traction control SATURN AURA 2008 Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)...........................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-16
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-17
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-25
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-26
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-27
Trip Odometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-28
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-29
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-32
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-33
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light...........................................3-34
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-24.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-26.
D. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-30.
G. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
H. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-43.I. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel on page 3-6.
J. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
K. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-72.
L. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-20.
M. Automatic Climate Control System. SeeAutomatic
Climate Control System on page 3-19.
N. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6.
O. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-26.
P. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-56.
Q. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-38.
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Cruise Control
Cruise control lets a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more be maintained 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:
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 excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{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.
The cruise control
buttons are located on
the steering wheel.
I(On/Off):Press to turn the cruise control system
on and off.
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RES+ (Resume):Press RES+ to resume a set speed
and to accelerate the speed.
SET−(Set):Press SET– to set a speed and to
decrease the speed.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press
Ito turn cruise control on. The indicator
light on the button comes on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET−and release it. The cruise symbol
displays in the instrument panel cluster to show
the system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control automatically disengages. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6. When road
conditions allow, the cruise control can be used again.
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brakes. This disengages the
cruise control. The cruise symbol in the instrument panel
cluster also goes 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
at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, briey
press the RES+.
This takes the vehicle back up to the previously chosen
speed and stays there.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the RES+. Hold it there until the desired
speed is reached and then release the button.
To increase the vehicle speed in very small
amounts, briey press the RES+ and then release
it. Each time this is done, the vehicle goes about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
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Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
This light is located
in the center of the
instrument panel cluster.
For vehicles that have the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system or the Traction Control System (TCS),
this warning light should come on briey when the
engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
This light, along with the appropriate Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages, indicates when the ESC
system and the TCS are working or are disabled.If this light is on and not ashing, the TCS and
potentially the ESC system have been disabled. Check
your DIC messaging to determine which feature(s) is
no longer functioning and whether it is because of
the driver turning off the feature(s), or the system may
not be working properly and your vehicle requires
service. If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin will not be
limited. If the ESC system is disabled, the system
will not aid in maintaining vehicle directional control.
In either case, adjust your driving accordingly.
If the light is on and ashing, the TCS or the ESC
system is actively working. Check the DIC messaging
for details to determine which system is working.
If the LOW TRACTION message appears, the system
is limiting wheel spin. If the ESC ACTIVE message
appears, the system is aiding in maintaining vehicle
directional control.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8and
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more
information.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46for
more information on the messages associated with
this light.
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ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster ashes when ESC is
assisting you with directional control of the vehicle.
You may feel or hear the system working and see this
message displayed in the DIC. Slippery road conditions
may exist when this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message may stay on for
a few seconds after ESC stops assisting you with
directional control of the vehicle. This is normal when
the system is operating. SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 4-8andElectronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light on page 3-34for more information.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when
ESC is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-34
for more information.
HOOD AJAR
This message displays if the hood is not fully closed.
Make sure that the hood is closed completely. The
vehicle will not auto stop when the hood is ajar.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery
in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-4.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on
fuel. Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gage on page 3-41,Fuel on page 5-6, andFilling
the Tank on page 5-8for more information.
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LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster ashes when the system
is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions
may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message stays on for a
few seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-34
for more information.
LOW WASHER FLUID
This message displays when the vehicle’s windshield
washer uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid
reservoir to the proper level as soon as possible.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-32.
POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem has been detected
with the electric power steering. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately.
PUSH PARK PEDAL
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-28for
more information.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and a chime sounds if there has
been a problem detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. This
light stays on solid as long as the detected problem
remains present. When this message displays, the
system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-34
for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns
back on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the ESC inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
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SERVICE HYBRID
This message displays if the hybrid components need
to be serviced. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and a chime sounds when
the system is not functioning properly. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
This light stays on solid as long as the detected problem
remains present. When this message displays, the
system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-34
for more information. Have the system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SRVC (Service) HILL START
This message displays if there is a problem with the
hill start assist function. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-35. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-55for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when the
system is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-34
for more information.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-10for more
information.
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Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read
the pages following to familiarize yourself with its
features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2. Here
are some ways in which you can help avoid distraction
while driving.While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/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.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-21for
more information.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-6
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)......................4-8
Steering......................................................4-10
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-12
Passing.......................................................4-12
Loss of Control.............................................4-12
Driving at Night............................................4-14Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-14
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-16
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-16
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-16
Winter Driving..............................................4-17
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-21
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-22
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-22
Towing..........................................................4-27
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-27
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-27
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-29
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
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