automatic transmission GMC SAVANA 2010 Owner's Guide

When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 7-11.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer 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 little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission uid.Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km
(15 miles) when outside temperatures are above
10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), drive the
vehicle in D (DRIVE) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are
50°F (10°C) or more. If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid
level be low during this cold check, you must check the
fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
6-21

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission fluid while it
is 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 does not take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-11.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
•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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. The only reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheating the transmission. If a
small leak is suspected, use the following procedures to
check the fluid level. However, if there is a large leak,
then it may be necessary to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer/retailer service department and have it repaired
before driving the vehicle further.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 7-11.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be difficult, it is
recommended to have this check done at the
dealer/retailer service department, which can monitor
the transmission temperature. The transmission
fluid level increases with temperature. To obtain a highly
accurate fluid level check, the transmission temperature
must be measured.
6-23

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
A. WARM Range
B. HOT Range
Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission fluid while it
is warm or 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 middle of the WARM (A)
or HOT (B) range depending on the ambient
temperature and prior driving conditions. Refer to “Howto Check Automatic Transmission Fluid”, earlier in this
section for instructions on driving to achieve warm or hot
transmission fluid. It does not take much fluid, generally
less than 0.5 L (one pint). Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-11.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
•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.
Cooling System
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Van Models”
under “Cooling System” in the DURAMAX®Diesel
Supplement.
The Cooling System allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
6-26

Jump Starting
If the vehicle battery has run down, you may want to
use another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
{WARNING:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
•They contain acid that can burn you.
•They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
•They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or
all of these things can hurt you.
Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be covered
by the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage the vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission
in N (Neutral) before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave the radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they
could be damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by the warranty. Always turn off the radio
and other accessories when jump starting the
vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!
6-41

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has
built up heat from driving. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-63.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5-17.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-17.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-17.
6-60

ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Fuel Tank
Cutaway (Optional Tank)* 215.7 L 57.0 gal
Cutaway (Standard Tank) 124.9 L 33.0 gal
Passenger and Cargo 117.3 L 31.0 gal
* 159 inch (4 039 mm) wheelbase or 177 inch (4 496 mm) wheelbase only
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement)
4-SPD 4L60-E 4.7 L 5.0 qt
6-SPD 6L90 6.0 L 6.3 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 190Y140 ft lb
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
4.3L V6 X Automatic 1.52 mm (0.060 in)
4.8L V8 A Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
5.3L V8 4 Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
6.0L V8 G Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
6-111

•Tire inflation check. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-63.
•Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-69.
•Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-69.
•Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
•Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven
in dusty conditions only). SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
•Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
MaintenanceII
•Perform all services described in MaintenanceI.
•Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
•Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage, and rear driveline center splines.
•Engine cooling system inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps and
replacement, if needed.
•Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and wiper
blade cleaning, if contaminated. SeeWindshield
and Wiper Blades on page 6-101. Worn or damaged
wiper blade replacement. SeeWindshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 6-54.
•Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, folding
seat hardware, and rear compartment hinges,
linkage, and handle pivot points lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
vehicle is exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak.
•Restraint system component check. SeeChecking
the Restraint Systems on page 2-79.
•Automatic transmission fluid level check and adding
fluid, if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 6-20or
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 6-23.
•All-wheel drive vehicles: Transfer case fluid level
check and adding fluid, if needed.
•Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
7-4

•Vehicles with diesel engine or GVWR above
4 536 kg (10,000 lbs) only: Shields inspection
for damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as
required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service.
Applicable to vehicles sold in the United States
and recommended for vehicles sold in Canada.
Additional Required Services
At the First 160 km/100 Miles, 1 600 km/
1,000 Miles, and 10 000 km/6,000 Miles
•
For vehicles with dual wheels: Check dual wheel nut
torque. For proper torque, seeCapacities and
Specications on page 6-110.
At Each Fuel Stop
•
Engine oil level check. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.
•Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-28.
•Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-36.
Once a Month
•
Tire inflation check. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-63.
•Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-69.
Once a Year
•
Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-9.
•Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-9.
•Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. SeeOwner Checks and Services on
page 7-9.
•Ignition transmission lock check. SeeOwner
Checks and Services on page 7-9.
•Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenser
outside cleaning. SeeCooling System on
page 6-26.
•Exhaust system and nearby heat shields inspection
for loose or damaged components.
•Throttle system inspection for interference, binding
or for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have
high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate
accelerator or cruise control cables.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•
Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
7-5

First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•
Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
•Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
on page 6-20orAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) on page 6-23.
•All-wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change
(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven when
frequently towing a trailer, or used for taxi, police, or
delivery service. Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed, clear, and free
of debris. During any maintenance, if a powerwasher is used to clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken to not directly
spray the transfer case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and should be
replaced.
•Evaporative control system inspection. Check all
fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition. Check that the purge
valve, if the vehicle has one, works properly.
Replace as needed.An Emission Control Service.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or
the California Air Resources Board has determined
that the failure to perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emission warranty or limit
recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded.
7-6

First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•
Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 6-20orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on
page 6-23.
•All-wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change
(normal service). Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed, clear, and free
of debris. During any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken to not directly
spray the transfer case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and should be
replaced.
•Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection.An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•
Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-28.An
Emission Control Service.
•Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed.An Emission Control
Service.
7-7