Warning Indicators: 2021 GMC Savana Dashboard Symbols
In the 2021 GMC Savana, the dashboard is an important place for getting important information to the driver through warning signs. These are a variety of symbols that are meant to let drivers know when something might be wrong with the vehicle. These symbols, which are clearly visible on the panel, show a number of things, such as engine problems, uneven tire pressure, low fuel levels, and problems with the safety systems. The 2021 GMC Savana’s dashboard warning lights are easy to understand and use because they are designed to be intuitive and use clear symbols. This lets drivers take immediate action to fix any problems they find and make sure their vehicle runs safely and reliably.
2023 – 2024 GMC SAVANA Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system the check includes the airbag sensor(s), the pretensioners (if equipped), the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.
Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also display.
Airbag On-Off Light
When the front outboard passenger airbag is manually turned off using the airbag on-off switch on the instrument panel, if equipped, the indicator light OFF or the off symbol will come on and stay on as a reminder that the airbag has been turned off. This light will go off when the airbag has been turned on.
Warning
If the front outboard passenger frontal airbag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identified by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of an airbag. In a crash, the airbag will not be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group identified by the national government. If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. For example, the front outboard passenger frontal airbag could inflate even though the airbag on-off switch is turned off. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag is enabled, and may inflate.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. It should go out when the engine is started. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery. When this light comes on or is flashing, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message. If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control onboard diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable. Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with this light on, the emission control system may not work as well, the fuel economy may be lower, and the vehicle may not run smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Modifications to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tires that do not meet the original tire specifications, can cause this light to come on. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test.
If the light is flashing: A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady: A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Check the following:
- A loose or missing fuel cap may cause the light to come on. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.
- Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test, the test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The light is on when the engine is running.
- The light does not come on when the ignition is on while the engine is off.
- Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle would not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is not working, the remaining circuit can still work to stop the vehicle. For normal braking performance, both circuits need to be working. 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 the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light also comes on when the parking brake is set. 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.
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.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, safely stop as soon as it is possible and turn off the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again to reset the system. If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning. If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/ Haul Mode has been activated.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
This light is green if LDW is on and ready to operate. This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. If the StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/ ESC systems and the warning light turns off.
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system have been disabled. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may be displayed. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/ or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also be displayed. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
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.
This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. It also comes on, and a chime sounds when the fuel gauge indicator nears empty. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when the cruise control is set. This light goes out when the cruise control is canceled.
FAQs
Warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana are symbols that signify potential issues or malfunctions within the vehicle.
Warning indicators benefit drivers of the 2021 GMC Savana by providing immediate notification of critical issues, allowing for prompt action to address them and prevent further complications.
Where are warning indicators typically located on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana?
Warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana can indicate various issues such as engine problems, tire pressure discrepancies, low fuel levels, and malfunctions in safety systems.
Drivers can interpret warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana by understanding the symbolism of each indicator and its corresponding issue.
Warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana are typically standardized and cannot be customized by the driver.
It is not advisable for drivers to ignore warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana, as they indicate potential issues that may require immediate attention to prevent further complications.
Warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana typically provide detailed information about specific issues, whereas indicator lights offer more generalized alerts.
Upon encountering a warning indicator on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana, drivers should assess the indicator, take appropriate action as indicated, and seek professional assistance if necessary.
Some warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana may be accompanied by audible alerts to further notify the driver of the issue.
Extreme weather conditions such as temperature fluctuations or heavy rain may indirectly trigger warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana by affecting vehicle systems or components.
Warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana contribute to driver safety by alerting drivers to potential issues that may compromise the vehicle’s safety or performance, prompting them to take corrective action.
Warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana generally adhere to standardized formats and symbolism, ensuring consistency across different vehicle models.
Depending on the nature of the issue indicated by the warning indicator, drivers may be able to acknowledge or clear warning indicators on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana through vehicle settings or by resolving the underlying issue.
Drivers can prevent warning indicators from appearing on the dashboard of the 2021 GMC Savana by performing regular vehicle maintenance, monitoring fluid levels, and addressing any issues promptly to maintain optimal vehicle health.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: GMC Savana 2021 User Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 – 2024 GMC SAVANA Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review