ignition SATURN ION 2004 User Guide

9(LOCK):This position locks your steering column
in a vehicle with a manual transmission. It is a
theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove
your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.
If you have an automatic transaxle, the ignition switch
can’t be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is in
PARK (P).
{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transaxle removing the key
from the ignition switch will lock the steering
column and result in a loss of ability to steer the
vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need
to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key to ACC.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position operates some of
your electrical accessories. It unlocks the steering wheel
and ignition.
R(RUN):This is the position the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in the RUN position when the engine
is running. But even when the ignition is not running,
you can use RUN to operate your electrical accessories
and to display some warning and indicator lights.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the key has not been removed from the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle has RAP a feature that allows certain
accessories to continue to work for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition has been turned off. The radio, wipers
(high speed only), power windows, sunroof, and rear
accessory power outlet will continue to work until
10 minutes have passed or any door has been opened.
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Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position — that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the oor
and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down – that’s a safety
feature.
Starting Your Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn’t start, wait about 15 seconds and try
again to start the engine by turning the ignition
key to START. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven.
Don’t “race” your engine when it’s cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C),
let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
Five-Speed Automatic and VTi Variable
If your vehicle is equipped with either the ve-speed
automatic transaxle or the VTi variable automatic
transaxle, the shift lever is located on the console
between the seats.
There are several different positions for the automatic
transaxle.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels.
It’s the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can’t move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always set
your parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 2-31. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-39.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift
lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever – push the shift lever all
the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever
button as you maintain brake application. Then move the
shift lever into the gear you wish. Press the shift lever
button before moving the shift lever. SeeShifting Out of
Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-33.
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Shift Lock Release
This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to
do the following:
Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P), and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a position other
than LOCK. The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of a dead battery or
low voltage (less than 9 V) battery.The following procedure allows the ignition to be turned to
LOCK and for ignition key removal in case of a dead
battery or low voltage battery for vehicles equipped with a
column shift lever.
1. Make sure the shift lever is in PARK (P).
2. Using a tool, pry off the cover from the bottom of
the steering column.
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3. Place your nger into the access hole and locate
the plunger.
4. Press and hold the plunger toward the driver’s
door while turning the ignition key to LOCK.
Remove the key.
Have your vehicle serviced at your retailer as soon as
possible.
The following procedure is used to shift the transaxle out of
PARK (P) in case of a dead battery or low voltage battery.
1. Turn the ignition to LOCK and remove the key.
2. Carefully pry the shift lock override cover from the
oor shift console.
3. Insert the end of your ignition key into the slot and
press down rmly.
4. Apply the brake and move the shift lever to
NEUTRAL (N).
5.
While maintaining brake application, start the vehicle
and move the shift lever into the desired gear position.
6. Have the vehicle xed as soon as possible.
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Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located between the seats.To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
Make sure to release the parking brake before driving
the vehicle.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
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Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-39.1.
Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.
2.Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position like this:
Hold in the button on the shift lever.
Push the lever all the way toward the front of
your vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is in RUN. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-23.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever — push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P), as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever
button before moving the shift lever).
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift
out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to LOCK.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have your vehicle xed as soon as you can.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle)
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal
in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R), and rmly
apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has
been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal
pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to LOCK,
remove the key and release the clutch.
SeeManual Transaxle Operation on page 2-28.
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Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned
on automatically each time the ignition is started.
To operate the automatic dimming mirror do the
following:
1. Make sure the green indicator light, located to the
left of the on/off button, is lit. If it’s not, press and
hold the on/off button for approximately six seconds
until the green light comes on, indicating that the
mirror is in automatic dimming mode.
2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror function by
pressing and holding the on/off button for
approximately six seconds until the green indicator
light turns off.
Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration from time to time.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the mirror
compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push in
the on/off button for approximately nine seconds or until
CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at ve mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
Compass Variance
The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory.
It will be necessary to adjust the compass to
compensate for compass variance if you live outside of
zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as during a
long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary to
adjust for compass variance. Compass variance is
the difference between earth’s magnetic north and true
geographic north. If not adjusted to account for
compass variance, your compass could give false
readings.
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Roof Rack System
If your vehicle has a roof rack, you can load things on
top of your vehicle.
Notice:Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 100 lbs. (45 kg) or hangs over the
rear or sides of the vehicle may damage your
vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the slats
as far forward as possible and against the side rails,
making sure to fasten it securely.
Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-33for more information.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you are driving,
check now and then to make sure the roof rack and
cargo are securely fastened.
Convenience Net
If you have a convenience net, the net attaches to the
oor of the trunk. Put small loads behind the net.
The net is not for heavier loads. Store them as far
forward in the trunk as you can.
See your retailer for information on obtaining a
convenience net.
Sunroof
Your vehicle may have a sunroof. With the ignition on,
press and hold the OPEN/VENT part of the switch
and the glass panel will open to the vent position.
Press and hold the OPEN/VENT part of the switch again
to open the glass panel.
Press and hold the CLOSE part of the switch to close
the glass panel. The sunshade can only be closed
by hand.
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