tow SATURN ASTRA 2009 User Guide

The lever on the right side of the
steering column operates the
windshield wipers. Push up or pull
down on the lever
to place it in one of the following
positions.
[(High):For rapid wiping cycles.
— (Low):For slow, steady wiping
cycles.
-- (Intermittent/RainSense™):
See RainSense™ wipers below.
9(Off):Turns off the wipers.For a single wipe pull the lever
down from the off position.
The lever will return to its original
position. For more cycles, hold
the lever down before releasing it.
RainSense™ Wipers
There is a moisture sensor mounted
on the windshield next to the
inside rearview mirror. When active,
the sensor is able to detect
moisture on the windshield and
automatically control the frequency
of the wipes according to the
weather conditions.
To turn on the RainSense feature,
the wipers must be set to the
intermittent delay setting on the
windshield wiper lever.
To turn off RainSense, move the
lever downwards.
Notice:Going through an
automatic car wash with the
wipers on can damage them.
Turn the wipers off when going
through an automatic car wash.
Windshield Washer
{CAUTION
In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray washer uid on
the windshield. The wipers will
run for a few cycles to clear the
windshield. For more wash cycles,
pull the lever forward and hold.
Rear Window
Wiper/Washer
For vehicles with the rear
wiper/washer feature, it is turned
on by moving the windshield
wiper lever.
To turn the rear wiper on or off,
push the windshield wiper lever.
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To turn on the rear washer, hold the
windshield wiper lever toward the
front of the vehicle to spray the
rear window.
The rear wiper turns on
automatically when the windshield
wiper is turned on and the shift lever
is in R (Reverse).
The rear window washer uses the
same uid bottle as the windshield
washer. However, the rear window
washer will run out of uid before
the windshield washer. If washer
uid sprays onto the windshield but
not the rear window, check the
uid level. SeeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 9-20.
For information on replacing the
rear wiper blades, seeWindshield
Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 9-21.Accessory Power
Outlet(s)
The 12-volt accessory power outlets
can be used to connect electrical
equipment, such as a cellular phone.
There may be a accessory power
outlet located inside the console
below the climate controls.
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 20 ampere
rating.
Certain electrical accessories
may not be compatible with the
accessory power outlet and could
result in blown vehicle or adapter
fuses. If there is a problem,
see your dealer/retailer for
additional information on the
accessory power outlet.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 dealer/retailer
before adding electrical
equipment.
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 the 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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Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briey when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show the light is
working. It should go out when the
engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there could be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer. Driving while this light
is on could drain the battery.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning
Light
The brake indicator light should
come on briey as the engine
is started. If it does not come on
have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set.
The light stays on if the parking
brake does not fully release.
If it stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, there is a brake
problem. Have the brake system
inspected immediately.
{CAUTION
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
If the light comes on while driving, a
chime sounds. Pull off the road
and stop. The pedal might be harder
to push or go closer to the oor.
It might also take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 9-73.
United StatesCanada
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Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
light will come on briey, as a check,
when you start your vehicle.
If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced so that the light works
properly when it needs to.
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:
1. If you are driving, pull over when
it is safe to do so. It may take
longer to stop the vehicle.
2. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
3. Turn off the ignition.
4. Then restart the engine.If the light remains on after resetting
the system or comes on again
while driving, your vehicle needs
service. The antilock brakes are not
working properly and there might
be a problem stopping the vehicle.
Pull off the road and stop. It may
take longer to stop the vehicle. If the
light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing Your
Vehicle on page 9-73for more
information.
{CAUTION
Your brake system may not be
working properly if the Antilock
Brake System (ABS) light is on.
Driving with the ABS 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.
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light
For vehicles with this light, it should
come on briey when the ignition is
turned on.
If the light does not come on, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving there may be a
problem with the StabiliTrak
system and your vehicle may
need service. When this light is on,
the StabiliTrak system does not
assist in controlling the vehicle.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 8-19for more information.
When the system is active, the light
will ash while the system helps
control the vehicle. You may also
feel or hear the system working.
This is normal.
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Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
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 rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system makes the
low-beam headlamps turn on at a
reduced brightness when the
following conditions are met:
The engine is running.
The light sensor determines it is
night and the exterior lamps
control is in the off position.
The light sensor determines it is
daytime.
The taillamps and other lamps will
be off.The DRL turns off when the engine
is not running.
The regular headlamps or parking
lamps should be used when needed.
Delayed Headlamps
Vehicles with headlamp exit delay,
keep the headlamps and taillamps
on for 30 seconds.
To activate:
1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the key from the ignition.
2. Open the driver door.
3. Pull the multifunction lever
toward the steering wheel.
To deactivate, do either of the
following:
Insert the key into the ignition.
Pull the multifunction lever toward
the steering wheel again while
the driver door is open.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the
button is located on the instrument
panel, to the left of the steering
wheel.
The ignition and headlamps or
parking lamps must be on to use
the fog lamps. The fog lamps will not
turn on if the high beam headlamps
or ash to pass are active.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on
or off. An indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on
when the fog lamps are on.
Some localities have laws that
require the headlamps to be
on along with the fog lamps.
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N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure
the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving.
Notice:If the vehicle seems to
start up rather slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive the vehicle
that way, you could damage
the transmission. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
3 (Third):This position is also used
for normal driving, however, it
offers more power and lower fuel
economy than D (Drive). Here
are some times you might choose
3 (Third) instead of D (Drive):
When driving on hilly, winding
roads.
When going down a steep hill.
2 (Second):This position gives you
more power but lower fuel
economy. Use 2 (Second) on hills.
It can help control the vehicles
speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, while using the
brakes off and on.Notice:Driving in 1 (First) for
more than 25 miles (40 km) or at
speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h)
may damage the transmission.
Also, shifting into 1 (First) at
speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h)
can cause damage. Drive in
3 (Third) or D (Drive) instead of
1 (First).
1 (First):This position gives you
even more power but lower
fuel economy than 2 (Second). Use
it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. If the shift lever is put
in 1 (First), the transmission does
not shift into rst gear until the
vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires
or holding the vehicle in one
place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on a
hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
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A warning chime will sound and a
brake warning light located on the
instrument panel cluster will come
on, if the parking brake is set, the
ignition is on and the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the
brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make
sure that the parking brake is
fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 8-10for
more information.2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the
shift lever all the way toward the
front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with
you. If you can leave the vehicle
with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
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If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 9-69for more information.
To shift out of P (Park) use
the following sequence:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. While holding down the brake
pedal, press the shift lever
button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult
your dealer/retailer or a professional
towing service.
Parking the Vehicle
Before you get out of the vehicle,
move the shift lever into 1 (First) or
R (Reverse) and rmly apply the
parking brake. Once the shift lever
has been placed into 1 (First) or
R (Reverse) with the clutch
pedal pressed in, you can turn the
ignition off and release the clutch.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{CAUTION
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or
other things that can burn.
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Repeat this until help arrives but
only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help
to arrive, now and then when you
run the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out on page 8-29.
{CAUTION
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin
at high speed, they can explode,
and you or others could be
injured. The vehicle can overheat,
causing an engine compartment
re or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and
avoid going above 35 mph
(55 km/h) as shown on the
speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, seeTire
Chains on page 9-60.
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around
the front wheels. Turn off any
stability system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a
forward gear, or with a manual
transmission, between 1 (First) or
2 (Second) and R (Reverse),
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while
shifting, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward
and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free
the vehicle. If that does not get the
vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed
out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 9-73.
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The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
tire size of the original equipment
tires (C) and the recommended
cold tire ination pressures (D).
For more information on tires and
ination seeTires on page 9-40
andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 9-47.
There is also important loading
information on the Certication
label. It tells you the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle; see “Certication
Label” later in this section.Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs”
on your vehicle 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 kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting gure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs
and there will be ve 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 and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4.
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 of
your vehicle.
The vehicle is neither designed
nor intended to tow a trailer.
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