steering GMC SAVANA PASSENGER 2010 User Guide

In addition, the vehicle may have dual-stage frontal
airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint
according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic
frontal sensors, which help the sensing system
distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a
more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal
impacts, dual-stage airbags inflate at a level less than
full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts,
full deployment occurs.
The vehicle may or may not have roof-rail airbags. See
Airbag System on page 2-60. Roof-rail airbags are
intended to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes.
In addition, these roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate during a rollover. Roof-rail airbags will inflate if
the crash severity is above the system’s designed
threshold level. The threshold level can vary with
specific vehicle design.
Roof-rail airbags are not intended to inflate in frontal
impacts, near-frontal impacts, or rear impacts. All
roof-rail airbags will deploy when either side of the
vehicle is struck.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an
airbag should have inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs
were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by
what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down. For roof-rail airbags,
deployment is determined by the location and severity of
the side impact.What Makes an Airbag Inate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an
electrical signal triggering a release of gas from
the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing
the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The
inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering
wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with
roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling
of the vehicle, near the side windows for the first,
second, and third rows (if equipped). SeeWhere Are
the Airbags? on page 2-62for more information.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety
belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. Roof-rail airbags
distribute the force of the impact more evenly over
the occupant’s upper body.
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{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
right front 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.
SeeVehicle Data Recording and Privacy on
page 8-16andEvent Data Recorders on page 8-16.
•Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
2-68

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle may have a passenger
sensing system for the right front passenger
position, which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or
trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed
for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top of the seat
fabric, could also interfere with the operation of thepassenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 2-72.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify the
vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8-2.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see
Different Size Tires and Wheels on page 6-74for
additional important information.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
2-78

Fast Idle System
Fast Idle System with Switch
If the vehicle has this feature it is available only with
cruise control. The manual fast idle switch is operated
using the cruise control buttons located on the left
hand side of the steering wheel.
This system can be used to increase engine idle speed
whenever the following conditions are met:
•The park brake is set.
•The brake pedal is not pressed.
•The vehicle must not be moving and the accelerator
must not be pressed.
To control the fast idle:
•To Enable the Fast idle, press and release the
Cruise Control On/Off button and ensure that
the LED is lit.
•For the preset Fast Idle, press and release the
cruise set switch. This will set the preset fast
idle speed.
•For the variable fast idle, press and hold the
accelerator at the desired RPM, then press
and release the cruise control cruise set switch to
set the desired idle speed.When the fast idle is active the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display “FAST IDLE ON.”
One of the following actions will turn off the fast idle:
•Pressing the brake.
•Selecting the Cancel button.
•Releasing the Parking Brake.
•The transmission shifter is moved out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral).
•Selecting the cruise control on/off button when it
was previously on.
Engine Coolant Heater
If the vehicle has the DURAMAX Diesel engine, see the
DURAMAX Diesel manual for more information.
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should be plugged
in at least four hours before starting. An internal
thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist
which will prevent engine coolant heater operation
at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord for the engine coolant heater is located on
the driver side of the engine compartment and is
attached to the hose for the power steering reservoir.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts and prevent damage.The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in
the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the
best advice on this.
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Automatic Transmission)
Vehicles with a six speed automatic transmission
have a shift position indicator within the instrument
panel cluster.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when starting the engine because the
vehicle cannot move easily. When parked on a hill,
especially when the vehicle has a heavy load, you might
notice an increase in the effort to shift out of P (Park).
See Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) under
Shifting Into Park on page 3-36for more information.
3-26

To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttons, located on the
steering column shift lever, to select the desired
range of gears for current driving conditions.
When M (Manual Mode) is selected a number displays
in the DIC next to the M indicating the current gear.
This number is the highest gear that can be used.
However, the vehicle can automatically shift to lower
gears as it adjusts to driving conditions. This means
that all gears below that number are available. When
5 (Fifth) is selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears
are automatically shifted by the vehicle, but 6 (Sixth)
cannot be used until the plus/minus button located
on the steering column lever is used to change to
the gear.Grade Braking is not available when Range Selection
Mode is active. SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 3-33.
While using Range Selection Mode, cruise control and
the Tow/Haul mode can be used.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair
will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a
hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
Low Traction Mode can assist in vehicle acceleration
when road conditions are slippery. While the vehicle is
at a stop, select the second gear range using Range
Selection Mode. This will limit torque to the wheels after
it detects wheel slip, preventing the tires from spinning.
3-30

2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can
use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed
as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use the brakes off and on.
You may use this feature for reducing torque to the rear
wheels when you are trying to start the vehicle from a
stop on slippery road surfaces.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission will not shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair
will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a
hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Tow/Haul Mode
Vehicles with an automatic transmission have a tow/haul
mode. The tow/haul mode adjusts the transmission shift
pattern to reduce shift cycling, providing increased
performance, vehicle control, and transmission cooling
when towing or hauling heavy loads.
Turn the tow/haul mode on and off by pressing the
button, located to the right of the steering wheel on
the instrument panel. When tow/haul is on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will come on.
3-33

Brake System Warning Light..........................4-28
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-29
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................4-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-30
Tire Pressure Light.......................................4-30
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................4-31
Oil Pressure Gage........................................4-34
Oil Pressure Light.........................................4-35
Security Light...............................................4-35
Cruise Control Light......................................4-36
Highbeam On Light.......................................4-36
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................4-36
Fuel Gage...................................................4-36Driver Information Center (DIC).......................4-37
DIC Operation and Displays...........................4-38
DIC Compass..............................................4-43
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................4-44
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................4-52
Audio System(s).............................................4-59
Setting the Clock..........................................4-60
Radio(s)......................................................4-62
Using an MP3..............................................4-72
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................4-76
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................4-77
Radio Reception...........................................4-77
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................4-78
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-2

Instrument Panel Overview
Hazard Warning Flashers
|(Hazard Warning Flasher):Press this button
located on top of the steering column, to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. This
warns others that you are having trouble. Press again to
turn the flashers off.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, the vehicle’s
turn signals will not work.
Horn
Press the horn symbol in the middle of the steering
wheel to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
For vehicles with a tilt steering wheel, the lever is
located on the left side of the steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever to move the steering wheel up or
down into a comfortable position.
2. Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in
place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
4-3

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
G:Turn and Lane Change Signals.
53:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.
N:Windshield Wipers.
L:Windshield Washer.
Flash-to-Pass Feature.
Information for these features is on the pages following.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
G:An arrow on the instrument panel cluster flashes
in the direction of the turn or lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
To signal a lane change, raise or lower the lever until
the arrow starts to flash. The turn signal automatically
flashes three times and if the tow-haul mode is active it
flashes six times. Holding the turn signal lever for
more than one second causes the turn signals to flash
continually until the lever is released.
The lever returns to its starting position when released.
If after signaling a turn or lane change the arrow
flashes rapidly or does not come on, a signal bulb may
be burned out.
Have the bulbs replaced. If the bulb is not burned out,
check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 6-104.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for more than1.2 km (3/4 mi),
a chime sounds at each flash of the turn signal and
the message TURN SIGNAL ON also appears in
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 4-44. To turn off the chime
and message, move the turn signal lever to the
off position.
4-4