2012 GMC Savana Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
GMC
Model:
Savana
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 GMC Savana Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Initial Drive Information
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Vehicle Start
10
Door Locks
11
Windows
11
Seat Adjustment
12
Safety Belts
14
Airbag On-Off Switch
14
Passenger Sensing System
15
Mirror Adjustment
15
Steering Wheel Adjustment
16
Interior Lighting
17
Exterior Lighting
17
Windshield Wiper/Washer
18
Climate Controls
19
Transmission
20
Vehicle Features
21
Radio(s)
21
Satellite Radio
23
Portable Audio Devices
23
Bluetooth®
23
Steering Wheel Controls
24
Cruise Control
24
Power Outlets
25
Performance and Maintenance
25
StabiliTrak® System
25
Tire Pressure Monitor
26
Engine Oil Life System
26
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
26
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
27
Roadside Assistance Program
27
OnStar®
27
Keys, Doors, and Windows
29
Keys and Locks
30
Keys
30
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
30
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
31
Remote Vehicle Start
33
Door Locks
35
Power Door Locks
36
Cargo Door Relocking
36
Delayed Locking
36
Automatic Door Locks
36
Lockout Protection
37
Safety Locks
37
Doors
38
Side Door (60/40 Swing-Out)
38
Sliding Door
39
Rear Doors
40
Vehicle Security
41
Immobilizer
41
Immobilizer Operation
41
Exterior Mirrors
42
Convex Mirrors
42
Manual Mirrors
43
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
43
Power Mirrors
43
Heated Mirrors
44
Interior Mirrors
44
Manual Rearview Mirror
44
Windows
44
Manual Windows
45
Power Windows
45
Swing-Out Windows
46
Enhanced Technology Glass
47
Sun Visors
47
Seats and Restraints
49
Head Restraints
50
Front Seats
50
Seat Adjustment
50
Power Seat Adjustment
51
Reclining Seatbacks
51
Rear Seats
53
Safety Belts
57
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
58
Lap-Shoulder Belt
60
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
65
Safety Belt Extender
65
Safety System Check
65
Safety Belt Care
66
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
66
Airbag System
67
Where Are the Airbags?
69
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
70
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
72
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
72
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
73
Airbag On-Off Switch
75
Passenger Sensing System
78
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
83
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
84
Airbag System Check
85
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
85
Child Restraints
86
Older Children
86
Infants and Young Children
88
Child Restraint Systems
91
Where to Put the Restraint
93
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
95
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
102
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)
102
Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Passenger Sensing System)
104
Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Airbag On/Off Switch)
108
Storage
113
Storage Compartments
113
Front Storage
113
Instruments and Controls
115
Controls
116
Steering Wheel Adjustment
116
Steering Wheel Controls
116
Horn
117
Windshield Wiper/Washer
118
Compass
119
Clock
121
Power Outlets
123
Cigarette Lighter
123
Ashtrays
124
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
124
Instrument Cluster
125
Speedometer
126
Odometer
126
Trip Odometer
126
Fuel Gauge
126
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
127
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
128
Voltmeter Gauge
129
Safety Belt Reminders
130
Airbag Readiness Light
130
Airbag On-Off Light
131
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
133
Charging System Light
134
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
134
Brake System Warning Light
137
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
138
Tow/Haul Mode Light
138
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
139
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
139
Tire Pressure Light
140
Engine Oil Pressure Light
140
Low Fuel Warning Light
141
Security Light
141
High-Beam On Light
141
Cruise Control Light
142
Information Displays
142
Driver Information Center (DIC)
142
Vehicle Messages
147
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
148
Brake System Messages
148
Compass Messages
148
Door Ajar Messages
148
Engine Cooling System Messages
149
Engine Oil Messages
150
Engine Power Messages
151
Fuel System Messages
151
Key and Lock Messages
151
Lamp Messages
151
Ride Control System Messages
152
Airbag System Messages
153
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
153
Service Vehicle Messages
153
Tire Messages
154
Transmission Messages
155
Vehicle Reminder Messages
155
Vehicle Personalization
156
Lighting
163
Exterior Lighting
163
Exterior Lamp Controls
163
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
164
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
164
Flash-to-Pass
165
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
165
Automatic Headlamp System
165
Hazard Warning Flashers
166
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
167
Interior Lighting
167
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
167
Dome Lamps
168
Reading Lamps
168
Lighting Features
169
Entry/Exit Lighting
169
Battery Load Management
169
Battery Power Protection
169
Infotainment System
171
Introduction
171
Infotainment
171
Theft-Deterrent Feature
172
Operation
173
Radio
177
AM-FM Radio
177
Satellite Radio
179
Radio Reception
180
Fixed Mast Antenna (Multi-Band)
181
Fixed Mast Antenna (Care)
181
Audio Players
182
CD Player
182
Auxiliary Devices
187
Phone
192
Bluetooth
192
Climate Controls
201
Climate Control Systems
201
Rear Heating System
204
Rear Climate Control System
205
Air Vents
207
Driving and Operating
209
Driving Information
210
Distracted Driving
210
Defensive Driving
211
Drunk Driving
211
Control of a Vehicle
212
Braking
212
Steering
212
Off-Road Recovery
213
Loss of Control
213
Driving on Wet Roads
214
Highway Hypnosis
215
Hill and Mountain Roads
215
Winter Driving
216
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
218
Vehicle Load Limits
218
Starting and Operating
224
New Vehicle Break-In
224
Ignition Positions
224
Starting the Engine
226
Fast Idle System
227
Engine Heater
228
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
229
Shifting Into Park
229
Shifting out of Park
230
Parking over Things That Burn
231
Engine Exhaust
232
Running the Vehicle While Parked
233
Automatic Transmission
233
Automatic Transmission (Six Speed)
233
Automatic Transmission (Four Speed)
236
Manual Mode
239
Tow/Haul Mode
240
Drive Systems
241
All-Wheel Drive
241
Brakes
241
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
241
Parking Brake
242
Ride Control Systems
243
StabiliTrak® System
243
Locking Rear Axle
245
Cruise Control
245
Fuel
248
Recommended Fuel
248
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
249
California Fuel Requirements
249
Fuels in Foreign Countries
249
Fuel Additives
249
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
250
Filling the Tank
251
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
253
Towing
253
General Towing Information
253
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
254
Trailer Towing
258
Towing Equipment
263
Conversions and Add-Ons
266
Add-On Electrical Equipment
266
Vehicle Care
267
General Information
268
California Proposition 65 Warning
268
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
269
Accessories and Modifications
269
Vehicle Checks
270
Doing Your Own Service Work
270
Hood
270
Engine Compartment Overview
272
Engine Oil
273
Engine Oil Life System
276
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
277
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission)
280
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
283
Cooling System
284
Engine Coolant
285
Engine Overheating
289
Engine Fan
291
Power Steering Fluid
291
Washer Fluid
292
Brakes
293
Brake Fluid
294
Battery
296
All-Wheel Drive
296
Front Axle
297
Rear Axle
298
Noise Control System
298
Starter Switch Check
300
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
300
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
301
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
301
Wiper Blade Replacement
302
Bulb Replacement
303
Halogen Bulbs
303
Headlamps
303
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
305
Taillamps
305
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
307
License Plate Lamp
307
Replacement Bulbs
308
Electrical System
308
Electrical System Overload
308
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
309
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
309
Floor Console Fuse Block
312
Wheels and Tires
316
Tires
316
Tire Sidewall Labeling
317
Tire Designations
319
Tire Terminology and Definitions
320
Tire Pressure
323
Tire Pressure Monitor System
324
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
326
Tire Inspection
329
Tire Rotation
329
Dual Tire Rotation
331
When It Is Time for New Tires
331
Buying New Tires
332
Different Size Tires and Wheels
334
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
334
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
336
Wheel Replacement
336
Tire Chains
337
If a Tire Goes Flat
338
Tire Changing
340
Secondary Latch System
348
Full-Size Spare Tire
350
Jump Starting
350
Towing
355
Towing the Vehicle
355
Recreational Vehicle Towing
356
Appearance Care
358
Exterior Care
358
Interior Care
361
Floor Mats
364
Service and Maintenance
365
General Information
365
Maintenance Schedule
367
Special Application Services
372
Additional Maintenance and Care
373
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
376
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
376
Maintenance Replacement Parts
378
Maintenance Records
379
Technical Data
383
Vehicle Identification
383
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
383
Service Parts Identification Label
383
Vehicle Data
384
Capacities and Specifications
384
Engine Drive Belt Routing
387
Customer Information
389
Customer Information
389
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
389
Customer Assistance Offices
391
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
392
Online Owner Center
392
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
393
Roadside Assistance Program
393
Scheduling Service Appointments
396
Courtesy Transportation Program
396
Collision Damage Repair
398
Service Publications Ordering Information
400
Reporting Safety Defects
401
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
401
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
402
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
402
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
402
Event Data Recorders
403
OnStar®
404
Navigation System
404
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
404
Radio Frequency Statement
404
OnStar
405
OnStar Overview
405
OnStar Services
406
Emergency
406
Security
406
Navigation
406
Connections
408
Diagnostics
409
OnStar Additional Information
409
Index
413
Index_A
413
Index_B
414
Index_C
414
Index_D
415
Index_E
416
Index_F
416
Index_G
417
Index_H
417
Index_I
418
Index_J
418
Index_K
418
Index_L
418
Index_M
419
Index_N
419
Index_O
419
Index_P
420
Index_R
421
Index_S
421
Index_T
423
Index_U
423
Index_V
424
Index_W
424
2012 GMC Savana Overview
Introduction
The 2012 GMC Savana is a heavy-duty van designed for those who require ample space and robust performance. Ideal for commercial use or family transport, the Savana combines a strong build with versatile configurations, making it one of the most reliable choices in its segment. Known for its spacious interior and extensive cargo capabilities, this model is ready to tackle both work and family life with ease.
Powertrains
The 2012 GMC Savana offers a variety of powertrains tailored to meet diverse driving needs. A standard 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque provides strong performance for light hauling tasks. For those seeking more power, an optional 6.0-liter V8 engine delivers 324 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque, making it an excellent choice for heavy loads. Both engines come mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring ease of driving whether in the city or on the highway.
Trims
Features
The interiors of the 2012 GMC Savana are designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Some features include a straightforward dashboard layout, optional rearview cameras for improved visibility, and climate control systems. Higher trims may also include upgraded audio systems, navigation technology, and premium seating materials, all enhancing the driving experience whether for work or travel.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2012 GMC Savana is a comprehensive resource, offering detailed information on vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips. It guides owners in maximizing the capabilities of their van while ensuring safety and reliability. This invaluable tool is essential for anyone looking to maintain their Savana in peak condition.
User manual download
The GMC Savana owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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