wheel GMC SAVANA PASSENGER 2008 Service Manual

Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle from
the rear:
1. Drive the vehicle onto the dolly.
2. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-26for more information.
3. Put the automatic transmission in PARK (P).
4. Follow the dolly manufacturer’s instructions to attach
and secure the vehicle being towed to the dolly and
then the loaded dolly to the tow vehicle. Make sure
the wheels are straight before towing.
Use an adequate clamping device to ensure that
the front wheels are locked into the straight position.5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is firmly attached to the tow vehicle.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven for
six weeks or more, remove the battery cable
from the negative terminal (post) of the battery to
prevent your battery from draining while towing.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with two
wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles,
they should be placed on a platform trailer with all
four wheels off the ground.
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain
components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle if
any of its wheels will be on the ground.
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The following charts show how much your trailer can weigh, based upon vehicle model and options.
G1500 Cargo Van 2WD Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4300 V6 3.73 4,400 lbs (1 996 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
5300 V8 3.73 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
H1500 Cargo Van AWD Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5300 V8 3.73 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
G1500 Passenger
Van 2WDAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5300 V8 3.73 6,300 lbs (2 858 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
H1500 Passenger
Van AWDAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
5300 V8 3.73 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD
Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,400 lbs (2 903 kg)
7,400 lbs (3 357 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,400 lbs (3 810 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
4-30

G2500 Cargo Van 2WD
Long WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,100 lbs (2 767 kg)
7,100 lbs (3 220 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,200 lbs (3 719 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
G2500 Passenger Van
2WD Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V8 3.73 7,700 lbs (3 493 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD
Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,300 lbs (2 858 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 k3)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,400 lbs (3 810 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
4-31

G3500 Cargo Van 2WD
Long WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
4800 V83.73
4.106,100 lbs (2 767 kg)
7,100 lbs (3 221 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6000 V83.73
4.108,200 lbs (3 719 kg)
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
G3500 Passenger Van
2WD Short WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V8 3.73 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
G3500 Passenger Van
2WD Long WheelbaseAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
6000 V8 3.73 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*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 your vehicle should not
be exceeded.Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information
or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-5
for more information.
4-32

Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal (included in the
optional trailering package).
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or a lower gear under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
4-39

When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet. Then turn your wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
•start your engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
4-40

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-9
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)..........................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-20
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-36
Battery........................................................5-39
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-44
Rear Axle.......................................................5-45
Front Axle......................................................5-45
Noise Control System.....................................5-46
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-48
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-48
Headlamps..................................................5-48
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-50
Taillamps.....................................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Tires..............................................................5-53
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-54
Tire Terminology and Definitions.....................5-57
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................5-60
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-61
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-64
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-68
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-70
Buying New Tires.........................................5-70
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-72
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-73
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-74
Wheel Replacement......................................5-74
Tire Chains..................................................5-76
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-77
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-78
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-79
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire.............................5-82
Secondary Latch System...............................5-90
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-93
Spare Tire...................................................5-94
Appearance Care............................................5-95
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-95
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-96Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-97
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-97
Weatherstrips...............................................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-98
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-98
Finish Care..................................................5-98
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-99
Aluminum Wheels.......................................5-100
Tires.........................................................5-101
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-101
Finish Damage...........................................5-101
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-101
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-101
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-102
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-103
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)................5-103
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-103
Electrical System..........................................5-103
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-103
Headlamp Wiring........................................5-104
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-104
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-104
Floor Console Fuse Block............................5-104
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-106
Capacities and Specications........................5-110
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the
time your vehicle is moving, except when you are pushing
on the brake pedal firmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon the brakes will not work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specifications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-110.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, the disc brakes
adjust for wear.
5-38

All-Wheel Drive
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to these
vehicles. However, there are two additional systems that
need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
Use care not to overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-14.
5-44