service GMC SAVANA 2022 Owner's Guide

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
124 Driving and Operating
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
See
Tires 0204.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, and
cooling system.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 131
6. Release the brake pedal.
See your dealer if the key can be removed
in any other position.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 133.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering column,
the steering can bind with the front wheels
turned off center, which may prevent key
rotation out of LOCK/OFF. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this does not work, then the vehicle needs
service.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, turn off the
vehicle only in an emergency. In an emergency, if the vehicle cannot be
pulled over and must be turned off while
driving:
1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
Continue braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop.
5. Shift to P (Park).
6. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 141.
7. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF.
8. Remove the key.
9. Release the brake pedal.
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in —or pushed all the way in
toward the steering column when turning
off the vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This position allows
features such as the infotainment system to
operate while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column, if equipped
with a locking steering column. Use this
position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 133.
From ON/RUN, push the key all the way in
toward the steering column, then turn the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/ACCESSORY with the
engine off, the battery could drain and the
vehicle may not start.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories and to
display some instrument cluster warning
and indicator lights. This position can also

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
132 Driving and Operating
be used for service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the
engine is running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position.
If the key is left in ON/RUN with the engine
off, the battery could drain and the vehicle
may not start.
3 (START) :This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts, release
the key. The ignition returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
To place the transmission in the
proper gear:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any
other position. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0171.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is held
in that position while starting the vehicle,
damage may occur to the hydraulic
power steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When
the engine starts, let go of the key. The
idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), the Computer-Controlled
Cranking System is disabled to prevent
possible vehicle component damage.
When this happens, hold the ignition
switch in the START position to continue
engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
136 Driving and Operating
parking pawl in the transmission. Then you
should be able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply the brakes before you can shift from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. See
Automatic Transmission0137.
The shift lock control system is designed to:
.Prevent the ignition key from being
removed unless the shift lever is in
P (Park).
.Prevent movement of the shift lever out
of P (Park), unless the ignition is on and
the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system is always
functional except in the case of a dead
battery or low voltage (less than 9 V)
battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting
- North America 0231.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal. 2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired
position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift lever all the way into
P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting,
have the vehicle serviced.Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
148 Driving and Operating
Park Assist
If equipped, the Rear Park Assist (RPA)
system uses sensors on the rear bumper to
assist with parking and avoiding objects
while in R (Reverse).
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects below the bumper or that are
too close or too far from the vehicle. It is
not available at speeds greater than
8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent injury, death,
or vehicle damage, even with Park Assist,
always check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before backing.
How the System Works
RPA comes on automatically when the shift
lever is moved into R (Reverse). A single
beep sounds to indicate the system is
working.
RPA operates only at speeds less than
8 km/h (5 mph).An obstacle detection is indicated by beeps.
The time between beeps gets shorter as the
vehicle approaches the obstacle. Repeated
beeps are heard when the distance is less
than 30 cm (12 in).
To be detected, objects must be at least
25 cm (10 in) off the ground and below rear
door level. Objects must also be within 2.5 m
(8 ft) from the rear bumper. This distance
may be less during warmer or humid
weather.
Turning the System On and Off
The system can be disabled through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See
“Park
Assist” underDriver Information Center (DIC)
0 82.
RPA defaults to the on setting each time the
vehicle is started.
Turn RPA off when towing a trailer.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The following messages may be displayed
on the DIC:
SERVICE PARK ASSIST : If this message
occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer for
repair. PARK ASSIST OFF :
This message occurs if
the driver disables the system or if the
vehicle is driven above 8 km/h (5 mph) in
R (Reverse).
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE OWNERS
MANUAL : This message can occur under the
following conditions:
.The sensors are not clean. Keep the rear
bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush,
and frost. The message may not clear
until frost or ice has melted all around
and inside the sensor.
.A trailer is attached to the vehicle, or a
bicycle or an object hanging out of the
rear door during the current or last drive
cycle. RPA will return to normal operation
after it is determined the object is
removed. This could take a few drive
cycles.
.A tow bar is attached to the vehicle.
Other conditions may affect system
performance, such as vibrations from a
jackhammer or the compression of air
brakes on a very large truck.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
150 Driving and Operating
occurs, the brake system may prepare for
driver braking to occur more rapidly which
can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal as
needed. Cruise control may be disengaged
when the Collision Alert occurs.
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will display
amber if following a detected vehicle ahead
much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert button is on the center
stack. Press
[to set the alert timing to
far, medium, near, or off. The first button
press shows the current control setting on
the DIC. Additional button presses will
change this setting. The chosen setting will
remain until it is changed and will affect
both the Collision Alert and the Tailgating
Alert features. The timing of both alerts will
vary based on vehicle speed. The faster the
vehicle speed, the farther away the alert will occur. Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert timing.
The range of selectable alert timings may
not be appropriate for all drivers and driving
conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts to
turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles, or shadows.
These alerts are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to operate
properly, cleaning the outside of the
windshield area in front of the camera
sensor may correct the issue.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system is a lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone,
or blind spot areas. The SBZA warning
display will light up in the corresponding
outside side mirror and will flash if the turn
signal in corresponding side is on.
{Warning
SBZA does not alert the driver to vehicles
rapidly approaching outside of the side
blind zones, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals. It may not provide alerts
when changing lanes under all driving
conditions. Failure to use proper care
when changing lanes may result in injury,
death, or vehicle damage. Before making
a lane change, always check mirrors,
glance over your shoulder, and use the
turn signals.
SBZA Detection Zones

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 151
The SBZA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from both
sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The
height of the zone is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground.
This zone starts at approximately the middle
of the vehicle and goes back 5 m (16 ft).
How the System Works
The SBZA symbol lights up in the side
mirrors when the system detects a moving
vehicle in the next lane over that is in the
side blind zone. This indicates it may be
unsafe to change lanes. Before making a
lane change, check the SBZA display, check
mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and use
the turn signals.
Left Side MirrorDisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror SBZA displays will briefly come on to
indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left or right side mirror display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in that blind zone. If the
turn signal is activated in the same direction
as a detected vehicle, this display will flash
as an extra warning not to change lanes.
SBZA can be disabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) 082. If SBZA is
disabled by the driver, the SBZA mirror
displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
SBZA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, or for a stopped
vehicle. SBZA may alert to objects attached
to the vehicle, such as a bicycle, or object
extending out to either side of the vehicle.
This is normal system operation; the vehicle
does not need service.
SBZA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the side blind zone, especially in
wet conditions. The system does not need
to be serviced. The system may light up due
to guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service. SBZA may not operate when the SBZA
sensors in the left or right corners of the
rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt,
snow, ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms.
For cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0236. If the DIC
displays the system unavailable message
after cleaning both sides of the vehicle
toward the rear corners of the vehicle, see
your dealer.
If the SBZA displays do not light up when
vehicles are in the blind zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
When SBZA is disabled for any reason other
than the driver turning it off, the Side Blind
Zone Alert On option will not be available
on the personalization menu.
Driving with a Trailer
Use caution while changing lanes when
towing a trailer.
Radio Frequency Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0266.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 153
Recommended Fuel
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Fuel for
Diesel Engines” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Regular unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted octane
rating (R+M)/2 of 87 or greater is
recommended. Do not use gasoline with a
posted octane rating of less than 87, as this
will result in reduced performance and
driveability. If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline rated at 87 or greater, the
engine needs service.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel.
Do not use gasoline with ethanol levels
greater than 15% by volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
.For vehicles that are not FlexFuel, fuel
labeled greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level ethanol
blends (16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of methanol,
methylal, ferrocene, and aniline. These
fuels can corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT), which can damage
the emissions control system and
spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating of
less than the recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel economy and
performance, and may decrease the
life of the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels 0153.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your vehicle.
If your country does not have TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to the
vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at every oil
change or 15 000 km (9,000 mi), whichever
occurs first. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
−Gasoline will help keep your vehicle’s
engine fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge 072.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 159
5. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply theparking brake and shift into P (Park).
6. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer from the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
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 of the 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 0245. 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 0187.
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.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 169
1. Ground
2. Left Turn/Brake
3. Reverse Lamps
4. Taillamps
5. Battery Feed
6. Right Turn/Brake
7. Electric Brakes
Electric Brake Control Wiring Provisions
If the vehicle is not equipped with an
integrated trailer brake controller, and the
trailer has electric brakes, a trailer brake
controller needs to be installed on the
vehicle. The brake controller should be
installed by your dealer or a qualified
service center.If equipped, wiring provisions for an
aftermarket electric trailer brake controller
are included with the vehicle as part of the
trailer wiring package. The harness contains
the following circuits:
.Dark Blue: Electric Trailer Brakes
.Red/White: Battery Feed
.Lt Blue/White: Brake Apply Signal
.Black: Ground
There are four blunt cut wires under the
floor carpeting in front of the brake pedal.
It will be necessary to have a technician
connect the 12-volt power to the engine
compartment fuse block.
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller owner's manual to determine wire
color coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. For
instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, see Tow/Haul Mode 0140.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Trailer Weight” underTrailer
Towing 0159.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.Through rolling terrain
.In stop-and-go traffic
.In busy parking lots