engine coolant GMC SAVANA 2020 User Guide

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
230 Vehicle Care
4.3L V6 Engine
1. Radiator Pressure Cap
2. Coolant Recovery Tank
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
6.0L V8 Engine
1. Radiator Pressure Cap
2. Coolant Recovery Tank
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving 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 0234.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Vehicle Care 231
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an 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. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion. .
Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the indicated mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure
the cooling system is cool before
this is done.
The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
232 Vehicle Care
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at or above the
COLD FILL mark. If it is not, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to a dealer for
service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank for Gasoline
Engines
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
{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.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant recovery tank.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Vehicle Care 233
How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
{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.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
mixture directly to the radiator, but
be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
1. Remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system,
including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is
no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise until it first
stops. Do not press down while
turning the pressure cap.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that
to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn
it. Remove the pressure cap.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper mixture, up to the base of the
filler neck. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0312 for
more information about the
proper coolant mixture.
4. Remove the coolant recovery tank cap and fill to the COLD
FILL mark.
5. Reinstall the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure
cap off.
6. Start the engine and let it run until the upper radiator hose
can be felt getting hot. Watch
out for the engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
234 Vehicle Care
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 089.
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 0324.
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-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Vehicle Care 235
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.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning 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.
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

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Vehicle Care 237
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0317.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
304 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil0221.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures, including the spare.
See Tire Pressure 0262.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0267.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 236.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km (600 mi). If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0223.
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used in a way
that requires extended idle time,
one hour of use shall be deemed
the same as 53 km (33 mi). See
Driver Information Center (DIC) 099
for hourmeter.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0267.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0221 and
Engine Oil Life System 0223.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0229.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0236.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0262.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0267.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 228.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
312 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
maintenance schedule section in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (6-Speed Transmission) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (8-Speed Transmission) DEXRON-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Chassis Lubrication, Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. SeeCooling System 0229.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 221.
Front Wheel Bearings Wheel bearing lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1051344, in Canada 993037).
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19353127).

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13882574) -
2020 - CRC - 11/1/19
Index 345
Child Restraints (cont'd)Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 72
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 143
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Rear Heating System . . . . . . . . . 145
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 327
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 341 Control
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . 89
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143, 146
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Customer Information Publications OrderingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 327
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2 Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 333
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 332
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Devices
Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Diagnostics
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 342
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Door Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . 14
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Sliding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 319
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 181
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Driving Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 150