sensor SATURN RELAY 2005 Owners Manual

{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
airbag, the airbag might not inate properly or
it might force the object into that person
causing severe injury or even death. The path
of an inating airbag must be kept clear. Do
not put anything between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put anything on
the steering wheel hub or on or near any other
airbag covering. Do not let seat covers block
the ination path of a side impact airbag.
When Should an Airbag Inate?
The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags
are designed to inate in moderate to severe frontal or
near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inate only
if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account a
variety of desired deployment and non-deployment
events and are used to predict how severe a crash is
likely to be in time for the airbags to inate and help
restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will
or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is
traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction
of the impact and how quickly your vehicle slows down.
In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal airbags,
which adjust the restraint according to crash severity.
For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags inate at a
level less than full deployment. Your vehicle is
equipped with electronic frontal sensors, which help the
sensing system distinguish between a moderate
frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For
more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If
the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall
that does not move or deform, the threshold level for
the reduced deployment is about 12 to 18 mph
(19 to 29 km/h), and the threshold level for a full
deployment is about 18 to 25 mph (29 to 40.2 km/h).
(The threshold level can vary, however, with specic
vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above
or below this range.)
1-69
ProCarManuals.com

Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The
passenger airbag status indicator on the instrument
panel will be visible when you turn your ignition key to
RUN or START. The words ON and OFF or the symbol
for on and off, will be visible during the system check.
When the system check is complete, either the word ON
or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol
for off will be visible. SeePassenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 3-33.The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag and side impact airbag
(if equipped) under certain conditions. The driver’s
airbag or airbags are not part of the passenger sensing
system.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
are part of the right front passenger’s seat and safety
belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of
a properly-seated occupant and determine if the
passenger’s airbag or airbags should be enabled
(may inate) or not.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
General Motors recommends that child restraints
be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a
rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing
child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.
Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate
a rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visor
says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is
so great, if the airbag deploys. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – United States
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – Canada
1-74
ProCarManuals.com

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle
and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-9.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inates. Avoid yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front or
sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet
metal or height, they may keep the airbag system
from working properly. Also, the airbag system may
not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance before you
modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two
of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on
page 7-2
1-78
ProCarManuals.com

SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control the vehicles
speed while going down steep mountain roads, but then
you would also want to use the brakes off and on.
Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h)
may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into
SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly, or if it seems not to shift gears as you go
faster, something may be wrong with a transaxle
system sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens,
have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than 35 mph (55 km/h) and THIRD (3) for higher
speeds.
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle will
not downshift into rst gear until the vehicle is going
slow enough.Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the vehicle
in place.
All-Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has all-wheel drive, your engine’s driving
power is sent to all four wheels for extra traction
when needed.
This is like four-wheel drive, but there is no separate
lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It
is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for
road conditions.
You may experience a brief vehicle vibration upon
acceleration when driving in slippery conditions. This is
normal and is an indication that the all-wheel drive
system is functioning properly.
SeeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) System on page 4-11for
more information.
2-36
ProCarManuals.com

If the wipers are activated for over 30 seconds and the
exterior lamp control is in the parking lamps position,
or the automatic lighting feature has been disabled using
the exterior lamp control, a HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
message will appear on the Driver Information Center,
if equipped.
Headlamps on Reminder
If you turn the ignition to LOCK while leaving the lamps
on, you will hear a warning chime once the driver’s
door is opened.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
Daytime Running Lamps are required on all vehicles rst
sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it is not covered.The DRL system will make front parking and turn signal
lamps come on in daylight when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is off.
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. Your instrument panel will not be lit up.
When it is dark enough outside, the exterior lamps will
come on automatically. When it is bright enough
outside, the exterior lamps will turn off and the DRL will
turn on. Of course, you may still turn on the headlamps
any time you need to.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
30 seconds for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-16.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL and automatic
headlamps off, toggle the exterior lamp control to off
after starting the vehicle.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
3-15
ProCarManuals.com

Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
If your vehicle is equipped with the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system, it is designed to help you
park, while the vehicle is in REVERSE (R). It operates
only at very low speeds, less than 3 mph (5 km/h).
URPA can help make parking easier and to help you
avoid colliding with objects such as parked vehicles. The
URPA system can detect objects up to 5 feet (1.5 m)
behind the vehicle, and tell you how close these objects
are from your rear bumper.
Your vehicle’s URPA operates when the shift lever is
moved into REVERSE (R) and the vehicle speed is less
than 3 mph (5 km/h). Four ultrasonic sensors located
at the rear bumper are used to detect the distance to the
object. The URPA display is located inside the vehicle,
near the rear window. It has three color-coded lights
used to provide distance and system information to
the driver.
{CAUTION:
Even with the Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist
system, the driver must check carefully before
backing up. The system does not operate
above typical backing speeds of 3 mph
(5 km/h) while parking. And, the system does
not detect objects that are more than 5 feet
(1.5 meters) behind the vehicle.
So, unless you check carefully behind you
before and when you back up, you could strike
children, pedestrians, bicyclists or pets behind
you, and they could be injured or killed.
Whether or not you are using rear park assist,
always check carefully behind your vehicle
before you back up and then watch closely as
you do.
3-20
ProCarManuals.com

URPA can be turned off by
pressing the rear park aid
disable switch located
in the overhead console
switchbank. While the
system is disabled,
an indicator light will be lit
on the switch. You will
not see any lights on the
rear display if the switch is
in the off position.How the System Works
Unless disabled, the URPA will turn on automatically
when the shift lever is moved into REVERSE (R). When
the system turns on, the three lights on the display
will illuminate for one and a half seconds to let you know
that the system is working. If your vehicle is moving in
REVERSE (R) at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h),
the red light will ash to remind you that the system
does not work at speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
If an object is detected at a REVERSE (R) speed of less
than 3 mph (5 km/h), one of the following will occur:
Description English Metric
amber light 5 ft 1.5 m
amber/amber lights 40 in 1.0 m
amber/amber/red lights &
continuous chime20 in 0.5 m
amber/amber/red lights
ashing & continuous
chime1 ft 0.3 m
A chime will sound the rst time an object is detected
between 20 inches (0.5 m) and 5 feet (1.5 m) away.
URPA cannot detect objects that are above liftgate level.
In order for the rear sensors to recognize an object, it
must be within detection range behind the vehicle.
3-21
ProCarManuals.com

When the System Does Not Seem to Work
Properly
The light may ash red when the vehicle is in
REVERSE (R) if the ultrasonic sensors are not kept
clean. So be sure to keep your rear bumper free of mud,
dirt, snow, ice and slush. Other conditions that may
affect system performance include things like the
vibrations from a jackhammer or the compression of air
brakes on a very large truck. If after cleaning the
rear bumper and then driving forward at least 15 mph
(25 km/h), the display continues to ash red, see
your dealer.
If a trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle or
an object was on the back of, or hanging out of your
liftgate during your last drive cycle, the light may
also ash red. The light will continue to ash whenever
in REVERSE (R) until your vehicle is driven forward
at least 15 mph (25 km/h) without any obstructions
behind the vehicle.
Accessory Power Outlets
Your vehicle may be equipped with a front accessory
power outlet located below the climate controls on
the instrument panel. It can be used to plug in electrical
equipment such as a cellular telephone or CB radio.
Pull the cover down to use the accessory power outlet.
When not in use, keep the cover on.
The rear accessory power outlet is located on the rear
compartment on the driver’s side.
To remove the cover, pull the tab on the cover and pull
it off. To put the cover back on, line up the tabs at
the back of the cover and put the cover in place. Push
down the tab to secure the cover. When not in use,
always cover the rear accessory power outlet with the
protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage 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 accessory power outlets.
3-22
ProCarManuals.com

Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Check with your
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.
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current
Your vehicle may have a power outlet that can be used
to plug in auxiliary electrical equipment with a
maximum limit of 150 watts. If you try to use equipment
that requires more than the limit, a protection circuit
will cut the power supply. To reset the outlet, unplug the
item and plug it back in or turn the ignition key to
OFF or ACC and then back on. The power will
automatically restart when equipment that operates
within the limit is plugged in.The power outlet is located
behind the third row seats
on the passenger’s
side rear quarter trim
panel.
The power outlet is not designed for the following
electrical equipment and may not work properly if these
items are plugged into the power outlet:
Equipment with high initial peak wattage such as:
compressor-driven refrigerators and electric
power tools.
Other equipment requiring an extremely stable
power supply such as: microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
3-23
ProCarManuals.com

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder
Light
Several seconds after the key is turned to RUN or
START, a chime will be provided for several seconds to
remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt.
This would only occur if a passenger is detected by the
passenger sensing system. SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-74for more information. The
passenger safety belt light will also be provided and
stay on for several seconds, then it will ash for several
more. You should have the passenger buckle their
safety belt.
This chime and light will be
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will be provided.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light comes on if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the airbag sensor, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-64.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then
the light should go out.
This means the system
is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
3-32
ProCarManuals.com