towing SATURN ION 2006 Owner's Manual

3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P) for an
automatic transaxle or REVERSE (R) for a manual
transaxle.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
start your engine
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are automatic
transaxle uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle lubricant,
drive belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of
these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help
you nd them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea
to review this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-29.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If you get a at tire while towing a trailer, be sure
to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the vehicle
before changing the tire.
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(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-25 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)Or every 12 months, whichever occurs rst. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter may
require replacement more often.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your Saturn retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
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Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There
are signicant differences in the quality of coverage
afforded by various insurance policy terms. Many
insurance policies provide reduced protection to your
GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage repairs
by using aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance
companies will not specify aftermarket collision
parts. When purchasing insurance, we recommend that
you assure your vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts. If such insurance
coverage is not available from your current insurance
carrier, consider switching to another insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts.
Read your lease carefully, as you may be charged at
the end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you are
all right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no one
else in your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call 911 for help. Do not
leave the scene of an accident until all matters have
been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the accident.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. This
will help guard against post-accident legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-5for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
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Power
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.......................................5-100
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-41
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-20
Steering Message........................................3-46
Windows....................................................2-14
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-31
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-8
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-15
R
Racing or Other Competitive Driving..................4-16
Radios..........................................................3-48
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-71
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-71
Radio with CD....................................3-50, 3-55
Setting the Time..................................3-49, 3-50
Understanding Reception..............................3-70
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9Rear Doors....................................................2-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-28
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-24
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-35
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature Display.....2-32
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-32
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-32
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-13
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-36
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-41
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-82
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-77
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-55
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
Saturn.......................................................7-12
United States Government............................7-11
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-68
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-69
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Tires (cont.)
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-68
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-36
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-39
Your Vehicle...............................................4-36
Traction
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).................... 4-9
Limited-Slip Differential.................................4-10
Low Message.............................................3-44
Off Message...............................................3-44
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-24
Fluid Hot Message......................................3-45
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-24
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-22
Transaxle Operation, Manual............................2-25
Transmission
Up-Shift Light..............................................3-33
Trip Odometer................................................3-27
Trunk............................................................2-11
Trunk Ajar Warning Message............................3-46
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-70
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-70
Up-Shift Light.................................................3-33
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-31
Parking Your...............................................2-29
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-7
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-99
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-99
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-22
Visors...........................................................2-15
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