check engine light SATURN L-SERIES 2004 User Guide

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle uid level. A
transaxle uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to retailer’s service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible.
You may also have your uid level checked by your
retailer or service center when you have your oil
changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) 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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require changing.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use DEXRON
®-III labeled automatic
transaxle uid.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 100,000 miles
(166 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-23
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Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located
on the driver”s side of the
engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for more information
on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the Cold
line (surge tank seam). When your engine is warm,
the level should be at the Cold line or a little higher.
If the low coolant light comes on and stays on, it means
you’re low on engine coolant. SeeLow Coolant
Warning Light on page 3-33.
5-25
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Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil light comes on, it means
that service is required for your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next 600
miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving
under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over
a year. However, your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your Saturn retailer has Saturn-trained
service technicians who will perform this work using
genuine Saturn parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16for information on the Engine
Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the Change Engine Oil light appears, certain
services, checks and inspections are required. Required
services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service be MaintenanceI,
your second service be MaintenanceIIand that you
alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter.
However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be
required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the Change
Engine Oil light comes on within ten months since
vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas
performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light comes on ten months
or more since the last service or if the light has not
come on at all for one year.
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(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine
Saturn parts as needed. To help ensure proper
operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator
and air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, glove box hinges,
sunroof (if equipped) and any folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.(g)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-23 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.
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B
Backing Up....................................................4-44
Battery..........................................................5-39
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Battery Warning Light......................................3-29
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Before You Drive............................................3-59
Brake
Parking......................................................2-27
System Warning Light..................................3-30
Brake Fluid....................................................5-36
Brake Wear...................................................5-38
Brakes..........................................................5-36
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)..........................5-49, 5-50
Fog Lamps.................................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps................................5-50, 5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications............................5-98
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-40, 2-13, 2-31
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-85
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-72
Your CD and DVD Player.............................3-73
Your CDs and DVDs....................................3-73
Cargo Cover..................................................2-43
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-54
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-54
CD Messages........................................3-49, 3-58
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-41
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)....5-49, 5-50
Center Rear Passenger Position (Wagon)...........1-31
Chains, Tires..................................................5-68
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-34
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-16
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-88
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E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-92
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Emergency Trunk Release Handle (Sedan).........2-15
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-36
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-39
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-38
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-34
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-22
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-33
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-32
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-26
Reduced Power Light...................................3-38
Starting......................................................2-21
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-95
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-46
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-18
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-8
Express-Down Window....................................2-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-35
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finding a Station............................3-42, 3-45, 3-50
Finish Care....................................................5-86
Finish Damage...............................................5-88
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-73
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Floor Console Fuse Blocks...............................5-92
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
FM ...............................................................3-71
Fog Lamps....................................................3-14
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Following Distance..........................................4-44
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
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Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-40
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-40
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-33
Fuel..........................................................3-40
Speedometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-41
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamps..............................................3-7, 3-13
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-46
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-47
Headphones...................................................3-59
Heated Seats................................................... 1-5
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-43
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-31
How to Check................................................5-62
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-34
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19
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Light (cont.)
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-34
Oil Pressure...............................................3-37
Reduced Engine Power................................3-38
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-28
Security.....................................................3-38
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-39
TCS Warning Light......................................3-32
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-32
Trunk Ajar..................................................3-39
Load Floor Storage Box...................................2-42
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-34
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-12
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-33
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-40
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-39
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-46
Making Turns.................................................4-44
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-34
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Operation...........................................3-22
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual Windows............................................2-17
Map Lamps....................................................3-15
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-7
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Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-36
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-33
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-39
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-39
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-39
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-38
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-19
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-27
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-38
Engine.......................................................5-16
Pressure Light.............................................3-37
Older Children, Restraints................................1-35
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
®Personal Calling.................................2-41OnStar
®Services............................................2-40
OnStar®System.............................................2-40
OnStar®Virtual Advisor....................................2-41
Operation......................................................3-18
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-5
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-24
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-39
Heated Mirrors............................................2-39
Power Mirrors.............................................2-39
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-38
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owner Publications.........................................7-11
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-30
Parking on Hills..............................................4-45
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-24
Passing.................................................4-13, 4-44
Passlock
®......................................................2-18
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-52
Playing a CD.................................................3-47
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Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-10
Saturn.......................................................7-10
United States Government.............................. 7-9
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-72
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-73
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-72
Replacing Parts...........................................1-73
Resynchronization............................................. 2-8
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-25
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-31
Roof Rack System..........................................2-42
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-14
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-32
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-28
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-85
Driver Position............................................1-16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-15Safety Belts (cont.)
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children
and Small Adults......................................1-33
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-25
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-25
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-35
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-24
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-11
Safety Chains.................................................4-43
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-3
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-5
Manual........................................................ 1-3
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-4
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-5
Six-Way Power Driver.................................... 1-4
Split Folding Rear Seat.................................. 1-8
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Rear Seat Position............................1-56
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-52
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-54
Rear Seat Position......................................1-52
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-58
Security Light.................................................3-38
Security While You Travel.................................. 7-6
Sedan.....................................................1-8, 1-48
Sensor..........................................................3-23
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