mileage SATURN AURA 2009 Owners Manual

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the speed in miles per
hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). SeeDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-50for more
information.
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
This vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer. The
digital odometer will read 999,999 if it is turned back.
If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, if possible,
it must be set to the mileage total of the old odometer.
If that is not possible, then it is 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.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can show how far the vehicle has
been driven since the odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-43for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety
belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes
on and stays on for
several seconds, then
ashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver safety
belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light
comes on.
3-29
ProCarManuals.com

Your Driving, the Road, and
the 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.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively
is to wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They
Are for Everyone on page 1-10.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what
they might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2
ProCarManuals.com

Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-15.
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.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of
the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification
Number (VIN) on page 5-89.
Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code B), use
regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, you
might notice an audible knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and
you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code 7),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best performance or trailer
towing, you could choose to use middle grade 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
5-5
ProCarManuals.com

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.
A CHANGE OIL SOON message comes on. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-45. Change the oil
as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, 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.
5-18
ProCarManuals.com

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
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 5-52. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-68.
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 5-59.
6-9
ProCarManuals.com

Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
retailer and to Saturn. Together we are committed to
providing our customers with unparalleled service,
before, during, and after the purchase of a Saturn vehicle,
for total customer satisfaction. We call this the Saturn
Difference. Normally, any concerns with the sales
transaction or the operation of the vehicle are resolved
by the retailer’s sales or service departments. If, for any
reason, your ownership experience falls below your
expectations, we suggest you take the following action:
STEP ONE:Contact the Retail Customer Assistance
Liaison. Any member of the retail management team has
the authority and the desire to resolve your concerns.
Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at this level.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.
7-2
ProCarManuals.com

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.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.
7-3
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Recycled original equipment parts may also be used for
repair. These parts are typically removed from vehicles
that were total losses in prior crashes. In most cases,
the parts being recycled are from undamaged sections
of the vehicle. A recycled original equipment GM
part, may be an acceptable choice to maintain your
vehicle’s originally designed appearance and safety
performance, however, the history of these parts is not
known. Such parts are not covered by your GM New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any related failures
are not covered by that warranty.
7-11
ProCarManuals.com