more fuel as soon as possible.Listed are four situations you may experience with your
fuel gage:
•At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
•It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may
have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than half the tank’s
capacity to fill the tank.
•The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
•The gage does not go back to empty when you turn
off the ignition.
None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gage.
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX
®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information. United States
Canada
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Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
All messages will appear in the DIC display located at
the bottom of the instrument panel cluster. The DIC
buttons are located on the instrument panel, next to
the instrument panel cluster.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was
last displayed before the engine was turned off.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system
problem is detected.
If your vehicle has these features, the DIC also displays
the compass direction and the outside air temperature
when viewing the trip and fuel information. The compass
direction appears on the top right corner of the DIC
display. The outside air temperature automatically
appears in the bottom right corner of the DIC display.
If there is a problem with the system that controls
the temperature display, the numbers will be replaced
with dashes. If this occurs, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
The DIC also allows some features to be customized.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-58for
more information.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons located on the instrument
panel, next to the instrument panel cluster.
DIC Buttons
The buttons are
the trip/fuel, vehicle
information, customization,
and set/reset buttons.
The button functions are
detailed in the following
pages.
3(Trip/Fuel):Press this button to display the
odometer, trip odometers, fuel range, average economy,
fuel used, timer, average speed, and digital tachometer.
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T(Vehicle Information):Press this button to display
the oil life, units, tire pressure readings for vehicles with
the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), engine hours,
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) programming for
vehicles with the TPMS and without a Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter, compass zone and compass
calibration on vehicles with this feature, and RKE
transmitter programming.
U(Customization):Press this button to customize
the feature settings on your vehicle. SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-58for more information.
V(Set/Reset):Press this button to set or reset certain
functions and to turn off or acknowledge messages
on the DIC.
Trip/Fuel Menu Items
3
(Trip/Fuel):Press this button to scroll through
the following menu items:
Odometer
Press the trip/fuel button until XX mi (Km) displays.
This display shows the distance the vehicle has been
driven in either miles (mi) or kilometers (km).
Trip Odometers
Press the trip/fuel button until A or B displays. This
display shows the current distance traveled in either
miles (mi) or kilometers (km) since the last reset for
each trip odometer. Both trip odometers can be used
at the same time.
Each trip odometer can be reset to zero separately
by pressing the set/reset button while the desired trip
odometer is displayed.
The trip odometer has a feature called the retro-active
reset. This can be used to set the trip odometer to the
number of miles (kilometers) driven since the ignition was
last turned on. This can be used if the trip odometer is not
reset at the beginning of the trip.
To use the retro-active reset feature, press and hold
the set/reset button for at least four seconds. The trip
odometer will display the number of miles (mi) or
kilometers (km) driven since the ignition was last turned
on and the vehicle was moving. Once the vehicle begins
moving, the trip odometer will accumulate mileage.
For example, if the vehicle was driven 5 miles (8 km)
before it is started again, and then the retro-active reset
feature is activated, the display will show 5 miles (8 km).
As the vehicle begins moving, the display will then
increase to 5.1 miles (8.2 km), 5.2 miles (8.4 km), etc.
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If the retro-active reset feature is activated after the
vehicle is started, but before it begins moving, the display
will show the number of miles (mi) or kilometers (km) that
were driven during the last ignition cycle.
Fuel Range
Press the trip/fuel button until FUEL RANGE displays.
This display shows the approximate number of
remaining miles (mi) or kilometers (km) the vehicle
can be driven without refueling. The display will show
LOW if the fuel level is low.
The fuel range estimate is based on an average of the
vehicle’s fuel economy over recent driving history and the
amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. This estimate
will change if driving conditions change. For example, if
driving in traffic and making frequent stops, this display
may read one number, but if the vehicle is driven on a
freeway, the number may change even though the same
amount of fuel is in the fuel tank. This is because different
driving conditions produce different fuel economies.
Generally, freeway driving produces better fuel economy
than city driving.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message will be displayed. See “FUEL LEVEL LOW”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.
Average Economy
Press the trip/fuel button until AVG ECONOMY displays.
This display shows the approximate average miles per
gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km).
This number is calculated based on the number of mpg
(L/100 km) recorded since the last time this menu item
was reset. To reset AVG ECONOMY, press and hold
the set/reset button. The display will return to zero.
Fuel Used
Press the trip/fuel button until FUEL USED displays.
This display shows the number of gallons (gal) or
liters (L) of fuel used since the last reset of this menu
item. To reset the fuel used information, press and hold
the set/reset button while FUEL USED is displayed.
Timer
Press the trip/fuel button until TIMER displays.
This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press the set/reset button while TIMER
is displayed. The display will show the amount of time
that has passed since the timer was last reset, not
including time the ignition is off. Time will continue to
be counted as long as the ignition is on, even if another
display is being shown on the DIC. The timer will record
up to 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds (99:59:59)
after which the display will return to zero.
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To stop the timer, press the set/reset button briefly while
TIMER is displayed.
To reset the timer to zero, press and hold the set/reset
button while TIMER is displayed.
Average Speed
Press the trip/fuel button until AVERAGE SPEED
displays. This display shows the average speed of
the vehicle in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h). This average is calculated based on
the various vehicle speeds recorded since the last
reset of this value. To reset the value, press and hold
the set/reset button. The display will return to zero.
Digital Tachometer
Press the trip/fuel button until Tachometer ##00 RPM
displays. This display shows the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (RPM).
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):Press this button to scroll
through the following menu items:
Oil Life
Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine oil life system will alert
you to change the oil on a schedule consistent with your
driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on the
display. See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-49. You should
change the oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15. In addition to the
engine oil life system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for more information.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself after
each oil change. It will not reset itself. Also, be careful
not to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any time
other than when the oil has just been changed.
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To adjust for compass variance, use the following
procedure:
Compass Variance (Zone) Procedure
1. Do not set the compass zone when the vehicle is
moving. Only set it when the vehicle is in PARK (P).
Press the vehicle information button until PRESS
VTO CHANGE COMPASS ZONE displays.
2. Find the vehicle’s current location and variance
zone number on the map.
Zones 1 through 15 are available.3. Press the set/reset button to scroll through and
select the appropriate variance zone.
4. Press the trip/fuel button until the vehicle heading,
for example, N for North, is displayed in the DIC.
5. If calibration is necessary, calibrate the compass.
See “Compass Calibration Procedure” following.Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate
the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location,
such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle
in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate
away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers,
or other industrial structures, if possible.
If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display, the
compass should be calibrated.
If the DIC display does not show a heading, for example,
N for North, or the heading does not change after
making turns, there may be a strong magnetic field
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic CB or cell phone antenna
mount, a magnetic emergency light, magnetic note
pad holder, or any other magnetic item. Turn off
the vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn on
the vehicle and calibrate the compass.
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ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-26
for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for
operation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled to a safe operating
temperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine
further enters the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-26for further
information.
This message also displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed toyour destination. The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays if the fuel level is low. Refuel as
soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-41and
Fuel on page 5-5for more information.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
On some vehicles, this message displays and a chime
sounds if the driver side rear door is not fully closed
and the vehicle is in a drive gear. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close
the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC.
3-52

STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays
when you turn off StabiliTrak®, or when the stability
control has been automatically disabled. To limit
wheel spin and realize the full benefits of the stability
enhancement system, you should normally leave
StabiliTrak
®on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak®off
if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and
you want to rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you
are driving in extreme off-road conditions and require
more wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-19. To turn the StabiliTrak
®
system on or off, seeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-5.
There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
•One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak®activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
•The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-33.
•The message could display if the stability system
takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic
checks due to driving conditions.
•The message displays if an engine or vehicle
related problem has been detected and the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
•The message also displays if the vehicle is shifted
into 4LO.The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, and will not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along with the check engine
light on the instrument panel cluster if the vehicle’s fuel
cap is not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-36. Reinstall the fuel cap fully. See
Filling the Tank on page 5-10. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should turn this light and
message off.
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EXIT FEATURE SETTINGS
This feature allows you to exit the feature settings menu.
Press the customization button until FEATURE
SETTINGS PRESS
VTO EXIT appears in the DIC
display. Press the set/reset button once to exit the menu.
If you do not exit, pressing the customization button
again will return you to the beginning of the feature
settings menu.
Exiting the Feature Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be exited when any of
the following occurs:
•The vehicle is no longer in ON/RUN.
•The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttons are
pressed.
•The end of the feature settings menu is reached
and exited.
•A 40 second time period has elapsed with no
selection made.
Audio System(s)
If your vehicle came without a radio, the wiring
provisions for a radio and an antenna were installed at
the assembly plant, so that if you want, a radio can
be installed at the dealer/retailer.
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2. Here are
some ways in which you can help avoid distraction while
driving.
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