SATURN AURA 2009 Owners Manual

Page 161 of 408

Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two
parts. If one part is not working, the other part can still
work and stop the vehicle. For good braking both parts
need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected right away.
{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
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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.
This light comes on briey when the ignition key is turned
to ON/RUN. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light will then go off.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
also 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, it means
there is a brake problem.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) may display a
BRAKE FLUID message. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-45for more information.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. The pedal may be harder to push or it
may go closer to the oor. It may take longer to stop.
Try turning off and restarting the vehicle one or two times,
if the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-26. United States
Canada
3-33
ProCarManuals.com

Page 162 of 408

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This light comes on briey
while the starting the
engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light will then go off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light still stays on, or
comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the
vehicle still has brakes, but it does not have antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is
a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-33.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-45for all
brake related DIC messages.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system or the
Traction Control System
(TCS), the indicator/
warning light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer/
retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator
light goes off.
If this light is on while certain DIC messages display,
this indicates that the ESC and TCS are not working or
are disabled.
3-34
ProCarManuals.com

Page 163 of 408

If this light is on and not ashing, the TCS and
potentially the ESC system have been disabled. Check
the 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 because the system is
not working properly and the vehicle requires service.
If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin is not limited. If the
ESC system is disabled, the system does not aid in
maintaining directional control of the vehicle.
If the indicator/warning 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
directional control of the vehicle.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6and
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-8for more
information.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-45for
more information on the messages associated with
this light.Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light comes on briey
while starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause the vehicle to overheat.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27. The vehicle’s
engine could be damaged, and it might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive with
the engine coolant temperature warning light on.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on
when the engine has overheated.
If this happens pull over and turn off the engine as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27
for more information.
3-35
ProCarManuals.com

Page 164 of 408

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes on
and a chime sounds, the engine is too hot. It means that
the engine coolant has overheated.If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions and the gage reads hot, pull off the road, stop
the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure monitoring
system, this light comes
on briey when the engine
is started.
It provides information about tire pressures and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System. United States
Canada
3-36
ProCarManuals.com

Page 165 of 408

When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is signicantly
underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information Center
(DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-45for more information. Stop and
check the tires as soon as it is safe to do so. If a tire is
underinated, inate to the proper pressure. SeeTires on
page 5-45for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there could be a problem with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes for about a
minute and stays on steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-54
for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light should come on
when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
3-37
ProCarManuals.com

Page 166 of 408

Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any
problem is apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent
more serious damage to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
the vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This
could also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3.This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could damage
the emission control system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
3-38
ProCarManuals.com

Page 167 of 408

Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep puddle
of water, the vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor
fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed and can cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear,
misring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on
acceleration. These conditions might go away once
the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change the
fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of
the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
3-39
ProCarManuals.com

Page 168 of 408

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD II (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 the battery has recently been replaced
or if the battery has run down. The diagnostic system
is designed to evaluate critical emission control
systems during normal driving. This can take several
days of routine driving. If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of
OBD II system readiness, your dealer/retailer can
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
3-40
ProCarManuals.com

Page 169 of 408

Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
This light comes on briey while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator
light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not
owing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be
low on oil and it might have some other system problem.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent on
page 2-18.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light
comes on whenever the
cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more information.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when
the high-beam headlamps
are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8
for more information.
3-41
ProCarManuals.com

Page 170 of 408

Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on, the fuel gage shows how much
fuel is left in the fuel tank. When the indicator nears
empty, a LOW FUEL message appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-45for more information. The
vehicle still has a little fuel left, but the vehicle should be
fueled soon. An arrow on the fuel gage indicates the side
of the vehicle the fuel door is on.Here are four things that some owners ask about.
These are normal and do not indicate a problem with
the fuel gage:
At the service station, the gas pump shuts off
before the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the fuel tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than half the fuel tank’s
capacity to ll it.
The indicator moves a little when while turning a
corner or speeding up.
The gage goes back to empty when the ignition is
turned off. United States
Canada
3-42
ProCarManuals.com

Page:   < prev 1-10 ... 121-130 131-140 141-150 151-160 161-170 171-180 181-190 191-200 201-210 ... 410 next >