towing GMC SAVANA PASSENGER 2010 Owner's Guide

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This
can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, 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. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not 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
The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
5-35

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
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 the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, the 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 P (Park) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, seeEngine Overheating on
page 6-33.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift the
transmission into P (Park) yet. Turn the 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
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
5-36

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the 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.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The optional heavy-duty trailer wiring package includes
a wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector at the
rear of the vehicle and a four-wire harness assembly
under the driver side of the instrument panel. The
four-wire harness assembly comes without a connector.
If the vehicle does not have a trailer hitch, the
seven-wire harness assembly with connector is taped
together and located in a frame pocket at the driver side
rear left corner of the frame.
If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, the seven-wire harness
assembly with connector is attached to a bracket on
the hitch platform. In both cases, the seven-wire harness
has a connector and includes a 30-amp feed wire.
5-37

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam
can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
•Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
•Stops after high-speed driving.
•Idles for long periods in traffic.
•Tows a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” under
Towing a Trailer on page 5-26.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:
1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safevehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, push down the
accelerator until the engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least three minutes while
you are parked. If you still have the warning, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages, so
you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is
normal and should not be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and the clutch
partially disengages.
6-34

First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•
Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
•Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
on page 6-20orAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) on page 6-23.
•All-wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change
(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven when
frequently towing a trailer, or used for taxi, police, or
delivery service. Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed, clear, and free
of debris. During any maintenance, if a powerwasher is used to clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken to not directly
spray the transfer case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and should be
replaced.
•Evaporative control system inspection. Check all
fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition. Check that the purge
valve, if the vehicle has one, works properly.
Replace as needed.An Emission Control Service.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or
the California Air Resources Board has determined
that the failure to perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emission warranty or limit
recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded.
7-6

•Trip Routing Service:Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either with
the most direct route or the most scenic route.
Additional travel information is also available. Allow
three weeks for delivery.
•Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the 5 years/
100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain warranty
period. Items considered are hotel, meals, and
rental car.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
•Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
•Legal fines.
•Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
•Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
•Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may be restricted.
Propane and other fuels are not provided through
this service.
•Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registration is required.
•Trip Routing Service:Limit of six requests
per year.
•Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:Must
be over 250 kilometres from where your trip was
started to qualify. General Motors of Canada Limited
requires pre-authorization, original detailed receipts,
and a copy of the repair orders. Once authorization
has been received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements and explain how to
receive payment.
•Alternative Service:If assistance cannot be
provided right away, the Roadside Assistance
advisor may give you permission to get local
emergency road service. You will receive payment,
up to $100, after sending the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and labor for
repairs not covered by the warranty are the owner
responsibility.
8-8

If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read
your lease carefully, as you may be charged at the
end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.
•Check to make sure that you are all right. If you are
uninjured, make sure that no one else in your
vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
•If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of. Move your vehicle
only if its position puts you in danger or you are
instructed to move it by a police officer.
•Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash. Do
not discuss your personal condition, mental frame of
mind, or anything unrelated to the crash. This will
help guard against post-crash legal action.
•If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 8-6for more information.
•If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
•Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
•Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
8-12

Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................4-13
Lights
Airbag Off..................................................4-24
Airbag Readiness........................................4-23
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............4-29
Brake System Warning.................................4-28
Charging System.........................................4-27
Cruise Control.............................................4-36
Exterior Lamps............................................. 4-9
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 4-5
Highbeam On.............................................4-36
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 4-5
Oil Pressure...............................................4-35
On Reminder..............................................4-11
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................4-26
Safety Belt Reminders..................................4-23
Security.....................................................4-35
StabiliTrak
®Indicator....................................4-29
Tire Pressure..............................................4-30
Tow/Haul Mode ...........................................4-36
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................5-17
Locking Rear Axle............................................ 5-7
Locks
Automatic Door Lock....................................3-10
Automatic Door Unlock.................................3-10
Cargo Door Relocking.................................... 3-9
Delayed Locking........................................... 3-9
Door ........................................................... 3-8
Lockout Protection.......................................3-12Locks (cont.)
Power Door.................................................. 3-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............3-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................3-11
Loss of Control................................................ 5-9
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............2-42
M
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Record....................................7-15
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................7-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 7-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............7-11
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 7-3
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................4-31
Manual Seats................................................... 2-2
Manual Windows............................................3-17
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................4-44
Mirrors
Manual Rearview.........................................3-40
Outside Convex Mirror.................................3-41
Outside Heated Mirrors................................3-42
Outside Manual Mirrors................................3-40
Outside Power Mirrors..................................3-41
Outside Towing Mirrors.................................3-40
MP3 .............................................................4-72
8

N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................8-17
New Vehicle Break-In......................................3-22
Noise Control System, Tampering......................6-47
O
Odometer......................................................4-22
Trip ...........................................................4-22
Off-Road
Recovery..................................................... 5-8
Oil
Engine.......................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System.................................6-18
Pressure Gage............................................4-34
Pressure Light.............................................4-35
Older Children, Restraints................................2-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 8-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................8-17
Outlet Adjustment............................................4-17Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................4-14
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................3-41
Heated Mirrors............................................3-42
Manual Mirrors............................................3-40
Power Mirrors.............................................3-41
Towing Mirrors............................................3-40
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 7-9
Owners, Canadian.............................................. iii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................6-102
Park
Shifting Into................................................3-36
Shifting Out of............................................3-37
Parking
Brake........................................................3-35
Over Things That Burn.................................3-38
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................4-26
9

Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................5-22
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility................. 8-6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 3-4
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 3-6
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................6-85
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................6-81
Replacement Bulbs.........................................6-53
Replacement Parts
Maintenance...............................................7-13
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................8-14
General Motors...........................................8-14
U.S. Government.........................................8-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................2-79
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................2-80
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................3-23
Roadside Assistance Program............................ 8-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................5-16
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................3-39S
Safety Belts
Care of ......................................................6-99
Extender....................................................2-29
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................2-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................2-24
Reminders..................................................4-23
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................2-10
Use During Pregnancy.................................2-29
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government..................................8-14
General Motors...........................................8-14
U.S. Government.........................................8-14
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iv
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 7-3
Scheduling Appointments................................... 8-9
Seats
Head Restraints............................................ 2-2
Power Seat.................................................. 2-3
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 2-6
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 2-4
Secondary Latch System.................................6-92
11