check engine GMC SAVANA 2012 Owner's Manual

Black plate (1,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
2012 GMC Savana Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-42
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Driving and Operating
. . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-25
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-35
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-58
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-92

Black plate (3,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See“Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
If equipped, the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 60 m (195 ft) away from
the vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.
RKE Transmitter with Remote
Start Shown
Q(Lock):Press once to lock all
doors. If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the
parking lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred.
The horn may chirp when
Qis
pressed again within five seconds.
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑42 for additional information.
K(Unlock): Press to unlock the
driver door. If
Kis pressed again
within five seconds, all remaining
doors unlock.
The interior lamps come on and
stay on for 20 seconds or until the
ignition is turned on. If enabled
through the DIC, the parking lamps
flash twice to indicate unlocking
has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑42 for
additional information.
j(Cargo Door): Press to unlock
only the cargo doors.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): For
vehicles with this feature, press
Q
and then press and hold/within
five seconds to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle
Start on page 2‑5 for additional
information.

Black plate (5,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-5
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with aflat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along the
parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
.Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote
start feature. This feature allows you
to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the
vehicle's heating or air conditioning
systems. See Climate Control
Systems on page 8‑1 for additional
information.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles. Do not use the remote start feature
if the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
If the vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However, the
range may be less while the vehicle
is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter, see
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2 for
additional information.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): This
button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release
Qon the
transmitter.

Black plate (13,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑16 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle is equipped with the
PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive
theft deterrent system. The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
The security light will come on if
there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses that someone is using the
wrong key, it shuts down the
vehicle's starter and fuel systems.
The starter will not work and fuel will
stop being delivered to the engine.
Anyone using a trial-and-error
method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the
security message comes on, the
key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the
instrument panel PASS KEY fuse.
If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the
first key may be faulty. See your
dealer or a locksmith who can
service the PASS-Key III+ to have a
new key made. See
Fuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 10‑43.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
for the vehicle. This procedure is for
learning additional keys only. If all
the currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must see
your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to have keys
made and programmed to the
system.

Black plate (14,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank that is cut exactly as
the ignition key that operates the
system.
To program the new key:
1. Verify the new key has
1
stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key into the ignition
lock cylinder and start the
engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK/OFF and
remove the key. 4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to ON/RUN within
10 seconds of removing the
previous key.
The security message will turn
off once the key has been
programmed. It may not be
apparent that the security
message went on due to how
quickly the key is programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to be
programmed.
If you lose or damage a
PASS-Key III+ key, see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{WARNING
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 the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

Black plate (10,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
5-10 Instruments and Controls
Ashtrays
The vehicle may have a removable
ashtray. The ashtray can be placed
into the front floor console
cupholder. Open cover to use.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other
flammable items are put in the
ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage the
vehicle. Never put flammable
items in the ashtray.
Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could
prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Some warning lights come
on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working. Gauges can indicate when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Often gauges and warning
lights work together to indicate a
problem with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while
driving, or when one of the gauges
shows there may be a problem,
check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
and even dangerous.

Black plate (14,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
5-14 Instruments and Controls
English
The oil pressure gauge shows the
engine oil pressure in psi (pounds
per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals)
when the engine is running.
Oil pressure may vary with engine
speed, outside temperature and oil
viscosity, but readings above the
low pressure zone indicate the
normal operating range. A reading in the low pressure zone
may be caused by a dangerously
low oil level or other problem
causing low oil pressure.
Notice:
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine
oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Check the oil level as soon as
possible. Add oil if required, but
if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil
pressure is still low, have the
vehicle serviced. Always follow
the maintenance schedule for
changing engine oil.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric

Black plate (16,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
5-16 Instruments and Controls
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt
reminder light on the instrument
panel cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue
several times if the driver remains
or becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
For vehicles equipped with the
passenger safety belt reminder light,
several seconds after the engine is
started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind the front
passenger to buckle their safety
belt. The passenger safety belt light
flashes and then stays on solid until
the belt is buckled. This cycle
continues several times if the
passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.The passenger safety belt reminder
light and chime may turn on if an
object is put on the seat such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device. To
turn off the reminder light and/or
chime, remove the object from the
seat or buckle the safety belt.Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag's
electrical system for possible
malfunctions. If the light stays on it
indicates there is an electrical
problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor(s), the
pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
see
Airbag System on page 3‑19.

Black plate (20,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
5-20 Instruments and Controls
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when the
ignition key is turned to START, but
the engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
The light should go out once the
engine starts. If it stays on,
or comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the
charging system. A charging system
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) can also appear. See
Battery Voltage and Charging
Messages on page 5‑34for more
information. This light could indicate
that there are problems with a
generator drive belt, or that there is
an electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short
distance with the light on, turn off
accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
of the vehicle to ensure emissions
are at acceptable levels, to produce
a cleaner environment. This light
comes on when the vehicle is
placed in ON/RUN, as a check to
show it is working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. See
Ignition Positions on
page 9‑16.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on and stays on while the
engine is running, this indicates that
there is an OBD II problem and
service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice: If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle fuel
economy might not be as good,
and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Black plate (21,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd - 11/11/11
Instruments and Controls 5-21
Notice:Modifications made to the
engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modifications to
these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10‑3.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required. To prevent more serious damage to
the vehicle:
.Reduce vehicle speed.
.Avoid hard accelerations.
.Avoid steep uphill grades.
.If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, stop
and park the vehicle. Turn the
vehicle off, wait at least 10 seconds,
and restart the engine. If the light is
still flashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady: An emission
control system malfunction has
been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be
required. The following may correct an
emission system malfunction:
.Check that the fuel cap is fully
installed. See
Filling the Tank on
page 9‑43. 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 the
light off.
.Check that good quality fuel is
used. Poor fuel quality causes
the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misfiring,
hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.