mileage SATURN ASTRA 2009 Owners Manual

Page 87 of 314

Speedometer and
Odometer
The speedometer shows the
vehicle’s speed in both miles per
hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven, in either
miles or kilometers.
If a new odometer is installed, the
new one is set to the mileage total
of the old odometer. If it cannot,
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.”
Trip Odometer(s)
The trip odometer, located at the
center of the instrument panel
cluster, tells how far the vehicle has
been driven since the trip odometer
was set to zero.To reset the trip odometer, hold the
reset stem, located to the right of
the speedometer, for approximately
one second while the trip odometer
is displayed. The engine must be
turned on.
Service Display
The vehicle may have a display
above the odometer that shows when
service is needed. The number that
displays with “INSP” is the remaining
distance that can be driven until
service is required. SeeEngine Oil
Life System on page 9-9and the
index of the Saturn Astra Limited
Warranty, Maintenance and Owner
Assistance Information Manual.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a Driver Safety Belt
Reminder Light on the instrument
panel cluster.
When the engine is started this light
and chime come on and stay on
for several seconds to remind
drivers to fasten their safety belts.
The light also begins to ash.
This cycle repeats if the driver
remains unbuckled and the vehicle
is moving.
If the driver safety belt is already
buckled, neither the light nor chime
come on.
Instruments and Controls 4-13
ProCarManuals.com

Page 161 of 314

{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the automatic
transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do
not leave the 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 the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure
the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park on page 8-11.
Driving Your Vehicle
Driving for Better
Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inated.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire’s sidewall
near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Driving and Operating 8-15
ProCarManuals.com

Page 188 of 314

Doing Your Own
Service Work
{CAUTION
You can be injured and the 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 attempting any
vehicle maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper
nuts, bolts, and other
fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily
confused. If the wrong
fasteners are used, parts
can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much moreabout how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 12-15.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your
own service work, seeAirbag
System Check on page 1-37.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date
of any service work performed. See
Maintenance Record on page 11-16.Adding Equipment to
the Outside of the
Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the
vehicle can affect the airow
around it. This can cause wind
noise and can affect fuel economy
and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer
before adding equipment to
the outside of the vehicle.
Owner Checks
{CAUTION
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.
{CAUTION
Things that burn can get on hot
engine parts and start a re.
These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake uid, windshield
washer and other uids, 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.
9-4 Vehicle Service and Care
ProCarManuals.com

Page 193 of 314

Notice:Use only engine oil
identied as meeting GM Standard
GM6094M and showing the
American Petroleum Institute
Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use
the recommended oil can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below−20°F
(−29°C), use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30
engine oil. Both provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. Always use
an oil that meets the required
specication, GM6094M.
See “What Kind of Engine Oil to
Use” for more information.
Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with
the starburst symbol that meet
GM Standard GM6094M are all that
is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change
is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change
is necessary. The letters InSP will
appear in the odometer display.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the mileage indicated on
the display. If driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change
is necessary once a year.
The engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and
at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-9
ProCarManuals.com

Page 271 of 314

{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 dealer/retailer to have a
qualied technician do the work.
SeeDoing Your Own Service
Work on page 9-4.
Some maintenance services can be
complex. So, unless you are
technically qualied and have the
necessary equipment, have
your dealer/retailer do these jobs.
When you go to your dealer/retailer
for service, trained and supported
service technicians will perform
the work using genuine parts.To purchase service information,
seeService Publications Ordering
Information on page 12-15.
Owner Checks and Services on
page 11-9tells what should
be checked, when to check it, and
what can easily be done to help
keep the vehicle in good condition.
The proper replacement parts,
uids, and lubricants to use
are listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12
andMaintenance Replacement
Parts on page 11-14. When
the vehicle is serviced, 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
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the letters InSP appear in
the odometer display, service
is required for the vehicle. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as
possible within the mileage indicated
on the display. The engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer
has trained service technicians
who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is
ever reset accidentally, service
the vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since the last service.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 9-9for information on the oil
life system and resetting the system.
Service and Maintenance 11-3
ProCarManuals.com

Page 278 of 314

At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make
sure they are inated to the correct
pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-47. Check to
make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 9-61.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for
high mileage highway drivers prior to
the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for
wear and, if necessary, rotate the
tires. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 9-52.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
brake and the regular brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-10.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in
each gear. The vehicle should
start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control System Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-10.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition to ON/RUN, but do not
start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
11-10 Service and Maintenance
ProCarManuals.com

Page 288 of 314

STEP TWO:Should you need
additional assistance, in the U.S.,
contact the Saturn Customer
Assistance Center by calling
1-800-553-6000. In Canada, call the
Saturn Customer Communication
Centre at 1-800-263-1999. 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.
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:
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN). This 17-digit
number can be found on the
vehicle registration or title, on the
upper driver side corner of the
instrument panel, 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.
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 rst.
STEP THREE (U.S. Owners):
Both Saturn and its retailers
are committed to making sure you
are completely satised with
your Saturn vehicle. However, if you
continue to remain unsatised
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 Better
Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line.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.
Although you may be required to
resort to this informal dispute
resolution program prior to ling a
court action, use of the program is
free of charge and your case is
generally heard within 40 days. If you
do not agree with the decision given
in your case, you can reject it and
proceed with any other venue for
relief available to you.
12-2 Customer Information
ProCarManuals.com

Page 289 of 314

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
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
dr.bbb.org/goauto
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.STEP THREE (Canadian Owners):
General Motors Participation in
the Mediation/Arbitration Program
In the event that you do not feel
your concerns have been addressed
after following the procedure
outlined in Steps 1 and 2, General
Motors of Canada Limited has
committed to binding arbitration
of owner disputes involving
factory-related vehicle service
claims. The program provides for
the review of the facts involved
by an impartial third party arbiter,
and may include an informal
hearing before the arbiter.
The program is designed so that the
entire dispute settlement process,
from the time you le your complaint
to the nal decision, should be
completed in approximately 70 days.
We believe our impartial program
offers advantages over courts
in most jurisdictions because it is
informal, quick, and free of charge.For further information concerning
eligibility in the Canadian Motor
Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP),
call toll-free 1-800-207-0685.
Alternatively, you may call the
Saturn Customer Communication
Centre, 1-800-263-1999, or you may
write to:
Mediation/Arbitration Program
c/o Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Limited
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
Your inquiry should be accompanied
by the Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).
Customer Information 12-3
ProCarManuals.com

Page 296 of 314

Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Your retailer may arrange to provide
you with a courtesy rental vehicle or
reimburse you for a rental vehicle
that you obtain if your vehicle is kept
for an overnight warranty repair.
Rental reimbursement will be limited
and must be supported by original
receipts. This requires that you sign
and complete a rental agreement
and meet state/provincial, local, and
rental vehicle provider requirements.
Requirements vary and may include
minimum age requirements,
insurance coverage, credit card, etc.
You are responsible for fuel
usage charges and may also be
responsible for taxes, levies, usage
fees, excessive mileage, or rental
usage beyond the completion of
the repair.
It may not be possible to provide a
like-vehicle as a courtesy rental.Additional Program
Information
All program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at
every retailer. Please contact your
retailer for specic information
about availability. All Courtesy
Transportation arrangements will be
administered by appropriate
retailer personnel.
Saturn reserves the right to
unilaterally modify, change or
discontinue Courtesy Transportation
at any time and to resolve all
questions of claim eligibility pursuant
to the terms and conditions
described herein at its sole
discretion.
Collision Damage Repair
If your vehicle is involved in a
collision and it is damaged, have
the damage repaired by a qualied
technician using the proper
equipment and quality replacement
parts. Poorly performed collision
repairs diminish your vehicle’s
resale value, and safety
performance can be compromised
in subsequent collisions.
Collision Parts
Genuine GM Collision parts are new
parts made with the same materials
and construction methods as the
parts with which your vehicle
was originally built. Genuine GM
Collision parts are your best choice
to ensure that your vehicle’s
designed appearance, durability,
and safety are preserved. The use
of Genuine GM parts can help
maintain your GM New Vehicle
Warranty.
12-10 Customer Information
ProCarManuals.com