tow GMC SAVANA 2017 Workshop Manual

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
222 Vehicle Care
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
. If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out
the dipstick, wipe it with a clean
paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and
the engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for
an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, see
Capacities and
Specifications 0312.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 220 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap. Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0308.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos1™ specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
224 Vehicle Care
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
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 0300, and be sure to use
the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0308.
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
(Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
226 Vehicle Care
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 220 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 0308 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
Fluid” earlier in this section for
instructions on driving to achieve
warm or hot transmission fluid.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Vehicle Care 233
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer. See “Driving on
Grades” underTrailer Towing
0 208.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat warning no
longer displays, the vehicle can be
driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a
safe vehicle distance from the
vehicle in front. If the warning does
not come back on, continue to drive
normally and have the cooling
system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam,
push down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least
three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still on, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood, get service help right away.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
234 Vehicle Care
Engine Fan
The vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when
starting the engine. It will go away
as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0220 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be at the COLD
FILL mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
To prevent contamination of brake
fluid, never check or fill the power
steering reservoir with the brake
master cylinder cover off.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
268 Vehicle Care
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule0300.
Tires are rotated to achieve a
uniform wear for all tires. The
first rotation is the most
important.
Any time unusual wear is
noticed, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check the wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.
See When It Is Time for New
Tires 0269 andWheel
Replacement 0274.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
If the vehicle has a compact
spare tire, do not include it in the
tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated.
See Tire Pressure 0262 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0173.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation 0264. Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See
“Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications 0312.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Vehicle Care 275
Tire Chains
{Warning
Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to
the brakes, suspension, or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged
by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of the vehicle and
you or others may be injured in a
crash. To help avoid damage to
the vehicle, drive slowly, readjust,
or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle. Do not
spin the vehicle's tires. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
Caution
Use tire chains only where legal
and only when necessary. Use
chains that are the proper size for
the tires. Install them on the tires
of the rear axle. Do not use(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
chains on the tires of the front
axle. Tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If the chains contact
the vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues,
slow down until it stops. Driving
too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage the
vehicle.
For Cutaway models with
LT245/75R16, LT225/75R16 or
LT215/85R16 size single or dual
rear tires, use Low Profile Z-Chain
or SAE Class S cables.
For Cargo or Passenger models
with P245/70R17, LT225/75R16 or
LT245/75R16 size tires, use Low
Profile Z-Chain cables. SAE Class S
chains are not recommended. If the vehicle has dual rear tires, do
not use individual tire chains. Use
tire chains that fit across both dual
tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. See
Tires
0 254. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if there ever is a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
Vehicle Care 281
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.
5. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground so there is
enough room for the spare tire
to fit.
6. Remove all the wheel nuts.
7. Take the flat tire off of themounting surface.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
8. Remove any rust or dirt fromthe wheel bolts, mounting
surfaces, and spare wheel.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
282 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
9. Put the wheel nuts back onwith the rounded end of the
nuts toward the wheel. Tighten
each wheel nut by hand until
the wheel is held against
the hub. 10. Turn the jack handle
counterclockwise to lower the
vehicle. Lower the jack
completely.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are not tight can
work loose. If all the nuts on a
wheel come off, the wheel can
come off the vehicle, causing a
crash. All wheel nuts must be
properly tightened. Follow the
rules in this section to be sure
they are.
{Warning
If wheel studs are damaged, they
can break. If all the studs on a
wheel broke, the wheel could
come off and cause a crash.
If any stud is damaged because
of a loose-running wheel, it could
be that all of the studs are
damaged. To be sure, replace all
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
studs on the wheel. If the stud
holes in a wheel have become
larger, the wheel could collapse in
operation. Replace any wheel if
its stud holes have become larger
or distorted in any way. Inspect
hubs and hub‐piloted wheels for
damage. Because of loose
running wheels, piloting pad
damage may occur and require
replacement of the entire hub, for
proper centering of the wheels.
When replacing studs, hubs,
wheel nuts or wheels, be sure to
use GM original equipment parts.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification(Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9967828) -
2017 - crc - 6/29/17
284 Vehicle Care
2. Pull the retaining bar throughthe center of the wheel, making
sure it is properly attached.
3. Pull the wheel toward the rear of the vehicle, keeping the
cable tight.
4. Open the passenger side rear door.
5. Insert the chisel end of the hoist handle, on an angle,
through the hole in the rear
floor panel above the bumper.
6. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to fully raise the tire
against the underside of the
vehicle. Continue turning the
wheel wrench until the tire is
secure and the cable is tight.
Two clicks should occur. The
spare tire hoist cannot be
overtightened.
7. Make sure the tire is storedsecurely. Push, pull (1), and
then try to turn (2) the tire.
If the tire moves, use the wheel
wrench to tighten the cable.
Two clicks mean the tire is up
all the way.
8. Return the jacking equipment to the proper location. Secure
the items and replace the jack
cover.
Full-Size Spare Tire
If this vehicle came with a full-size
spare tire, it was fully inflated
when new, however, it can
lose air over time. Check the
inflation pressure regularly.
See Tire Pressure 0262 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0173. For
instructions on how to remove,
install, or store a spare tire, see Tire
Changing 0277.
After installing the spare tire on the
vehicle, stop as soon as possible
and check that the spare is correctly
inflated. The spare tire is made to
perform well at speeds up to
112 km/h (70 mph) at the
recommended inflation pressure, so
you can finish your trip.
Have the damaged or flat road tire
repaired or replaced back onto the
vehicle, as soon as possible, so the
spare tire will be available in case it
is needed again.
Do not mix tires and wheels of
different sizes, because they will not
fit. Keep the spare tire and its wheel
together.