check engine light SATURN ASTRA 2009 User Guide

Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle may have StabiliTrak
which combines antilock brake,
traction and stability control systems
and helps the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle
in most driving conditions.
When the vehicle is rst started and
driven away, the system performs
several diagnostic checks to ensure
there are no problems. The system
may be heard or felt while it is
working. This is normal and does not
mean there is a problem with the
vehicle. The system should initialize
before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h).The system monitors vehicle
movements, and helps the driver
maintain control of the vehicle in
most driving situations. When the
vehicle’s stability is affected the
engine output is reduced, and the
brakes are applied to individual
wheels.
This light on the instrument panel
cluster will come on briey when the
ignition is turned on.
StabiliTrak is automatically enabled
whenever the vehicle is started. To
assist the driver with vehicle
directional control, especially in
slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on. The system
can be turned off if needed.It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and
you want to “rock” the vehicle to
attempt to free it. It may also be
necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road
conditions where high wheel spin is
required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 8-29.
StabiliTrak may also turn off
automatically if it determines that a
problem exists with the system.
The light on the instrument panel
cluster will be on solid to warn
the driver that StabiliTrak is disabled
and requires service. If the problem
does not clear after restarting
the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer
for service.
Driving and Operating 8-19
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Thegswitch is located on the
instrument panel below the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
To turn off StabiliTrak, press and
hold the
gswitch until the light in the
switch illuminates.
To turn StabiliTrak on again, press
the
gswitch again or restart the
vehicle.
A light in the switch should come on
briey when the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN as a check that
the light is working.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 9-3for
more information.
Steering
If the engine stalls while driving, the
power steering assist system
should continue to operate until you
are able to stop the vehicle. If
power steering assist is lost because
the power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
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.
The power steering system does not
require regular maintenance. If you
suspect steering system problems
and/or the Service Vehicle Soon light
comes on, contact your dealer/
retailer for service repairs.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the
road surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle
speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you
can drive through the curve.
Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until out
of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
8-20 Driving and Operating
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A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-11.
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap.Engine Oil
on page 9-7.
C. Brake Fluid Reservoir.Brakes
on page 9-22.
D. Coolant Reservoir.Cooling
System on page 9-12.
E. Coolant Reservoir Pressure Cap.
Pressure Cap on page 9-18.
F.Engine Compartment Fuse Block
on page 9-35.
G.Battery on page 9-25.
H.Windshield Washer Fluid on
page 9-20.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick.Engine Oil
on page 9-7.Engine Oil
If the low oil level light appears on
the instrument cluster, check the
engine oil level right away. SeeLow
Oil Level Light on page 4-22.
Check the engine oil level regularly;
this is just a reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil level at each fuel ll.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the
vehicle must be on level ground.The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the engine oil
dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If this is not
done, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with
a paper towel or cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove
it again, keeping the tip down and
check the level.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-7
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Maintenance Footnotes
(a)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.
(b)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions or in high-polluted
regions, replace the filter at each
engine oil change.
(c)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 other
brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(d)Inspect front and rear suspension
and steering system for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear. Inspect power steering cables
for proper hook-up, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect power steering
hydraulic lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.(e)Inspect hoses and have them
replaced if they are cracked,
swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings and clamps; replace
with genuine 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.
(f)Inspect wiper blades for wear,
cracking, or contamination.
Clean the windshield and wiper
blades, if contaminated. Replace
wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 9-21
and “Windshield and Wiper Blades”
in Exterior Cleaning on page 9-76.
(g)Make sure the safety belt
reminder light and safety belt
assemblies 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 doingits job, have it repaired. Have any
torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also see Airbag System Check
on page 1-37.
(h)Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
door hinges and latches, hood
hinges and latches, and trunk lid
hinges and latches. 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.
(i)Change automatic transmission
fluid if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these
conditions:
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.
Uses such as found in taxi, police,
or delivery service.
11-8 Service and Maintenance
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A
Accessories and
Modications...................... 9-3
Accessory Power Outlets......4-10
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....1-36
Additives, Fuel.....................8-34
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-34
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.......9-11
Air Conditioning..................... 7-1
Airbag
Passenger Status
Indicator.......................4-15
Readiness Light................4-14
System, Replacing Parts
After a Crash................1-37
Airbag System.....................1-24
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-36
Check.............................1-37
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?.....................1-28
Passenger Sensing
System........................1-30Airbag System (cont.)
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-35
What Makes an Airbag
Inate?........................1-28
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inates?........1-29
When Should an Airbag
Inate?........................1-27
Where Are the Airbags?.....1-26
Antenna, Fixed Mast............6-24
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)..................8-18
Antilock Brake, System
Warning Light...................4-17
Appearance Care
Chemical Paint Spotting.....9-80
Exterior Cleaning..............9-76
Finish Damage.................9-79
Interior Cleaning...............9-73
Sheet Metal Damage........9-79
Underbody Maintenance....
9-80
Appointments, Scheduling
Service...........................12-8Audio System........................ 6-1
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls.......................6-23
Fixed Mast Antenna..........6-24
Radio Reception...............6-24
Theft-Deterrent Feature......6-23
Audio System(s).................... 6-2
Automatic Transmission
Fluid...............................9-12
Operation.......................... 8-6
B
Battery...............................9-25
Run-Down Protection.......... 5-4
Brake Fluid.........................9-22
Brakes...............................9-22
System Warning Light.......4-16
Braking...............................8-17
Break-In, New Vehicle............ 8-2
Bulb Replacement
Daytime Running Lamp....... 5-2
Bulb Replacement
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)........9-29
Fog Lamp ......................... 5-2
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . 9-28
INDEX i-1
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Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Halogen Bulbs..................9-28
Headlamp Aiming..............9-26
Headlamps......................9-28
License Plate Lamps.........9-33
Replacement Bulbs...........9-34
Taillamps.................9-30, 9-32
Buying New Tires.................9-54
C
California Fuel.....................8-34
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements....... 9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning............................ 9-3
Canadian Owners..................... ii
Capacities and
Specications...................10-2
Carbon Monoxide.........8-14, 8-27
Care, Safety Belts................1-23
Cargo Cover......................... 3-2
Cargo Tie Downs................... 3-2
Cautions and Notices............... iii
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........9-29Chains, Tire........................9-60
Charging System Light..........4-16
Check
Engine Lamp...................4-18
Chemical Paint Spotting........9-80
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems.....1-43
Infants and Young
Children.......................1-40
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children.......1-46
Older Children..................1-38
Securing..................1-51, 1-53
Where to Put the
Restraint......................1-44
Cleaning
Exterior...........................9-76
Interior............................9-73
Underbody Maintenance....9-80
Climate Control System.......... 7-1
Outlet Adjustment............... 7-4
Clutch, Hydraulic..................9-12
Collision Damage Repair.....12-10
Compact Spare Tire.............9-68
Content Theft-Deterrent.......... 2-9
Control of a Vehicle..............8-17Coolant
Engine............................9-16
Engine Temperature
Warning Light...............
4-18
Cooling System...................9-12
Courtesy
Transportation..........12-5, 12-9
Cruise Control....................... 4-5
Cruise Control Light..............4-23
Cupholders........................... 3-1
Customer Information
Courtesy
Transportation.......12-5, 12-9
Customer Assistance
Offices.........................12-5
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure....................12-1
GM Mobility
Reimbursement
Program.......................12-6
Online Owner Center.........12-4
Reporting Safety Defects
to Saturn....................12-14
Reporting Safety Defects
to the Canadian
Government................12-14
i-2 INDEX
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Customer Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects
to the United States
Government................12-14
Roadside Assistance
Program.......................12-6
Service Publications
Ordering Information.....12-15
D
Defensive Driving.................8-16
Delayed Headlamps............... 5-2
Doing Your Own
Service Work..................... 9-4
Dome Lamps ........................ 5-3
Door
Ajar Light........................4-23
Locks............................... 2-5
Power Door Locks.............. 2-6
Rear Door Security Locks.... 2-6
Driver Information
Center (DIC)....................4-25
DIC Operation and
Displays...............4-26, 4-32
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-36Driving
At Night..........................8-23
Before a Long Trip............8-25
Defensive........................8-16
Drunken..........................8-16
Highway Hypnosis............8-25
Hill and Mountain Roads....8-26
In Rain and on Wet
Roads.........................8-24
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ....................8-29
Winter.............................8-27
Winter Mode Light............4-22
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy.........................8-15
E
EDR .................................12-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment............9-34
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block...................9-35
Fuses.............................9-35
Headlamp Wiring..............9-34
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block...........................9-37Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...............9-11
Check and Service Engine
Soon Lamp..................4-18
Coolant...........................9-16
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light...............4-18
Drive Belt Routing...........11-15
Engine Compartment
Overview....................... 9-6
Exhaust...........................8-14
Oil ................................... 9-7
Oil Life System.................. 9-9
Overheating.....................9-18
Starting............................. 8-3
Engine Heater....................... 8-5
Entry Lighting........................ 5-3
Event Data Recorders.........12-16
Extender, Safety Belt............1-22
Exterior Lamps...................... 5-1
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder........................4-23
INDEX i-3
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Locks
Door ................................. 2-5
Power Door ....................... 2-6
Rear Door Security Locks.... 2-6
Loss of Control....................8-22
Low Fuel Warning Light........4-24
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children......................1-46
Lumbar Seat Adjustment......... 1-3
M
Maintenance Replacement
Parts.............................11-14
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services.......................11-6
At Each Fuel Fill..............11-9
At Least Once a
Month........................11-10
At Least Once a Year......11-10
Introduction......................11-1
Maintenance Footnotes......11-8
Maintenance Record........11-16
Maintenance Replacement
Parts.........................11-14Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Maintenance
Requirements...............11-1
Owner Checks and
Services.......................11-9
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants............11-12
Scheduled Maintenance.....11-3
Using..............................11-2
Your Vehicle and the
Environment.................11-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp....4-18
Manual Seats........................ 1-2
Manual Transmission
Fluid...............................9-12
Operation.......................... 8-9
Message
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-36
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror.....2-11
Outside...........................2-11
Outside Power Mirrors.......2-12
MyGMLink.com....................12-4
N
Navigation System,
Privacy..........................12-17
New Vehicle Break-In............. 8-2
Notices and Cautions............... iii
O
Odometer...........................4-13
Odometers, Trip...................4-13
Off-Road Recovery...............8-21
Oil
Engine.............................. 9-7
Low Oil Level Light...........4-22
Pressure Light..................4-21
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..... 9-9
Older Children, Restraints......1-38
OnStar, Privacy..................12-17
OnStar
®System, see
OnStar®Manual...............4-38
Outlet Adjustment.................. 7-4
Outlets
Accessory Power..............4-10
Outside
Mirrors............................2-11
Power Mirrors..................2-12
i-6 INDEX
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S
Safety Belt Reminders..........4-13
Safety Belts.......................... 1-8
Care of ...........................1-23
Check.............................1-22
How to Wear Safety
Belts Properly...............1-12
Lap-Shoulder Belt.............1-18
Replacing Parts After a
Crash..........................1-23
Safety Belt Extender.........1-22
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy....................1-22
Scheduled Maintenance........11-3
Seats
Head Restraints................. 1-5
Heated Seats - Rear........... 1-6
Height Adjuster.................. 1-2
Lumbar Adjustment............. 1-3
Rear Seat Operation........... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks............ 1-3
Securing Child
Restraints................1-51, 1-53Service................................ 9-2
Accessories and
Modications.................. 9-3
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle..... 9-4
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.... 9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning......................... 9-3
Doing Your Own Work........ 9-4
Engine Soon Lamp...........4-18
Owner Checks................... 9-4
Publications Ordering
Information.................12-15
Vehicle Soon Light............4-23
Service, Scheduling
Appointments...................12-8
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....1-35
Sheet Metal Damage............9-79
Shifting Into Park.................8-11
Shifting Out of Park..............8-12
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change..................... 4-8Spare Tire
Compact.........................9-68
Installing..........................9-63
Removing........................9-62
Storing............................9-66
Specications, Capacities......10-2
Speedometer.......................4-13
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.....4-17
StabiliTrak®System..............8-19
Starting the Engine................ 8-3
Steering..............................8-20
Steering Wheel Controls,
Audio..............................6-23
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel...... 4-4
Storage Areas
Cupholders........................ 3-1
Glove Box......................... 3-1
Sunglasses Storage
Compartment.................. 3-1
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow..............................8-29
Sun Visors..........................2-11
Sunroof..............................2-12
i-8 INDEX
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