air conditioning GMC SAVANA 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
2 Introduction
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
3. Insert the new battery, positive sidefacing 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 0119.
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.
The RKE transmitter range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has 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.
3. Immediately press and hold
/until the
turn signal lamps flash. If you cannot see
the lamps, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on while
the engine is running. The doors will be
locked.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat the
steps if a 10-minute extension is desired.
Remote start can be extended only once.
After entering the vehicle during a remote
start, turn the ignition on to drive the
vehicle.
A maximum of two remote starts or a start
with an extension are allowed between
ignition cycles. If the remote start procedure is used again
before the first 10-minute time frame has
ended, the first 10 minutes will immediately
expire and the second 10-minute time frame
will start.
After the engine has been remote started
two times, or a remote start with an
extension, the ignition must be turned on
and then off before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
To cancel a remote start do any of the
following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle
and press
/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
The remote vehicle start feature will not
operate if:
.The key is in the ignition.
.The hood is open.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.There is an emission control system
malfunction. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 076.
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Climate Controls 119
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Rear Heating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Rear Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Maintenance
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the
vehicle can be controlled with this system.
Vehicles without Air Conditioning
1. Fan Control
2. Temperature Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
9: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
fan speed.
9: Turns the system off. Temperature Control :
Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control : Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to change the
current airflow mode.H: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
120 Climate Controls
):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets, with some air
directed toward the windshield.
6: Air is directed to the floor outlets with
some air directed to the windshield and side
windows.
-: This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Outside air is directed to the floor
and defroster outlets. Adjust the
temperature knob for warmer or cooler air.
The air conditioning compressor might turn
on in this setting to dehumidify the air.
1: This mode clears the windshield of fog
or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield, with some to the floor outlets
and front side windows. The air conditioning
compressor might turn on in this setting to
dehumidify the air.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Vehicles with Air Conditioning
1. Fan Control
2. Temperature Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped)
On hot days, open the windows to let hot
inside air escape; then close them. This
helps to reduce the time needed for the
vehicle to cool down and the system
operates more efficiently.
#: Cools and dehumidifies the air inside
of the vehicle.
V: Cools the air inside the vehicle faster,
by recirculating the inside air.
Rear Window Defogger
If equipped with a rear window defogger, a
warming grid is used to remove fog or frost
from the rear window.
1: Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light on the
button comes on to show that the rear
window defogger is on.
The defogger only works when the ignition
is on. The defogger turns off if the ignition
is turned off or to ACC/ACCESSORY.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
122 Climate Controls
Rear Climate Control System
If equipped with a rear heating and air conditioning system, it controls the temperature, fan
speed, and air delivery for the rear seat passengers only. The front climate control panel is in
the overhead console between the driver and front passenger.
Front Climate Control Panel
1. Fan Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Control
3. Temperature Control
Use this control panel to maintain a
separate temperature setting. Adjust the
direction of the airflow or adjust the fan
speed for the rear seat passenger(s). When the fan knob is in the AUX position,
the rear climate control panel can be used
to adjust the climate settings in the rear
seating area.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Climate Controls 123
Rear Climate Control Panel
1. Fan Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Control
3. Temperature Control
For vehicles with a rear climate control
panel, it is located overhead behind the
driver and front passenger, centered in front
of the second row. To adjust the rear
climate control panel settings by a rear seat
passenger, the front climate control panel
fan knob must be in the AUX position. The
fan speed, air delivery mode, and
temperature can then be adjusted. AUX :
Turn the fan knob on the front
climate control panel to AUX to let rear seat
passengers use the control panel in the rear
seating area. This disables the front control
panel. To return control to the front panel,
move the fan knob out of AUX.
9: Turns the system off.
9:Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed in the
rear seating area.
Temperature Control : Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature in the rear seating area. The air conditioning system on the main
climate control panel must be turned on to
direct cooled air to the rear of the vehicle.
If it is not on, then the temperature in the
rear of the vehicle remains at cabin
temperature.
Air Delivery Mode Control :
Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the direction
of the airflow in the rear seating area.
To change the current mode, select one of
the following:
H: Air is directed to the upper outlets,
with some directed to the floor outlets.
2: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
Be sure to keep the area under the front
seats clear of any objects so that the air
inside of the vehicle can circulate effectively.
For information on how to use the main
climate control system, see Climate Control
Systems 0119. For information on
ventilation, see Air Vents0123.
Air Vents
Use the outlets located near the center and
on the sides of the instrument panel to
change the direction of airflow.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
124 Climate Controls
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from
the air inlets at the base of the
windshield that may block the flow of air
into the vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
may adversely affect the performance of
the system.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear
of objects to help circulate the air inside
of the vehicle more effectively.
Maintenance
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0 249.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 195
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.
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.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
214 Vehicle Care
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0216.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0131.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0131. GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0131.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side
of an asymmetrical tire that must
always face outward when mounted on
a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air
pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number
ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds
to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The
maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire can be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating
for a tire at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
238 Vehicle Care
touch metal. Connect it to the
positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
7. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything
until the next step. The other end of the
negative (−) cable does not go to the
dead battery. It goes to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a
remote negative (−) terminal on the
vehicle with the dead battery. On your
van, use the unpainted radio antenna
bracket as a remote negative (−)
terminal.
8. Connect the other end of thenegative (−) cable to the negative (−)
terminal location on the vehicle with the
dead battery. On your van, use the
unpainted radio antenna bracket as a
remote negative (−) terminal.
Caution
The vehicle uses the unpainted radio
antenna bracket as a remote negative (-)
terminal. Move the antenna coaxial cable
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.