How to Jump Start a GMC Savana

1. Turn off both vehicles, unplug unneeded accessories, and switch off the radio and unneeded lights.
2. Open both hoods and find the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on the other vehicle.
3. Check that the jumper cables have no loose or missing insulation.
4. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery, or its remote positive terminal.
5. Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery, keeping it from touching metal.
6. Connect the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect the other end of the black cable to the dead vehicle's negative location: on your van, the unpainted radio antenna bracket.
8. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run it a while, then try starting the dead one.

• To remove the cables, reverse Steps 7–10 in exact order, then let the started vehicle idle for several minutes.
• Move the antenna coaxial cable aside and keep the negative clamp off the air conditioning line, or the vehicle could be damaged.
• If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

Source: 2026 GMC Savana owner's manual, PDF pages 215, 216. Steps are summarized in our own words (AI-assisted, checked against the cited pages 2026-10-18). Other model years can differ; your manual has the final word.