wheel GMC SAVANA 2010 Owner's Guide

Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on hills depends
upon the vehicle speed, load, and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you might have to
step on the accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle’s
speed. When going downhill, you might have to brake or
shift to a lower gear to keep the vehicle’s speed
down. When the brakes are applied the cruise control
turns off.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal.
•Press the[button on the steering wheel.
•Press theIbutton on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
It controls the following systems:
•Headlamps
•Taillamps
•Parking Lamps
•License Plate Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
4-9

Rear Heating System
For vehicles with a rear heating system, it lets you
adjust the amount of air flowing into the rear of
the vehicle, from the front-seating area. This feature
works with the main climate-control system in the
vehicle.AUX:The thumbwheel for this system is located in the
switchbank below the audio system.9(Fan):Turn the thumbwheel up or down to increase
or decrease the amount of heated air sent to the
rear-seating area.
Q(High):This position supplies the most amount of
heat to the rear-seating area.
c(Medium):This position supplies half the amount
of heat to the rear-seating area.
R(Low):This position supplies the least amount of
heat to the rear-seating area.
9(Off):Turns the rear heating system off.
4-18

Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System
For vehicles with a rear heating and air-conditioning
system, it maintains the temperature, fan speed and air
delivery for the rear-seat passengers only. It also
works with the main climate-control system in the
vehicle.
Use this control panel to maintain a separate
temperature setting. Adjust the direction of the airflow or
adjust the fan speed for the rear seat passenger(s).A. Fan Control
B. Air Delivery Mode Control
C. Temperature Control
If the vehicle has a 343 cm (135 inch) wheelbase, a
rear control panel for this system is located in the
second row behind the driver in the rear of the vehicle.
The temperature, air delivery mode, and the fan
speed can be adjusted for the rear seating area by a
rear seat passenger.
AUX (Auxiliary):Turn the fan knob on the front climate
control panel to AUX to let rear seat passengers use
the control panel in the rear seating area. This disables
the front control panel. To return control to the front
panel, move the fan knob out of AUX.
9:Turns the system off. Front Climate Control Panel
Rear Climate Control Panel
4-19

information. If the warning comes on and stays on,
there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when there is a problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message displays, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See your dealer/retailer for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 5-5for more information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may
display and the StabiliTrak indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on after first driving the
vehicle and exceeding 32 km/h (20 mph) for 30 seconds.The StabiliTrak system is not functional until the light
has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-5for
more information.
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 5-16. To turn
the StabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 5-5.
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 4-28.
4-50

Setting Preset Stations
If the radio does not have a FAV button, up to
18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM), can be
programmed on the six numbered pushbuttons,
by performing the following steps:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
3. Tune in the desired station.
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered
pushbuttons for three seconds until a beep sounds.
When that pushbutton is pressed and released,
the station that was set, returns.
5. Repeat the Steps 2 through 4 for each pushbutton.
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station
favorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to favorite
stations using the presets, favorites button, and steering
wheel controls, if the vehicle has this feature. See
Defensive Driving on page 5-2.FAV (Favorites):If the vehicle has a FAV button, a
maximum of 36 stations can be programmed as favorites
using the six pushbuttons positioned below the radio
station frequency labels and by using the radio favorites
page button (FAV button). Press the FAV button to
go through up to six pages of favorites, each having
six favorite stations available per page. Each page
of favorites can contain any combination of AM and FM
stations.
The balance/fade and tone settings that were previously
adjusted, are stored with the favorite stations.
To store a station as a favorite:
1. Tune to the desired radio station.
2. Press the FAV button to display the page where the
station is to be stored.
3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons until a
beep sounds. When that pushbutton is pressed
and released, the station that was set, returns.
4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radio station
you want stored as a favorite.
4-65

When the radio and vehicle are turned off, the blinking
red light indicates that THEFTLOCK®is armed.
With THEFTLOCK
®activated, the radio does not
operate if stolen.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Vehicles with audio
steering wheel controls
could differ depending on
your vehicle’s options.
Some audio controls can
be adjusted at the steering
wheel. They include the
following:
wx(Previous/Next):Press the arrows to go to the
previous or to the next radio station and stay there.
Press the arrows to go to the previous or to the
next radio station stored as a Favorite. The radio only
seeks stations with a strong signal that are in the
selected band.To scan stations, press and hold the down arrow for
two seconds until SCAN displays and a beep sounds.
The radio goes to a station, plays for a few seconds,
then goes to the next station. Press the down arrow
again to stop scanning.
When a CD is playing, press either arrow to go to the
next or previous track.
g(Mute):Press this button to silence the system.
Press this button again, to turn the sound on.
SRCE (Source):Press this button to switch between
the radio, CD, and auxiliary input jack.
+
e−e(Volume):Press the plus or minus volume
button to increase or to decrease the volume.
¨(Seek):Press the seek arrow to go to the next radio
station while in AM or FM. Press the seek arrow to go
to the next track while sourced to the CD.
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur during
normal radio reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external
electronic devices are plugged into the accessory
power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the
item from the accessory power outlet.
4-77

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-5
Locking Rear Axle..........................................5-7
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................5-7
Steering........................................................5-7
Off-Road Recovery.........................................5-8
Passing........................................................5-9
Loss of Control..............................................5-9Driving at Night............................................5-10
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-11
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-12
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-12
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-13
Winter Driving..............................................5-14
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow...................................................5-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-16
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-17
Towing..........................................................5-22
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-22
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-22
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-26
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

The brakes might not have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with
a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and
allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot
of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder
to push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used when the brake
is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can
take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-3.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on. This is normal.If there is a problem with
the ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 4-29.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
5-4

For your safety, the system can only be disabled when
the vehicle speed is less than 20 mph (32 km/h).
Three chimes will be heard and the StabiliTrak light
comes on.
To turn on the StabiliTrak system, press the StabiliTrak
button again. StabiliTrak will automatically turn back
on when the vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h).
One chime is heard and the StabiliTrak light will turn off.
When the StabiliTrak system has been turned off,
system noises may still be heard as a result of the
brake-traction control coming on.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to
free it. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 5-16.
StabiliTrak System Operation
The StabiliTrak system is normally on, except when the
system is initializing or has been disabled with the
StabiliTrak button. The StabiliTrak system will
automatically activate to assist the driver in maintaining
vehicle directional control in most driving conditions.
When activated, the StabiliTrak system may reduce
engine power to the wheels and apply braking to
individual wheels as necessary to assist the driver with
vehicle directional control. If cruise control is beingused when StabiliTrak activates, the cruise control
automatically disengages. The cruise control can be
re-engaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruise
Control on page 4-6.
The StabiliTrak system may also turn off automatically if
it determines that a problem exists with the system. If
the problem does not clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels and by applying brakes
to each individual wheel as necessary.
If the brake-traction control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high speed
braking, the brake-traction control will be automatically
disabled. The system will come back on after the
brakes have cooled. This can take up to two minutes or
longer depending on brake usage.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this a reduction in
acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration may
be heard. This is normal.
5-6

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 6-3for more information.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more traction
on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature will allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If the vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent to
all four wheels when extra traction is needed. This is like
four-wheel drive, but there is no separate lever or
switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fully
automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time
because there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 5-3.
5-7