ECU GMC SAVANA 2018 Owner's Guide

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
176 Driving and Operating
The cord for the engine coolant
heater is on the driver side of
the engine compartment and is
attached to the hose for the
power steering reservoir.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts
and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
226 Vehicle Care
5. Install the top cover by sliding itinto position on the housing
base, and secure using eight
screws.
6.0L V8 Engine
1. Retaining Clips
2. Housing Base
3. Housing Cover
To inspect and replace the filter:
1. Unlock the two retaining clips (1) on the sides of the
housing cover (3) and on the
housing base (2) and pull the
cover off. 2. Remove the air cleaner/filter
from the housing base. Take
care to dislodge as little dirt as
possible.
3. Clean the air cleaner/filter sealing surface and
housing base.
4. Install the engine air cleaner/ filter by aligning the arrow on
one side of the air cleaner/filter
end cap with the arrow on top
of the housing base.
5. Install the housing cover by aligning the arrow on top of the
cover to the arrow on top of the
housing base, and fasten the
two retaining clips.
See Maintenance Schedule 0301 to
determine when to replace the
engine air cleaner/filter.{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Vehicle Care 231
mixture through the filler neck
until the level reaches the base
of the filler neck.
8. Replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure
if coolant begins to flow out of
the filler neck, reinstall the
pressure cap.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the vehicle's
instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0100.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
but instead get service help right
away, see Roadside Assistance
Program 0320.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine and have
the vehicle serviced.
See if the engine cooling fan speed
increases when idle speed is
doubled by pushing the accelerator
pedal down. If it does not, the
vehicle needs service. Turn off the
engine.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Vehicle Care 241
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not allow
the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever (2) todisengage the hook and push
the wiper arm (1) out of the
blade assembly (3). 3. Push the new blade assembly
securely on the wiper arm until
the release lever clicks into
place.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be
replaced and the vehicle is
equipped with a front camera sensor
for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in
lifting and holding open the hood/
trunk/liftgate system in full open
position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open
the hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail,
you or others could be seriously
injured. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service immediately.
Visually inspect the gas struts for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to
make sure the hood/trunk/liftgate
is held open with enough force.
If struts are failing to hold the
hood/trunk/liftgate, do not
operate. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do
not push down or pull on gas
struts. This may cause damage to
the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0301.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Vehicle Care 245
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)
The Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) is above the rear doors at
the center of the vehicle.
To replace a bulb:
1. Remove the two screws fromthe CHMSL assembly.
2. Remove the CHMSL assembly.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise one-quarter
turn to remove it from the lamp
assembly. 4. Pull the old bulb straight out of
the socket and push the new
bulb into the socket.
5. Turn the bulb socket clockwise one-quarter turn to install it in
the lamp assembly.
6. Reinstall the CHMSL assembly and two screws.
Do not block or damage the CHMSL
when items are loaded on the roof
of the vehicle.
License Plate Lamp
1. Bulb Socket 2. License Plate Bulb
Assembly
3. Screws
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Remove the screws (3) that secure the license plate bulb
assembly (2).
2. Turn the bulb socket (1) counterclockwise and pull the
bulb straight out of the socket.
3. Install the new bulb.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reinstall the license plate bulb
assembly.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
274 Vehicle Care
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
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(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage the
vehicle.
For Cutaway models with LT245/
75R16 or LT225/75R16 size single
or dual rear tires, use Low Profile
Z-Chain or SAE Class S cables.
For Cargo or Passenger models
with 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
0 253. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
276 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
5. Place wheel blocks,if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist in the placement of
the wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools
Equipment needed for a cargo van
or a passenger van is in the
passenger side rear corner of the
vehicle.
Remove the retaining wing bolt and
lift it off of the mounting bracket. Equipment needed for a
15-passenger seating arrangement
is secured on the rear floor on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
Remove the retaining wing bolt and
lift it out of the mounting bracket to
access the equipment.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Vehicle Care 283
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 stored
securely. 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 Pressure0261
and Vehicle Load Limits 0167. For
instructions on how to remove,
install, or store a spare tire, see Tire
Changing 0276.
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.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Vehicle Care 287
Caution (Continued)
out of the way before clamping
the negative jumper cable to the
fixed antenna bracket. Avoid
touching the negative cable clamp
to the air conditioning line. Failure
to do either of these could
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
9. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the
engine for a while.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will
occur. Use ramps to help reduce
approach angles if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its
drive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must
be towed.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11374214) -
2018 - CRC - 2/2/18
Vehicle Care 289
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
The vehicle should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the
Ground)
To tow the vehicle from the rear: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0185.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park). 5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels
are locked into the straight
position.
7. Turn the ignition to off.
If the tow vehicle will not be
started or driven for six weeks
or more, remove the battery
cable from the negative
terminal (post) of the battery to
prevent the battery from
draining while towing.