2005 Saturn ION Owner Manual M
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In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the
hazard. Please read these cautions. If you do not,
you or others could be hurt.
Safety Warnings and Symbols
There are a number of safety cautions in this book. We
use a box and the word CAUTION to tell about things
that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.
You will also find a circle
with a slash through it in
this book. This safety
symbol means “Do Not,”
“Do Not do this” or “Do Not
let this happen.”
{CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
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Vehicle Damage Warnings
Vehicle Symbols
Also, in this manual you will find these notices:
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specific component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
Notice: These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage the
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But
the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the following
topics:
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in
different words.
• Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
• Features and Controls in Section 2
• Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
• Climate Controls in Section 3
There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
• Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
• Audio System(s) in Section 3
• Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
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These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:
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✍ NOTES
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Front Seats
{CAUTION:
Manual Seats
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle
is moving. The sudden movement could startle
and confuse you, or make you push a pedal
when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s
seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
Your vehicle has manual seats. Lift the bar located
under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to
where you want it and release the bar. Try to move
the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked
in place.
1-2
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Driver Seat Height Adjuster
Manual Lumbar
If your vehicle has this
feature, the knob is
located on the front of the
driver seat lower cushion
on the inboard side.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase
or decrease the lumbar support.
The driver’s seat height adjuster is located on the
outboard side of the seat.
To raise the seat, move the lever upward repeatedly
until the seat is at the desired height. To lower the seat,
move the lever downward repeatedly until the seat is
at the desired height.
1-3
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Reclining Seatbacks
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is
locked.
Your vehicle has reclining seatbacks. The lever is
located on the outboard side of the seats. Lift the lever
to release the seatback. Move the seatback to where
you want it and release the lever to lock the seatback in
place. Press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is
locked into place.
1-4
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Do not have a seatback reclined if your vehicle
is moving.
Head Restraints
Press the button on the
side of the head restraint
to adjust it.
{CAUTION:
Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle
is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you
buckle up, your safety belts cannot do their
job when you are reclined like this.
The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it
will not be against your body. Instead, it will be
in front of you. In a crash you could go into it,
receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash
the belt could go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic
bones. This could cause serious internal
injuries.
For proper protection when the vehicle is in
motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit
well back in the seat and wear your safety belt
properly.
1-5
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Passenger Folding Seatback
Your vehicle may have a passenger seat that folds flat.
To fold the seatback, do the following:
{CAUTION:
If you fold the seatback forward to carry longer
objects, such as skis, be sure any such cargo
is not near an airbag. In a crash, an inflating
airbag might force that object toward a person.
This could cause severe injury or even death.
Secure objects away from the area in which an
airbag would inflate. For more information, see
Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint
is closest to the top of your head. This position
reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
1-6
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{CAUTION:
Things you put on this seatback can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash. Remove or secure all items before
driving.
To fold the seatback flat, do the following:
1. Lift the bar under the seat to unlock it.
2. Slide the seat as far back as it will go and release
the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to
make sure it is locked into place.
3. Lift the recliner lever, located on the outboard side
of the seat, fully and fold the seat forward until the
seatback disengages.
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To raise the seatback to an upright position, do the
following:
1. Lift the recliner lever, located on the outboard side
of the seat, fully and lift the seatback.
2. Push the seatback until it re-engages.
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is
locked.
4. Continue to fold the seat forward until it locks in the
folded position. Pull up on the seatback to be sure
it is locked.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is
locked in place.
1-8
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Rear Seats
Split Folding Rear Seat
You can fold either side of the rear seatback down for
more cargo space.
To lower the rear seatback, follow these steps:
2. Once the handle is pulled, the seatback can be
pushed open through the trunk, or pulled open
from the inside of the vehicle.
1. Open the trunk and pull one or both of the small
handles located in the center of the trunk.
1-9
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To raise the rear seatback, lift it up and rearward until
you hear a click. Push and pull on the seatback to
be sure it is locked into place.
Safety Belts
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety
belts properly. It also tells you some things you should
not do with safety belts.
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
pull forward on the top of the seatback at the
area of the latch to be sure it is locked.
{CAUTION:
Do not let anyone ride where he or she cannot
wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a
crash and you are not wearing a safety belt,
your injuries can be much worse. You can hit
things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it.
You can be seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be, if you are
buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt,
and check that your passengers’ belts are
fastened properly too.
{CAUTION:
A safety belt that is improperly routed, not
properly attached, or twisted will not provide
the protection needed in a crash. The person
wearing the belt could be seriously injured.
After raising the rear seatback, always check
to be sure that the safety belts are properly
routed and attached, and are not twisted.
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In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law
says to wear safety belts. Here is why: They work.
{CAUTION:
You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have
a crash, you do not know if it will be a bad one.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not
allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and safety
belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a safety belt properly.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of
them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes
walk away. Without belts they could have been badly
hurt or killed.
After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the
facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter...a lot!
Your vehicle has a light
that comes on as a
reminder to buckle up. See
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Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as
it goes.
Put someone on it.
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on
wheels.
1-12
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Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
does not stop.
The person keeps going until stopped by something. In
a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...
1-13
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or the instrument panel...
or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why
safety belts make such good sense.
1-14
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Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?
A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in an
accident — even one that is not your fault — you
and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver does not protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident
if I am wearing a safety belt?
A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you are upside down. And your chance of
being conscious during and after an accident,
so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if
you are belted.
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of
home. And the greatest number of serious injuries
and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph
(65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to
wear safety belts?
A: Airbags are in many vehicles today and will be in
most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of them. Every airbag
system ever offered for sale has required the use of
safety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that has
airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.
1-15
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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be
those rules for everyone’s protection.
First, you will want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.
We will start with the driver position.
Driver Position
3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Do not let it get twisted.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt
across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt
go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear
it properly.
1. Close and lock the door.
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see
how, see “Seats” in the Index.
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4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If
the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, let it go
back all the way and start again.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this
applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you would
be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The
shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across
the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.
The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash,
or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
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Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt
is too loose. In a crash, you would move
forward too much, which could increase injury.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearly
as much protection this way.
1-18
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Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if your belt is
buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash,
the belt would go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic
bones. This could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt into the
buckle nearest you.
A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
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Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if you wear the
shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your
body would move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Also, the belt would apply too much force to
the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder
bones. You could also severely injure internal
organs like your liver or spleen.
A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should
be worn over the shoulder at all times.
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Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt.
In a crash, you would not have the full width of
the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is
twisted, make it straight so it can work
properly, or ask your retailer to fix it.
A: The belt is twisted across the body.
1-21
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Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment
(Sedan)
Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt height
adjuster to the height that is right for you. Adjust the
height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered
on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your
face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
To move it up or down,
press the square button (A)
in the center of the
height adjuster knob and
move the height adjuster to
the desired position.
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
The belt should go back out of the way.
Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the
way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage
both the belt and your vehicle.
After you move the height adjuster to where you want it,
try to move it up and down without touching the
square button to make sure it has locked into position.
1-22
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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Right Front Passenger Position
Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be
seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.
To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety
The right front passenger’s safety belt works the
same way as the driver’s safety belt — except for
one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the
belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint
locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back
all the way and start again.
Rear Seat Passengers
It is very important for rear seat passengers to buckle
up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in
the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those
who are wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who are not safety belted can be
thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike
others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and
the lap portion should be worn as low as possible,
below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the
mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more
likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For
pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making
safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
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lap-shoulder belt. If you find that the latch plate will
not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the
buckle for the center passenger position.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All rear seat positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here is
how to wear one properly.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way,
it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and
start again.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Do not let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt
across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt
go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If
your vehicle has a center passenger position, be
sure to use the correct buckle when buckling your
3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.
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{CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt
is too loose. In a crash, you would move
forward too much, which could increase injury.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you would be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the
belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go
over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of
the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle.
The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or a crash,
or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
Rear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide added
safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown
booster seats and for some adults. When installed on
a shoulder belt, the comfort guide positions the belt
away from the neck and head.
There is one guide available for each outside passenger
position in the rear seat. Here is how to install a
comfort guide and use the safety belt:
1. Fold down the rear seatback of the desired seating
for instructions about how to fold the rear seatback.
2. Remove the guide located on the trim behind the
seatback from its storage clip. Pull the guide
around the rear seatback.
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{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is
locked.
3. Return the rear seatback to its upright position and
make sure it is latched into place.
4. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic
cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide
over the belt, and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.
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5. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.
The elastic cord must be under the belt and the
guide on top.
{CAUTION:
A safety belt that is not properly worn may not
provide the protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be seriously
injured. The shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across the chest. These parts of
the body are best able to take belt restraining
forces.
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6. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as
Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the
shoulder.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the
belt edges together so that you can take them out of the
guides. Fold down the rear seatbacks. Store the
guides on their storage clips. Lift the rear seatbacks to
their original seating positions.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your retailer will
order you an extender. It is free. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so
the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and
use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has
been designed for adults. Never use it for securing
child seats. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety
belt. For more information see the instruction sheet
that comes with the extender.
Safety Belt Pretensioners
Your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners. You will find
them on the retractor portion of the safety belts for
the driver and right front passenger. They help the safety
belts reduce a person’s forward movement in a
moderate to severe crash in which the front of the
vehicle hits something.
Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in a
crash, you will need to get new pretensioners and may
need other new parts for your safety belt system.
page 1-60 for more information.
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Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?
Child Restraints
A: If possible, an older child should wear a
lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a
shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt
should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt
should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the
top of the thighs. It should never be worn over
the abdomen, which could cause severe or even
fatal internal injuries in a crash.
Older Children
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat.
In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike
other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown
out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety
belts properly.
Older children who have outgrown booster seats should
wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
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Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt
is very close to the child’s face or neck?
A: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window,
move the child toward the center of the vehicle.
If the child is sitting in the center rear seat
passenger position, move the child toward the
safety belt buckle. In either case, be sure that the
shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so
that in a crash the child’s upper body would have
the restraint that belts provide.
{CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt.
The belt can not properly spread the impact
forces. In a crash, the two children can be
crushed together and seriously injured. A belt
must be used by only one person at a time.
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Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s
pelvic bones in a crash.
Infants and Young Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes
infants and all other children. Neither the distance
traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes
the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact,
the law in every state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says children up to some age
must be restrained while in a vehicle.
Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,
they should have the protection provided by appropriate
restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s
adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice.
Instead, they need to use a child restraint.
{CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is
behind the child. If the child wears the belt in
this way, in a crash the child might slide under
the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied
right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause
serious or fatal injuries.
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{CAUTION:
People should never hold a baby in their arms
while riding in a vehicle. A baby does not
weigh much — until a crash. During a crash a
baby will become so heavy it is not possible to
hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph
(40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly
become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s
arms. A baby should be secured in an
appropriate restraint.
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CAUTION: (Continued)
Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its
airbag system is designed for them. Young
children and infants need the protection that a
child restraint system can provide.
Q: What are the different types of add-on child
restraints?
A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the
vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types.
Selection of a particular restraint should take
into consideration not only the child’s weight, height
and age but also whether or not the restraint will
be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will
be used.
{CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close to,
any airbag when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts
offer protection for adults and older children,
but not for young children and infants.
For most basic types of child restraints, there are
many different models available. When purchasing a
child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used
in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a
label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle
safety standards.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come
with the restraint, state the weight and height
limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition,
there are many kinds of restraints available for
children with special needs.
{CAUTION:
The body structure of a young child is quite
unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom
the safety belts are designed. A young child’s
hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s
regular safety belt may not remain low on the
hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle
up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the
belt would apply force on a body area that is
unprotected by any bony structure. This alone
could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young
children always should be secured in
{CAUTION:
Newborn infants need complete support,
including support for the head and neck. This
is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck
is weak and its head weighs so much
compared with the rest of its body. In a crash,
an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the
restraint, so the crash forces can be
appropriate child restraints.
distributed across the strongest part of an
infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants
always should be secured in appropriate infant
restraints.
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Child Restraint Systems
A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the
seating surface against the back of the infant. The
harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash,
acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.
An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a
motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed
to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat
surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward
the center of the vehicle.
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A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for
the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes
with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.
A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some
booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and
some high-back booster seats have a five-point harness.
A booster seat can also help a child to see out the
window.
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When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it
will have a label saying that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
Q: How do child restraints work?
A: A child restraint system is any device designed for
use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position
children. A built-in child restraint system is a
permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on
child restraint system is a portable one, which
is purchased by the vehicle’s owner.
Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system or
the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be
secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of
personal injury. When securing an add-on child
restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the
restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in
a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint
instructions are important, so if they are not available,
obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.
For many years, add-on child restraints have used
the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help
reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to
be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s
belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the
vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness
system holds the child in place within the restraint.
One system, the three-point harness, has straps that
come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and
buckle together at the crotch. The five-point harness
system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a
crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip
straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that
are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the
child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has
straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield
that swings up or to the side.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move
around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people
in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in your vehicle – even when no child is in it.
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Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to secure
the child restraint properly.
Where to Put the Restraint
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We,
therefore, recommend that child restraints be secured
in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing
infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Never
put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger
seat. Here is why:
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can
move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure
any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child
is in it.
Top Strap
Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It
can help restrain the child restraint during a collision.
For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to
the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints
are designed for use with or without the top strap being
anchored. Others require the top strap always to be
anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap
be anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is
anchored properly.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inflating airbag.
Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a
rear seat.
If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can
be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.
Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit
is available.
If you need to secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far back as it will
go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
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{CAUTION:
Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor
only one child restraint. Attaching more than
one child restraint to a single bracket could
cause the anchor to come loose or even break
during a crash. A child or others could be
injured if this happens. To help prevent injury
to people and damage to your vehicle, attach
only one child restraint per bracket.
Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be
ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top
strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions say.
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child
restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be
anchored. In the United States, some child restraints
also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a
top strap, it should be anchored.
Anchor the top strap to an anchor point specified in Top
an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle
as the seating position where the child restraint will
be placed.
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Top Strap Anchor Location
Your vehicle has top strap anchors in the rear seating
positions.
Do not secure a child restraint in the right front
passenger’s position if a national or local law requires
that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that
come with the child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored. There is no place to anchor the top
strap in this position.
Coupe
The coupe has two top strap anchors located behind
the rear seat on the filler panel.
In order to access the anchors, you will have to open
the covers if the anchor has one.
Sedan
The sedan has three top strap anchors located on the
rear window trim.
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Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH)
Your vehicle has the LATCH system. There are anchors
for each rear seating position.
This system, designed to make installation of child
restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts.
Instead, it uses vehicle anchors and child restraint
attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints
also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top
tether strap.
A. Lower Anchorage
B. Lower Anchorage
In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you
need a child restraint designed for that system.
A. Lower Anchorage
B. Lower Anchorage
C. Top Tether
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To assist you in locating the lower anchorages for this
child restraint system, each seating position with
the LATCH system has visible metal anchors in the seat
where the seatback meets the seat cushion.
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System
1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seating
position you want to use, where the bottom of
the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.
{CAUTION:
If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached
to its anchorage points, the restraint will not
be able to protect the child correctly. In a
crash, the child could be seriously injured or
killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child
restraint is properly installed using the
anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety
belts to secure the restraint, following the
instructions that came with that restraint, and
also the instructions in this manual.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
3. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the
child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the
vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show
you how.
4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and
tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage.
The child restraint instructions will show you
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top
tether from the top tether anchorage and then
disconnect the LATCH attachments from the LATCH
anchorages.
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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position
If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for
page 1-39 if the child restraint has one.
If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system,
you will be using the lap-shoulder belt. Be sure to
follow the instructions that came with the child restraint.
Secure the child in the child restraint when and as
the instructions say.
1. Put the child restraint on the seat.
2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.
3. Buckle the belt. Be sure the latch plate clicks when
you put it into the buckle. This means you are using
the correct buckle. Also, make sure the release
button is positioned so you would be able to
unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
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4. Pull the rest of shoulder belt all the way out of the
retractor to set the lock.
5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,
pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the
lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder
belt back into the retractor. If you are using a
forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful
to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety
belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an
adult or larger child passenger.
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Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. Never
put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here is why:
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position
If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for
page 1-39 if the child restraint has one.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inflating airbag.
Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a
rear seat.
There is no top strap anchor in the right front
passenger’s position. Do not secure a child seat in this
position if a national or local law requires that the
top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that the top strap must
be anchored.
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A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing
child restraint. If you need to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in the right front seat, you will be using the
lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint. Be sure
to follow the instructions that came with the child
restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when
and as the instructions say.
1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger
airbag, always move the seat as far back as it will
go before securing a forward-facing child restraint.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
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5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of
the retractor to set the lock.
6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,
pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the
lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder
belt back into the retractor. You may find it helpful
to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
7. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety
belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an
adult or larger child passenger.
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Airbag System
CAUTION: (Continued)
Your vehicle has a frontal airbag for the driver and a
frontal airbag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle
may also have roof-mounted side impact airbags.
Roof-mounted side impact airbags are available for the
driver and the passenger seated directly behind the
driver and for the right front passenger and the
passenger seated directly behind that passenger.
during a crash helps reduce your chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or being
ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental
restraints” to the safety belts. All airbags are
designed to work with safety belts but do not
replace them.
If your vehicle has side impact airbags, the words
AIR BAG will appear on the airbag covering on the ceiling
near the driver’s and right front passenger’s window.
Frontal airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are designed to deploy in moderate
to severe frontal and near frontal crashes.
They are not designed to inflate in rollover,
rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many
side crashes. And, for some unrestrained
occupants, frontal airbags may provide less
protection in frontal crashes than more
forceful airbags have provided in the past.
Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of
injury from the force of an inflating frontal airbag.
But these airbags must inflate very quickly to do their
job and comply with federal regulations.
Here are the most important things to know about the
airbag system:
Roof-mounted side impact airbags are designed
to inflate in moderate to severe crashes where
something hits the side of your vehicle. They
are not designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover
or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle
should wear a safety belt properly — whether or
not there is an airbag for that person.
{CAUTION:
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash
if you are not wearing your safety belt — even
if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt
CAUTION: (Continued)
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{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Both frontal and side impact airbags inflate
with great force, faster than the blink of an
eye. If you are too close to an inflating airbag,
as you would be if you were leaning forward, it
could seriously injure you. Safety belts help
keep you in position for airbag inflation before
and during a crash. Always wear your safety
belt even with frontal airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible while still
maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants
should not lean on or sleep against the door.
Anyone who is up against, or very close to,
any airbag when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder
belts offer the best protection for adults, but
not for young children and infants. Neither the
vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them. Young children
and infants need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide. Always secure
children properly in your vehicle. To read how,
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There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag
symbol.
Where Are the Airbags?
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
for more information.
The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
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The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is in the
instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
If your vehicle has a side impact airbag for the driver
and the person seated directly behind the driver, it is in
the ceiling above the side windows.
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{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
airbag, the bag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person causing
severe injury or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put
anything between an occupant and an airbag,
and do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other
airbag covering. And, if your vehicle has
roof-mounted side impact airbags, never secure
anything to the roof of your vehicle by routing
the rope or tiedown through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an inflating side
impact airbag will be blocked. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept clear.
If your vehicle has a side impact airbag for the right
front passenger and the person seated directly behind
that passenger, it is in the ceiling above the side
windows.
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If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that
does not move or deform, the threshold level for the
reduced deployment is about 16 to 20 mph
(26 to 32 km/h), and the threshold level for a full
deployment is 25 to 30 mph (40 to 48 km/h). (The
threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle
design, so that it can be somewhat above or below
this range.)
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags
are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate
only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account
a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment
events and are used to predict how severe a crash
is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help
restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags
will or should deploy is not based on how fast your
vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact and how quickly your
vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds.
For example:
• If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags
could inflate at a different crash speed than if the
object were moving.
• If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the
airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than
if the vehicle hits an object does not deform.
In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal airbags,
which adjust the restraint according to crash severity.
Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors
which help the sensing system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal
impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags
inflate at a level less than full deployment. For
• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) the
airbags could inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle the
airbags could inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
The frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are
not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
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Your vehicle may or may not have side impact airbags.
airbags are intended to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes. A side impact airbag will inflate if the crash
severity is above the system’s designed “threshold
level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle
design. Side impact airbags are not intended to
inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear
impacts. A side impact airbag is intended to deploy
on the side of the vehicle that is struck.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The
sensing system triggers a release of gas from the
inflator, which inflates the airbag. The inflator, airbag,
and related hardware are all part of the airbag modules
inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel
in front of the right front passenger. For vehicles
with side impact airbags, there are also airbag modules
in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows.
It is possible that, in a crash involving the front of your
vehicle, only one of the two frontal airbags in your
vehicle will deploy. This is rare, but it can happen in a
crash just severe enough to make a frontal airbag
inflate.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an
airbag should have inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs
were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by
what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and
near-frontal impacts. For side impact airbags, inflation is
determined by the location and severity of the impact.
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How Does an Airbag Restrain?
What Will You See After an Airbag
Inflates?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle. The airbag supplements the protection
provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the
frontal airbags would not help you in many types
of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many
side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion
is not toward the airbag. Side impact airbags would not
help you in many types of collisions, including many
frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear
impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not
toward those airbags. Airbags should never be
After an airbag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the airbag
inflated. Some components of the airbag module — the
steering wheel hub for the driver’s airbag, the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag or
the ceiling of your vehicle near the side windows — will
be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that
come into contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation
does not prevent the driver from seeing or being able to
steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving
the vehicle.
regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety
belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or
near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front
passenger’s frontal airbags, and only in moderate to
severe side collisions for vehicles with a driver’s
and right front passenger’s side impact airbag.
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In many crashes severe enough to inflate an airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger airbag.
{CAUTION:
When an airbag inflates, there is dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in
the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe
to do so. If you have breathing problems but
cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag
inflates, then get fresh air by opening a
window or a door. If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
• Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an
airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for
your airbag system. If you do not get them,
the airbag system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly other parts. The
service manual for your vehicle covers the need to
replace other parts.
• Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information after
a crash. See Vehicle Data Collection and Event
• Let only qualified technicians work on your airbag
system. Improper service can mean that your
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer for service.
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Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the side
impact airbag covering on the ceiling near the side
windows, the airbag may not work properly. You
may have to replace the airbag module in the
steering wheel, both the airbag module and the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s
airbag, or side impact airbag module and ceiling
covering for roof-mounted side impact airbags. Do
not open or break the airbag coverings.
{CAUTION:
For up to one minute after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inflate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped
with yellow tape, yellow coverings, or yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag systems. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to do so.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are airbag system parts in several places around
your vehicle. You do not want the system to inflate
while someone is working on your vehicle. Your retailer
and the Saturn Service Manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see Service Publications
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Q: If I add a luggage carrier or sunroof to the roof
of my vehicle, will it keep the roof-mounted side
impact airbags from working properly?
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
A: As long as the luggage carrier or sunroof is
properly installed so that the vehicle’s basic
structure is not changed, it is not likely to keep the
roof-mounted side impact airbags from working
properly in a crash.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
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If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
or LATCH system was not being used at the time of
the collision.
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
If your seat adjuster will not work after a crash, the
special part of the safety belt that goes through the seat
to the adjuster may need to be replaced.
A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may
not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part about the airbag system
earlier in this manual.
If the frontal airbags inflate you will need to replace the
driver’s and right front passengers safety belt retractor
assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new retractor
assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.
After a crash you may need to replace the driver and
front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies, even
if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver
and front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies
contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your
safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has
been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays
on after you start your vehicle or while you are driving.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a more severe crash, then you need
new parts.
If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
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Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. They
could operate the power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. The
children or others could be badly injured or
even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.
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This key operates the
ignition and all of the lock
cylinders on the vehicle.
Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, you may be
able to have your doors unlocked automatically with the
OnStar system if you have an active OnStar
on page 2-38.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
You may be able to obtain
a VALET key from your
retailer. The VALET
key only operates the
driver’s door and the
ignition. This a
theft-deterrent feature. The
VALET key should
always be used when valet
parking your vehicle.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
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Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
With this feature, you can lock and unlock the doors or
the trunk from about 26 feet (8 m) away using the
remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your
vehicle.
• Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Q (Lock): Press this
symbol on the remote
keyless entry transmitter to
lock the doors. This also
arms the theft-deterrent
system. See
• Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
on page 2-15.
• Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
page 2-4.
• If you are still having trouble, see your retailer or a
qualified technician for service.
Your vehicle can be programmed so that the parking
lamps will flash and/or the horn will sound when you lock
the doors with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
See your retailer for more information on programming
this feature.
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W (Unlock): Press this symbol on the remote keyless
entry transmitter to unlock the driver’s door. This also
disarms the theft-deterrent system. See Theft-Deterrent
unlock the rest of the doors.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your retailer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your retailer. When the retailer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.
Your vehicle can be programmed so that the parking
lamps will flash and/or the horn will sound when
you unlock the doors with the remote keyless entry
transmitter. See your retailer for more information on
programming this feature.
L (Panic Alarm): The remote keyless entry
transmitter comes equipped with an instant panic alarm.
Press the horn symbol when the ignition is turned off.
The horn will sound and the parking lamps and
dome lamp will flash for up to two minutes. To stop the
instant panic alarm, press the symbol again.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about four years.
V (Trunk): Press this button to open the trunk. If the
vehicle’s speed is faster than 2 mph (3 km/h), the
trunk will not open when this button is pressed.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
The remote keyless entry transmitter is used to
arm/disarm the theft-deterrent system. The system will
arm when the lock button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter pressed. The system will disarm when
the unlock button is pressed.
Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.
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1. Use a flat thin object to pry open the transmitter.
2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a toothpick,
pen cap or similar object to remove the old battery.
Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery as the instructions under the
cover indicate.
4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure
no moisture can enter.
5. Check the operation of the transmitter.
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There are several ways to lock your vehicle.
Doors and Locks
To lock a door from the outside, turn the key toward the
front of the vehicle or use the remote keyless entry
transmitter, if equipped.
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
• Passengers — especially children — can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle will not open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash if the doors are not locked. So,
wear safety belts properly and lock the
doors whenever you drive.
From the inside, move the manual lock knob above the
door handle or use the power door lock switch.
• Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
• Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.
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Power Door Locks
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks
Press the top of the switch
to unlock the doors. Press
the bottom of the switch
to lock the doors.
With this feature, the doors will automatically lock when
the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P) for vehicles
with an automatic transaxle, or the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) for vehicles with a manual
transaxle. The doors will automatically unlock when
the ignition is turned off.
To turn the automatic door locking feature on or off, do
the following:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off and all
of the doors closed.
2. Press and hold the power door lock button in the
lock position until the horn chirps twice.
Delayed Locking
This feature will delay the actual locking of the doors for
up to five seconds when the power door lock switch
or remote keyless entry transmitter is used to lock the
vehicle.
To turn the automatic door unlocking feature on or off,
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off and all
of the doors closed.
If any door is open when locking the vehicle, three
chimes will be heard signaling that the delayed locking
feature is active. Five seconds after the last door is
closed, all of the doors will lock and the parking lamps
will flash. To cancel the delay and lock the doors
immediately, press the lock button a second time.
2. Press and hold the power door lock button in the
unlock position until the horn chirps twice.
If the key is in the ignition this feature will not lock
the doors.
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When you want to open a rear door when the security
lock is on, do the following:
Rear Door Security Locks
Your vehicle has rear door security locks that prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside.
1. Unlock the door using the remote keyless entry
transmitter, if equipped, the power door lock
switch, or by lifting the rear door manual lock.
The rear door security
locks are located on the
inside edge of each
rear door. You must
open the rear doors
to access them.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it
so the slot is in the vertical position.
Lockout Protection
If you press the power door lock switch when the key is
in the ignition and any door is open, all the doors will
lock and the driver’s door will unlock. Be sure to remove
the key from the ignition when locking your vehicle.
To set the locks, do the following:
The lockout protection can be overridden by pressing
and holding the power door lock in the lock position for
three seconds.
1. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it
so the slot is in the horizontal position.
2. Close the door.
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Rear Doors (Coupe)
Trunk
Your vehicle has a driver’s and passenger’s side rear
access door. To open the rear access doors, first
you must open the driver’s or passenger’s door.
To unlock the trunk from the outside, use the vehicle
key or press the trunk button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter, if equipped.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
• Make sure all other windows are shut.
• Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
• If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
Then use the handle located on the front edge of the
rear door to open it.
When closing the doors, the rear door must be closed
and latched before you can close the driver’s or
passenger’s door.
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Remote Trunk Release
Remote Trunk Release Lockout
Your remote trunk release is equipped with a lockout
feature. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk
lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch.
Press the remote trunk
release button, located on
the lower left side of
the instrument panel, to
release the trunk lid.
To turn the lockout on,
slide the switch to the lock
symbol. To turn the
lockout off, slide the switch
to the unlock symbol.
Make sure the remote trunk release lockout feature is
not on. The remote trunk release will work when
the ignition is either in LOCK or ACC, the parking
brake is engaged, or the vehicle speed is less than
2 mph (3 km/h).
When the lockout is on, the remote trunk release button
will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk lid
can still be opened with the key, but not with the keyless
entry transmitter.
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Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release
handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing
items in the trunk as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release handle is only
intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk,
to open the trunk from the inside.
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release
handle located on the inside of the trunk lid. This handle
will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release
handle and push the trunk lid open from the inside
to open the trunk.
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Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a
vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the extreme heat
and suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a
helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.
Manual Windows
If your vehicle has manual windows, use the window
crank to open and close each window.
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Express-Down Window
Power Windows
The driver’s window has an express-down feature which
allows the window to lower all the way without
continuously pressing the switch. The switch is labeled
AUTO. Press the rear of the switch all the way down
and release.
If your vehicle has power
windows, switches located
on the driver’s door
armrest control each of
the windows.
To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front
of the switch.
Window Lockout
o (Window Lockout): The window lockout button is
located near the driver’s power window switches.
Press the right side of the button to prevent rear
passengers from using their windows. Press the left
side of the button to return to normal window operation.
In addition, each passenger door has a window switch
that controls that door’s window. To operate each
window, press the switch forward to close the window
and rearward to open it.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. You can
also swing them to the side.
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Notice: Using the safety belt clip to enter or exit
the vehicle, or in any way other than as it was
intended, can damage your vehicle. Do not use the
safety belt clip in any way other than as it was
intended.
Visor Vanity Mirrors
Your sun visors may have vanity mirrors. If so, the
driver’s mirror is covered. Lift the cover to expose
the mirror.
Passenger Visor Safety Belt Clip
(Coupe)
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
If you have a coupe, the sun visor on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle has a clip. This clip is designed
to hold the safety belt out of the way when entering and
exiting the rear seats. Be sure to remove the safety
belt from the clip when you are done.
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Passlock®
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock®
theft-deterrent system.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
Passlock® is a passive theft-deterrent system.
New Vehicle Break-In
Passlock® enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the
ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
During normal operation,
the security light will
go off approximately
three seconds after the
key is turned to the
• Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Do not exceed
5,000 engine rpm. Avoid downshifting to brake,
or slow, the vehicle.
RUN ignition position.
• Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
If the engine stalls and the security light flashes, wait
until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from START
as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the
engine off. However, your Passlock® system is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock® at
this time. You may also want to check the fuses,
retailer for service.
• Do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 miles
for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle
and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
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9(LOCK): This position locks your steering column. It
is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to
remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to four
different positions.
If you have an automatic transaxle, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever
is in PARK (P).
{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transaxle removing the
key from the ignition switch will lock the
steering column and result in a loss of ability to
steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If
you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle
is moving, turn the key to ACC.
Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If
it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACCESSORY): This position operates some of
your electrical accessories. It unlocks the steering wheel
and ignition.
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R (RUN): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in the RUN position when the engine is
running. But even when the ignition is not running, you
can use RUN to operate your electrical accessories
and to display some warning and indicator lights.
Shift Lock Release
The following procedure allows the ignition to be turned
to LOCK and for ignition key removal in case of a
dead battery or low voltage battery.
1. Make sure the shift lever is in PARK (P).
/ (START): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
while in LOCK or ACC, when the key has not been
removed from the ignition.
2. Using a tool, pry off the cover from the bottom of
the steering column.
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Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned off.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in RUN or
ACC. Once the key is turned from RUN to LOCK,
the radio will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or
until any door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
3. Place your finger into the access hole and locate
the plunger.
Notice: Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
4. Press and hold the plunger toward the driver’s
door while turning the ignition key to LOCK.
Remove the key.
Have your vehicle serviced at your GM dealer as soon
as possible.
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2. If it does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try
again to start the engine by turning the ignition to
START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor
and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a safety
feature.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not
run your engine at high speed when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let
the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
Starting Procedure
3. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing,
but this time keep the pedal down for five or
six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
Notice: Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle,
the shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
There are several different
positions for the automatic
transaxle.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift
lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever — push the shift lever all
the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever
button as you maintain brake application.
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Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. Press
the shift lever button before moving the shift lever. See
{CAUTION:
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If
on page 4-28.
Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
while the engine is running at high speed may
damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
Notice: Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N)
while the vehicle is moving could damage the
transaxle. Make sure the vehicle is stopped before
shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear.
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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for
normal driving with the automatic transaxle. If you need
more power for passing, and you are:
LOW (L): This position gives you even more power but
lower fuel economy than INTERMEDIATE (I). You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will
not shift into Low gear until the vehicle is going slowly
enough.
• Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
• Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator all the way down.
Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the vehicle
in place.
INTERMEDIATE (I): This position is also used for
normal driving. However, it offers braking from
the engine for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of
grade. If repetitive shifts occur between third and
fourth gears on steep uphills, this position can be used
to prevent repetitive shifting. Fuel economy will be
lower than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are
some times you might choose INTERMEDIATE (I)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
Racing or Other Competitive Driving
See your warranty book before using your vehicle
for racing or other competitive driving. After reviewing
your warranty book, please see the GM Performance
Parts website or catalog and contact the race
sanctioning bodies. For example, SCCA or Grand
American, for parts and equipment required for racing or
other competitive driving.
• When driving on hilly, winding roads.
• When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
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SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
Manual Transaxle Operation
This is your shift pattern.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5), the same way
you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to
NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
Here is how to operate your transaxle:
FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch
pedal, lift up the ring on the shift lever and shift
into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly
while pressing the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
for parking your vehicle.
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Up-Shift Light
Shift Speeds
If you have a manual
transaxle, you may have
an up-shift light. This
light will show you when to
shift to the next higher
gear for the best fuel
economy.
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
United States Only
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions let you.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift
when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on
and off if you quickly change the position of the
accelerator. Ignore the light when you downshift.
Notice: If you skip more than one gear when you
downshift, or if you race the engine when you
release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you
could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft or the
transaxle. Do not skip gears or race the engine when
downshifting.
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To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
Parking Brake
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats.
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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch fire.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If
you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move
the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pushing
the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever
was not fully locked into PARK (P).
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Torque Lock
Shifting Out of Park (P)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
release system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is in RUN. See Automatic Transaxle
The shift lock release is designed to do the following:
• Prevent the ignition key from being removed
unless the shift lever is in PARK (P), and
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
• Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than LOCK.
The shift lock release is always functional except
in the case of a dead battery or low voltage
(less than 9 volt) battery.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever — push the shift lever all the way
into PARK (P), as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you wish. Press
the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.
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Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal
in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R), and firmly
apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has
been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal
pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to LOCK,
remove the key and release the clutch.
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other
things that can burn.
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Engine Exhaust
Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot
see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness
and death.
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
You might have exhaust coming in if:
• Your exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
• Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
• Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
• Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over
road debris.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
• Repairs were not done correctly.
• Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
• Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
• Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
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Mirrors
{CAUTION:
Manual Rearview Mirror
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P).
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up
or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment
allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the
lamps behind you. Pull the tab forward for daytime
use; push it back for night use.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar®
If the vehicle has this mirror, while sitting in a comfortable
driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly
behind the vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center and move
it up and down or side to side. The day/night control,
located at the bottom of the mirror, allows adjustment to
lessen glare from the lamps behind you. Push the lever
for daytime use; pull it for night use.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
on page 2-27.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
There are three OnStar® buttons located at the bottom
of the mirror face. For more information about
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To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius do the
following:
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar®, Compass and
Temperature Display
1. Press and hold the on/off button for approximately
four seconds until either a flashing °F, or °C
appears.
The vehicle may have this feature. When on, an
automatic dimming mirror automatically dims to the
proper level to minimize glare from lights behind
you after dark.
2. Press the button again to change the display to the
desired unit of measurement. After approximately
four seconds of inactivity, the new unit will be locked
in and the compass/temperature display will return.
The mirror also includes a dual display in the upper
right corner of the mirror face. The compass reading and
the outside temperature will both appear in the display
at the same time.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned
on automatically each time the ignition is started. To
operate the automatic dimming mirror do the following:
P (On/Off): This is the on/off button.
1. Make sure the green indicator light, located to the
left of the on/off button, is lit. If it’s not, press and hold
the on/off button for approximately six seconds until
the green light comes on, indicating that the mirror is
in automatic dimming mode.
Temperature and Compass Display
Press the on/off button, located to the far left, briefly to
turn the comp/temp display on or off.
If the display reads CAL, the compass needs to be
calibrated. See the information following on calibration.
2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror function by
pressing and holding the on/off button for
approximately six seconds until the green indicator
light turns off.
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Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration from time to time.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the mirror
compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push in
the on/off button for approximately nine seconds or until
CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction, or the word CAL disappears.
Compass Variance
The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory.
It will be necessary to adjust the compass to
compensate for compass variance if you live outside of
zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as during a
long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary to
adjust for compass variance. Compass variance is
the difference between earth’s magnetic north and true
geographic north. If not adjusted to account for
compass variance, your compass could give false
readings.
2. Press and hold the on/off button until a zone
number appears in the display. The compass is now
in zone mode.
3. Keep pressing the on/off button until the desired
zone number appears in the display. Release the
button. After approximately four seconds of
inactivity, the new zone number will be locked in
and the comp/temp display will return.
To adjust for compass variance do the following:
1. Find your current location and variance zone
number on the following zone map.
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Cleaning the Mirror
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on each
time the ignition is started. A light near the on/off button
will come on to indicate the automatic dimming is on.
If the automatic dimming function is off, press and hold
the on/off button for four seconds to manually turn
the system back on.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with Compass and Temperature
Display
Temperature and Compass Display
Press the on/off button, located in the center, to cycle
between °F, °C and off. If the display reads CAL, the
compass needs to be calibrated. For more information,
see “Compass Calibration” later in this section.
If the vehicle has this feature, the automatic dimming
mirror automatically dims to the proper level to minimize
glare at night from lights behind your vehicle.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an
extended period of time, please consult your dealer.
Under certain circumstances, a delay in updating
the temperature is normal.
The mirror also has a dual display in the upper right
corner of the mirror that shows the compass reading and
the outside temperature.
Y On/Off: Press this button to operate the automatic
dimming and compass features.
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Compass Variance
Compass variance is the difference between earth’s
magnetic north and true geographic north. If not
adjusted to account for compass variance, the mirror’s
compass could give false readings. The mirror is
set in zone eight upon leaving the factory. It will be
necessary to adjust the compass to compensate
for compass variance if you live outside zone eight.
Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance
cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust for
compass variance.
To adjust for compass variance:
1. Find the current location and variance zone number
on the following zone map.
2. Press and hold the on/off button for five seconds
until the word ZONE appears in the display. The
compass is now in zone mode.
3. Press and release the on/off button within five
seconds until the new zone number appears in
the display. The display will show a compass
direction within a few seconds.
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Compass Calibration
Cleaning the Mirror
The compass may need calibration if one of the
following occurs:
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
• If CAL is displayed while driving in the vehicle.
• After approximately five seconds, the display does
not show a compass heading (N for North, for
example), there may be a strong magnetic field
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item.
Outside Remote Control Mirror
Adjust the driver’s outside
mirror by moving the
control located on the
driver’s door.
• The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push
in the on/off button for approximately eight seconds
or until CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
The outside rearview mirrors should be adjusted so you
can see a little of the side of your vehicle while you
are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
To adjust the passenger’s outside mirror, sit in the
driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror
for you.
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Outside Power Mirrors
Outside Convex Mirror
The controls are located
on the driver’s door
armrest.
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from the
driver’s seat. It also makes things appear farther
away than they really are.
Move the selector switch to the left or right to choose
the mirror you want to adjust; then press the dots
located on the four-way control pad to adjust the mirror.
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OnStar® System
Safe and Sound Plan
• Advanced Automatic Collision Notification
• Automatic Notification of Airbag Deployment
• Emergency Services
OnStar® uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services.
• Roadside Assistance
A complete OnStar® user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar® Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com. Contact OnStar® at
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), or press the
OnStar® button to speak to an OnStar® advisor 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
• Stolen Vehicle Tracking
• AccidentAssist
• Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
• Remote Diagnostics
• Online Concierge
Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com.
Directions and Connections Plan
• All Safe and Sound Plan Services
• Driving Directions
OnStar® Services
• RideAssist
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe and
Sound Plan is included for the first year. You can
extend this plan beyond the first year, or upgrade to the
Directions and Connections Plan to meet your needs.
For more information, press the OnStar® button to speak
with an advisor.
• Information and Convenience Services
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OnStar® Personal Calling
Storage Areas
As an OnStar® subscriber, the Personal Calling
capability is an available hands-free wireless phone that
is integrated into the vehicle. Calls can be placed
nationwide using simple voice commands with no
additional contracts and no additional roaming charges.
To find out more about OnStar® Personal Calling,
refer to the OnStar® user’s guide in the vehicle’s glove
box or visit www.onstar.com or www.onstarcanada.com;
or speak with an OnStar® advisor by pressing the
OnStar® button or by calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
Glove Box
Open the glove box by lifting up on the lever. Close the
glove box with a firm push.
Cupholder(s)
Your vehicle may have cupholders built into the console
between the rear seats.
OnStar® Virtual Advisor
Center Console Storage Area
Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar® Personal Calling
that uses minutes to access up-to-date weather and
traffic reports for your area, news and sports updates,
stock quotes, entertainment and more. Customize
your information profile at www.myonstar.com. See the
OnStar® user’s guide for more information.
Your vehicle has a center console storage area
between the front seats. It contains a storage area
for small items.
The center console storage area can be used as an
armrest. Push the lid of the center console forward for
additional arm support.
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Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 100 lbs (45 kg) or hangs over
the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage your
vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the slats
as far forward as possible and against the side rails,
making sure to fasten it securely.
Roof Rack System
If your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack system.
{CAUTION:
Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle
page 4-29.
If you try to carry something on top of your
vehicle that is longer or wider than the luggage
carrier — like paneling, plywood, a mattress
and so forth — the wind can catch it as you
drive along. This can cause you to lose
control. What you are carrying could be
violently torn off, and this could cause you or
other drivers to have a collision, and of course
damage your vehicle. You may be able to carry
something like this inside. But, never carry
something longer or wider than the luggage
carrier on top of your vehicle.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving,
check frequently to ensure your cargo is securely
fastened.
Convenience Net
If you have a convenience net, the net attaches to the
floor of the trunk. Put small loads behind the net.
The net is not for heavier loads. Store them as far
forward in the trunk as you can.
See your retailer for information on obtaining a
convenience net.
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Press the sunroof switch rearward to open the sunroof
to the vent position. If the sunshade is closed, it will
open automatically when the sunroof is vented
or opened.
Sunroof
If the vehicle has a
sunroof, the switch that
operates it is located
on the headliner between
the map lamps.
To close the sunroof, press the switch forward and hold
it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if
the switch is released. Close the sunshade by hand.
The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if
the vehicle has an electrical failure.
Notice: If you force the sunshade forward of the
sliding glass panel, damage will occur and the
sunroof may not open or close properly. Always
close the glass panel before closing the sunshade.
The sunroof will only operate while the ignition is on, or
turned to ACC, or if Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
page 2-19.
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✍ NOTES
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Section 3
Instrument Panel
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✍ NOTES
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The main components of the instrument panel are the
following:
Operation.
Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front
and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
The hazard warning
flasher button is located in
the center of the
G. Enhanced Traction System (ETS) (If Equipped). See
instrument panel.
J. Fog Lamp (If Equipped)/Dimmer Switch. See
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is not in.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps flash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the flashers off.
on page 3-10.
on page 3-20.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals will not work.
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Other Warning Devices
Tilt Wheel
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Your vehicle may have a tilt wheel which allows you to
adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can
raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room
when you exit and enter the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of the steering column.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on your steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
To tilt the wheel, hold the wheel and push the lever
down. Then, move the wheel to a comfortable position
and raise the lever to lock the wheel in place.
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Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and
two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow
you to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is finished, the lever will return
automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself
when you release it.
• Turn and Lane-Change Signals
• Headlamps
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows
flash rapidly, a signal bulb may be burned out and other
drivers won’t see your turn signal.
• Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
• Flash-to-Pass Feature
For additional information on the exterior lamps, see
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal
a turn, check the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-93 and for burned-out bulbs.
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Turn Signal On Chime
Flash-to-Pass
If the turn signal is left on for about 1 mile (1.6 km),
a chime will sound to let you know you left the
turn signal on.
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you until the high-beam headlamps come on, then
release the lever to turn them off.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
Push the turn signal lever forward to change the
headlamps from low beam to high beam. Pull the turn
signal lever back and then release it to change from high
beam to low beam.
Windshield Washer
When the high beams are
on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
will also be on.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer fluid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
L (Washer Fluid): Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to operate the windshield wipers. Washer fluid
will squirt onto the windshield and the wipers will run for a
few cycles to clear the windshield. For more wash cycles,
pull the lever toward you and hold it there.
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9 (Off): Put the lever in this position to turn off
the wipers.
Windshield Wiper Lever
& (Delay): Put the lever in this position to set a delay
between wipes. Turn the end of the lever to set the
length of the delay.
6 (Low Speed): Put the lever in this position for
slow, steady wiping cycles.
1 (High Speed): Put the lever in this position for
rapid wiping cycles.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
gently loosen or thaw them. If the blades do become
damaged, install new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
The lever on the right side of the steering column
operates the windshield wipers.
7 (Mist): Pull the lever down and release it for a
single wiping cycle. The lever will return to its original
position. For more cycles, hold the lever down before
releasing it.
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Setting Cruise Control
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
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The cruise control buttons are located on the steering
wheel.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Enhanced
Traction System (ETS) begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control will automatically disengage. See
road conditions allow, the cruise control can be
used again.
J (On/Off): Press this button to turn the cruise
control system on and off.
+RES (Resume): Press this part of the button to
resume a set speed and to accelerate the speed.
−SET (Set): Press this part of the button to set a speed
and to decrease the speed.
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course,
disengages the cruise control. The CRUISE message in
the instrument panel cluster will also go out indicating
cruise is no longer engaged. To return to your previously
set speed, you do not need to go through the set
process again. Once you’re going about 25 mph
(40 km/h) or more, you can press the +RES part of the
button briefly.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off button to turn cruise control on.
The indicator light on the button will come on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the −SET part of the control button and
release it. The CRUISE message will display in
the instrument panel cluster to show the system is
engaged.
This will take you back up to your previously chosen
speed and stay there.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
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Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
• Disengage the cruise control but do not turn it off.
Accelerate to a higher speed and reset the cruise
control.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
• If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the +RES part of the button. Hold it there
until you get up to the speed you want, and
then release the button. To increase your speed in
very small amounts, press the +RES part of the
button briefly and then release it. Each time you do
this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
faster.
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step
on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
applying the brake takes you out of cruise control. Many
drivers find this to be too much trouble and don’t use
cruise control on steep hills.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
Ending Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already engaged,
To end the cruise control session, step lightly on the
brake pedal or tap the clutch if your vehicle has a
manual transmission.
• Push and hold the −SET part of the button until you
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
Stepping on the brake pedal or clutch will only end the
current cruise control session. Press the cruise
control on/off button to turn the system completely off.
• To slow down in very small amounts, push the
−SET part of the button briefly. Each time you
do this, you’ll go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your
cruise control set speed memory is erased.
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; (Parking Lamps): Turning the control to this
position turns on the parking lamps together with the
following:
Headlamps
The exterior lamp control is located in the middle of the
turn signal/multifunction lever.
• Sidemarker Lamps
• Taillamps
O (Exterior Lamp Control): Turn the control with
this symbol on it to operate the exterior lamps.
• License Plate Lamps
• Instrument Panel Lights
The exterior lamp control has the following
four positions:
5 (Headlamps): Turning the control to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
9 (Off): Turning the control to this position turns off
all lamps except the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). On
some vehicles, this position activates the automatic
headlamp system.
Lamps On Reminder
AUTO (Automatic): If your turn signal lever has this
position, turning the control to this position puts the
headlamps in automatic mode. AUTO mode will turn the
exterior lamps on and off depending upon how much
light is available outside of the vehicle.
If you open the driver’s door with the ignition off and the
lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
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Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Automatic Headlamp System
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
If you have the automatic headlamps system, the
headlamps will come on automatically when it is dark
enough.
Your vehicle may have a
light sensor located on top
of the instrument panel.
Make sure it is not
covered, or the headlamps
will be on when you
The DRL system will make your amber turn signal bulb
come on at a reduced brightness in daylight when
the following conditions are met:
don’t need them.
• The ignition is on, and
• the exterior lamp band is in the off or AUTO
position.
When the DRL are on, your amber turn signal bulb will
be on at a reduced brightness. The taillamps,
sidemarker and other lamps won’t be on. Your
instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage or tunnel.
When you turn the exterior lamp band to the headlamp
position, your low-beam headlamps will come on.
The other lamps that come on with your headlamps will
also come on.
When you turn off the headlamps, the regular lamps will
go off, and your amber turn signal bulb will come on
to the reduced brightness.
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Fog Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
If your vehicle has this feature, use your fog lamps for
better visibility in foggy or misty conditions.
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The button for your fog
lamps is located next to
the instrument panel
brightness control.
The thumbwheel for this
feature is located on the
instrument panel to the left
of the steering column.
Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. Push the
button again to turn the fog lamps off.
Turn the thumbwheel to the right to brighten the lights
or to the left to dim them.
When using fog lamps, the parking lamps or low-beam
headlamps must be on.
A light on the button will come on when the fog lamps
are on. The fog lamps will go off whenever the
high-beam headlamps come on. When the high-beam
headlamps go off, the fog lamps will come on again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
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Dome Lamp
Map Lamps
The dome lamp switch has three positions.
These lamps are located on the headliner above the
rearview mirror. To turn the lamps on, press the
lens. Press the lens again to turn them off.
ON: The lamp will stay on as long as the switch is in
this position.
DOOR: The lamp will come on when a door is opened.
See “Entry Lighting” for more information.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature
designed to protect your vehicle’s battery.
OFF: The lamp will not come on as long as the switch
is in this position.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will
avoid draining the battery.
Entry Lighting
If the dome lamp is to DOOR, the lamps inside your
vehicle will come on when any door is opened. In
addition, the light will come on when the remote keyless
entry unlock button is pressed. It will stay on for
20 seconds or until a door is opened. After the door is
opened the light will remain on and stay on for
20 seconds after the doors are closed, or until you put
the key in the ignition and turn the key to RUN. The light
will then gradually dim until it is no longer lit.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
The accessory power outlets are located in the front
and rear of the center console.
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To use the outlet, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have an ashtray and cigarette lighter.
To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let
go. When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice: Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your retailer for additional information
on the accessory power outlet.
To remove the ashtray, lift it straight up. To reinstall it,
press the ashtray down firmly until it is fully seated.
Notice: Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Check with your
retailer before adding electrical equipment.
Notice: If you put papers, pins, or other flammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put flammable items in
the ashtray.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.
Notice: Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
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Operation
Climate Controls
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
Climate Control System (Without Air
Conditioning)
H (Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
With this system you can control the heating and
ventilation for your vehicle.
) (Bi-Level): This mode directs approximately half of
the air to the instrument panel outlets, and then
directs the remaining air to the floor outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the
floor outlets.
6 (Floor): This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets with some air directed to the windshield.
The left knob can also be used to select defog or defrost
mode. Information on defogging and defrosting can
be found later in this section.
A (Fan): Turn the center knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
In any setting other than off, the fan will run continuously
with the ignition on.
9 (Off): To turn the fan off, turn the knob all the way
counterclockwise to the off position.
Temperature Control: Turn the right knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
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Defogging and Defrosting
Rear Window Defogger
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost
from your windshield and side windows. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from the
windshield before defrosting.
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in RUN.
< (Rear): Press the button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. Be sure to clear as much snow from
the rear window as possible. An indicator light above
the button will come on to let you know that the
rear window defogger is activated.
Turn the left knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
15 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximately
five minutes before turning off. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.
- (Defog): This mode directs half of the air to
the windshield and the side window outlets and half to
the floor outlets. To defog the windows faster, turn
the temperature control knob clockwise to the warmest
setting.
Notice: Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
0(Defrost): This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield, with some air directed to the side window
outlets and the floor outlets.
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Operation
Climate Control System (With Air
Conditioning)
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
H (Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
) (Bi-Level): This mode directs approximately half of
the air to the instrument panel outlets, and then
directs the remaining air to the floor outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the
floor outlets.
6 (Floor): This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets with some air directed to the windshield.
The left knob can also be used to select defog or defrost
mode. Information on defogging and defrosting can
be found later in this section.
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A (Fan): Turn the center knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
In any setting other than off, the fan will run continuously
with the ignition on. The fan must be turned on to run
the air conditioning compressor.
# (Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn the
air-conditioning system on or off. When this button
is pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know the air conditioning is activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside
air escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the
time it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
9 (Off): To turn the fan off, turn the knob all the way
counterclockwise to the off position.
Temperature Control: Turn the right knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
For quick cool down on hot days:
1. Select the recirculation mode.
2. Select air conditioning.
> (Recirculate): This mode keeps outside air from
coming in the vehicle. It can be used to prevent outside
air and odors from entering your vehicle or to help
heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly.
An indicator light will come on in this mode. The
air-conditioning compressor also comes on. Operation in
this mode during periods of high humidity and cool
outside temperatures may result in increased window
fogging. If window fogging is experienced, select
the defrost mode.
3. Select the coolest temperature.
4. Select the highest fan speed.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn off the recirculation
by pressing the button again.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
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Defogging and Defrosting
Rear Window Defogger
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost
from your windshield and side windows. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from the
windshield before defrosting.
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in RUN.
< (Rear): Press the button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. Be sure to clear as much snow from
the rear window as possible. An indicator light above
the button will come on to let you know that the
rear window defogger is activated.
Turn the left knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
15 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximately
five minutes before turning off. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.
- (Defog): This mode directs half of the air to
the windshield and the side window outlets and half to
the floor outlets. When you select this mode the
system runs the air-conditioning compressor. To defog
the windows faster, turn the temperature control
knob clockwise to the warmest setting.
Notice: Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
0(Defrost): This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield, with some air directed to the side window
outlets and the floor outlets. When you select this mode
the system runs the air-conditioning compressor.
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See your retailer for details on changing the filter.
To find out what type of filter to use, see Normal
Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change the
direction of the airflow.
To access the passenger compartment air filter you
must go through the glove box.
Operation Tips
1. Open the glove box and remove all articles from
the inside.
• Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the flow of air into your vehicle.
• Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
• Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Passenger compartment air, both outside air and
recirculated air, is routed through a passenger
compartment filter. The filter removes certain particles
from the air, including pollen and dust particles.
Reductions in airflow, which may occur more quickly in
dusty areas, indicate that the filter needs to be
replaced early.
2. Locate the doorstop insulators on each side of the
glove box and remove them.
The filter should be replaced as part of routine
scheduled maintenance. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4 for replacement intervals.
3. Tilt the glove box door down by squeezing on each
side of the glove box until the door can be lowered
from its track. Lower the glove box door completely.
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4. Open the passenger compartment air filter door by
reaching through the opening in the back of the
glove box and raising the tab until the door can be
opened downward.
5. Remove the filter by sliding it out of the housing.
When installing a new air filter make sure the AIR FLOW
arrow is pointing downward. Reverse Steps 1 through 5
making sure the glove box door snaps back into
place.
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Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays
on when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section
that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly – and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Your vehicle also has a message center that works
along with the warning lights and gages. See Message
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know how fast
you are going, about how much fuel you have used, and many other things you will need to know to drive safely
and economically.
United States version shown, Canada similar
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Speedometer and Odometer
Trip Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your trip odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven since the trip odometer was last reset.
To reset the trip odometer to zero, press and hold the
trip/reset button for about two seconds.
Your odometer is located in your message center,
and shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in
either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers
(used in Canada).
Tachometer
When information messages need to be shown in the
message center, they will be shown in place of the
odometer. To display the odometer after a message(s)
is shown, clear each message by pressing the
trip/reset button located to the right of the speedometer.
Your vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. You
may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a new
odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the
mileage total of the old odometer, then that will be done.
If it can’t, it will be set at zero and a label must be put
on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was installed. If the mileage is
unknown, the label should then indicate “previous
mileage unknown”.
The tachometer is located on the instrument panel
and displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute (rpm).
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Notice: If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensor, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for several seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will flash for
a few seconds. Then
the light should go out.
This means the system
is ready.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay
on for several seconds,
then it will flash for
several more.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
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Battery Warning Light
{CAUTION:
The battery warning light
will come on briefly as a
check, when you turn
on the ignition. Then it
should go out when
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the airbag
readiness light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
the engine is started.
If the light does not come on when you start your
vehicle, have your vehicle serviced right away. This
condition may indicate your battery warning light is not
functioning properly. If this light comes on while you
are driving, be sure to turn off accessories such as the
radio and climate control system. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The airbag readiness light should flash for a
few seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If
the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
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Up-Shift Light
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle may have an up-shift light. When this light
comes on, you should shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road, and traffic conditions allow you to.
This light is located in your
instrument panel cluster to
the left of the
speedometer.
United States
United States Only
information.
Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition to RUN. If it does not come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the other part
can still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
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If the brake system warning light comes on, there is a
brake problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
{CAUTION:
When the ignition is on, the BRAKE light will come on
when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on if
your parking brake does not release fully. A chime will
also sound if the parking brake is not fully released
and the vehicle is moving. If it stays on after your
parking brake is fully released, it means you have a
brake problem.
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service.
The BRAKE light will also come on to indicate a low
more information.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push or the pedal may go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing
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If the light stays on longer than a few seconds after you
start your engine, or comes on and stays on while
you are driving, try resetting the system. To reset the
system, do the following:
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, the anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning light will come on briefly, as
a check, when you start your vehicle. If it doesn’t, have
your vehicle serviced so that the light works properly
when it needs to.
1. If you are driving, pull over when it is safe to do so.
2. Be sure the vehicle is in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the ignition.
4. Then restart the engine.
The ABS light is located in
the instrument panel
cluster, to the left of
the engine coolant
If the light remains on after resetting the system or
comes on again while driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the ABS light is on, but the regular brake
system warning light is not on, you do not have anti-lock
brakes, but you still have regular brakes. Have your
vehicle serviced right away. If both brake lights are on,
you do not have anti-lock brakes, and there’s a
problem with your regular brakes as well. Have your
page 4-34.
temperature gage.
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The engine cooling fan will be turned on to protect the
engine and transmission. See Malfunction Indicator
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage on the left
measures the temperature
of the vehicle’s engine
coolant. If the pointer
moves into the shaded
area, your engine is
too hot!
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
If the engine coolant temperature reaches 253° (123°C)
the CHK GAGE message will appear and a chime
will sound to alert you to the engine coolant temperature
been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road and stop your
vehicle, be sure the air conditioning is off, let the engine
idle for a few minutes, then turn off the engine.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The check engine light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
If your engine control system detects a failure in the
engine coolant temperature circuit, the malfunction
indicator lamp (service engine soon) light will come on.
The coolant gage may read all the way hot or cold.
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Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good, and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
• Light On Steady — An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Notice: Modifications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
• Reducing vehicle speed
• Avoiding hard accelerations
• Avoiding steep uphill grades
• If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light does not come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still
flashing, follow the previous steps, and see your retailer
for service as soon as possible.
• Light Flashing — A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions
and may damage the emission control system on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
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If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your retailer can check the vehicle. Your retailer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Here are some things you need to know in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on or not working properly.
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Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle
still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD
system readiness, your retailer can prepare the vehicle
for inspection.
The engine could be low on oil, or could have some
other oil problem. Have it fixed immediately.
The oil light may also come on when the ignition is on
but the engine is not running, the light will come on as a
test to show you it is working, but the light will go out
when you turn the ignition to START. If it doesn’t come
on with the ignition on, you may have a problem with
the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Oil Pressure Light
If you have a low engine
oil pressure problem, this
light will stay on after
you start your engine, or
come on when you
are driving. This indicates
that your engine is not
receiving enough oil.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
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Passlock® Warning Light
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed when
the reduced engine power light is on but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. The performance may
be reduced until the next time you drive your vehicle. If
this light stays on, see your retailer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair.
Your vehicle is equipped
with a Passlock®
theft-deterrent system.
With this system, the
security light will flash as
you open the door if
your ignition is off.
Highbeam On Light
This light will come on
when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
Reduced Engine Power Light
This light will come on
briefly when you start the
engine.
This light, along with the service engine soon light will
be displayed when a noticeable reduction in the
vehicle’s performance may occur. Stop the vehicle and
turn off the ignition. Wait for 10 seconds and restart
your vehicle. This may correct the condition.
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Here are four things that some owners ask about. None
of these show a problem with your fuel gage:
Fuel Gage
• At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off
before the gage reads full.
When the ignition is on,
the fuel gage on the right
tells you about how
much fuel you have left in
your tank.
• It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage 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 gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
• The gage takes a few seconds to stabilize after the
ignition is turned on, and will go back to empty
when you turn the ignition off.
When the indicator nears empty, the LOW FUEL
message will come on. You still have a little fuel left, but
you should get more soon. See Low Fuel Warning
For your fuel tank capacity, see Capacities and
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4,400 rpm, the middle pair of lights is 5,600 rpm, and
the top pair of lights is 6,200 rpm. These settings can be
adjusted by turning the stem behind each light. To
have the light come on at a higher rpm level, turn the
stem counterclockwise. To have the light come on
at a lower rpm level, turn the stem clockwise. Each turn
adjusts the settings by 100 rpm. To restore the default
settings, press and hold any stem for three seconds.
The lights will flash three times.
Boost Gage
To turn the lights off or on, press and release any stem.
Message Center
The message center is located in the instrument
panel cluster. It gives you important safety and
maintenance facts.
United States
Canada
If your vehicle is equipped with this gage, it is located
on the steering column.
If there are several messages, each message will be
shown for a few seconds and will continue to repeat until
cleared. To clear a message, press the trip/reset
button while the message you want to clear is being
displayed.
This gage indicates vacuum during light to moderate
throttle and boost under heavier throttle.
The gage displays the air pressure level going into the
engine’s combustion chamber.
Many messages will also cause a chime to sound, to
alert you to the message.
The gage is automatically centered at zero every time
the ignition is turned to RUN. Actual vacuum or boost is
displayed from this zero point.
The boost gage is also equipped with three pairs of
lights that are located on each side of the gage. These
lights are used to indicate three different engine rpm
levels. The default setting for the lower pair of lights is
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Changing the Language (Canada Only)
Traction Off Message
Vehicles first sold in Canada have instrument panel
clusters that show messages in either English or French.
To change the language, do the following:
If your vehicle has an
enhanced traction
system (ETS), this TRAC
OFF message will be
displayed briefly when
the system has been
turned off.
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Press the trip/reset button until the current language
of ENGLISH or FRENCH is displayed.
3. Press and hold the trip/reset button for
several seconds until the language is changed.
more information.
4. Press the trip/reset button to return to the odometer
display.
Cruise Control Message
Low Traction Message
The CRUISE message is
displayed briefly when your
cruise control system
has been activated, or set
to a desired speed.
If your vehicle has an
enhanced traction
system (ETS), this
LOW TRAC message
will be displayed when
the system is limiting
wheel spin.
more information.
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Transaxle Fluid Hot Message
Low Coolant Level Warning
Message
If the TRANS HOT
message is displayed, the
automatic transaxle
fluid may be overheating.
When the COOLANT
message is displayed
while the engine is
running, the engine
coolant is low.
information.
Transaxle Fluid Cold Message
Change Engine Oil Message
If equipped, the TRANS
COLD message will be
displayed if the automatic
transaxle fluid temperature
is too cold to operate
correctly.
When the CHG OIL
message is displayed, it
means that service is
required for your vehicle.
When this happens, shifting out of PARK (P) is
prevented until the transaxle fluid warms up. Let the
engine run for a few minutes until this message is
no longer displayed. The vehicle may then be shifted
out of PARK (P).
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Check Gage Message
Power Steering Message
If the CHK GAGE
If the PWR STR message
message is displayed,
the engine coolant may
be overheated. A
is displayed, a problem
has been detected with the
electric power steering.
chime will also sound to
alert you to this message.
If this message is displayed, check your engine coolant
temperature gage. If the needle is in the red area,
your engine may be overheating. See Engine Coolant
If you suspect electric power steering problems and/or
the PWR STR message is on, see your retailer for
service and repair.
Trunk Ajar Warning Message
Notice: Driving with either the CHK GAGE message
or the COOLANT message displayed in the
message center and the Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage on your instrument panel in the
red zone could cause your vehicle to overheat.
could be damaged and the damages might not
be covered by your warranty.
When the TRUNK
message is displayed, it
means the trunk lid is
not fully closed.
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Check Gas Cap Message
Service Vehicle Message
This message will come on
when the ignition is on and
the gas cap is open.
If the SERVICE VEHICLE
message is displayed, a
non-emission related
problem has occurred
which requires the vehicle
be taken in for service.
These problems may not be obvious and may affect
vehicle performance and durability. See your retailer for
necessary repairs to maintain top vehicle performance.
Low Fuel Warning Message
When the LOW FUEL
message is displayed, you
may have less than
Error Message
1.5 gallons (5.5 liters) of
fuel left. A chime will
also sound to alert you to
this message.
When the ERROR
message is displayed,
there is a problem
with your odometer
system.
You should refuel your vehicle immediately. When the
fuel tank is filled to more than 3.3 gallons (11.5 liters),
this message will no longer be displayed.
See your retailer for service and repair if this message
is displayed.
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Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
Audio System(s)
Notice: Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone, or two-way radio, make sure that it can
be added by checking with your retailer. Also,
check federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be added,
it is very important to do it properly. Added
sound equipment may interfere with the operation
of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems,
and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may
interfere with the operation of sound equipment
that has been added improperly.
Press and hold the RCL button, at the same time press
the TUNE/SEEK down or up arrows. Press the arrows
until the correct time appears on the display. The
time can be set with the ignition on or off.
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
Press and hold the RCL button and at the same time
press the HR (AUTO EQ left) or MN (AUTO EQ
right) arrows. You will hear a beep indicating that you
can change the time. Release the RCL button and press
HR until the correct hour appears on the display.
Press MN until the correct minute appears on the
display. The time can be set with the ignition on or off.
Notice: Getting suntan lotion, hand lotion, or hand
cleaner on the radio, will soften the paint, and
the paint will eventually begin to peel. Repairs will
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. Try not to
get suntan lotion, hand lotion, or hand cleaner on
the radio. If you do, wipe the lotion or cleaner
off immediately.
To synchronize the time with an FM station broadcasting
Radio Data System (RDS) information, press and
hold the RCL and RDS buttons at the same time for
two seconds until SET RDS TIME appears on the
display. If the time is not available from the station, NO
RDS TIME SET will appear on the display.
Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, find
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
RDS time is broadcast once a minute. After tuning to an
RDS broadcast station, it may take a few minutes for
the time to update.
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Finding a Station
AM-FM Radio
AM FM: Press this button to switch between FM1,
FM2, or AM. The display will show the selection.
R TUNE Q: Press either arrow to select radio
stations.
R SEEK Q: Press and hold the up or the down
arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and
stay there.
The radio will only seek stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band.
SCN (Scan): Press this button to scan stations. The
radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go
on to the next station. Press this button again to stop
scanning.
Playing the Radio
The radio will only scan stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band.
PUSH ON (Power): Push this knob to turn the system
on and off.
VOL (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to
decrease the volume.
RCL (Recall): Press this button to switch the display
between the radio station frequency and the time.
When the ignition is off, press this button to display
the time.
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A.SET (Automatic Set): Press the AM FM button to
have the radio automatically select the first 12 strongest
radio stations for FM and the six strongest radio
stations for AM.
Setting Preset Stations
Up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM) can be
programmed on the six numbered pushbuttons, by
performing the following steps:
To select the stations, perform the following:
1. Press AM FM to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
2. Press and hold AM FM until you hear a beep.
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press AM FM to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
3. Tune in the desired station.
The radio will begin to search the current band.
The radio will store the stations, starting from the
lowest frequency, to each preset pushbutton. A.SET
will appear on the display when the radio is
finished storing the stations.
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered
pushbuttons until you hear a beep. Whenever that
numbered pushbutton is pressed, the station
that was set will return.
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
Cancelling Automatic Set
If the battery has been disconnected or a radio fuse has
been removed, the preset stations and time of day
will need to be reset.
The radio retains the previously stored stations so they
can be recalled when automatic set is canceled.
Press and hold the AM FM until you hear a beep. A.SET
will no longer appear on the display.
Using Automatic Set
Use this feature to automatically save the radio preset
pushbuttons with the stations with the strongest
radio signals.
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Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
Radio with CD (Base Level)
BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the
knob to increase or to decrease the bass.
TREB (Treble): Press the TREB knob lightly so it
extends, then pull then knob out slightly. Turn the knob
to increase or to decrease the treble. If a station is
weak or noisy, decrease the treble.
Push the knob back into its stored position when not
in use.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
BAL (Balance): To adjust the balance between the
right and the left speakers, pull the VOL knob out
slightly. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the
right or the left speakers.
Playing the Radio
Push the knob back into its stored position when not
in use.
PUSH ON (Power): Press this knob to turn the system
on and off.
FADE: To adjust the fade between the front and the
rear speakers, turn the ring around the VOL knob.
VOL (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to
decrease the volume.
RCL (Recall): Press this button to switch the display
between the radio station frequency and the time.
When the ignition is off, press this button to display
the time.
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Finding a Station
Setting Preset Stations
Up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM), can
be programmed on the six numbered pushbuttons,
by performing the following steps:
AM FM: Press this button to switch between FM1,
FM2, or AM. The display will show the selection.
R TUNE Q: Press the up or down arrow to select
1. Turn the radio on.
radio stations.
2. Press AM FM to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
3. Tune in the desired station.
R SEEK Q: Press and hold the up or the down
arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and
stay there.
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered
pushbuttons until you hear a beep. Whenever that
numbered pushbutton is pressed, the station
that was set will return.
The radio will only seek stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band.
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
SCN (Scan): Press this button to scan stations. The
radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go
on to the next station. Press this button again to stop
scanning.
If the battery has been disconnected or a radio fuse has
been removed, the preset stations and time of day
will need to be reset.
The radio will only scan stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band.
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Using Automatic Set
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
A.SET (Automatic Set): Press the AM FM button to
have the radio automatically select the first 12 strongest
radio stations for FM and the six strongest radio
stations for AM.
MODE: Press this button until BAS or TRE appears on
the display. Press the plus or minus buttons to
increase or to decrease. The display will show the bass
or the treble level. If a station is weak or noisy,
decrease the treble.
To select the stations, perform the following:
1. Press AM FM to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
2. Press and hold AM FM until you hear a beep.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
MODE: To adjust the balance between the right and
the left speakers, press this button until BAL appears on
the display. Press the plus or minus buttons to move
the sound toward the right or the left speakers.
The radio will begin to search the current band.
The radio will store the stations, starting from the
lowest frequency, to each preset pushbutton. A.SET
will appear on the display when the radio is
finished storing the stations.
To adjust the fade between the front and the rear
speakers, press this button until FAD appears on the
display. Press the plus or minus buttons to move
the sound toward the front or the rear speakers.
Cancelling Automatic Set
The radio retains the previously stored stations so they
can be recalled when automatic set is canceled.
Press and hold AM FM until you hear a beep. A.SET
will no longer appear on the display.
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Notice: If you add any label to a CD, insert more
than one CD into the slot at a time, or attempt
to play scratched or damaged CDs, you could
damage the CD player. When using the CD player,
use only CDs in good condition without any
label, load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player
and the loading slot free of foreign materials,
liquids, and debris.
Playing a CD
Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up. The
player will pull it in and the CD should begin playing.
You can insert a CD with the ignition off.
If the ignition or radio is turned off with a CD in the
player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition
or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source.
If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages”
later in this section.
When the CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on
the display. As each new track starts to play, the
track number will appear on the display.
1 PRV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the
start of the current track if more than eight seconds have
played. If this pushbutton is held or pressed more
than once, the player will continue moving backward
through the CD.
Play full size CDs only. The CD player cannot play the
smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CDs.
If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced
due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality
of the music that has been recorded, and the way the
CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase
in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in
loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a
known good CD.
2 NXT (Next): Press this pushbutton to go to the next
track. If this pushbutton is held or pressed more
than once, the player will continue moving forward
through the CD.
3 REV (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to
reverse quickly within a track. Release this pushbutton
to play the track. The elapsed time of the track will
appear on the display.
Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught
in the CD player.
4 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to
advance quickly within a track. Release this pushbutton
to play the track. The elapsed time of the track will
appear on the display.
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5 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the
tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. RDM will
appear on the display. Press RDM again to turn off
random play.
CD Messages
ERR (Error): If this message appears on the display
and/or the CD comes out, it could be for one of the
following reasons:
6 RPT (Repeat): Press this pushbutton to hear a track
over again. RPT will appear on the display. The
current track will continue to repeat. Press RPT again to
turn off repeat play.
• It is very hot. When the temperature returns to
normal, the CD should play.
• You are driving on a very rough road. When the
road becomes smoother, the CD should play.
Q TUNE SEEK R: Press the up arrow to go to the
start of the current or of the previous track. Press
the down arrow to go to the start of the next track. If
either arrow is held or pressed more than once,
the player will continue moving backward or forward
through the CD.
• The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down.
• The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
try again.
• There may have been a problem while burning
the CD.
RCL (Recall): Press this button to see the track
number. Press this button again to see how long the
current track has been playing.
• The label may be caught in the CD player.
If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason,
try a known good CD.
AM FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a
CD is playing. The inactive CD will remain safely
inside the radio for future listening.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your retailer. If the radio displays
an error message, write it down and provide it to your
retailer when reporting the problem.
CD: Press this button to play a CD when listening to
the radio. The CD symbol will appear on the display
when a CD is loaded.
EJ (Eject): Press this button to eject a CD. Eject may
be activated with either the ignition or radio off.
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Radio Data System (RDS)
Radio with CD (MP3)
The audio system has a Radio Data System (RDS).
RDS features are available for use only on FM stations
that broadcast RDS information.
With RDS, the radio can do the following:
• Seek to stations broadcasting the selected type of
programming
• Receive announcements concerning local and
national emergencies
• Display messages from radio stations
• Seek to stations with traffic announcements
This system relies upon receiving specific information
from these stations and will only work when the
information is available. In some cases, a radio station
may broadcast incorrect information that will cause
the radio features to work improperly. If this happens,
contact the radio station.
Single CD Player Audio System shown — Six-Disc
CD Player similar
While the radio is tuned to an RDS station, the station
name or call letters will appear on the display instead of
the frequency. RDS stations may also provide the
time of day, a program type category for current
programming, and the name of the program being
broadcast.
Press the RDS button to change the display mode from
radio to CD or from CD to radio.
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XM™ Satellite Radio Service
Finding a Station
XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in the
48 contiguous United States. XM™ offers 100 coast to
coast channels including music, news, sports, talk,
and children’s programming. XM™ provides digital
quality audio and text information that includes song title
and artist name. A service fee is required in order to
receive the XM™ service. For more information,
contact XM™ at www.xmradio.com or
AM FM: Press this button to switch between FM1,
FM2, or AM. The display will show the selection.
AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button to switch between
XM1 and XM2 (if equipped). While in XM you can
perform the following:
• Press either CAT arrow to select different
categories.
call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
• Rotate the tune knob or use either SEEK arrow to
change channels.
Playing the Radio
• Press the information button to view track title, artist
title, and channel title.
O (Power): Press this knob to turn the system
on and off.
O (Tune): Turn this knob to select radio stations.
u (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to
decrease the volume.
t SEEK u: Press and hold the right or left arrow
to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there.
RCL (Recall): Press this button to view station call
letters or RDS category, if available.
To scan stations, press either arrow until you hear a
beep. The radio will go to a station, play for a
few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press
either arrow again to stop scanning.
Press and hold the RCL button until you hear a beep,
this is to inform you that the system has been reset
to default.
To scan preset stations, press either arrow for
four seconds until you hear a beep. The radio will go
to a preset station stored on the pushbuttons, play for a
few seconds, then go on to the next station.
4 (Information): Press this button to view RDS text
information, if available.
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Press either arrow again or one of the pushbuttons to
stop scanning presets.
If the battery has been disconnected or a radio fuse has
been removed, the preset stations and time of day
may need to be reset.
The radio will only seek and scan stations with a strong
signal that are in the selected band.
Using Automatic Set
Setting Preset Stations
A.SET (Automatic Set): Press and hold the
AM FM button to have the radio automatically select
the first 12 strongest radio stations for FM and the
six strongest radio stations for AM.
Up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM,
six XM1 and six XM2 (if equipped), can be programmed
on the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the
following steps:
To select the stations, perform the following:
1. Press AM FM to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
2. Press and hold AM FM until you hear a beep.
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press AM FM to select FM1, FM2, or AM. Press
the AUX button to select XM1 or XM2.
The radio will begin to search the current band.
The radio will store the stations, starting from the
lowest frequency, to each preset pushbutton. A.SET
will appear on the display when the radio is
finished storing the stations.
3. Tune in the desired station.
4. Press the right or left AUTO EQ button to select the
equalization.
5. Press and hold one of the six numbered
Cancelling Automatic Set
pushbuttons. Preset X Stored will appear on the
display and you will hear a beep. Whenever
that numbered pushbutton is pressed, the station
that was set will return and the equalization that was
selected will be stored for that pushbutton. If the
equalization of a preset is changed while listening to
that station, the radio will save the new equalization.
The radio retains the previously stored stations so they
can be recalled when automatic set is canceled.
Press and hold AM FM until you hear a beep. A.SET
will no longer appear on the display.
6. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
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Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
Finding a Category (CAT) Station
To select and find a desired CAT perform the following:
Q P (Bass/Treble): Press this knob until BASS or
TREB appears on the display. Turn this knob to increase
or to decrease. The display will show the bass or the
treble level. If a station is weak or noisy, decrease
the treble.
1. Press the RDS button to activate program type
select mode.
2. Press the right or left CAT arrow to select a
category. CATEGORY will appear on the display.
3. Once the desired category is displayed, press the
SEEK button to select and to take you to the
category’s first station.
q AUTO EQ r (Automatic Equalization): Press the
right and left arrow to select customized equalization
settings designed for country/western, jazz, news, pop,
rock, and classical. There is also a flat setting that
has been factory tuned for the best overall performance.
4. To go to another station within that category while
CAT is displayed, press the SEEK button once. If
CAT is not displayed, press the RDS button or
either CAT arrow to enable category search, then
press the SEEK button.
To return the bass and treble to the manual mode,
press either arrow until CUSTOM appears on the
display.
5. Select a category using either CAT arrow. While the
category is displayed, press and hold either SEEK
arrow until you hear a beep to scan through all
stations in that RDS category.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
Q P (Balance/Fade): To adjust the balance between
the right and the left speakers, press this knob until BAL
appears on the display. Turn this knob to move the
sound toward the right or the left speakers.
RDS categories only have six available options from
which to choose. The category you select will search for
an expanded list of categories.
To adjust the fade between the front and the rear
speakers, press this knob until FAD appears on the
display. Turn this knob to move the sound toward the
front or the rear speakers.
If the RCL button is pressed, the broadcast category will
appear on the display, not the selected category.
If the radio cannot find the desired program type, NOT
FOUND will appear on the display and the radio will
return to the last station you were listening to.
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TRAF (Traffic): If TA appears on the display, the tuned
station has the ability to broadcast traffic
RDS Messages
announcements and if a traffic announcement comes on
the tuned radio station you will hear it.
ALERT!: Alert warns of local or national emergencies.
When an alert announcement comes on the current
radio station, ALERT! will appear on the display. You will
hear the announcement, even if the volume is low or
a CD is playing. If a CD is playing, play will stop during
the announcement. Alert announcements cannot be
turned off.
If the station does not broadcast traffic announcements,
press the TRAF button and the radio will seek to a
station that does. When a station that broadcasts traffic
announcements is found, the radio will stop seeking
and TA will appear on the display. If no station is found
that broadcasts traffic announcements, NO TRAFFIC
will appear on the display.
ALERT! will not be affected by tests of the emergency
broadcast system. This feature is not currently supported
by RDS stations in the United States. It is up to the
individual stations to decide to support this feature.
If TA is on the display, press the TRAF button to turn off
the traffic announcements.
4 (Information): If the current station has a message,
the information symbol will appear on the display.
Press this button to see the message. The message
may display the artist, song title, call in phone
numbers, etc.
The radio will play the traffic announcement with the
volume at a moderate level. The radio will interrupt the
play of a CD or XM™ Satellite Radio Station if the
last tuned station broadcasts traffic announcements.
Very few radio stations in the United States currently use
the traffic announcement feature.
If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the
message will appear every three seconds. To scroll
through the message, press and release this button. A
new group of words will appear on the display after
every press of this button. Once the complete message
has been displayed, the information symbol will
disappear from the display until another new message
is received. The last message can be displayed by
pressing this button until a new message is received or
a different station is tuned to.
Pressing the RDS button will change the display mode
from radio to CD or from CD to radio.
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Notice: If you add any label to a CD, insert more
than one CD into the slot at a time, or attempt
to play scratched or damaged CDs, you could
damage the CD player. When using the CD player,
use only CDs in good condition without any
label, load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player
and the loading slot free of foreign materials,
liquids, and debris.
Playing the Single CD Player
Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up. The
player will pull it in and the CD should begin playing.
You can insert a CD with the ignition off.
If the ignition or radio is turned off with a CD in the
player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition
or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source.
If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages”
later in this section.
When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on
the display. As each new track starts to play, the
track number will appear on the display.
g 1 (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the
start of the current track. If this pushbutton is held
or pressed more than once, the player will continue
moving backward through the CD.
Play full size CDs only. The CD player cannot play the
smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CDs.
If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced
due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality
of the music that has been recorded, and the way the
CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase
in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in
loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a
known good CD.
2 l (Next): Press this pushbutton to go to the next
track. If this pushbutton is held or pressed more
than once, the player will continue moving forward
through the CD.
5/ RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the
tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. RDM will
appear on the display. Press RDM again to turn off
random play.
Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught
in the CD player.
6/ N (Repeat): Press this pushbutton to hear a track
over again. RPT will appear on the display. The
current track will continue to repeat. Press this
pushbutton again to turn off repeat play.
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r CAT (Reverse): Press and hold the left arrow to
reverse quickly within a track. Release this pushbutton
to play the passage. The elapsed time of the track
will appear on the display.
4 (Information): Press this button to view CD text
information, if available. To change the default on the
display to track name, album name, or artist name,
instead of elapsed track time, press this button to view
the available information. Then press and hold the
RCL button for five seconds. The selected display will
now be the default.
CAT [ (Forward): Press and hold the right arrow to
advance quickly within a track. Release this pushbutton
to play the passage. The elapsed time of the track
will appear on the display.
RCL (Recall): Press and hold the RCL button until you
hear a beep, this is to inform you that the system
has been reset to default.
t SEEK u: Press the left arrow to go to the start of
the current or to the previous track. Press the right
arrow to go to the start of the next track. If either arrow
is held or pressed more than once, the player will
continue moving backward or forward through the CD.
AM FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a
CD is playing. The inactive CD will remain safely
inside the radio for future listening.
AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button to play a CD or to
switch to XM1 or XM2 when listening to the radio.
To scan tracks, press either SEEK arrow for
four seconds. The radio will go to the next track, play
for a few seconds, then go on to the next track.
Press either SEEK arrow again to stop scanning tracks.
Z (Eject): Press this button to eject a CD. Eject may
be activated with either the ignition or radio off.
O (Tune): Turn this knob to quickly change
tracks.
If you eject a CD, but decide that you want to listen to
it, press the CD button. The CD player will pull the
CD back in and the CD will begin to play. If a CD is
ejected, but not removed from the radio, the radio
will automatically reload the CD, after 25 seconds, to
prevent damage.
If you are playing an MP3 CD, turn this knob to search
file folders.
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If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages”
later in this section.
Playing the Six-Disc CD Player
If the ignition or radio is turned off with a CD in the
player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition
or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source.
M (Load): Press this button to load CDs into the CD
player. This CD player will hold up to six CDs.
To load one CD, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition on.
When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on
the display. As each new track starts to play, the
track number will appear on the display.
2. Press the load button for less than three seconds.
3. Press the pushbutton (1-6) for the CD slot to
load. WAIT DISC X will appear on the display.
Play full size CDs only. The CD player cannot play the
smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CDs.
If the CD slot is empty, LOAD DISC X will appear
on the display, and a CD can be loaded. If a CD slot
is already loaded, DISC X LOADED will appear
on the display.
If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced
due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality
of the music that has been recorded, and the way the
CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase
in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in
loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a
known good CD.
4. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot,
label side up. The player will pull the CD in.
If an equalization setting is selected for the CD, the
equalization will be activated each time a CD is played.
Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught
in the CD player.
If the radio is on or off, the CD will begin to play
automatically.
Notice: If you add any label to a CD, insert more
than one CD into the slot at a time, or attempt
to play scratched or damaged CDs, you could
damage the CD player. When using the CD player,
use only CDs in good condition without any
label, load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player
and the loading slot free of foreign materials,
liquids, and debris.
To load all CDs, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Press and hold the load button for more than
three seconds.
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3. Load, up to six CDs, in order, starting with the
first empty slot.
5/RDM (Random): Press and release this pushbutton
to hear the tracks on the current CD in random,
rather than sequential, order. RDM will appear on the
display. Press RDM again to turn off random play.
Loading will continue until all six CDs are loaded or
load is stopped by pressing any other radio
button. The radio will stop trying to load CDs if you
wait too long to insert a CD.
Press and hold RDM for two seconds to hear the tracks
on all of the CDs loaded in random, rather than
sequential, order. ALL RDM will appear on the display.
Press RDM again to turn off random play.
4. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot,
label side up. The player will pull the CD in.
Cancel the loading of a CD by pressing the load
button once.
6/ N (Repeat): Press this pushbutton to hear a track
over again. RPT will appear on the display. The
current track will continue to repeat. Press RPT again to
turn off repeat play.
If an equalization setting is selected for the CD, the
equalization will be activated each time a CD is played.
If the radio is on or off, the CD will begin to play
automatically.
Press and hold the RPT button to hear all tracks on the
CD over again. RPT will appear on the display. The
current track will continue to repeat. Press RPT again to
turn off repeat play.
g 1 (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the
start of the current track. If this pushbutton is held
or pressed more than once, the player will continue
moving backward through the CD.
r CAT (Reverse): Press and hold the left arrow to
reverse quickly within a track. Release this pushbutton
to play the passage. The elapsed time of the track
will appear on the display.
2 l (Next): Press this pushbutton to go to the next
track. If this pushbutton is held or pressed more
than once, the player will continue moving forward
through the CD.
CAT [ (Forward): Press and hold the right arrow to
advance quickly within a track. Release this pushbutton
to play the passage. The elapsed time of the track
will appear on the display.
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AM FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a
CD is playing. The inactive CD(s) will remain safely
inside the radio for future listening.
t SEEK u: Press the right or left arrow to go to the
previous or next CD.
To scan tracks on the current CD, press and hold either
SEEK arrow for more than two seconds, but less
then four seconds. The radio will go to the next track,
play for a few seconds, then go on to the next track.
Press either SEEK arrow again to stop scanning tracks.
AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button to play a CD or to
switch to XM1 or XM2 when listening to the radio.
B (CD): Press this button to go to the next CD, if
more than one CD is loaded.
To scan tracks on all of the CDs loaded, press and
hold either SEEK arrow for more than four seconds. The
radio will go to the next track, play for a few seconds,
then go on to the next track. Press either SEEK
arrow again to stop scanning tracks.
Z (Eject): To eject one CD, press this button for
less than two seconds. Then press the pushbutton
number that corresponds to the loaded CD that you want
to eject.
To eject all loaded CDs, press and hold this button for
more than two seconds.
O (Tune): Turn this knob to quickly change tracks.
4 (Information): Press this button to view CD text
information, if available. To change the default on the
display, track name, artist name, album name, file name,
or directory, press this button to scroll through each
display. Once the desired display is shown, press and
hold the RCL button for five seconds. The selected
display will now be the default.
Eject may be activated with either the ignition or radio
off. If you eject a CD, but decide that you want to listen
to it, press the CD button. This will pull the CD back
in and it will begin to play. If a CD is ejected, but
not removed from the radio, the radio will automatically
reload the CD, after 25 seconds, to prevent damage.
RCL (Recall): Press and hold the RCL button until you
hear a beep, this is to inform you that the system
has been reset to default.
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• The radio supports multi-session discs, but only the
files from the last session will be played.
Using an MP3 CD
MP3 Format
• There are a total of 20 directories (folders) allowed
on a CD. The file structure can be 4 directories
deep (a folder within a folder, within a folder, etc.).
Anything more than 20 directories will be ignored.
Each directory may have up to 99 files contained
within it. Files not having the *.mp3 extension
will not be played, but still count toward the
maximum. Anything more than the first 99 files
within a directory will be ignored. A single CD may
have up to 254 files and directories. Anything
beyond the 254 limit will be ignored.
The MP3 radio will play both standard audio CDs and
CD-R or CD-RWs. The CD-R/RWs may contain
either standard audio (*.cda) or compressed
audio (*.mp3).
Customers who record their own music CD-R/RWs
should be aware of the following:
• The files can be recorded on a CD-R/RW disc with
a maximum capacity of 700 MB.
• The radio will play only compressed audio files
recorded in the *.mp3 format. It also supports
playlists that can be made and saved with popular
MP3 software, in the *.m3u format. The directory,
playlist, and song name must have no more
than 64 characters combined, e.g. /DIRECTORY
NAME/PLAYLIST NAME/SONG NAME.MP3.
If more than 64 characters are present, the radio
will ignore that song and move to the next one.
• MP3 files must be written to a CD-R/RW in one of
the following industry-standard formats:
− ISO 9660 Level 1
− ISO 9660 Level 2
− Joliet
− Romeo
• ID3 tag information is displayed by the radio, if
available. The ID3 tag information can be either
version 1 or 2. The radio will display a filename,
song name, artist name, album name, directory
name, or playlist name.
• The radio will only play audio from a CD-R/RW, it
cannot record audio.
− The radio does not support DVD audio.
− The radio does not support UNICODE.
• The radio will play a mixed mode CD-R/RW,
one recorded with both *.cda and *.mp3 files.
If the customer does not follow these guidelines when
recording a CD-R(W), the CD may not play in the radio.
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See “Playing the Single CD Player” and “Playing the
Six-Disc CD Player” earlier to use any radio control,
while playing an MP3, that is not listed here.
Playing an MP3
If the ignition or radio is turned off with a CD in the
player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition
or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source.
g 1 (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the
start of the current track. If this pushbutton is held
or pressed more than once, the player will continue
moving backward through the current directory.
Play full size CDs only. The CD player cannot play the
smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CDs.
If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced
due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality
of the music that has been recorded, and the way the
CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase
in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in
loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a
known good CD.
2 l (Next): Press this pushbutton to go to the next
track. If this pushbutton is held or pressed more
than once, the player will continue moving forward
through the current directory.
4: Press this pushbutton to enter playlist mode.
Use the tune knob to cycle through the available
playlists. Playlist X will appear on the display. Use
the 1 and 2 pushbuttons to cycle through songs in a
particular playlist. Press the 4 pushbutton again to exit
playlist mode.
Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught
in the CD player.
Notice: If you add any label to a CD, insert more
than one CD into the slot at a time, or attempt
to play scratched or damaged CDs, you could
damage the CD player. When using the CD player,
use only CDs in good condition without any
label, load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player
and the loading slot free of foreign materials,
liquids, and debris.
If a CD is a mixed mode, containing standard CD audio
and MP3 compressed audio, the radio will assign the
standard CD audio to a directory, which is listed as ROM
audio directory.
O (Tune): Turn this knob to quickly change tracks
on the CDDA and the MP3 folder files.
If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages”
later in this section.
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• The format of the CD may not be compatible. See
“MP3 Format” earlier for more information.
4 (Information): Press this button to see the elapsed
time of the track and the current track time. To
change the default on the display, track name, artist
name, album name, file name, or directory, press
this button to scroll through each display. Once the
desired display is shown, press and hold the RCL button
for five seconds. The selected display will now be the
default.
• There may have been a problem while burning
the CD.
• The label may be caught in the CD player.
If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason,
try a known good CD.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your retailer. If the radio displays
an error message, write it down and provide it to your
retailer when reporting the problem.
r CAT [: Press either arrow to change directories.
CD Messages
If any error message appears on the display and/or the
CD comes out, it could be for one of the following
reasons:
Radio Personalization
This radio has a personalization feature. You can
change the following features:
• It is very hot. When the temperature returns to
normal, the CD should play.
Clock Function: Change the time of the day displayed
on the radio between 12 hour and 24 hour.
• You are driving on a very rough road. When the
road becomes smoother, the CD should play.
Language: This radio supports three languages: ENG
(English), FRE (French), and SPA (Spanish). The
only terms translated are the terms which are fixed in
the display. Terms that are not translated include: MP3
ID3 tags, CD-TEXT information, RDS Text, and
Satellite PDT information.
• The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down.
• The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
try again.
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Beep Level: Change the volume level of the radio’s
beeps between Normal and Loud.
When the theft deterrent feature is activated. LOCK will
appear on the radio display to indicate a locked
condition anytime battery power has been removed. If
the battery loses power for any reason, you must unlock
the radio with the secret code before it will operate.
CD Text: Change whether or not the radio displays CD
text by choosing Text On or Text Off.
To change these features, do the following:
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature
1. Press and hold the information button for
five seconds.
The instructions which follow explain how to enter
your secret code to activate the theft deterrent feature.
Read through all 10 steps before starting the
procedure.
2. Press either SEEK arrow to scroll through the
features.
3. Once the feature is displayed, press either CAT
arrow to change the setting.
If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between
any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time
and you must start the procedure over at Step 4.
4. Press the information button again to exit the menu.
1. Write down any four-digit number from 0000 to
9999 and keep it in a safe place separate from
the vehicle.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
The Radio with Single CD (MP3) and the Radio with
Six-Disc CD (MP3) have a theft deterrent feature.
2. Turn the ignition to RUN.
3. Turn the radio off.
The theft deterrent feature is designed to discourage
theft of your vehicle’s radio. It works by using a secret
code to disable all radio functions whenever battery
power is interrupted.
4. Press the 5 and 6 pushbuttons at the same time for
five seconds. -- -- -- -- will appear on the display.
Next you will use the secret code number which you
have written down.
The theft deterrent feature for the radio may be used or
ignored. If ignored, the radio plays normally and the
radio is not protected by the feature. If the theft deterrent
feature is activated, the radio will not operate if stolen.
5. Press the SEEK/SCAN down or SEEK left arrow to
make the first digit agree with your code.
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6. Press the SEEK/SCAN up or SEEK right arrow to
make the second digit agree with your code.
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature
After a Power Loss
7. Press the TUNE down or AUTO EQ left arrow to
make the third digit agree with your code.
Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than
15 seconds between steps:
8. Press the TUNE up or AUTO EQ right arrow to
make the fourth digit agree with your code.
1. Turn the ignition on. -- -- -- -- will appear on the
display.
9. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches the secret code you have written
down. The display will prompt you to repeat Steps 5
through 8 to confirm your secret code.
2. Preform Steps 5 through 8 from the “Activating
the Theft-Deterrent Feature” earlier to enter your
secret code.
3. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code
matches the secret code you have written down.
SEC or SECURITY ON will appear on the display,
indicating the radio is now operable and secure.
10. Press AM-FM again. SEC or SECURITY ON will
appear on the display to indicate that the radio is
secure.
If SEC or SECURITY ON does not appear on the
display, but displays Err1, Err2, or LOCK, the
theft deterrent feature is already set to another
code. See “Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature”
later in this section.
If you enter the wrong code, the display will momentarily
show an error message and all radio functions will
continue to be disabled. If -- -- -- -- appears on
the display, you can try to enter your secret code again.
If you enter the wrong code three times, LOCK will
appear on the display. Contact your Saturn retailer. Your
Saturn retailer is authorized to obtain the factory
programmed code that is assigned to the radio to reset
the system.
If you forget your code, if the theft deterrent feature is
accidentally activated with an unknown code, or if the
radio is in the locked mode, contact your Saturn retailer.
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Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature
Radio Reception
AM
Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than
15 seconds between steps:
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other. Static
can occur on AM stations caused by things like
storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to
reduce this noise.
Preform Steps 1 through 9 from the “Activating the
Theft-Deterrent Feature” earlier to enter your secret
code. OFF will appear on the display indicating the theft
deterrent feature is off.
If OFF or SECURITY OFF does not appear on the
display, the wrong code was entered. If you enter the
wrong code, the display will momentarily show an error
message and all radio functions will continue to be
disabled. If -- -- -- -- appears on the display, you can try
to enter your secret code again.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signals will
reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to fade in and out.
If you enter the wrong code three times, LOCK will
appear on the display. Contact your Saturn retailer. Your
Saturn retailer is authorized to obtain the factory
programmed code that is assigned to the radio to reset
the system.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast to coast. Just as with FM, tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and out. The radio may
display NO SIGNAL to indicate interference.
If you forget your code, if the theft deterrent feature is
accidentally activated with an unknown code, or if
the radio is in the locked mode, contact your Saturn
retailer.
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Care of Your CDs
Fixed Mast Antenna
Handle CDs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct
sunlight and dust. If the surface of a CD is soiled,
dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent
solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged. If the mast should ever
become slightly bent, straighten it out by hand. If the
mast is badly bent, replace it.
Check occasionally to make sure the mast is still
tightened to the antenna base located on the hood of
the vehicle. If tightening is required, tighten by hand.
Be sure never to touch the side without writing when
handling CDs. Pick up CDs by grasping the outer edges
or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System
Care of the CD Player
The use of CD lens cleaners for CD players is not
advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the
CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.
The XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof
of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of snow and
ice build up for clear radio reception.
The performance of the XM™ system may be affected if
the sunroof is open.
Loading items onto the roof of your vehicle can interfere
with the performance of the XM™ system. Make sure
that the XM™ satellite antenna is not obstructed.
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proper defensive driving more difficult and can even
cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to
help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place
to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving
techniques could save your life.
Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive
defensively.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a national tragedy. It is the number one contributor
to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims
every year.
Please start with a very important safety device in your
vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for
Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.”
On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means
“always expect the unexpected.”
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle:
• Judgment
Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to
be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what
they might do. Be ready for their mistakes.
• Muscular Coordination
• Vision
Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable
of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough
following distance. It is the best defensive driving
maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never
know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake
or turn suddenly.
• Attentiveness
Police records show that almost half of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was
drinking and driving. In recent years, more than
16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been
associated with the use of alcohol, with more than
300,000 people injured.
Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on
the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving
task — such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call,
reading, or reaching for something on the floor — makes
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Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half the adult
population — choose never to drink alcohol, so they
never drive after drinking. For persons under 21,
it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol.
There are good medical, psychological and
same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (120 ml) glasses
of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces
(45 ml) of liquors like whiskey, gin, or vodka.
developmental reasons for these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive. But what if people do? How much is “too
much” if someone plans to drive? It is a lot less
than many might think. Although it depends on each
person and situation, here is some general information
on the problem.
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone
who is drinking depends upon four things:
• The amount of alcohol consumed
• The drinker’s body weight
• The amount of food that is consumed before and
during drinking
It is the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if
the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces
or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s
BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person
who consumes food just before or during drinking will
have a somewhat lower BAC level.
• The length of time it has taken the drinker to
consume the alcohol
According to the American Medical Association, a 180 lb
(82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml)
bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC
of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the
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There is a gender difference, too. Women generally
have a lower relative percentage of body water
than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this
means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC
level than a man of her same body weight will when
each has the same number of drinks.
Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a
collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance
of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!
The law in most U.S. states, and throughout Canada,
sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other
countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is
0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The
BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States
is 0.04 percent.
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is not the
right answer. What if there is an emergency, a need to
take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street?
A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to
react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to
six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we have seen,
it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks,
and how quickly the person drinks them.
There is something else about drinking and driving that
many people do not know. Medical research shows that
alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries
worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or
heart. This means that when anyone who has been
drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that
person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled
is higher than if the person had not been drinking.
But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of
0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills
of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching
0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All
drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent.
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Braking
{CAUTION:
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness,
and judgment can be affected by even a
small amount of alcohol. You can have a
serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive
after drinking. Please do not drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride
home in a cab; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will not drink.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
Control of a Vehicle
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice,
it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the
tires and road can provide. That means you can
lose control of your vehicle. See Enhanced Traction
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes. ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has anti-lock
brakes, this warning light
on the instrument panel will
come on briefly when
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
you start your vehicle.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself.
You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that
your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
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conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
Remember: Anti-lock does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to
the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and road
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This will help you retain steering control. If you do have
anti-lock brakes, it is different. See Anti-Lock Brake
Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise,
but this is normal.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Braking in Emergencies
Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation
that requires hard braking.
System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially
useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system reduces engine power and
may also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin.
If you have anti-lock brakes, you can steer and brake at
the same time. However, if you do not have anti-lock
brakes, your first reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard
and hold it down — may be the wrong thing to do.
Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle
cannot respond to your steering. Momentum will
carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the
wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into
the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic.
The LOW TRAC message will be displayed when your
Enhanced Traction System is engaged and limiting
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
If you do not have anti-lock brakes, use a “squeeze”
braking technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this
by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing
pressure.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Enhanced
Traction System begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control
on page 3-10.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
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The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle
shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the
transaxle only as high as the shift lever position
you have chosen, so you should use the lower gears
only when necessary.
When you turn the system off, the TRAC OFF message
will be displayed. If the Enhanced Traction System is
limiting wheel spin when you press the button to turn the
system off, the TRAC OFF message will be displayed, but
the system will not turn off until there is no longer a
current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system
back on at any time by pressing the button again. The
TRAC OFF message will no longer be displayed.
The Enhanced Traction System automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. The light on the
traction control button will also come on to let you know
the system is on. To limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, you should always leave the
system on. But you can turn the traction control system
off if you ever need to. You should turn the system
off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow
and rocking the vehicle is required. See Rocking
page 4-28.
Limited-Slip Differential
Your vehicle may have this feature. A limited-slip
transaxle can give you additional traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard transaxle
most of the time, but when one of the front wheels loses
traction, this feature will allow the wheel with traction
to move the vehicle.
To turn the system on or
off, press the enhanced
traction system button
located on the instrument
panel switchbank.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the engine stalls while you are driving, the power
steering assist system will continue to operate until you
are able to stop the vehicle. If you lose power steering
assist because the engine stops or the system is
not functioning, you can steer but it will take much
more effort.
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If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of power steering
assist. The normal amount of power steering assist
should return shortly after a few normal steering
movements.
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you
have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
If you suspect steering
problems and/or the
PWR STR message is
displayed, see your retailer
for service and repair.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control
systems — steering and braking — have to do their work
where the tires meet the road. Unless you have
four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can
demand too much of those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you are steering through
a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those
two control systems — steering and acceleration — can
overwhelm those places where the tires meet the
road and make you lose control. See Enhanced Traction
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
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If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. You
can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room.
That is the time for evasive action — steering around
the problem.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you
can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer
quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes — but, unless you
have anti-lock, not enough to lock your wheels.
speed as you can from a possible collision. Then
steer around the problem, to the left or right depending
on the space available.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
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Off-Road Recovery
Passing
You may find that your right wheels have dropped off
the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re
driving.
The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a
two-lane highway waits for just the right moment,
accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then
goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane
highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the
passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in
judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger
can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the
worst of all traffic accidents — the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:
• Drive ahead. Look down the road, to the sides and
to crossroads for situations that might affect your
passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever
about making a successful pass, wait for a
better time.
• Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and
lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might
indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass.
A broken center line usually indicates it is all
right to pass, providing the road ahead is clear.
Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or
a double solid line, even if the road seems empty
of approaching traffic.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of
the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to
one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
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enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front
in your inside mirror, activate your right lane
change signal and move back into the right lane.
Remember that your right outside mirror is convex.
The vehicle you just passed may seem to be
farther away from you than it really is.
• Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass while you are awaiting an opportunity. For one
thing, following too closely reduces your area of
vision, especially if you are following a larger
vehicle. Also, you will not have adequate space if
the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.
Keep back a reasonable distance.
• Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on
two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the
next vehicle.
• When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,
start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and
do not get too close. Time your move so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to move into
the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you
will have a running start that more than makes up
for the distance you would lose by dropping
back. And if something happens to cause you to
cancel your pass, you need only slow down
and drop back again and wait for another
opportunity.
• Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
Even though the brake lamps are not flashing, it
may be slowing down or starting to turn.
• If you are being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps
you can ease a little to the right.
Loss of Control
• If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle,
wait your turn. But take care that someone is not
trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow
vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder
and check the blind spot.
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
• Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and
start your left lane change signal before moving out
of the right lane to pass. When you are far
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to
steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
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Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored surface — and
slow down when you have any doubt.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If you have the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do
not have ABS, then in a braking skid, where the
wheels are no longer rolling, release enough pressure
on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again. This
restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down
steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the
wheels are rolling, you will have steering control.
If you have the Enhanced Traction System (ETS),
remember: It helps to avoid only the acceleration skid.
If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System,
or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is
also best handled by easing your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
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Here are some tips on night driving.
• Drive defensively.
Driving at Night
• Do not drink and drive.
• Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
• Since you cannot see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
• Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your
headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.
• In remote areas, watch for animals.
• If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But as we get older these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your
eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you
are driving, do not wear sunglasses at night. They
may cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also
make a lot of things invisible.
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You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several
seconds, for your eyes to re-adjust to the dark. When
you are faced with severe glare, as from a driver
who does not lower the high beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps, slow down a little. Avoid
staring directly into the approaching headlamps.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep
your eyes moving; that way, it is easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from
night blindness — the inability to see in dim light — and
are not even aware of it.
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as on
dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise to
go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
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The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road,
and even people walking.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before you
hit them.
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Hydroplaning
Driving Through Flowing Water
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through flowing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can
be carried away. As little as six inches of
flowing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore police
warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about trying to drive through flowing water.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if your
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see reflections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
• Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you
pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear
room ahead, and be prepared to have your
view restricted by road spray.
Notice: If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If
you cannot avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly.
on page 5-56.
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Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:
City Driving
• Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip into
an unknown part of the city just as you would for a
cross-country trip.
• Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You will save time and energy.
• Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic
light is there because the corner is busy enough
to need it. When a light turns green, and just before
you start to move, check both ways for vehicles
that have not cleared the intersection or may
be running the red light.
One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
amount of traffic on them. You will want to watch out for
what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to
traffic signals.
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Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow.
Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
Freeway Driving
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check
traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with
the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the
prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your
mirrors, and glance over your shoulder as often as
necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it is slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there is not another vehicle in
your blind spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Mile for mile, freeways — also called thruways,
parkways, expressways, turnpikes, or
superhighways — are the safest of all roads.
But they have their own special rules.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the
same speed most of the other drivers are driving.
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The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
• Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
• Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
• Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
• Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
• Weather Forecasts: What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will find experienced and able service experts at
Saturn retailers all across North America. They will be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
• Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Highway Hypnosis
Hill and Mountain Roads
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
• Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
• Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain.
• If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
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If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
{CAUTION:
• Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system,
and transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down. They could
get so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Always
have your engine running and your vehicle in
gear when you go downhill.
• Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
{CAUTION:
• Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to
a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better.
• Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay in your own lane.
• As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could
be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an
accident.
If you do not shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let your engine assist your brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
• You may see highway signs on mountains that warn
of special problems. Examples are long grades,
passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area,
or winding roads. Be alert to these and take
appropriate action.
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Winter Driving
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red
cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And,
if you will be driving under severe conditions, include
a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet, or a couple of
burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you
properly secure these items in your vehicle.
Here are some tips for winter driving:
• Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
• You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.
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traction of all. You can get wet ice when it is about
freezing, 32°F (0°C), and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet
the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You
will have a lot less traction, or grip, and will need to be
very careful.
Whatever the condition — smooth ice, packed, blowing,
or loose snow — drive with caution.
If you have the enhanced traction system (ETS), it will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a
slippery road. Even if your vehicle has ETS, you
will want to slow down and adjust your driving to the
road conditions. Under certain conditions, you may want
to turn the ETS off, such as when driving through
deep snow and loose gravel, to help maintain vehicle
motion at lower speeds. See Enhanced Traction
If you do not have ETS, accelerate gently. Try not to
break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the
drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under
the tires even more.
Unless you have the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
you will want to brake very gently, too. If you do
page 4-6. ABS improves your vehicle’s stability when
you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Whether you
have ABS or not, you will want to begin stopping
sooner than you would on dry pavement.
What is the worst time for this? Wet ice. Very cold snow
or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice
can be even more trouble because it may offer the least
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Without ABS, if you feel your vehicle begin to slide, let
up on the brakes a little. Push the brake pedal down
steadily to get the most traction you can.
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with
your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near
help and you can hike through the snow. Here are
some things to do to summon help and keep yourself
and your passengers safe:
Remember, unless you have ABS, if you brake so hard
that your wheels stop rolling, you will just slide. Brake
so your wheels always keep rolling and you can
still steer.
• Whatever your braking system, allow greater
following distance on any slippery road.
• Turn on your hazard flashers.
• Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you have been stopped by the snow.
• Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that is covered with ice. On
an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in
shaded areas where the sun cannot reach, such
as around clumps of trees, behind buildings,
or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve
or an overpass may remain icy when the
• Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you do not have blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags,
rags, floor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of
ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not
to brake while you are actually on the ice, and
avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
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{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
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Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help
keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do
some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until
help comes.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they
can explode, and you or others could be
injured. And, the transaxle or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment fire or other damage.
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little
as possible. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as rocking
can help you get out when you are stuck, but you
must use caution.
speedometer.
Notice: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back
and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. See
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
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Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Loading Your Vehicle
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That
will clear the area around your front wheels. If your
vehicle has the enhanced traction system (ETS), you
should turn the ETS off. See Enhanced Traction
between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, or with
a manual transaxle, between FIRST (1) or SECOND (2)
and REVERSE (R), spinning the wheels as little as
possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in
the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If that does
not get you out after a few tries, you may need to
be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. Two labels on your vehicle show
how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the Vehicle
Certification label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
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A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar). With
the driver’s door open, you will find the label attached
below the door lock post (striker). The tire and
loading information label lists the number of occupant
seating positions (A), and the maximum vehicle capacity
weight (B) in kilograms and pounds.
Tire and Loading Information Label
The Tire and Loading Information label also lists the
tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and the
recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D). For more
There is also important loading information on the
Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle, see
“Certification Label” later in this section.
Label Example
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Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight
may not safely exceed the available cargo
Example 1
Description
Maximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 1 =
Subtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg) × 2 =
Item
Total
A
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
B
C
300 lbs (136 kg)
700 lbs (317 kg)
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight =
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity
for your vehicle.
page 4-37 for important information on towing a
trailer, towing safety rules, and trailering tips.
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Example 2
Description
Example 3
Description
Item
Total
Item
Total
Maximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 2 =
Maximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 3 =
A
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
A
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
Subtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg) × 5 =
Available Cargo
Weight =
Subtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs
(91 kg) × 5 =
Available Cargo
Weight =
B
C
750 lbs (340 kg)
250 lbs (113 kg)
B
C
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
0 lbs (0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information label
for specific information about your vehicle’s maximum
vehicle capacity weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo
should never exceed your vehicle’s maximum vehicle
capacity weight.
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Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
Certification Label
If the vehicle is going to carry a heavy load, spread
it out.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
A vehicle specific Certification label is found on the rear
edge of the driver’s door.
The label shows the gross weight capacity of your
vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
Notice: Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
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If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else
are put inside the vehicle, they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
{CAUTION:
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
• Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
• Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
• When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
• Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing your
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly
towing” (towing your vehicle with two wheels on
the ground and two wheels up on a device known as
a “dolly”).
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing” following in this section.
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Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
• What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
• How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
• Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
• Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
page 4-21.
To tow your vehicle from the front with all four wheels
on the ground, do the following:
Dinghy Towing (All Transaxles)
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the steering
wheel.
Notice: Dolly towing or dinghy towing your vehicle
may cause damage because of reduced ground
clearance. Always tow your vehicle using the dolly
towing or dinghy towing procedure listed in this
section or put your vehicle on a flatbed truck.
3. Shift your transaxle to NEUTRAL.
4. Release the parking brake.
To prevent battery rundown on long trips, remove the IP
BATT 2 fuse (#41) from the engine compartment fuse
page 5-96 for more information.
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Once you have reached your destination, be sure to
replace the IP BATT 2 fuse to its original location.
Notice: If you exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while
towing your vehicle, it could be damaged. Never
exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing your vehicle.
Notice: Towing your vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by
the warranty. Never have your vehicle towed
from the rear.
Notice: Don’t tow a vehicle with the front drive
wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a
compact spare tire. Towing with two different
tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause
severe damage to the transaxle.
To tow your vehicle from the front with two wheels on
the ground, do the following:
Dolly Towing (All Transaxles)
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
Notice: Dolly towing or dinghy towing your vehicle
may cause damage because of reduced ground
clearance. Always tow your vehicle using the dolly
towing or dinghy towing procedure listed in this
section or put your vehicle on a flatbed truck.
2. If you have an automatic transaxle, shift the
transaxle to PARK (P). If you have a manual
transaxle, shift the vehicle to SECOND (2).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.
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Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what
the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to
wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
Notice: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part and see your retailer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
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Three important considerations have to do with weight:
• the weight of the trailer,
If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
• the weight of the trailer tongue
• There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
• and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
• Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
But even that can be too heavy.
• Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1000 miles
(1600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged. The
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
You can ask your retailer for trailering information or
advice.
• Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h),
to save wear on your vehicle’s parts.
• Don’t tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
4-38
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If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you’re using a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must add the
tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29 for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then
the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If
they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply by
moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information label, See Loading Your
the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight
of the trailer tongue.
4-39
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Hitches
Safety Chains
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your
rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
• The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
• Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If
you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get
Trailer Brakes
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try to tap into
your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes, so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
page 2-30. Dirt and water can, too.
4-40
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Driving with a Trailer
Passing
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer when towing a trailer, you’ll need to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return
to your lane.
Backing Up
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
Following Distance
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
4-41
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Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
Driving on Grades
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. See your
retailer if you need information. The arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps
will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
Notice: Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher
than normal engine and transaxle temperatures may
result and damage your vehicle. Frequent stops
are very important to allow the engine and transaxle
to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If your engine does overheat, see Engine
4-42
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But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
Parking on Hills
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle, or into gear for
a manual transaxle.
{CAUTION:
When parking uphill, turn your wheels away from
the curb. When parking downhill, turn your wheels
into the curb.
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
2. Have someone place chocks behind the trailer
wheels.
3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P) for an
automatic transaxle or REVERSE (R) for a manual
transaxle.
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-43
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
page 6-4 for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle
fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belt,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find
them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to
review this information before you start your trip.
• start your engine
• shift into a gear, and
• release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
page 5-28.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If you get a flat tire while towing a trailer, be sure
to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the vehicle
before changing the tire.
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Section 5
Service and Appearance Care
Buying New Tires .........................................5-67
5-2
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California Proposition 65 Warning
Service
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle), many fluids, and
some component wear by-products contain and/or emit
these chemicals.
Your Saturn retailer knows your vehicle best and wants
you to be happy with it. We hope you will go to your
retailer for all your service needs. You will get genuine
Saturn parts and Saturn-trained and supported
service people.
We hope you will want to keep your Saturn vehicle all
Saturn.
Genuine Saturn parts have one of these marks.
5-3
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Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
If you want to do some of your own service work, you
will want to use the proper service manual. It tells
you much more about how to service your vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service manual,
page 7-9.
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
• Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, see Servicing Your
• Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
5-4
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Adding Equipment to the Outside of Gasoline Octane
Your Vehicle
If your vehicle has the 2.2L L4 engine, use regular
unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 87 or higher.
If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy
knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine. A
little pinging noise when you accelerate or drive
uphill is considered normal. This does not indicate a
problem exists or that a higher-octane fuel is necessary.
If you are using 87 octane or higher-octane fuel and
hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle
can affect the airflow around it. This may cause
wind noise and affect windshield washer performance.
Check with your retailer before adding equipment to
the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle.
If your vehicle has the 2.0L Supercharged engine, use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
91 or higher for best performance. You may also
use middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration
may be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87,
you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If
this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine.
5-5
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Gasoline Specifications
Additives
It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
which were developed by automobile manufacturers
around the world and contained in the World-Wide Fuel
Charter which is available from the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers at www.autoalliance.org/fuel_charter.htm.
Gasoline meeting these specifications could provide
improved driveability and emission control system
performance compared to other gasoline.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, you should not have to add
anything to your fuel. However, some gasolines contain
only the minimum amount of additive required to
meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
General Motors recommends that you buy gasolines
that are advertised to help keep fuel injectors and intake
valves clean. If your vehicle experiences problems
due to dirty injectors or valves, try a different brand of
gasoline. Also, your retailer has additives that will
help correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See the underhood
emission control label. If this fuel is not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp may turn on and your vehicle may fail a
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if
they comply with the specifications described earlier.
page 3-33. If this occurs, return to your authorized
Saturn retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
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Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
system and also damage the plastic and rubber
parts. That damage would not be covered under
your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy
gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors
does not recommend the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs
and the performance of the emission control system
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
Saturn retailer for service.
5-7
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Filling the Tank
{CAUTION:
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can
cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to
you and others, read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island. Turn off your
engine when you are refueling. Do not smoke
if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle.
Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials
away from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended when refueling your vehicle — this
is against the law in some places. Keep
children away from the fuel pump; never let
children pump fuel.
The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel
door on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.
The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is released
too soon, it will spring back to the right.
While refueling, let the fuel cap hang by the tether
below the fuel fill opening.
5-8
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In addition, the CHECK GAS CAP message will be
displayed in the Message Center if the fuel cap is not
properly reinstalled. See Check Gas Cap Message
on page 3-43 for more information.
{CAUTION:
If you spill fuel and then something ignites it,
you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out
on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly.
This spray can happen if your tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open
the fuel cap slowly and wait for any hiss noise
to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.
{CAUTION:
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage your fuel tank and emissions
page 3-33.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel
to evaporate into the atmosphere. See Malfunction
5-9
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Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
• Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
• Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or
on any surface other than the ground.
• Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a fire. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
• Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
5-10
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Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the interior hood
release handle with
this symbol on it. It is
located to the left
of the steering column
below the instrument
panel.
2. Push the secondary hood release lever, located
under the center of the hood above the grille, to
the right to disengage it.
3. Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its
retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in
the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then just let the
hood down and close it firmly.
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B. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
page 5-42.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
page 5-24.
D. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
on page 5-24.
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37.
5-13
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When you open the hood on the 2.0L L4 Supercharged engine, here is what you will see:
5-14
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A. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
page 5-30.
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
E. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
on page 5-24.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick, clean it with a paper towel or
cloth and then push it back in all the way.
3. Pull out the dipstick again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
page 5-42.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37.
5-15
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When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN (minimum) mark, you will
need to add at least one quart/liter of oil. But you must
use the right kind. This section explains what kind of
oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
2.2L L4 Engine
2.0L L4 Supercharged
Engine
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If your engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the
way back in when you are through.
5-16
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Look for two things:
• GM6094M
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
For Vehicles With the 2.2L L4 Engine Only
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting GM
Standard GM6094M. You should look for and use
only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
• SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should also
have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
5-17
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You should look for this information on the oil container,
and use only those oils that are identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol
on the front of the oil container.
For Vehicles with the 2.0L L4
Supercharged Engine Only
Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
5-18
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Look for two things:
• GM4718M
Oils meeting these
requirements should also
have the starburst
Your vehicle’s engine requires a special oil meeting
GM Standard GM4718M, such as Mobil 1® or
equivalent. Oils meeting this standard may be
identified as synthetic. However, not all synthetic oils
will meet this GM standard. You should look for and
use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM4718M.
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Notice: If you use oils that do not have the
GM4718M Standard designation, you can cause
engine damage not covered by your warranty.
You should look for this on the oil container, and use
only those oils that are identified as meeting GM
Standard GM4718M and have the starburst symbol on
the front of the oil container.
• SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Your vehicle’s engine is filled at the factory with a
synthetic oil which meets all requirements for your
vehicle.
Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to maintain
engine oil level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M
may not be available. You can add substitute oil
designated SAE 5W-30 with the starburst symbol at
all temperatures. Substitute oil not meeting GM
Standard GM4718M should not be used for an oil
change.
5-19
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When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHG OIL message will come on. See
information on this message. Change your oil as soon
as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It
is possible that, if you are driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an
oil change is necessary for over a year. However,
your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system must be reset.
Your retailer has trained service people who will perform
this work using genuine Saturn parts and reset the
system. It is also important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M for the 2.2L L4 engine or GM4718M
for the 2.0L L4 supercharged engine are all you will
need for good performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is
changed.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
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Your vehicle has a unique oil filter element. When
installing the filler cap do not exceed 18 lb-ft (25 Y).
Inspect the condition of the O-ring and replace if
damaged. See your Saturn retailer for additional
information.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use.
Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to the
CHG OIL message being turned on, reset the system.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by doing
the following:
1. Press and release the trip/reset button until the OIL
LIFE message is displayed.
2. Then press and hold the trip/reset button until a
chime sounds five times, and RESET is displayed
in the message center.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your retailer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
When the system is reset, the odometer will again
be displayed in the message center.
3. Turn the key to LOCK.
If the CHG OIL message comes back on when you start
your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
5-21
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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
2.2L L4 Engine
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the Maintenance II
intervals and replace it at the first oil change after each
50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval. See Scheduled
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter
at each engine oil change.
5-22
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5. Install the air filter element, hose, hose clamp and
cover.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
6. For vehicles equipped with the 2.2L L4 engine,
latch the two clips. For vehicles equipped with
the 2.0L L4 supercharged engine, replace the
three screws.
To inspect the air cleaner/filter remove the filter from the
vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose
dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new
filter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter, do the
following:
{CAUTION:
1. Loosen the hose clamp that is on the inlet duct on
the cover and pull off the hose.
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop flames if the engine backfires. If it is
not there and the engine backfires, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off.
2. For vehicles equipped with the 2.2L L4 engine,
release the two clips and turn the cover upward
to unhook the hinges. For vehicles equipped
with the 2.0L L4 supercharged engine, remove the
three screws on the cover.
3. Pull the air cleaner/filter box cover out and remove
the air filter element from the air filter box. If the
element is dirty, you should replace it. If the element
is only dusty, it may be cleaned by blowing
compressed air through it from the clean side.
Make sure you are away from your engine
compartment when cleaning the air filter with
compressed air.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when you
are driving.
4. Wipe all dust from inside the housing and inspect
the air cleaner and air inlet tube for cracks, cuts
and deterioration. The air inlet tube must be
replaced if it is damaged.
5-23
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A
transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your retailer’s service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible.
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives fluid from the brake master
cylinder reservoir.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
to use the transaxle fluid listed in Recommended
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL® extended life coolant.
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
fluid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle fluid listed in
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
page 5-28.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A
transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your retailer’s service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible.
for the proper fluid to use.
5-24
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A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL® coolant will:
{CAUTION:
• Give freezing protection down to −34°F (−37°C).
• Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
• Protect against rust and corrosion.
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.
• Help keep the proper engine temperature.
• Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL® may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
Notice: If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL® coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your retailer check your cooling system.
Notice: If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
5-25
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Checking Coolant
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be parked on a level surface. When
your engine is cold, the coolant level should be near the
cold fill line. When your engine is warm, the level
should be at the cold fill line or a little higher.
If the COOLANT warning message comes on and stays
on, it means you are low on engine coolant. See Low
The surge tank is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment. See Engine Compartment
5-26
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Checking Intercooler System Coolant
(2.0L L4 Engine Only)
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the surge tank and/or intercooler
fill neck, but only when the engine is cool. See Cooling
coolant to the coolant surge tank and/or intercooler
fill neck.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Park your vehicle on a level surface and turn off the
engine. When your engine is cold, the coolant level
should be just visible within the horizontal tube section
of the fill neck. When your engine is warm, the
coolant level could be as high as the FULL HOT line, or
a little higher. The FULL HOT line has an arrow
pointing down at it.
When replacing a pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Notice: This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
If you replace your coolant surge tank pressure cap, a
Saturn cap is required.
5-27
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If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a low
coolant level warning message on your vehicle’s
instrument panel. See Engine Coolant Temperature
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
You also have a check gage message and a transaxle
page 3-41.
Notice: Driving with either the CHK GAGE message
or the COOLANT message displayed in the
message center and the Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage on your instrument panel in the
red zone could cause your vehicle to overheat.
could be damaged and the damages might not
be covered by your warranty.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice: If your engine catches fire because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
5-28
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If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning with no warning
messages, but see or hear no steam, the problem
may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when you:
If the warning continues and you have not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
• Climb a long hill on a hot day.
• Stop after high-speed driving.
• Idle for long periods in traffic.
• Tow a trailer.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
3. Try to minimize engine load. If you are in a traffic
jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N); otherwise, shift to the
highest gear possible while driving.
5-29
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Cooling System
{CAUTION:
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood
can start up even when the engine is not
running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do
not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at the cold fill line. If it is
not, you may have a leak at the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in
the cooling system.
2.2L L4 Engine shown, 2.0L L4 Supercharged
Engine similar
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap
5-30
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Notice: Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty.
{CAUTION:
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL® may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If
you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine fire, and you could be
burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the
vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fan is running. If
the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If
it is not, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the
engine.
5-31
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{CAUTION:
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the cold fill line, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL®
coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it. See Engine
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant
surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they
can come out at high speed. Never turn the
cap when the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and coolant surge tank
pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
5-32
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Notice: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure
cap when the cooling system, including the upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure
cap slowly counterclockwise about one-quarter of a
turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. This
will allow any pressure still left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
5-33
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4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture
to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the
cold fill line.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling
system has cooled down. If the coolant is not at
the proper level, repeat Steps 1 through 3 and reinstall
the pressure cap. If the coolant is not at the proper
level when the system cools down again, see your
retailer.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper
DEX-COOL® coolant mixture, to the cold fill line.
5-34
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How to Add Coolant to the Intercooler
System Fill Neck (2.0L L4 Engine Only)
{CAUTION:
If you have not found a problem yet, turn the engine
off and allow it to cool down, then check to see if coolant
is visible within the horizontal tube section of the fill
neck. If coolant is not visible, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant to
the fill neck. Be sure the Intercooler System, including
the Intercooler System pressure cap, is cool before
information.
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.
{CAUTION:
Turning the Intercooler System pressure cap
when the engine and intercooler are hot can
allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn the Intercooler
System pressure cap, even a little, when the
engine and intercooler are hot.
Notice: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
5-35
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1. You can remove the Intercooler System pressure
cap when the Intercooler System, including the
upper intercooler hoses, are no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for
that to stop. This will allow any pressure still left to
be vented.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
3. Add the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture to the
fill neck, until there is coolant visible in the horizontal
tube section of the fill neck.
4. With the Intercooler System pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes.
Watch out for the engine cooling fan. Turn the
engine off.
By this time, the coolant level inside the fill neck
may be lower. If the level drops to where coolant is
no longer visible in the horizontal tube section of
the fill neck, with the engine off add more of
the DEX-COOL® coolant mixture to the fill neck
until the level is again visible in the horizontal tube
section.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
If the coolant is not at the proper level when the system
cools down again, see your retailer.
5-36
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Notice:
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
• When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
• Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer fluid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer fluid.
Adding Windshield Washer Fluid
• Fill your washer fluid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer fluid until the
tank is full. See Engine
page 5-12 for reservoir
location.
• Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
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So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder use
the same reservoir.
The reservoir is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid. See
the location of the
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
and/or clutch hydraulic system.
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is
that fluid is leaking out of the brake system or hydraulic
clutch system if you have a manual transaxle. If it is,
you should have both systems checked and the
necessary repairs made, since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes and/or clutch will not work well, or
will not work at all.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning
5-38
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Checking Brake Fluid
{CAUTION:
You can check the brake fluid level without removing
the reservoir cap by just looking at the brake fluid
reservoir. The fluid level should be at or below the MAX
fill mark. After work has been done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the level does not exceed
the MAX fill mark on the reservoir.
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
page 6-14.
Notice:
• Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system
parts so badly that they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in the wrong kind
of fluid.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
• If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See Appearance
5-39
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Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to Saturn specifications.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and may have rear
drum brakes or rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving, except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal firmly.
The rear drum brakes do not have wear indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have
the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the
rear brake drums should be removed and inspected
each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brake pads replaced, have
the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
{CAUTION:
Brake Pedal Travel
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear the
brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
See your retailer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate
or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust
correctly. If you drive in that way, then — very
carefully — make a few moderate brake stops about
every 1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust
properly.
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
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Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system — for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure
you get new approved Saturn replacement parts. If you
do not, your brakes may no longer work properly.
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are
wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your
front and rear brakes can change — for the worse. The
braking performance you have come to expect can
change in many other ways if someone puts in
the wrong replacement brake parts.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
page 5-42 for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it is
time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. We
recommend an ACDelco® replacement battery.
Your vehicle’s battery is located in the trunk next to the
compact spare tire. To access the battery, use the
trunk’s floor carpet latch to lift the cover up.
5-41
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1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Jump Starting
If your vehicle’s battery has run down, you may want to
use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start
your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do
it safely.
Notice: If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
• They contain acid that can burn you.
• They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
• They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice: If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some
or all of these things can hurt you.
Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
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4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and
negative (−) terminal locations on each vehicle.
{CAUTION:
You will not need to access your battery for jump
starting. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) and
a remote negative (−) jump starting terminal.
The remote positive (+) terminal is located on the
engine compartment fuse block, under a red
page 5-12 for more information on location.
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler
caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that first.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
The remote negative (−) ground terminal is a bolt
located under the metal frame that supports
the radiator. It is at the front of the engine
compartment, on the driver’s side of the vehicle,
and is marked with a label that says GND (−).
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
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{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
6. Remove the terminal cover and connect the red
positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal
if the vehicle has one.
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) or you
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to
the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
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8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine for a while.
11. Press the unlock button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter to disarm your security system,
if equipped.
Do not let the other end touch anything until the
next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable
does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery.
12. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If
it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable at
least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery,
but not near engine parts that move. The electrical
connection is just as good there, and the chance
of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.
Your vehicle has a remote negative (−) terminal
for this purpose.
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Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may
occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the correct
order, making sure that the cables do not touch
each other or other metal.
To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do
the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other
vehicle.
5. Return the red protector cap to its original position.
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset at the factory and
should need no further adjustment.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment to the low-beam
headlamps may be necessary if it is difficult to see
the lane markers (for horizontal aim), or if oncoming
drivers flash their high-beam headlamps at you
(for vertical aim). If you believe your headlamps need to
be re-aimed, we recommend that you take your
vehicle to your retailer for service.
Jumper Cable Removal
A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead Battery
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Headlamps (Coupe)
Bulb Replacement
To change a headlamp bulb on a coupe model, do the
following:
page 5-55.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your retailer.
for more information.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the bulb
package.
2. Pull up on the headlamp retaining pins to remove
them from the headlamp assembly.
3. Pull the headlamp assembly away from the vehicle
and remove the electrical connector.
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4. Raise the lock tab and pull the connector from the
base of the bulb to remove the electrical connector
from the headlamp bulb.
Headlamps (Sedan)
To change a headlamp bulb on a sedan model, do the
following:
for more information.
5. Remove the retaining nut by turning it
counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulb and replace it with the
appropriate bulb.
2. Pull up on the headlamp retaining pins to remove
them from the headlamp assembly.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the headlamp
assembly.
3. Pull the headlamp assembly away from the vehicle
and remove the electrical connector.
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4. Access the bulb by turning the dust cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
5. Raise the lock tab and pull the connector (A or B)
from the base of the bulb to remove the electrical
connector from the headlamp bulb.
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Front Turn Signal Lamps (Sedan)
To change a front turn signal bulb on a sedan model, do
the following:
1. The front turn signal lamps are located beside the
headlamps. Follow Steps 1 through 4 to remove the
headlamp assembly. See the headlamp removal
6. Remove the bulb retaining nut by turning it
counterclockwise.
7. Remove the bulb and replace it with the
appropriate bulb.
8. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.
2. Remove the parking/turn bulb socket by rotating it
counterclockwise.
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3. Remove the bulb and replace it with the
appropriate bulb.
4. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.
Front Turn Signal and Parking
Lamps (Coupe)
To change a front turn signal bulb on a coupe model,
do the following:
for more information.
2. Reach behind the headlamp from inside the hood.
3. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise to
remove it from the housing.
4. Pull the bulb from the socket and replace it with the
appropriate bulb.
5. Reinstall the bulb socket by turning it clockwise.
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Fog Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps (Coupe)
To change a fog lamp bulb, do the following:
To change a sidemarker bulb on a coupe model, do the
following:
1. Reach under the front bumper to the rear of the fog
lamp to locate the bulb socket.
1. Follow Steps 1 through 3 to remove the headlamp
assembly. See the headlamp removal for coupe
2. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise to
remove it.
3. Remove the bulb and replace it with the
appropriate bulb.
2. Rotate the sidemarker bulb counterclockwise to
remove it.
4. Reinstall the bulb socket by turning it clockwise.
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3. Remove the bulb and replace it with the
appropriate bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb socket by turning it clockwise.
5. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL)
To change a CHMSL bulb, do the following:
1. Remove the CHMSL cover by pulling down on the
cover edges from inside the vehicle.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it.
3. Replace with the appropriate bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb socket by turning it clockwise.
5. Replace the cover.
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Taillamps, Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps
To change one of these bulbs, do the following:
information.
2. Remove the three retaining screws from the
taillamp assembly.
4. Remove the bulb socket by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Pull the bulb from the socket and replace it with the
appropriate bulb.
6. Reverse the steps to reinstall the taillamp assembly.
3. Slide the taillamp assembly back and remove it
from the quarter panel.
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1. Turn on the wipers to the low wipe setting.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp
Back-Up Lamps
CHMSL
Fog Lamp
Front Sidemarker Lamps
(Coupe Only)
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades
are more accessible for removal/replacement while
in this position.
Bulb Number
921
PC-175
881L
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
168
Front Turn Signal/
Parking Lamp
Headlamps
5702KA
9007
Stoplamp and
Taillamps (Top)
3057K
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
retailer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Windshield
page 6-4 for more information.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the blade
connecting point and pull the old blade assembly
down toward the glass to remove it from the
wiper arm.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
page 6-16. Here’s how to remove the wiper blades:
5. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release clip “click” into place.
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Tires
{CAUTION:
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your Saturn Warranty booklet for details. For
additional information refer to the tire manufacturer’s
booklet included with your vehicle’s owner manual.
• Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
• Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See Loading Your
• Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
• Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
• Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
inflation pressure adjustment for high speed
driving.
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For cold weather driving conditions, you may prefer to
get tires designed for snow or ice. See your dealer
for details regarding winter tire availability and proper
Low-Profile Performance Tire
(Red Line)
If your vehicle has 215/45ZR17 size tires, they are
classified as “low-profile performance” tires. These tires
are designed for very responsive driving on wet or
dry pavement. You may also notice more road noise
with low-profile performance tires and that they tend to
wear faster.
If you choose to use winter tires:
• Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
• Use only radial ply tires of the same size, load
range, and speed rating as your original equipment
tires.
Notice: If your vehicle has low-profile tires, they
are more susceptible to damage from road hazards
or curb impact than standard profile tires. Tire
and/or wheel assembly damage can occur when
coming into contact with road hazards like,
potholes, or sharp edged objects, or when sliding
into a curb. Your GM warranty does not cover
this type of damage. Keep tires set to the correct
inflation pressure and, when possible avoid contact
with curbs, potholes, and other road hazards.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W
and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose winter tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
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(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification): Original equipment tires designed to
GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC
specifications meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
Tire Sidewall Labelling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The examples below show a typical passenger
vehicle tire and a compact spare tire sidewall.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation): The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters and
numbers following DOT (Department of Transportation)
code is the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The
TIN shows the manufacturer and plant code, tire size,
and date the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded
onto both sides of the tire, although only one side
may have the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based on
three performance factors: treadwear, traction and
temperature resistance. For more information see
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
(A) Tire Size: The tire size is a combination of letters
and numbers used to define a particular tire’s width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type and service
description. See the “Tire Size” illustration later in this
section for more detail.
(G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
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(C) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters
and numbers following the DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identification
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and
plant code, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both sides of the tire, although
only one side may have the date of manufacture.
(D) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(E) Tire Inflation: The temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inflated to 60 psi (420 kPa).
For more information on tire pressure and inflation see
(F) Tire Size: A combination of letters and numbers
define a tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction
type and service description. The letter T as the
first character in the tire size means the tire is for
temporary use only.
Compact Spare Tire Example
(A) Temporary Use Only: The compact spare tire or
temporary use tire has a tread life of approximately
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should not be driven
at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone flat. If your vehicle has a compact
(G) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification): Original equipment tires designed to
GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC
specifications meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(B) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
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(D) Construction Code: A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
R means radial ply construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(E) Rim Diameter: Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description: These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certified
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
first character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
(B) Tire Width: The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio: A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
Accessory Weight: This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
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Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air pressure.
Cold Inflation Pressure: The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index: An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Curb Weight: This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
DOT Markings: A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight: The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
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Occupant Distribution: Designated seating positions.
Traction: The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of an
Tread: The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or
bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on
the other sidewall of the tire.
Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands, sometimes
called “wear bars,” that show across the tread of a tire
when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains. See
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards): A
tire information system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature, and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire. See Uniform Tire Quality
Recommended Inflation Pressure: Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure and
shown on the tire placard. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
Vehicle Capacity Weight: The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. See Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29.
Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim: A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the tread and
Vehicle Placard: A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recommended
inflation pressure. See “Tire and Loading Information
the bead.
Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.
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A Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the
vehicle’s center pillar, below the driver’s door latch
or inside the glove box. This label lists your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and their recommended cold tire
inflation pressures. The recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, shown on the label, is the minimum
amount of air pressure needed to support your vehicle’s
maximum load carrying capacity.
Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice: Do not let anyone tell you that
under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is not.
If your tires do not have enough air (under-inflation),
you can get the following:
For additional information regarding how much weight
your vehicle can carry, and an example of the tire
and loading information label, see Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29. How you load your vehicle affects
vehicle handling and ride comfort, never load your
vehicle with more weight than it was designed to carry.
• Too much flexing
• Too much heat
• Tire overloading
• Premature or irregular wear
• Poor handling
When to Check
• Reduced fuel economy
Check your tires once a month or more. Do not forget to
check the compact spare tire, it should be at 60 psi
(420 kPa). For additional information regarding
page 5-83.
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation), you
can get the following:
• Unusual wear
• Poor handling
• Rough ride
• Needless damage from road hazards
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How to Check
High Speed Operation (Red Line)
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re under-inflated.
Check the tire’s inflation pressure when the tires are
cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for
at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
{CAUTION:
Driving at high speeds, 100 mph (160 km/h) or
higher, puts an additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving causes
excessive heat build up and can cause sudden
tire failure. You could have a crash and you or
others could be killed. Some high-speed rated
tires require inflation pressure adjustment for
high speed operation. When speed limits and
road conditions are such that a vehicle can be
driven at high speeds, make sure the tires are
rated for high speed operation, in excellent
condition, and set to the correct cold tire
inflation pressure for the vehicle load.
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary. If
the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the
tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
If your vehicle has 215/45ZR17 size tires, set the cold
tire inflation pressure to 33 psi (227 kPa) for the
front and rear tires when operating your vehicle under
high-speed conditions. When you end high-speed
driving, return the tires to the cold inflation pressure
shown on the tire and loading information label.
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Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. See When It Is Time
on page 5-69 for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation
is the most important. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
Directional Tires
If your vehicle has 215/45ZR17 size tires, they are
directional tires and must roll in a certain direction for
the best overall performance. The direction is shown by
an arrow on the tire sidewall. Because these tires
are directional, they should be rotated as shown here.
These tires should only be moved from front to rear and
rear to front on the same side of the vehicle.
Do not include the compact spare tire in your tire
rotation.
Non-Directional Tires
When rotating non-directional tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
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After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire and
page 4-29 for an example of the tire and loading
information label and its location on your vehicle. Make
certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” under Capacities and
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it is
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread
remaining.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel bolts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to
get all the rust or dirt off. See Changing a Flat
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
• You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
• You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
• The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
• The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
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Buying New Tires
{CAUTION:
To find out what kind and size of tires your vehicle
needs, look at the tire and loading information label. For
more information about this label and its location on
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes,
brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires),
the vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands, or types may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the
correct size, brand, and type of tires on all
wheels. It is all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, as it was
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a
Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
GM recommends that you get tires with that same TPC
Spec number. That way your vehicle will continue to have
tires that are designed to give proper endurance,
handling, speed rating, load range, traction, ride and
other things during normal service on your vehicle. If your
tires have an all-season tread design, the TPC number
will be followed by an “MS” (for mud and snow).
developed for use on your vehicle. See
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same
size, load range, speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
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Treadwear
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
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Temperature – A, B, C
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned
and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the
longest tire life and best overall performance.
Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire balancing will
not be necessary on a regular basis. However, if
you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling to
one side or the other, the alignment may need to
be checked. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when
driving on a smooth road, your tires and wheels
may need to be rebalanced. See your retailer for proper
diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your retailer if any of these conditions exist.
Your retailer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.
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If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new Saturn
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
or how far it’s been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new Saturn original
equipment wheel.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
information.
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Notice: If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P195/60R15, P205/55R16 or 215/45ZR17 size
tires, use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install them
on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting
your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it stops. Driving too
fast or spinning the wheels with chains on will
damage your vehicle.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P195/60R15, P205/55R16 or
215/45ZR17 size tires, do not use tire chains,
there is not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, re-adjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the front tires.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
{CAUTION:
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a flat tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a flat tire.
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would
use in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control
by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may
be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use the
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
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Changing a Flat Tire
CAUTION: (Continued)
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning flashers.
To be even more certain the vehicle will not
move, you should put blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be the tire on the
other side, at the opposite end of the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured or even killed. Find a level place to
change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
When you have a flat tire, use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement of wheel blocks.
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transaxle shift lever in
PARK (P), or shift a manual transaxle to
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart
while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the
vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
The following information will tell you how to use the
jack and change a tire.
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2.2L L4 Engine
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
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2. Remove the nut that holds down the spare tire. See
3. Remove the spare tire by placing your hands at the
four and eight o’clock positions. Gently pull it up
and out of the trunk. For vehicles equipped with the
2.0L supercharged engine, complete Step 4 first,
then Step 3.
4. Remove the wing nut that holds the jack and
remove the jack and wheel wrench.
You will need to turn the plastic wheel nut
counterclockwise to loosen the wheel wrench from
the jack.
The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel
wrench (B).
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Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. If your vehicle is equipped with plastic wheel
covers, use the wheel wrench to loosen the plastic
wheel nut caps.
Once you have loosened the plastic wheel nut caps
with the wheel wrench, you can finish loosening
them with your fingers. The plastic nut caps do not
come off. Using the flat end of the wheel wrench,
pry along the edge of the wheel cover until it
comes off.
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, first remove
the center cap by pulling it out with the wheel
wrench.
Press the button and then pull on the end of the wheel
wrench to extend the handle.
2. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts.
Do not remove them yet.
Notice: Make sure that the jack lift head is in the
correct position or you may damage your vehicle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
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{CAUTION:
Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is
dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack you
could be badly injured or killed. Never get under
a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.
{CAUTION:
Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly
positioned can damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal
injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the
jack lift head into the proper location before
raising the vehicle.
3. Position the jack lift head at the jack location
nearest the flat tire. The front location is about
7 inches (17.8 cm) rearward from the front wheel
opening. The rear location is about 2 inches
(5.1 cm) forward of the rear wheel opening.
Make sure the jack head is touching the metal
jacking flange under the body. Do not place the
jack under the plastic body panel.
5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle
clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough room for the compact
spare tire to fit under the vehicle.
4. Put the compact spare tire near you.
6. Remove all of the wheel nuts.
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8. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting
surface.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
the places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get
all the rust or dirt off.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If
you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel
could fall off, causing a serious accident.
9. Reinstall the wheel nuts with the rounded end of
the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by
hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
10. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
7. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
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{CAUTION:
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose
and even come off. This could lead to an
accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel
nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to
get new GM original equipment wheel nuts.
Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the
proper torque specification. See Capacities
torque specification.
11. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross
sequence, as shown.
Notice: Wheel covers will not fit on your compact
spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on the compact
spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.
Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification. See Capacities and
torque specification.
Do not try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare
tire. It will not fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk
until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
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Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
2.2L L4 Engine
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To store a flat or spare tire and tools, do the following:
1. Remove the stow bolt extension rod and sleeve
from the jack.
2. Reattach the wheel wrench to the jack.
3. Place the flat tire face down into the spare tire hub.
Avoid scraping the aluminum wheel, if equipped, on
the hold-down bolt.
4. Screw the stow bolt extension rod and the sleeve
into the existing spare tire hold-down bolt.
5. Place the jack into the center of the flat tire, being
careful not to scratch the inside of the wheel.
6. Place the smaller jack hold-down nut in a safe
place for use when you put the compact spare
tire back into the trunk.
7. Remove the plastic sleeve from the stow bolt
extension rod. Secure the jack and road wheel
using the larger plastic retainer.
The compact spare tire is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare with a full-size tire as soon
as possible.
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
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Notice: Tire chains will not fit your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
your compact spare.
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when
the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
Appearance Care
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop
as soon as possible and make sure the spare tire
is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to
perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h)
for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can
finish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced at your convenience. Of course, it is best
to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. The spare tire will last longer and be in good
shape in case it is needed again.
Cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic.
Other cleaning products can burst into flames if a match
is struck near them or if they get on a hot part of the
vehicle. Some are dangerous if their fumes are inhaled
in an enclosed space. When anything from a container
is used to clean the vehicle, be sure to follow the
manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. Always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle when cleaning
the inside.
Never use these to clean the vehicle:
• Benzene
Notice: When the compact spare is installed, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get
caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and
wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
• Naphtha
• Carbon Tetrachloride
• Acetone
Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They will not fit. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
• Paint Thinner
• Turpentine
• Lacquer Thinner
• Nail Polish Remover
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They can all be hazardous — some more than
others — and they can all damage the vehicle, too.
When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners
specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass
cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
Do not use any of these products unless this manual
says you can. In many uses, these will damage the
vehicle:
• Alcohol
• Laundry Soap
• Bleach
Notice: If you use abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch
the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass on your
• Reducing Agents
vehicle, use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Many cleaners contain solvents that may become
concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety
instructions on the label. While cleaning your vehicle’s
interior, maintain adequate ventilation by opening
your vehicle’s doors and windows.
Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if
it is cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and
dirt can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can
damage carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended to remove particles
from your upholstery. It is important to keep your
upholstery from becoming and remaining heavily soiled.
Soils should be removed as quickly as possible. Your
vehicle’s interior may experience extremes of heat
that could cause stains to set rapidly.
Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs
using a small brush with soft bristles.
Your GM dealer has a product for cleaning your
vehicle’s glass. Should it become necessary, you can
also obtain a product from your GM dealer to remove
odors from your vehicle’s upholstery.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home furnishings may also
transfer color to your vehicle’s interior.
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Do not clean your vehicle using the following cleaners
or techniques:
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be used
on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. For soils, always
try to remove them first with plain water or club soda.
Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as
possible using one of the following techniques:
• Never use a knife or any other sharp object to
remove a soil from any interior surface.
• Never use a stiff brush. It can cause damage to
your vehicle’s interior surfaces.
• Never apply heavy pressure or rub aggressively
with a cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure
can damage your interior and does not improve the
effectiveness of soil removal.
• For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper towel
until no more can be removed.
• Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoid laundry
detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers.
Using too much soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners,
about 20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a
good guide.
• For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible and
then vacuum.
To clean, use the following instructions:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
• Do not heavily saturate your upholstery while
cleaning.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
• Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result from
the use of many organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
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If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner or
spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on your
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it
difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use
spot lifters or removers on plastic surfaces. Many
commercial cleaners and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic surfaces may
permanently change the appearance and feel of your
interior and are not recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in
a non-uniform manner.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather frequent applications may be required.
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Washing Your Vehicle
Finish Care
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get approved cleaning products
from your Saturn retailer. See Vehicle Care/Appearance
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Do not wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
approved cleaning products from your retailer.
Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed
to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish.
Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may
damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish on your vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
page 5-87.
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Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Aluminum Wheels
Notice: If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Use only GM-approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap, or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a glass
cleaning liquid or powder and water solution. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when it is rinsed
with water.
Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because the surface could be damaged. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
5-88
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Notice: If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the
corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.
Do not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the
finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal
will corrode quickly and may develop into major repair
expense.
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your Saturn retailer. Larger
areas of finish damage can be corrected in your Saturn
retailer’s body and paint shop.
Notice: Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
finish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
5-89
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Underbody Maintenance
Chemical Paint Spotting
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and
exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations,
and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your Saturn retailer or an underbody car washing
system can do this for you.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Saturn
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces
of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
5-90
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Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
Description
Usage
Removes swirl marks, fine
scratches and other light
surface contamination.
Removes light scratches
and protects finish.
Cleans, shines, and
protects in one easy step,
no wiping necessary.
Description
Usage
Swirl Remover Polish
Polishing Cloth
Wax-Treated
Interior and exterior
polishing cloth.
Cleaner Wax
Tar and Road Oil
Remover
Removes tar, road oil and
asphalt.
Foaming Tire Shine
Low Gloss
Chrome Cleaner and
Polish
Use on chrome or
stainless steel.
White Sidewall Tire
Cleaner
Vinyl Cleaner
Removes soil and black
marks from whitewalls.
Cleans vinyl.
Removes dirt, grime,
smoke and fingerprints.
Removes dirt and grime
from chrome wheels and
wire wheel covers.
Medium foaming
shampoo. Cleans and
lightly waxes.
Wash Wax Concentrate
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.
Glass Cleaner
Quickly and easily
Chrome and Wire Wheel
Cleaner
removes spots and stains
from carpets, vinyl, and
cloth upholstery.
Spot Lifter
Removes dust,
Odorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather, and carpet.
fingerprints, and surface
contaminants. Spray on
wipe off.
Finish Enhancer
Odor Eliminator
5-91
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Engine Identification
Vehicle Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specifications and replacement parts.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
You will find this label on your spare tire cover. It is very
helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label,
you will find the following:
• VIN
• Model designation
• Paint information
• Production options and special equipment
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
5-92
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Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and
closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed.
Notice: Don’t add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as they
should.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses. This greatly
reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical
problems.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see Servicing
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow or ice, the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If the overload is caused by some electrical problem,
have it fixed.
5-93
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Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Fuses
FUEL PUMP
Usage
Fuel Pump Relay
Some fuses are in a fuse block on the driver’s side of
the vehicle, near the driver’s right leg. Loosen the screw
on the cover and remove the cover.
Ignition Switch, Body Control
Module (BCM)
Entry Control, Trunk Release
Instrument Panel, Dimming Switch
Cigar Lighter
BCM ELECT
BCM (PWR)
DASH
LIGHTER
PARK
Headlamp Switch
CLUSTER
Instrument Panel Cluster
PWR
Power Window Switches
Stoplamp (Brake) Switch
WINDOWS
STOP
5-94
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Fuses
HVAC
Usage
Climate Control
Cruise Control Module, Clutch Start
Switch
Airbags, Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM)
Windshield Wipers and Washers,
Transaxle Shift Lock Control Switch
Relay
Usage
OnStar®, Radio, Instrument Panel
Cluster, Body Control Module (Entry
Control), Cigar Lighter, Headlamp
Switch, License Lamp
ALC/PARK
RELAY
CRUISE
AIR BAG
WIPER SW
FUEL PUMP
RELAY
Fuel Pump
Power Windows, Sunroof, Radio,
Wiper/Washer Switch, Accessory
Power Outlet
Climate Control (HVAC Blower,
Control Heads)
ACC RELAY
RUN RELAY
RADIO
(BATT1)
Radio Receiver, Entertainment
Memory
Entertainment, Mobile
ONSTAR
Communications, OnStar®
RADIO (ACC)
IGN SW
EPS
Radio Receiver, Entertainment
Ignition Switch
Cruise Control Switches, EPS Unit
PWR OUTLET Auxiliary Power Outlet
SUN ROOF Power Sunroof, OnStar Mirror
5-95
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Engine Compartment Fuse Block
Fuses
Usage
Transaxle Control Module
Not Used
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The engine compartment fuse block is located in
the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the
page 5-12 for more information on location.
Not Used
Passenger’s Side Headlamp
Air Conditioning
Not Used
2.2L L4 Engine
Not Used
Anti-lock Brake System, Traction
Control Module
Engine Control Module
8
9
Canister Purge Solenoid, Canister
Vent Solenoid, Low Coolant Switch,
Oxygen Sensors
Electric Ignition Control Module,
Charging System, Neutral Stop
Back-Up Switch
10
11
12
13
Not Used
Transaxle
Transaxle Control Module, Neutral
Stop Back-Up
14
15
16
PRNDL, Back-up Switch
Fuel Injectors (Cylinder 1, 2, 3, 4)
5-96
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Fuses
17
18
19
20
Usage
Relays
24
25
26
27
Usage
Air Conditioning Clutch
Horn
Fog Lamps
Air Solenoid
Fog Lamp
Driver’s Side Headlamp
Windshield Wiper
Horn
Entertainment, Premium Radio
Amplifier
Anti-lock Brake System, Traction
Control Module
Rear Defogger
Starter/Ignition
Body Control Module 1
Anti-lock Brake System, Traction
Control Module
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Body Control Module
Powertrain
21
22
Engine Cooling Fan
Engine Control Module
Wiper System 1
Wiper System 2
Rear Window Defogger
23
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Body Control Module 2
Not Used
Electric Power Steering
Air Pump Relay Fuse
Cooling Fan
Diodes
35 §
36 §
37 §
Usage
Air Conditioning Diode
Not Used
Wiper Diode
Crank
Body Control Module 1A
Body Control Module (IGN 3)
Miscellaneous Usage
49 Fuse Puller
5-97
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2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
Fuses
Usage
Canister Purge Solenoid, Canister
Vent Solenoid, Low Coolant Switch,
Oxygen Sensors
10
Electric Ignition Control Module,
Charging System, Neutral Stop
Back-Up Switch
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Not Used
Engine Control Module
Boost
PRNDL, Back-up Switch
Fuel Injectors
Not Used
Driver’s Side Headlamp
Windshield Wiper
Horn
Entertainment, Premium Radio
Amplifier
Anti-lock Brake System, Traction
Control Module
Rear Defogger
Starter/Ignition
Fuses
Usage
Engine Control Module
Not Used
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
21
22
Not Used
Passenger’s Side Headlamp
Air Conditioning
Not Used
Not Used
Anti-lock Brake System, Traction
Control Module
23
38
39
Body Control Module 1
Anti-lock Brake System, Traction
Control Module
40
41
8
9
Body Control Module 2
Engine Control Module
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Fuses
42
43
44
45
Usage
Diodes
35 §
36 §
37 §
Usage
Air Conditioning Diode
Not Used
Not Used
Electric Power Steering
Cooling Fan 2
Wiper Diode
Cooling Fan 1
46
Crank
Miscellaneous Usage
49 Fuse Puller
47
48
Body Control Module 1A
Body Control Module (IGN 3)
Relays
24
25
Usage
Air Conditioning Clutch
Horn
26
Not Used
27
28
After Cooler Pump
Starter/Crank
29
Powertrain
30
31
32
33
Engine Cooling Fan 1
Engine Control Module
Wiper System 1
Wiper System 2
Rear Window Defogger
34
5-99
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Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. See Recommended Fluids and
Capacities
Application
English
0.9 lbs
Metric
0.41 kg
7.5 L
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a
Cooling System
7.9 quarts
2.0 quarts
Intercooler System (2.0L L4 Supercharged)
Engine Oil with Filter
2.2L L4 Engine
1.88 L
5.0 quarts
6.0 quarts
4.7 L
5.7 L
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
Fuel Tank
13.5 gallons
50.5 L
Transaxle
Manual
1.8 quarts
6.9 quarts
92 ft-lb
1.7 L
6.6 L
Automatic
Wheel Nut Torque
125 Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
5-100
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Engine Specifications
Engine
VIN Code
Transaxle
Spark Plug Gap
0.045 inches (1.1 mm)
0.039 inches (1.0 mm)
Manual
Automatic
2.2L L4 (L61)
F
P
2.0L L4 Supercharged
Manual
5-101
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✍ NOTES
5-102
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Your Vehicle and the Environment
Maintenance Schedule
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of
emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice: Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended fluids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are
necessary to keep your vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance may not be covered by
warranty.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We at Saturn want to help you keep your vehicle in good
working condition. But we do not know exactly how
you will drive it. You may drive very short distances only
a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances
all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may
use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive
it to work, to do errands, or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your Saturn retailer.
6-2
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This schedule is for vehicles that:
• carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on the tire and
loading information label. See Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29.
{CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you
can be seriously injured. Do your own
maintenance work only if you have the
required know-how and the proper tools and
equipment for the job. If you have any doubt,
see your retailer to have a qualified technician
do the work. See Doing Your Own Service
• are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
on page 5-5.
should be performed when indicated. See Additional
Some maintenance services can be complex. So,
unless you are technically qualified and have the
necessary equipment, you should have your Saturn
retailer do these jobs.
When you go to your Saturn retailer for your service
needs, you will know that Saturn-trained and supported
service technicians will perform the work using
genuine Saturn parts.
6-3
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If you want to purchase service information, see Service
be reset. Your Saturn retailer has Saturn-trained service
technicians who will perform this work using genuine
Saturn parts and reset the system.
should be checked, when to check it and what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.
The proper replacement parts, fluids and lubricants to
use are listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced
and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone
else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine Saturn parts.
When the CHG OIL message appears, certain services,
checks, and inspections are required. Required
services are described in the following for
“Maintenance I” and “Maintenance II.” Generally, it is
recommended that your first service be Maintenance I,
your second service be Maintenance II, and that you
alternate Maintenance I and Maintenance II thereafter.
However, in some cases, Maintenance II may be
required more often.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHG OIL message in the message center
comes on, it means that service is required for
page 3-41. Have your vehicle serviced as soon
as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if you are driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate
that vehicle service is necessary for over a year.
However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must
Maintenance I — Use Maintenance I if the CHG OIL
message comes on within 10 months since the
vehicle was purchased or Maintenance II was
performed.
Maintenance II — Use Maintenance II if the previous
service performed was Maintenance I. Always use
Maintenance II whenever the message comes on
10 months or more since the last service or if the
message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4
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Scheduled Maintenance
Service
Maintenance I Maintenance II
Service.
•
•
•
Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (j).
•
•
Inspect engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace filter. See Engine Air
Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection and
on page 6-10.
•
•
Inspect brake system. See footnote (a).
•
•
•
•
Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels. If you have the 2.0L
L4 supercharged engine, check intercooler fluid level. Add fluid as needed.
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.
•
•
Inspect suspension and steering components. See footnote (b).
Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c).
Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d).
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Inspect restraint system components. See footnote (e).
Lubricate body components. See footnote (f).
Replace passenger compartment air filter. See footnote (k).
Inspect throttle system. See footnote (g).
6-5
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Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (I or II) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
25,000
(41 500)
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
Service and Miles (Kilometers)
(83 000) (125 000) (166 000) (207 500) (240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.
Replace engine air cleaner filter. See
Change automatic transaxle fluid
(severe service). See footnote (h).
Change automatic transaxle fluid
(normal service).
Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
Replace engine fuel filter. An Emission
Control Service. See footnote †.
6-6
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Additional Required Services (cont’d)
25,000
(41 500)
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
Service and Miles (Kilometers)
(83 000) (125 000) (166 000) (207 500) (240 000)
Engine cooling system service (or every
five years, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i).
•
Except 2.0L L4 Supercharged engine:
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (m).
•
2.0L L4 Supercharged engine only:
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (m).
•
•
•
6-7
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(d) Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
Maintenance Footnotes
† The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
(e) Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
maintenance be recorded.
(a) Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, glove box hinges,
sunroof (if equipped), and any folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(b) Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
(g) Check system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(c) Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine
Saturn parts as needed. To help ensure proper
operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator
and air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
6-8
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(h) Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your Saturn retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
− In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
− In hilly or mountainous terrain.
− When doing frequent trailer towing.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
− Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i) Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your retailer perform
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
(j) A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
details.
(k) Or every 12 months, whichever occurs first. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may
require replacement more often.
Notice: It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
(l) If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(m) Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-9
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Engine Coolant Level Check
At Least Once a Month
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. See Engine Coolant
on page 5-24 for further details.
Tire Inflation Check
Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
Intercooler Coolant Level Check
(2.0L Supercharged Engine)
Check the coolant level and add DEX-COOL® coolant
for further details.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notification. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
page 5-65.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer reservoir and add the proper fluid if necessary.
6-10
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3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle
starts in any other position, contact your Saturn
retailer for service.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway,
and try to start the engine. The vehicle should start
only when the clutch pedal is pushed down all
the way to the floor. If the vehicle starts when the
clutch is not pushed all the way down, contact your
Saturn retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
6-11
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Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
• With an automatic transaxle, the ignition should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in LOCK.
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
• With a manual transaxle, the key should come out
only in LOCK.
Contact your Saturn retailer if service is required.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
on page 2-26.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), contact your Saturn retailer for service.
6-12
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Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
• To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.
• To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your Saturn retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-13
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Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
The engine requires a special
engine oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification may be obtained from
your retailer.
standard may be identified with the
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Certified for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. However, not all
synthetic API oils with the starburst
symbol will meet this GM standard.
You should look for and use only
an oil that meets GM Standard
GM4718M. GM Goodwrench® oil
meets all the requirements for your
vehicle. For the proper viscosity, see
Engine Oil
(2.0L L4
Supercharged
engine)
Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
Engine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum
Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol. GM
Goodwrench® oil meets all the
requirements for your vehicle. To
determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, see Engine
Engine Oil
(2.2L L4
engine)
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
Engine Cooling water and use only DEX-COOL®
System
page 5-24.
6-14
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Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
Intercooler
System
DEXRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specification”
on the label.
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL®
Automatic
Transaxle
(2.0L L4
Supercharged Coolant.
engine)
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Key Lock
Cylinders
Hydraulic Brake Delco® Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
System
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Optikleen® Washer Solvent.
Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
Windshield
Washer
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (Saturn
Part No. 21038869 or GM Part No.
Latch, Pivots, U.S. 12346293, in Canada 992723)
Spring Anchor, or lubricant meeting requirements of
and Release NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Pawl
Parking Brake 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
Cable Guides lubricant meeting requirements of
NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Delco® Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
Hood, Trunk, Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
Hydraulic
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid (Saturn
Clutch System
and Door
Hinges
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Part No. 21013073).
Manual
Transaxle
(2.2L L4
engine)
DEXRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specification”
on the label.
Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(Saturn Part No. 21038869 or
GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Sunroof Track
Manual
Transaxle
(2.0L L4
Supercharged
engine)
Manual Transmission Fluid
(Part No. 21018899).
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
Weatherstrip
Conditioning
6-15
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Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Part
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Saturn Part Number
Part Number
2.2L L4 Engine
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
Engine Oil Filter
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Element
Spark Plugs
22679620
—
12579143
52493319
—
15036141*
—
—
2.2L L4 Engine
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
Windshield Wiper Blade
25337472
12787099
41-981*
PFR6T-10G**
Driver’s Side — 21.5 inches (54.6 cm)
Passenger’s Side — 19.0 inches (47.5 cm)
*AC Delco® Part Number
**NGK Part Number
22660359
22685192
—
—
6-16
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Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. See Maintenance Requirements on page 6-2. Any additional
information from Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9 can be added on the following record pages. You should
retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
Odometer
Reading
Maintenance I or
Maintenance II
Date
Serviced By
Services Performed
6-17
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Maintenance Record (cont’d)
Odometer
Reading
Maintenance I or
Maintenance II
Date
Serviced By
Services Performed
6-18
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Maintenance Record (cont’d)
Odometer
Reading
Maintenance I or
Maintenance II
Date
Serviced By
Services Performed
6-19
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Maintenance Record (cont’d)
Odometer
Reading
Maintenance I or
Maintenance II
Date
Serviced By
Services Performed
6-20
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A Saturn Customer Assistance Center team member
will handle your call and assist in providing product and
warranty information, the nearest retailer location,
roadside assistance, brochures, literature and discuss
any concerns you may have.
Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order
to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have
the following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to
your retailer and to Saturn. Together we are committed
to providing our customers with unparalleled service,
before, during and after the purchase of a Saturn
vehicle, for total customer satisfaction. We call this the
Saturn Difference. Normally, any concerns with the
sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be
resolved by your retailer’s sales or service departments.
If, for any reason, your ownership experience falls
below your expectations, we suggest you take
the following action:
• Vehicle Identification Number. This 17-digit number
can be found on the vehicle registration or title, on
the upper driver’s side corner of the dash, or on
your roadside assistance key card.
• The name of your selling and servicing retail facility.
• Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
• Your daytime and evening phone numbers.
STEP ONE: Contact the Retail Customer Assistance
Liaison. Any member of the retail management team has
the authority and the desire to resolve your concerns.
Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at this level.
If you wish to write to the Saturn Customer Assistance
Center, our address is:
Saturn Customer Assistance Center
100 Saturn Parkway
Mail Code 371-999-S24 Spring Hill, TN 37174-1500
STEP TWO: Should you need additional assistance,
contact the Saturn Customer Assistance Center by
calling 1-800-553-6000. In Canada, contact the Saturn
Customer Communication Centre at 1-800-263-1999.
In Canada, write to:
Saturn Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Ltd.
1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
7-2
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When contacting Saturn, please remember that your
concern will likely be resolved at a retailer’s facility. That
is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you
have a concern.
We ask that you not resort to BBB Auto Line until
after Saturn and its retailers have been given the
opportunity to satisfy your vehicle concerns. However,
U.S. residents may file a claim at any time by contacting
your local Better Business Bureau at 1-800-955-5100.
STEP THREE: Both Saturn and its retailers are
committed to making sure you are completely satisfied
with your Saturn vehicle. However, if you continue
to remain unsatisfied after following the procedure
outlined in Steps One and Two, Saturn and its retailers
offer the additional assistance of a neutral party
through our voluntary participation in a
mediation/arbitration program called BBB Auto Line.
Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information booklet, located in the front cover
pocket of your owner’s handbook, for information on
the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
Although you may be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to filing a court
action, use of the program is free of charge and your
case will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not
agree with the decision given in your case, you may
reject it and proceed with any other venue for relief
available to you.
You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program by using
the toll-free telephone number or by writing them at
the following address:
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out-of-court program
administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle
repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. This program is available at no cost
to you, our customer.
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. Saturn Corporation reserves
the right to change eligibility limitations and/or
discontinue its participation in this program.
7-3
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Online Owner Center
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
The Owner Center is a resource for your ownership
needs. Specific vehicle information can be found in
one place.
To assist owners who have hearing difficulties, Saturn
has installed special TDD (Telecommunication Devices
for the Deaf) equipment in its Saturn Customer
Assistance Center.
The Online Owner Center allows you to:
• Get e-mail service reminders.
Any hearing- or speech-impaired customer who
has access to a TDD or to a conventional Text
Telephone (TTY) can communicate with Saturn by
dialing 1-800-TDD-6000. TTY users in Canada may
dial 1-800-263-3830.
• Access information about your specific vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner manual (United States only).
• Keep track of your vehicle’s service history
and maintenance schedule.
• Find Saturn retailers for service nationwide.
• Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members (United States only).
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit My Saturn within
www.saturn.com (United States) or My GM Canada
within www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
7-4
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GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program
Roadside Assistance Program
For vehicles purchased in the U.S. call 1-800-553-6000
(TTY: 1-800-833-6000).
For vehicles purchased in Canada call 1-800-268-6800.
As the proud owner of a new Saturn vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Saturn Roadside
Assistance Program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Saturn’s Roadside
Assistance toll-free number is staffed by courteous and
capable Roadside Assistance Representatives who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This program, available to qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000 toward eligible aftermarket
driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may
require for your vehicle such as hand controls,
wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.
We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period at no expense
to you:
The offer is available for a limited period of time from
the date of vehicle purchase/lease.
• Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to the
nearest service station.
For more details, or to determine your vehicle’s
eligibility, visit your Saturn retailer or call the Saturn
Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-553-6000. Text
telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-6000.
• Lock-out Service (identification required):
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement
key will be covered within 10 miles (16 km).
In Canada, customers may call the Saturn Customer
Communication Centre at 1-800-263-1999. TTY users in
Canada may call 1-800-263-3830.
7-5
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• Emergency Tow: Tow to the nearest Saturn
retailer for warranty service or in the event of
a vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance provided
when the vehicle is mired in sand, mud, or snow.
• Model, year, color, and license plate number
• Mileage, Vehicle Identification Number and delivery
date of the vehicle
• Description of the problem
• Flat Tire Change: Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. (The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
covered by a warrantable failure.)
While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember we are only a phone call
away. Saturn Roadside Assistance: 1-800-553-6000;
text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-6000.
• Jump Start: No-start occurrences which require a
battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
Saturn reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Saturn’s
judgment, the claims become excessive in frequency
or type of occurrence.
• Saturn Retailer Locator Service
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Saturn’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Saturn reserves the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notification.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representatives:
Canadian Roadside Assistance
• Your name, home address, and home telephone
number
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Saturn
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
• Telephone number of your location
• Location of the vehicle
7-6
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To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the device that stores
the data is required. GM will not access information
about a crash event or share it with others other than:
• with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor
emission control components to optimize fuel economy,
to monitor conditions for airbag deployment and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the
driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations.
Some information may be stored during regular
operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions;
other information is stored only in a crash event by
computer systems, such as those commonly called
event data recorders (EDR).
• in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
• as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
• as required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may:
• use the data for GM research needs,
• make it available for research where appropriate
confidentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
In a crash event, computer systems, such as the Airbag
Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your vehicle
may record information about the condition of the vehicle
and how it was operated, such as data related to engine
speed, brake application, throttle position, vehicle speed,
safety belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag performance,
and the severity of a collision. This information has been
used to improve vehicle crash performance and may be
used to improve crash performance of future vehicles and
driving safety. Unlike the data recorders on many
• share summary data which is not tied to a specific
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to
the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or the device
that stores the data.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar®, please check
the OnStar® subscription service agreement or manual
for information on its operations and data collection.
airplanes, these on-board systems do not record sounds,
such as conversation of vehicle occupants.
7-7
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Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may call them at
1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
Saturn Corporation.
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your retailer or
Saturn Corporation.
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
U.S. customers can call the Saturn Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-553-6000, or write:
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
Saturn Corporation
100 Saturn Parkway
Mail Drop 371-999-S24
Spring Hill, TN 37174-1500
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263–1999.
Or, write to:
Saturn Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Limited
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
7-8
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In Canada, information relating to product service
bulletins can be obtained by contacting your Saturn
retailer.
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Bulletins
Service Manuals
Saturn regularly sends its retailers useful service
bulletins about Saturn products. Saturn monitors product
performance in the field. We then prepare bulletins for
servicing our products better. You can get these
bulletins, too.
A variety of publications are available to you. Saturn
service manuals are written for trained technicians, and
in some cases, specialized tools and equipment are
necessary to complete certain repairs. However,
the manuals are available to owners who either have
the training, or wish to gain a greater understanding of
the technical aspect of their Saturn.
Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain to the
proper use and care of your vehicle. Some describe
costly repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs
which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid
future costly repairs.
For additional publications information or to order
publications, call toll free 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order on-line.
Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or
unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker
way to fix your vehicle. They can help a technician
service your vehicle better.
In Canada, Saturn service manuals are available by
calling toll free 1-800-551-4123.
Owner Publications
Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small
number of vehicles. Your Saturn retailer or a qualified
technician may have to determine if a specific
bulletin applies to your vehicle. To order Saturn bulletins,
call Saturn Publications at 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order online.
Information on how to obtain product bulletins and as
described below is applicable only in the fifty U.S. states
and the District of Columbia, and only for cars and
light trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
less than 10,000 pounds (4 536 kg). Copies of
individual bulletins are also at your participating Saturn
retailer. You can ask to see them.
7-9
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✍ NOTES
7-10
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1
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Audio System(s) (cont.)
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS) ................................ 3-44
2
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Change Engine Oil Message ............................ 3-41
Cleaning (cont.)
3
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Door (cont.)
4
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5
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Headlamps (cont.)
G
6
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Light (cont.)
J
Jump Starting ................................................. 5-42
7
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Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Message (cont.)
8
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O
9
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R
10
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Seats (cont.)
S
11
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12
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13
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W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-25
14
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