tow GMC SAVANA 2022 Service Manual

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 161
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, seeVehicle Load
Limits 0126. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers,
and cargo in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Use the Tow Rating Chart to determine how
much the trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model and options.

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
162 Driving and Operating
Tow Rating Chart
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
I4.3L V6 3.42
3 357 kg (7,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 220 kg (7,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
I4.3L V6 3.42
3 039 kg (6,700 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 355 kg (9,600 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 357 kg (7,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 163
Tow Rating Chart (cont'd)
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 265 kg (7,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
3 039 kg (6,700 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 355 kg (9,600 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase I4.3L V6 3.42
2 858 kg (6,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42
4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 7 258 kg (16,000 lb)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
164 Driving and Operating
Tow Rating Chart (cont'd)
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
3500 Series Cutaway –353 cm (139 in) Wheelbase
I4.3L V6 3.42
(b)6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
I6.6L V8 3.42/3.73
(b)7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
3500 Series Cutaway –404 cm (159 in) Wheelbase
I6.6L V8 3.42/3.73
(b)7 258 kg (16,000 lb)
I6.6L V8
I(5 579 kg (12,300 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)9 072 kg (20,000 lb)
I6.6L V8
I(6 441 kg (14,200 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)9 072 kg (20,000 lb)
3500 Series Cutaway –450 cm (177 in) Wheelbase
I6.6L V8 3.73
(b)7 258 kg (16,000 lb)

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 165
Tow Rating Chart (cont'd)
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
I6.6L V8
I(5 579 kg (12,300 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)9 072 kg (20,000 lb)
I6.6L V8
I(6 441 kg (14,200 lb) GVWR) 4.10
(b)9 072 kg (20,000 lb)
(a) The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any
passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversion. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be exceeded.
(b) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.
The bumper on this vehicle is not designed
to tow a trailer.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
is the allowable trailer tongue weight that
the vehicle can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce
the overall trailer weight to stay within the
maximum trailer tongue weight rating while
still maintaining the correct trailer load
balance.
Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue
weight of 454 kg (1,000 lb).

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
Driving and Operating 167
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that can be
supported by the rear axle of the vehicle. Do
not exceed the GAWR-RR for the vehicle,
with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing
hitch, do not exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch. Proper hitch equipment for
your vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many trailers can
be towed using a weight-carrying hitch
which has a coupler latched to the hitch
ball, or a tow eye latched to a pintle hook.
Other trailers may require a
weight-distributing hitch that uses spring
bars to distribute the trailer tongue weight
between your vehicle and trailer axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating”
underTrailer Towing 0159 for weight limits
with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Consider using sway controls with any
trailer. Ask a trailering professional about
sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
A weight distributing hitch may be useful
with some trailers.
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender height distance (2)
before connecting the trailer. Adjust the
spring bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is the same height before the
trailer was connected. Do not reduce the
front fender height below the initial
distance (2).

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
168 Driving and Operating
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. SeeTires
0 204 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 675 kg (1,500 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require the
trailer to have its own braking system if the
loaded weight of the trailer exceeds certain
minimums. These requirements vary from
state to state. Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so they are
installed, adjusted, and maintained properly.
Never attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic brake system. If you do, both the
vehicle anti-lock brakes and the trailer
brakes may not function, which could result
in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
If the vehicle is not equipped with a trailer
connector on the rear bumper, a seven-wire
trailering harness is tied to the vehicle’s
frame. The harness requires the installation
of a trailer connector, which is available
through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire connector with
flat blade terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper electrical
connectivity.The seven-wire harness connector contains
the following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Stop/Turn Signal Left*
.Dark Green: Stop/Turn Signal Right*
.Brown: Tail/Parking Lamps**
.Light Green: Reverse Lamps**
.Red/Black: Battery Feed
.White: Ground
.Dark Blue: Electric Trailer Brake
* If the vehicle is a cutaway with trailer
provisions, each stop/turn signal has a
15 amp fuse. However, the cutaway lighting
connector will have a 10 amp fuse for each
signal.
**If the vehicle is a cutaway with trailer
provisions, there is a 15 amp fuse for the
trailer park lamps and a 15 amp fuse for the
cutaway rear lighting connector park lamps.
Also, a 10 amp fuse will be shared for trailer
back-up lamps and cutaway rear lighting
connector back-up lamps.
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness Package
lf equipped, the trailer wiring harness, with
a seven-pin connector is mounted on the
trailer hitch.

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

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
170 Driving and Operating
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will notfunction if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
142.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment 0167 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection. Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).

GMC Savana Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15555961) -
2022 - CRC - 4/14/22
172 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . 173
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 173
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 176
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 181
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 194
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 199
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 209 Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . 212
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 212
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 217
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 219
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 219
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 220
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . 231
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243