service GMC SAVANA 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 11/25/20
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the GMC
Truck Emblem, and SAVANA are trademarks
and/or service marks of General Motors LLC,
its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for GMC wherever it appears in
this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
If the vehicle has the Duramax Diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement
for additional and specific information on
this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84401537 C Third Printing©2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. SeeOnStar Overview
0 273.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
Do not make changes or modifications to
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). This could
void authorization to use this equipment.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0270.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating
range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
If equipped, the RKE transmitter functions
work up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the
vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 08.
With Remote Start Shown, Without Similar
Q:Press once to lock all doors. If enabled
through the Driver Information Center (DIC),
the parking lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. The horn may chirp when
Qis pressed
again within five seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization 086.
K:Press to unlock the driver door. IfKis
pressed again within five seconds, all
remaining doors unlock.
The interior lamps come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the parking
lamps flash twice to indicate unlocking has
occurred. See Vehicle Personalization 086.
j:Press to unlock only the cargo doors.
/:If equipped, pressQand then press
and hold
/for at least four seconds or
until the turn signal lamps flash to start the
engine from outside the vehicle using the
RKE transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start
0 10. To turn on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 086.
L:Press and release to initiate vehicle
locator. The turn signal lamps flash and the
horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
Lfor more than
two seconds to activate the panic alarm. The
turn signal lamps flash and the horn sounds
repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm turns

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
The system is automatically armed when
the key is removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm
the system.
The security light will come on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming the
theft-deterrent system.
If the engine does not start and the security
light comes on, the key may have a
damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the
key appears to be undamaged, try another
ignition key. If the engine still does not
start with the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the first
key may be faulty. See your dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS-Key III+
to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+ decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to eight keys may be
programmed for the vehicle. This procedure
is for learning additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost or do
not operate, you must see your dealer or alocksmith who can service PASS-Key III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the
system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to get a new key blank
that is cut exactly as the ignition key that
operates the system.
To program the new key:
1. Verify the new key has
1stamped
on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key into the ignition lock cylinder and
start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the ignition off and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within 10 seconds of
removing the previous key.
The security light will turn off once the
key has been programmed. It may not
be apparent that the security light went
on due to how quickly the key is
programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1–4 if additional keys are to be programmed. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key III+ key,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms
or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in
the vehicle.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the next lane, you could hit a vehicle
that is driving next to you. Check the
inside mirror or glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
If equipped, the lower portion of the driver
and passenger side mirror is convex.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat. The
convex mirror can be adjusted manually to
the driver preferred position for better
vision.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with
water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
Push the tab forward for daytime use and
pull it rearward for nighttime use to avoid
glare of the headlamps from behind.
Backup Video Manual Mirror
If equipped, this manual dimming mirror
provides a camera view of the area behind
the vehicle. The video display feature comes
on when the vehicle is shifted in R (Reverse),
and turns off when the vehicle is shifted out
of R (Reverse).
Troubleshooting
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and a blue
screen is displayed in the mirror and then
the display shuts off, see your dealer for
service.
SeeRear Vision Camera (RVC) 0152.
Windows
{
Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the extreme
heat and suffer permanent injuries or
even death from heat stroke.
Manual Windows
Operate the manual windows by turning the
hand crank on each door to raise or lower
the side door windows.
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Never leave keys in a vehicle
with children. See Keys06.
If equipped, power windows work when the
ignition is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0138.
Using the window switch, press to open or
pull to close the window.

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
44 Seats and Restraints
To turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag, insert the ignition key into
the airbag on-off switch, push in, and move
the switch to the OFF position.
The airbag off light will come on and stay
on to let you know the front outboard
passenger airbag is off. SeeAirbag On-Off
Light 075. The front outboard passenger
airbag will remain off until you turn it back
on again.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. For example, the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag could inflate
even though the airbag on-off switch is
turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 074 for more
information, including important safety
information.United States
Canada To turn the front outboard passenger airbag
on again, insert the ignition key into the
airbag on-off switch, push in, and move the
switch to the ON position.
The front outboard passenger frontal airbag
is now enabled, and may inflate. See
Airbag
On-Off Light 075.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0269.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
(Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Seats and Restraints 45
Warning (Continued)
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel, ceiling
trim, or pillar garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakersYour dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see
Different Size Tires and Wheels 0224 for
additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0264.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 074.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 038. See your dealer
for service.
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag systems
in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in
serious injury or even death. To help
make sure the airbag systems are
working properly after a crash, have
them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your dealer
for service.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
46 Seats and Restraints
If the airbag readiness light stays on after
the vehicle is started or comes on when you
are driving, the airbag system may not work
properly. Have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light 074.
Child Restraints
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown booster
seats should wear the vehicle’s seat belts.
The manufacturer instructions that come
with the booster seat state the weight and
height limitations for that booster. Use a
booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until
the child passes the fit test below:
.Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the
knees bend at the seat edge? If yes,
continue. If no, return to the booster seat.
.Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the
shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes,
continue. If no, try using the rear seat
belt comfort guide, if available. See “Rear
Seat Belt Comfort Guides” under
Lap-Shoulder Belt 031. If a comfort guide
is not available, or if the shoulder belt
still does not rest on the shoulder, then
return to the booster seat.
.Does the lap belt fit low and snug on the
hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue.
If no, return to the booster seat.
.Can proper seat belt fit be maintained for
the length of the trip? If yes, continue.
If no, return to the booster seat.
Q: What is the proper way to wear seat belts?
A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder
belt and get the additional restraint a
shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder
belt should not cross the face or neck.
The lap belt should fit snugly below the
hips, just touching the top of the thighs.
This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could
cause severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.
Also see “Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guides”
under Lap-Shoulder Belt 031.
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in a rear
seating position.
In a crash, children who are not buckled up
can strike other people who are buckled up,
or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older
children need to use seat belts properly.
{Warning
Never allow more than one child to wear
the same seat belt. The seat belt cannot
properly spread the impact forces. In a
crash, they can be crushed together and
seriously injured. A seat belt must be
used by only one person at a time.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
60 Seats and Restraints
6. If the child restraint has a top tether,follow the child restraint manufacturer's
instructions regarding the use of the top
tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH System) 052.
7. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make sure it is securely held in
place. To check, grasp the child restraint
at the seat belt path and attempt to
move it side to side and back and forth.
When the child restraint is properly
installed, there should be no more than
2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the
vehicle seat belt and let it return to the
stowed position. If the top tether is attached
to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.
Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the Front Seat)
This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a
safer place to secure a forward-facing child
restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint
0 51.
There may be a switch on the instrument
panel that you can use to turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag. See
Airbag On-Off Switch
042 for more
information, including important safety
information.
Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great if the airbag
deploys.
{Warning
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger airbag inflates and
the passenger seat is in a forward
position.
Even if the airbag switch has turned off
the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual circumstance, even
though it is turned off.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a
rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you
secure a forward-facing child restraint in
the front outboard passenger seat,
always move the seat as far back as it
will go. It is better to secure the child
restraint in a rear seat.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. For example, the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag could inflate
even though the airbag on-off switch is
turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light074 for more
information, including important safety
information.