brake 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
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0123.
2. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons (Out of View). See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 081.
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 092.
Windshield Wiper/Washer 067.
4. Horn 067.
5. Hazard Warning Flashers 092.
6. Instrument Cluster 071.
7. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 142.
Manual Mode 0144 (If Equipped).
8. Climate Control Systems 0119.
9. Infotainment. See Overview (AM-FM
Radio) 097 or
Overview (Radio with CD/MP3) 099. 10.
Power Outlets 069.
11. USB Port (If Equipped). See Auxiliary
Devices 0108.
12. Power Outlet 110/120 Volt Alternating Current. See Power Outlets 069.
13. Rear Heating System 0121 (If Equipped).
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0157 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 154 (If Equipped).
14. Passenger Airbag On-Off Switch (If Equipped). See Airbag On-Off Switch
0 42.
15. Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0147.
16. Tow/Haul Mode Button (If Equipped). See Tow/Haul Mode 0145.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 066 (If
Equipped).
18. Steering Wheel Adjustment 065 (Out of
View), (If Equipped). 19. Parking Brake Release. See
Parking Brake
0 146.
20. Cruise Control 0149 (If Equipped).
Fast Idle System 0138 (If Equipped).
21. Parking Brake 0146.
22. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 076.
23. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
093.
Dome Lamp Override. See Dome Lamps
0 93.
24. Exterior Lamp Controls 090.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
42 Seats and Restraints
doors can be locked, the interior lamps can
be turned off, and the hazard warning
flashers can be turned off using the controls
for those features. If any of these systems
are damaged in the crash they may not
operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See
Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0271 and
Event Data Recorders 0272.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.
Airbag On-Off Switch
If the instrument panel has one of the
switches pictured in the following
illustrations, the vehicle has an airbag on-off
switch that you can use to manually turn
on or off the front outboard passenger
airbag. No other airbag is affected by the
airbag on-off switch.
United States
Canada

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Instruments and Controls 65
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 73
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Airbag On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . 79
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . 81
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment
For vehicles with a tilt steering wheel, the
lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever to move the steering wheel up or down into a comfortable
position.
2. Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Instruments and Controls 77
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.A loose or missing fuel cap may cause
the light to come on. See Filling the Tank
0 158. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed may turn the light off.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel 0158.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 176. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is on while the engine is off.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle brake system consists of two
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is not
working, the remaining circuit can still work
to stop the vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to be
working.
If the warning light comes on, there could
be a brake problem. Have the brake system
inspected right away.
MetricEnglish

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
78 Instruments and Controls
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. SeeParking Brake
0 146 for more information. The light stays
on if the parking brake does not fully
release. If it stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, it means the vehicle has a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The pedal might
be harder to push, or the pedal might go
closer to the floor. It could take longer to
stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle
0 239.
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again
to reset the system.
If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light 077.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode
feature, this light comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode has been activated.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0145.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Instruments and Controls 85
the tire positions, seeTire Pressure Monitor
System 0217. See Tire Inspection 0220 and
Tire Rotation 0220.
Change Compass Zone
The vehicle may have this feature. To
change the compass zone through the DIC,
see Compass 067.
Calibrate Compass
The vehicle may have this feature. The
compass can be manually calibrated. To
calibrate the compass through the DIC, see
Compass 067.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed. All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 125
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 126
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 138
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 141
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . 157
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 160
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 176

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
126 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 028.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Driving and Operating 127
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious—or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is
being driven, brake normally but do not
pump the brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the engine
stops, there will be some power brake assist
but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.