brake GMC SAVANA PASSENGER 2010 Owner's Manual

Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed and then
the brakes are applied, this shuts off the cruise
control. But it does not need to be reset.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about 25 mph
(40 km/h) or more, press the +RES button on the
steering wheel. The vehicle returns to the previously set
speed and stays there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
To increase the cruise speed while using cruise control:
•Press and hold the +RES button on the steering
wheel until the desired speed is reached, then
release it.
•To increase vehicle speed in small increments,
press the +RES button. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
To reduce the vehicle speed while using cruise control:
•Press and hold the SET– button on the steering
wheel until the desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
•To slow down in very small amounts, press the
SET– button on the steering wheel briefly. Each
time this is done, the vehicle goes about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, the vehicle will
slow down to the previous set cruise speed.
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Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on hills depends
upon the vehicle speed, load, and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you might have to
step on the accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle’s
speed. When going downhill, you might have to brake or
shift to a lower gear to keep the vehicle’s speed
down. When the brakes are applied the cruise control
turns off.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal.
•Press the[button on the steering wheel.
•Press theIbutton on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
It controls the following systems:
•Headlamps
•Taillamps
•Parking Lamps
•License Plate Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
4-9

The vehicle can be only driven for a short time with the
reading in either warning zone. If it must be driven,
turn off all unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking,
both need to work.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briefly when ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. If it does not come on, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
also comes on when the parking brake is set. See
Parking Brake on page 3-35for more information. The
light stays on if the parking brake does not fully release.
If it stays on after the parking brake is fully released,
it means the vehicle has a brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. The pedal might be harder to push, or
the pedal might go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 5-22.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
United States
Canada
4-28

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 4-28.For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44for all
brake related DIC messages.StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
For vehicles with the
StabiliTrak®system,
this light comes on or
flashes, according to the
description table for
the StabiliTrak system.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 5-5.
Three chimes sound if the light turns on and one chime
if the light turns off.
If this light remains on steady, the vehicle needs to be
taken in for service.
4-29

SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your dealer/retailer inspect
the system for problems. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 4-23andAirbag System on page 2-60for more
information.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
On some vehicles, this message displays if there is a
problem with the battery charging system. Under certain
conditions, the charging system light may also turn
on in the instrument panel cluster. SeeCharging System
Light on page 4-27. Driving with this problem could
drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories.
Have the electrical system checked as soon as
possible. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays along with the brake system
warning light if there is a problem with the brake system.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-28. If this
message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off
the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the
message on the DIC display. If the message is still
displayed or appears again when you begin driving, the
brake system needs service as soon as possible.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®and this message
displays, it means there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this message, try to reset
the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You
should see your dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle
is safe to drive, however, you do not have the benefit
of StabiliTrak, so reduce your speed and drive
accordingly.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer before turning off the engine. See
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation on
page 3-20for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the system is
not working properly. The tire pressure light also
flashes and then remains on during the same ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 4-30. Several
conditions may cause this message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-66for more
4-49

information. If the warning comes on and stays on,
there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when there is a problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message displays, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See your dealer/retailer for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 5-5for more information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may
display and the StabiliTrak indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on after first driving the
vehicle and exceeding 32 km/h (20 mph) for 30 seconds.The StabiliTrak system is not functional until the light
has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-5for
more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when you turn off StabiliTrak, or when the stability
control has been automatically disabled. To limit wheel
spin and realize the full benefits of the stability
enhancement system, you should normally leave
StabiliTrak on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak off
if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow
and you want to rock your vehicle to attempt to free it,
or if you are driving in extreme off-road conditions
and require more wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 5-16. To turn
the StabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 5-5.
There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
•One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
•The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 4-28.
4-50

Audio System(s)
If the vehicle came without a radio, the wiring provisions
for a radio and an antenna were installed at the
assembly plant, so that if you want, a radio can be
installed at the dealer/retailer.
Determine which radio the vehicle has and read the
following pages to become familiar with its features.
{WARNING:
Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods
could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to
you or others. Do not give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to many audio and non
audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes off the road while driving,
do the following while the vehicle is parked:
•Become familiar with the operation and controls of
the audio system.
•Set up the tone, speaker adjustments, and preset
radio stations.For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 5-2.
Notice:Contact your dealer/retailer before adding
any equipment.
Adding audio or communication equipment could
interfere with the operation of the vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and could damage them.
Follow federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone equipment.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 6-3.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With
RAP, the audio system can be played even after the
ignition is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 3-23for more information.
4-59

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-5
Locking Rear Axle..........................................5-7
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................5-7
Steering........................................................5-7
Off-Road Recovery.........................................5-8
Passing........................................................5-9
Loss of Control..............................................5-9Driving at Night............................................5-10
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-11
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-12
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-12
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-13
Winter Driving..............................................5-14
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow...................................................5-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-16
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-17
Towing..........................................................5-22
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-22
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-22
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-26
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to
ask more of those control systems than the tires
and road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of
the vehicle.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-28.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
the vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force
applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts, heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking,
rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake.
5-3

The brakes might not have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with
a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and
allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot
of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder
to push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used when the brake
is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can
take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-3.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on. This is normal.If there is a problem with
the ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 4-29.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
5-4