2002 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 97

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you're: D Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), D Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transmission won't shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3) when carrying a heavy load or driving on steep hills. You should use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer to minimize heat build-up and extend the life of your transmission. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. If you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission will drive in SECOND (2). You may use this feature for reducing torque to the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces. NOTICE: If your rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to drive. This might happen if you are stuck in very deep sand or mud or are up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill. 2-26