SATURN AURA HYBRID 2008 Owners Manual

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Make sure it is not covered or the automatic headlamp
system will be on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once
the vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute
for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL
if it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument
panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. See “Instrument Panel Brightness
Control” underInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in
Canada, the transmission must stay in PARK (P) for
this function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
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Instrument Panel Brightness
The control for this
feature is located on the
instrument panel to the
left of the steering wheel.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lights.
Dome Lamp
If the vehicle has a dome lamp with a switch,
the following are the settings.
9(Off):Move the lever to this position to turn
the lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):Move the lever to this position so that
the lamp comes on when a door is opened.
+(On):Move the lever to this position to turn
the dome lamp on.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside the vehicle come on when any door
is opened. These lamps fade out about 20 seconds after
all of the doors have been closed or when the ignition
is turned to ON/RUN. They also come on when the
unlock symbol button or the horn symbol is pressed on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition
to provide light as you exit.
3-16

Parade Dimming
Parade dimming is a separate lighting mode that comes
on while the parking lamps are turned on during the
day. It prevents the display lights and indicator
lights from being dim, while the parking lamps are
used during the day.
Overhead Console Reading Lamps
The vehicle may have reading lamps on the overhead
console. These lamps come on when the doors are
opened if the lamp switch is not in the OFF position.
Press the side of each lamp to turn them on and
off, while the doors are closed.
Overhead Ambient Lighting
These lamps will automatically turn on and off as
controlled by the light sensor located on top of the
instrument panel.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when the trunk is opened and
turns off when the trunk is closed.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery run-down feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading lamps, or dome
lamp) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery run-down protection system automatically shuts
the lamp off after 20 minutes. This prevents draining
of the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:
Open any door.
Press any Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter button.
Press the power door lock switch.
Press the remote trunk release.
Turn the lamp that was left on to off and then
to on again.
3-17

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
There are two accessory power outlets. One accessory
power outlet is inside the center storage console and
the other is located on the center storage console below
the climate controls.
To use an outlet, lift the protective cap. When not in
use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for
an extended period of time while the vehicle is off
will drain the battery. Power is always supplied
to the outlets. Always unplug 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 you experience a
problem, see your retailer for additional information
on the accessory power outlet.Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your 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.
3-18

Climate Controls
Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in your vehicle can
be automatically controlled with this system.
Climate Control Inuence on Hybrid
Operation and Fuel Economy
The climate control system is dependent upon other
vehicle systems for heat and power input. Certain
climate control settings can lead to higher fuel usage
and/or fewer Auto Stops.The following are climate control settings that use
more fuel:
Normal air conditioning mode.
The defrost mode.
Extreme temperature settings, such as
60°F (15°C) / 90F (32°C).
High fan speed settings.
To help reduce fuel usage:
Use the full automatic control as described under
Automatic Operation.
Use hybrid air conditioning, instead of the normal
air conditioning.
Select a temperature setting that is higher in hot
weather and lower in cold weather.
Only use defrost to clear the windows.
3-19

Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan
speed knob and the air delivery mode knob to activate
the automatic system. When automatic operation is
active the system controls the inside temperature and
air delivery.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in full
automatic control:
1. Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the AUTO
position.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO
is selected, the air conditioning operation and air
inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor runs while the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet is normally
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet can
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to
help quickly cool down the vehicle.2. Set the temperature.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended.
Allow about 20 minutes for the system to regulate.
Press the
worxarrow temperature buttons
to adjust the temperature setting as necessary.
If the temperature is set at 60°F (15°C) the system
remains at the maximum cooling setting. If the
temperature is set at 90°F (32°C) the system
remains at the maximum heat setting. Choosing
either maximum setting does not cause the vehicle
to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based on the
intensity of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower
right side of the climate control faceplate, as
this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold
weather, the system delays turning on the fan
until warm air is available. The length of delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature. Turning
the fan knob overrides this delay and changes
the fan to the selected speed.
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Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed, can manually
be adjusted.
Fan Speed Knob
9(Off):Select this position to turn off the fan.
Outside air still enters the vehicle. The direction
can be changed by changing the mode position.
The temperature can also be adjusted using either
the up or down arrow temperature buttons.
9(Fan):Turn the knob with the fan symbol to
manually adjust the fan speed.
wxTemperature Control:Press thewand
xarrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Knob
H(Vent):Use this mode to direct air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Use this mode to direct half of the air
to the instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Use this mode to direct most of the air to
the oor outlets with some air directed to the side
window outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting
can be found later in this section.
#(Normal Air Conditioning):Press this button to
turn the air conditioning compressor on and off. A light
above the button comes on while the air conditioning
is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode,
the system runs the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
While in this mode, the hybrid system does not shut the
engine down at complete stops.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for
your vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows
closed for the air conditioner to work its best.
On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm
air to the oor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press
the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
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In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidies the
air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode,
the system maximizes its performance by using
recirculation as necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation of
the automatic system, use oor mode to deliver air to
the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, push
the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and
adjust the temperature by pressing the temperature
buttons.
When the heater is in use, there might be slight noise or
vibration during Auto Stops. This is due to the coolant
circulation pump that continues to circulate heat through
the system during the engine Auto Stop.
The heater works best if the windows are kept closed.
h(Recirculation):Press the button to turn on
the recirculation mode. The air inside the vehicle
recirculates through the climate control system and the
vehicle, not from outside the vehicle. This mode is
helpful when trying to limit odors from entering
the vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button ispressed, an indicator light above the button comes on.
The recirculation indicator light blinks three times if
recirculation is used in a mode in which it cannot
function. Only use this mode when it is needed for
comfort, since window fogging rapidly occurs if the air
conditioning compressor is not engaged.
Press this button to cancel the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
reverts to the auto recirculation function.
If recirculation is selected while in defrost, defog or oor
mode, the light on the button ashes three times and
then goes out to indicate that this is not allowed. This is
to prevent window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the
system in recirculation for extended periods of time can
cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the
fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the
air conditioning is on. Allow the air conditioning to run
automatically to help dehumidify the air.
N(Hybrid Air Conditioning):This setting balances
fuel economy and air conditioning comfort. When
hybrid A/C is used in warm weather, you may notice
more frequent auto stops and the cabin may be warmer
as compared to normal air conditioning.
3-22

Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
hrecirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass.
This can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from
to clear fog or frost from the windshield. Use the defog
mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove
fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
-(Defog):Turn the mode knob to this position to
select the defog setting, which delivers air to the oor
and windshield outlets. Use this setting to clear the
windows of fog or moisture.
0(Defrost):Turn the mode knob to this position to
defrost the windshield. The system automatically
controls the fan speed if defrost is selected from the
AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or
warmer, the air conditioning compressor automatically
runs to help dehumidify the air and dry the windshield.
The air conditioning indicator light blinks three times
if the compressor is turned off while in this mode.
The engine will not perform Auto Stops when the defrost
mode is on.
3-23

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light above the
button comes on to show that the rear window defogger
is activated.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press
the button again.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on
once the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the
surface of the outside mirrors also heat when the rear
window defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power
Mirrors on page 2-34.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Outlet Adjustment
There are four main air outlets on the instrument panel.
Use the lever located in the center of each outlet by
moving it either side-to-side or up and down, to change
the direction and amount of airow in the vehicle. The
center thumbwheel does not control the main outlets.
Rear Seat Air Outlet
For vehicles with this feature, the rear seat air outlet is
located in the center of the instrument panel above
the two main center outlets.
Use the thumbwheel in the center of the outlet to turn
the airow on or off. The horizontal vent vane does
not move.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that can
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Do not use non-GM approved hood deectors as
they could adversely affect the performance of
the system.
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