GMC SAVANA 2014 Owner's Manual

Black plate (9,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-9
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11.
Specification
Use and ask for licensed engine oils
with the dexos1
®approved
certification mark. Engine oils
meeting the requirements for the
vehicle should have the dexos1
approved certification mark. This
certification mark indicates that the
oil has been approved to the dexos1
specification.
{Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil can result in engine
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Check with your
dealer or service provider on
whether the oil is approved to the
dexos1 specification.
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not use
other viscosity grade oils such as
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29°C
(−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be
used. An oil of this viscosity grade
will provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures. When selecting an oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade,
always select an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification”
earlier in this section for more
information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the dexos
specification and displaying the
dexos certification mark are all that
is needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags

Black plate (10,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
10-10 Vehicle Care
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on. See
Engine Oil Messages on page 5-32.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN
with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.

Black plate (11,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-11
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inMaintenance
Schedule on page 11-3 and be sure
to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, it may be decided to
have this done at the dealer.
If not taken to the dealer, be sure to
follow all the instructions here or a
false reading on the dipstick could
result.
{Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
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 mi) when
outside temperatures are above
10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), drive the vehicle in 3 (Third)
until the engine temperature gauge
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 10°C (50°F) or
more. If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), the engine may have to idle
longer. Should the fluid level be low
during this cold check, the fluid must
be checked hot before adding fluid.
Checking the fluid hot will give a
more accurate reading of the fluid
level.

Black plate (12,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
10-12 Vehicle Care
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a levelplace. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the
engine, use the steps that follow.
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10-6.
1. Flip the handle up, pull out the
dipstick, and wipe it with a clean
rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds, then pull it back
out again.3. Check both sides of the dipstick,and read the lower level. The
fluid level must be in the COLD
area for a cold check or in the
HOT or cross-hatched area for a
hot check. Be sure to keep the
dipstick pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11 to
determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use.

Black plate (13,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-13
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 0.5 L (1 pt). Do
not overfill.
{Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11.
.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 overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, use the following
procedures to check the fluid level.
However, if there is a large leak, it
may be necessary to have the
vehicle towed to a dealer and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3, and be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at your dealer,
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.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur.
{Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
(Continued)

Black plate (14,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
10-14 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the
engine off, before checking the
transmission fluid level if the vehicle
has been driven:
.In hot weather, when outside
temperatures are above 32°C
(90°F).
.The vehicle is heavily loaded.
.At high speed for quite a while in
hot weather.
.In heavy traffic and hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer.
After driving under these conditions,
a hot check can be performed. The
fluid should be hot, which is 71°C to
93°C (160°F to 200°F). A cold fluid level check can be
performed 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 the
outside temperature is between
15°C to 32°C (60°F to 90°F). Should
the fluid level be low during this cold
check, the fluid must be checked
warm or hot before adding fluid.
If the outside temperature is colder
than 15°C (60°F) or hotter than
32°C (90°F), a cold check cannot be
performed.
A warm fluid level check can be
performed by driving the vehicle
under lightly loaded conditions and
outside temperatures between 10°C
to 27°C (50°F to 80°F). The vehicle
should be driven for at least 24 km
(15 mi) before performing a warm
check. Checking the fluid warm or
hot will give a more accurate
reading of the fluid level than a cold
check.
Because the vehicle is equipped
with a high-efficiency air-to-oil
cooler, the transmission fluid
temperature may not reach the
required hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly
loaded driving vehicle conditions.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle:
1. Park the vehicle on a level
place. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With a foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through
each gear range, pausing for
about three seconds in each
range. When M is reached,
move the selector from M1
through M3. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for two minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the
engine, use the steps that follow.

Black plate (15,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-15
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10-6 for more information
on location.
1. COLD Range
2. WARM Range
3. HOT Range
1. Flip the handle up, pull out the dipstick, and wipe it with a clean
rag or paper towel. 2. Push it back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and pull it back
out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The
fluid level must be in the
COLD (1) range for a cold
check, transmission temperature
27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F);
between the COLD (1) and
HOT (3) range for a WARM (2)
check, 50°C to 60°C (122°F to
140°F); or in the HOT (3)
cross-hatched range for a hot
check, 71°C to 93°C (160°F to
200°F). Be sure to keep the
dipstick pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11 to
determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use.
1. WARM Range
2. 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 (1) or
HOT (2) range depending on the
ambient temperature and prior
driving conditions. Refer to “How to
Check Automatic Transmission

Black plate (16,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
10-16 Vehicle Care
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 (1 pt). Do
not overfill.
{Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11.
.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.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is near
the center of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-6.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter at the scheduled maintenance
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3. If driving in
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake it to release loose
dust and dirt. If the filter remains
covered with dirt, a new filter is
required. Never use compressed air
to clean the filter.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Unhook the retainer clips and
remove the cover.
2. Lift the filter out of the engine air cleaner/filter housing. Care
should be taken to dislodge as
little dirt as possible.

Black plate (17,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-17
3. Clean the engine air cleaner/filter housing.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter. Make sure that the
filter fits properly into the
housing.
5. Reinstall the cover and fasten the retaining clips.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
{Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when you are driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
4.3L V6 Engine Shown (4.8L
V8 Engine, 5.3L V8 Engine, and 6.0L V8 Engine Similar)
1. Radiator Pressure Cap
2. Coolant Recovery Tank
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan can
start even when the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
(Continued)

Black plate (18,1)GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014682) -
2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 8/26/13
10-18 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any engine
cooling fan.
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
{Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating on
page 10-22.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.