GMC Savana 2500 Dashboard Warning Lights
These are the dashboard warning lights for the GMC Savana. The Savana 2500 passenger and cargo van warning symbols are illustrated along with an explanation of their meaning. In most cases, there will also be the recommended action to take based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Many of the GMC Savana dashboard light come on when the ignition is switched to ‘start’. This is a normal procedure and acts either as a systems check or a bulb check. Dashboard layout design and warning lights location may vary depending on the model of van.
Airbag Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 airbag warning light should only illuminate for several seconds when the vehicle’s engine is started, then go off. If the airbag warning light remains lit or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly.
In this situation, the airbag may not deploy in the even of an accident, or potentially deploy randomly at any time. A common cause of the GMC Savana airbag light coming on is:
- Airbag sensors fault perhaps after minor accident
- Worn clock spring
- Fault with seat belt buckle
- Battery airbag backup after battery drainage
- Faulty airbag module
Battery Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 battery warning light should only illuminate for a short time when the ignition is switched to ‘start’. If the battery light remains lit or comes on while driving, it means there’s a problem with the charging system. If the battery warning light comes on while driving, you should make your way immediately to a vehicle repair shop. Typical issues can include:
- Alternator / generator belt is broken or loose
- Connections to the battery are loose or excessively corroded
- Alternator / generator has failed
When the engine is running, a voltmeter gauge may also indicate the battery’s state of charge. Readings between
the low and high warning zones indicate the normal operating range. Readings in the low warning zone can occur when the engine is at idle for long periods or when there are a large number of electrical systems switched on in the vehicle. This is normal and readings should resume to normal once the vehicle is being driven.
Engine Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 engine warning light illuminates indicating a fault with the emissions control system. There are many possible faults associated with the engine warning light and as such, diagnosis is required when the light illuminated. Fault codes are typically generated and stored when the engine warning light comes on. Diagnostic equipment is then required to read these fault codes.
If the engine warning light illuminates (non-flashing), the fault is not often serious, but prolonged driving with the warning light on can result in costly repairs. You may also notice a decline in fuel economy. The illumination of the engine warning light can relate to issues with the transmission, engine, exhausts system or fuel system, but may be as simple as a loose gas cap.
If the engine warning light is flashing, reduce engine load and avoid high engine speeds. If the engine light continues to flash, stop the vehicle and switch off the engine. Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the engine light continues to flash, seek assistance from a repair workshop as soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 brake warning light illuminates either to inform the driver that the parking brake is on, or if the parking brake is fully released and the light remains lit, there’s a problems with the van’s brakes. Check brake fluid levels. If the brake pedal is harder to press than usual or feels spongy, stop driving and arrange to have the van towed.
ABS Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 ABS warning light illuminates briefly when the engine is started, then goes off. If the ABS light comes on while driving, it means there’s a fault with the Anti-lock Braking System. ABS helps to maintain control of the vehicle during hard brake by preventing the wheels from locking.
In the event of ABS failure, normal brake continue to operate, but without the function of ABS. If the light remains lit, stop the vehicle and restart the engine. Restarting the engine resets the ABS system. Common causes for the ABS light on the GMC Savana 2500 are:
- Broken wheel speed sensor
- Faulty ABS module
- ABS hydraulic pump failure
Tow Mode Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 tow / haul mode warning light illuminates in yellow when the tow / haul mode has been activated. Essentially, when activated, tow mode adjusts the van’s gear shift patterns and reduces the number of shifts which helps to protect the transmission when towing heavy loads.
Lane Departure Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 lane departure warning (LDW) system warns the driver that they are deviating from their lane lines. When the LDW light is green, the system is on and ready. When the LDW is amber, it means a lane line has been crossed.
The lane departure system along with the forward collision alert system use a camera mounted at the center-top of the windshield. If the windshield becomes dirty, or covered in ice or snow, the system may not operate properly.
Forward Collision Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and vehicle ahead indicator warn the driver that they are following a vehicle too closely. When the vehicle ahead system is active and detects a vehicle ahead, the warning light illuminates green. If the system detects that you are following a vehicle too closely, the indicator light turns green. If the Forward Collison Alert system detects and impending impact, the light turns red, an audible alert is heard and there may be a reduction in the van’s speed.
Traction Control / StabiliTrak Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 traction control system (TCS) and StabiliTrak system provide the van with greater traction and a reduction in understeer and oversteer by applying brake pressure to individual wheels. The light flashes when the system is operating and remains lit when there’s a fault. Tires that have been fitted that are not within the manufacturer’s recommendations or uneven tire pressures can cause issues with the system. Common reasons for the GMC Savana traction control / StabiliTrak warning light to come on can include:
- Brake light switch
- Broken wheel speed sensor
- ABS / ESC module
- Steering angle sensor
- Low battery power
Tire Pressure Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 tire pressure warning light illuminates briefly when the engine is started and shortly goes off. If the light remains steadily lit, it means one or more tires has become under-inflated. If the light flashes, then remains steady lit, it means there’s a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
A common cause for the TPMS to have a fault is during a tire change, the pressure sensors have been damaged or incorrectly fitted. The battery inside a sensor may also have exhausted. Fitting a tire that does not have a sensor installed such as the spare will cause a TPMS malfunction. Another cause is that the TPMS sensor matching process was not done or not completed successfully after rotating the tires, or that tires or wheels have been fitted that do not match the manufacturer’s recommended specification are in use.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 engine oil pressure warning light illuminates in red when the engine has started and should go off shortly after. If the light remains lit or comes on while driving, it means the engine oil pressure is low. This means that oil will not flow through the engine properly and result in a lack of sufficient lubrication, potentially causing significant engine damage.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and switch off the engine. Check engine oil level and top up if required. Only continue to drive if the light goes off.
When the engine is running, an oil pressure gauge can provide additional information about the engine oil. The gauge shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals) when the engine is running. Pressure fluctuations is normal as this depends on outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the low pressure zone is normal.
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates in red when the cooling system is unable to keep the engine sufficiently cool. If the warning light comes on or the temperature gauge enters the red zone, pull off the road and only open the hood if steam is not coming from the engine compartment. If it is, switch off the engine and wait for the steam to calm.
If no steam is coming from under the hood, keep the engine running and check to ensure the cooling fans are running. If not, switch off the engine and arrange recovery. If the fans are operating, continue to drive the van slowly for 10 minutes until the light goes off. If the light remains lit (but no steam is coming from under the hood), pull off the road and push down the gas pedal until the engine speed is around twice as fast as idle for around 3 minutes. If the light still remains on, switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down.
When the engine is running, a engine coolant temperature gauge can help determine the running temperature of the engine. During a majority of vehicle operation, the gauge will read 100 °C (210 °F) or less. If the van is pulling a load or going up steep hills, it is normal for the temperature to fluctuate and approach the 122 °C (250 °F) mark.
If the gauge reaches the 125 °C (260 °F) mark, it indicates that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
Immobilizer Warning Light
The GMC Savana 2500 engine immobilizer / security warning light should come on briefly when the engine start and then switch off. If the warning light remains lit and the engine fails to start, there could be a problem with the immobilizer system.
Failure to start the engine along with the immobilizer warning light might be an indication of a damaged transponder in the van’s key. If possible, try another key.