2018 GMC Savana Owner’s Manual
The 2018 GMC Savana was a full-size van choice that was adaptable and dependable, meeting both commercial and passenger transportation demands. The Savana boasted a variety of engines, including V8 choices, and was renowned for its strong performance and significant cargo capacity. These engines provided enough power to tow massive cargoes or carry large groups of passengers. The 2018 Savana stood as a solid option for organizations and individuals looking for a capable and roomy transport solution because of its adjustable interior options, cutting-edge technology features, and a reputation for dependability.
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment
For vehicles with a tilted 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.
Warning: In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise, the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.
Compass
This vehicle may have a compass in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Compass Zone
- Your dealer will set the correct zone for your location.
- Under certain circumstances, such as during a long-distance cross-country trip or moving to a new state or province, it will be necessary to compensate for compass variance by resetting the zone through the DIC if the zone is not set correctly.
- Compass variance is the difference between the earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north. If the compass is not set to the zone where you live, the compass may give false readings. The compass must be set to the variance zone in which the vehicle is traveling.
Compass Calibration
- The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location, such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers, or other industrial structures, if possible.
- If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display, the compass should be calibrated.
- If the DIC display does not show a heading, for example, N for North, or the heading does not change after making turns, there may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Such interference may be caused by a magnetic CB or cell phone antenna mount, a magnetic emergency light, a magnetic notepad holder, or any other magnetic item. Turn off the vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn on the vehicle and calibrate the compass.
Power Outlets
Power Outlets 12 Volt Direct Current
- The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or an MP3 player.
- The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets on the instrument panel.
- Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use.
- Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible with the accessory power outlet and could overload vehicle or adapter fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your dealer.
Warning: Power is always supplied to the outlets. Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in when the vehicle is not in use because the vehicle could catch fire and cause injury or death.
Caution: Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for an extended period of time while the vehicle is off will drain the battery. Always unplug electrical equipment when not in use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum 20 amp rating.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment.
Caution: Hanging heavy equipment from the power outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The power outlets are designed for accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone charge cords.
Power Outlet 110/120 Volt Alternating Current
This power outlet can be used to plug in electrical equipment that uses a maximum limit of 150 watts. The 110/120-volt power outlet is on the instrument panel. An indicator light on the outlet turns on to show it is in use. The light comes on when the ignition is on, equipment requiring less than 150 watts is plugged into the outlet, and no system fault is detected. The indicator light does not come on when the ignition is off, or if the equipment is not fully seated into the outlet.
If equipment is connected using more than 150 watts or a system fault is detected, a protection circuit shuts off the power supply and the indicator light turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug the item and plug it back in or turn the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) off and then back on. The power outlet is not designed for the following, and may not work properly if they are plugged in:
- Equipment with high initial peak wattages, such as compressor-driven refrigerators and electric power tools
- Other equipment requiring an extremely stable power supply, such as microcomputer-controlled electric blankets and touch-sensor lamps
- Medical equipment
Cigarette Lighter
If equipped with a cigarette lighter, to heat push it in all the way and let go. When it is ready for use, it will pop back out by itself. Do not use the lighter to plug in accessory devices. Use the power outlets provided.
Caution: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is heating does not let the lighter back away from the heating element when it is hot. Damage from overheating can occur to the lighter or heating element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Ashtrays
If equipped with a removable ashtray, it can be placed into the front floor console cupholder. Open the cover to use.
Caution: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them and possibly damage the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the ashtray.
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
Instrument Cluster
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge, when the ignition is on, indicates how much fuel is left in the vehicle fuel tank. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. The gauge first indicates empty before the vehicle is out of fuel, and the fuel tank should be refueled soon. Listed are four situations customers might experience with the fuel gauge. None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gauge:
- At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
- It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
- The gauge moves a little while turning a corner or speeding up.
- The gauge does not go back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
The oil pressure gauge shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals) when the engine is running. Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside temperature, and oil viscosity, but readings above the low pressure zone indicate the normal operating range. Reading in the low-pressure zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil level or other problems causing low oil pressure.
Caution: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.
FAQ’s
A: The 2018 GMC Savana offered a choice of engines, including a Vortec 4.3-liter V6, a Vortec 6.0-liter V8, and a Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel.
A: The 2018 Savana passenger van could accommodate up to 15 passengers, making it suitable for larger groups and commercial transport.
A: The cargo capacity of the 2018 Savana cargo van depended on the wheelbase and roof height configurations, ranging from approximately 216 to 284 cubic feet.
A: The 2018 Savana offered available safety features like a rearview camera, stability control, and optional side blind-zone alert.
A: The towing capacity of the 2018 Savana varied depending on the engine and configuration, with the V8 models capable of towing up to around 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.
A: The 2018 Savana offered features like an available touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and optional rear air conditioning for passenger comfort.
A: Yes, the 2018 Savana was available with different wheelbase lengths to cater to various cargo and seating needs.
A: The 2018 Savana was typically offered with rear-wheel drive for its standard configuration.
A: The 2018 Savana was available in various trim levels, including the base model, LS, and LT for the passenger van, and the Work Van and LS for the cargo van.
A: The 2018 Savana was well-suited for a range of commercial applications, such as shuttle services, delivery companies, and tradespeople needing a reliable work vehicle.
A: Yes, the 2018 Savana offered an optional rearview camera to assist with parking and maneuvering.
A: The starting price of the 2018 Savana varied based on the model, configuration, and optional features, but it typically began around $30,000 for the cargo van and $35,000 for the passenger van.
A: The 2018 Savana cargo van was available with either a standard roof or an extended-height roof for added cargo space.
A: Yes, the 2018 Savana typically came with a limited warranty covering basic components for a certain period of time or mileage.
A: The 2018 Savana faced competition from other full-size vans like the Ford Transit and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, offering a range of engine options and configurations to meet varying commercial and passenger transportation needs.