service schedule GMC SAVANA 2021 Owner's Manual

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
Instruments and Controls 73
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Metric
EnglishThis gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard the
vehicle is working. During a majority of the
operation, the gauge will read 100 °C (210 °F)
or less. If the vehicle is pulling a load or
going up hills, it is normal for the
temperature to fluctuate and approach the
122 °C (250 °F) mark. If the gauge reaches
the 125 °C (260 °F) mark, it indicates that the
cooling system is working beyond its
capacity.
See
Engine Overheating 0194.
Voltmeter Gauge

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
80 Instruments and Controls
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the engine is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 216.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 217.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
English Shown, Metric Similar
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on, and a chime sounds when
the fuel gauge indicator nears empty. The
light turns off when fuel is added. If it does
not, have the vehicle serviced.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
84 Instruments and Controls
of the current oil life remains. The engine oil
life system will alert you to change the oil
on a schedule consistent with your driving
conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. You should change
the oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil
0 184. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0249.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE
yourself after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Also, be careful not to reset the
OIL LIFE accidentally at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset the engine oil life
system, see Engine Oil Life System 0186.
Side Blind Zone Alert
If the vehicle has Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA), this display allows the system to be
turned on or off. Press
Tuntil SBZA
displays. Once in this display, press
Vto
select between ON or OFF. When the SBZA system is turned off, a DIC message will
display. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
0 155.
Park Assist
If the vehicle has the Rear Park Assist (RPA)
system, press
Tuntil PARK ASSIST
displays. This display allows the system to
be turned on or off. Once in this display,
press to select between ON or OFF. The RPA
system automatically turns back on after
each vehicle start. When the RPA system is
turned off and the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park), the DIC will display the PARK
ASSIST OFF message as a reminder that the
system has been turned off. See Park Assist
0 153.
Units
Press
Tuntil UNITS displays. This display
allows you to select between metric or
English units of measurement. Once in this
display, press
Vto select between METRIC
or ENGLISH units.
Tire Pressure
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), the pressure for each tire
can be viewed in the DIC. The tire pressure
will be shown in either kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi). Press
Tuntil
the DIC displays FRONT TIRES PSI (kPa)
LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press
Tagain until the
DIC displays REAR TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ##
RIGHT ##.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected
by the system while driving, a message
advising you to check the pressure in a
specific tire will appear in the display. See
Tire Pressure 0216.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes
instead of a value, there may be a problem
with the vehicle. If this consistently occurs,
see your dealer for service.
Engine Hours
Press
Tuntil ENGINE HOURS displays. This
display shows the total number of hours the
engine has run.
Relearn Tire Positions
The vehicle may have this display. To access
this display, the vehicle must be in P (Park).
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), after rotating the tires or
after replacing a tire or sensor, the system
must re-learn the tire positions. To re-learn

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
164 Driving and Operating
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear ofthe chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0249. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0194.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
186 Vehicle Care
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an engine oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is not
necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service peoplewho will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System on most
models:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 81.
2. Press and hold
Von the DIC while the
Oil Life display is active. The oil life will
change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 81. 2. Fully press and release the accelerator
pedal three times within five seconds.
If the display shows 100%, the system is
reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, use the following procedures to
check the fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, it may be necessary to have the
vehicle towed to a dealer and have it
repaired before driving the vehicle further.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule 0249, and
be sure to use the transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 255.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 189
.After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level
as described under“How to Check
Automatic Transmission Fluid,” earlier in
this section.
.When the correct fluid level is obtained,
push the dipstick back in all the way;
then flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(8-Speed Transmission)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid level
dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the transmission fluid
in these vehicles. Because this procedure is
difficult, this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. See Publication Ordering
Information 0269.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0255.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0249. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0255.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The air cleaner/filter assembly is on the
front of the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0180.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 249. How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air filter housing
open. Before removing the engine air filter,
make sure that the engine air filter housing
and nearby components are free of dirt and
debris. Do not clean the engine air filter or
components with water or compressed air.
4.3L V6 Engine
To inspect and replace the filter: 1. Remove the eight screws, slide the top cover forward and lift, to gain access to
the air cleaner/filter.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
200 Vehicle Care
Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than
4 536 kg (10,000 lb). The Maintenance
Schedule provides information on
maintaining the noise control system to
minimize degradation of the noise emission
control system during the life of the vehicle.
The noise control system warranty is given
in the warranty manual.
These standards apply only to vehicles sold
in the United States.
TAMPERING WITH NOISE CONTROL
SYSTEM PROHIBITED
Federal law prohibits the following acts or
the causing thereof:1. The removal or rendering inoperative by any person, other than for purposes of
maintenance, repair, or replacement, of
any device or element of design
incorporated into any new vehicle for
the purpose of noise control prior to its
sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser
or while it is in use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been removed
or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute
tampering are the acts listed below. Insulation:
Removal of the noise shields or any
underhood insulation.
Engine:
Removal or rendering the engine speed
governor, if equipped, inoperative so as to
allow engine speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
Fan and Drive:
.Removal of the fan clutch, if equipped,
or rendering the clutch inoperative.
.Removal of the fan shroud, if equipped.
Air Intake:
.Removal of the air cleaner silencer.
.Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.Removal of the muffler and/or resonator.
.Removal of the exhaust pipes and exhaust
pipe clamps.
Fuel Operated Heater (FOH) - Diesel Engine:
.Removal of the muffler.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately
if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts in any
other position, contact your dealer for
service.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14583543) -
2021 - crc - 7/10/20
Vehicle Care 201
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake
set, try to turn the ignition off in each shift
lever position.
.The ignition should turn to off only when
the shift lever is in P (Park).
.The ignition key should come out only
when the ignition is off.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear and cracking. See Maintenance
Schedule 0249.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0256.
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.