engine overheat SATURN RELAY 2007 Owners Manual

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The electrical cord is located on the
driver’s side of the engine compartment.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts. If you do
not, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and
some other things. Instead of trying to list
everything here, we ask that you contact your
retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The retailer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
142
ProCarManuals.com

Shifting Into Park (P)
{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 398.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot
and set the parking brake with your left foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling
the shift lever toward you and moving it up as
far as it will go.
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).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in PARK (P) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch re. You or
others could be injured. Do not leave your
vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P)
and the parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you move the shift lever into
PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away
from PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
148
ProCarManuals.com

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a traction control
system warning light.
The traction control system warning light may
come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by pressing the
traction control button. To turn the system
back on, press the button again. The warning
light should go off. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 365for more
information.
If there’s a brake system problem that is
specically related to traction control, the
traction control system will turn off and
the warning light will come on. If your brakes
begin to overheat, the traction control
system will turn off and the warning light will
come on until your brakes cool down.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn
off and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes
on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the system is turned on, your vehicle
needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If
the red gage lamp turns on, your engine is too hot!
United StatesCanada
228
ProCarManuals.com

It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions, you should pull off the
road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 435.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required.Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle.
This system is also designed to assist your service
technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle
with this light on, after awhile, your emission
controls may not work as well, your fuel
economy may not be as good, and your engine
may not run as smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that may not be covered by your
warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modications to
these systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This may also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 412.
229
ProCarManuals.com

ENGINE COOLANT HOT
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Do
not increase the engine speed above normal
idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 435for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. The engine coolant
temperature warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 228for more
information.
To avoid added strain on the engine, turn off the
air conditioner if it is on. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the air conditioner
can be turned back on.
This message displays only when the ignition is in
RUN. A chime sounds continuously when this
message is displayed. Press any of the DIC
buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear
it from the screen.This message continues to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the
condition still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message displays when the amount of
available light outside of the vehicle is low, or the
windshield wipers have been on for approximately
30 seconds, and the exterior lamps control is
off or in the park lamps position. This message
informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps
is recommended. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 192for more information.
This message displays while the ignition is in RUN.
Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
246
ProCarManuals.com

REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. This happens when driving
conditions, such as climbing a steep hill, make the
transaxle overwork in a gear that may cause
damage to the vehicle’s engine or transaxle.
Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle’s
ability to accelerate.
This message displays and a chime sounds only
when the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the
DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to
clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the
condition still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
REDUCED POWER STOP WHEN SAFE
This message displays when your vehicle is in
an overheated engine operating mode. This
operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to
a safe place in an emergency. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and
engine performance. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 437for more
information. Anytime this message is on, the
vehicle should be taken to your retailer for service
as soon as possible.
This message displays and a chime sounds only
when the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the
DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to
clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for two seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the
condition still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
253
ProCarManuals.com

You will need a well-charged battery to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck,
you will need to spin the wheels, but you do not
want to spin your wheels too fast. The method
known as rocking can help you get out when you
are stuck, but you must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. And, the transaxle or
other parts of the vehicle can overheat.
That could cause an engine compartment
re or other damage. When you are stuck,
spin the wheels as little as possible. Do not
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h)
as shown on the speedometer.
Notice:Spinning the wheels can destroy
parts of your vehicle as well as the tires.
If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting
the transaxle back and forth, you can destroy
the transaxle. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out on page 391.
For information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, seeTire Chains on page 480.
390
ProCarManuals.com

Service........................................................ 412
Accessories and Modications................... 412
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 413
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 413
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 414
Fuel............................................................. 414
Gasoline Octane........................................ 414
Gasoline Specications.............................. 414
California Fuel........................................... 415
Additives................................................... 415
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 416
Filling the Tank......................................... 417
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 419
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 420
Hood Release........................................... 421
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 422
Engine Oil................................................. 423
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 426
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 428
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 430Engine Coolant.......................................... 432
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 435
Engine Overheating................................... 435
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 437
Cooling System......................................... 438
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 443
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 444
Brakes...................................................... 445
Battery...................................................... 449
Jump Starting............................................ 450
Bulb Replacement....................................... 455
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 455
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps........... 456
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL)........................... 457
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps...................................... 458
License Plate Lamp................................... 459
Replacement Bulbs................................... 460
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 460
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
409
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transaxle
uid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 524, and
be sure to use the transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 530.
How to Check Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult,
you may choose to have this done at the
your retailer’s service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
the transaxle. Too much can mean that some of
the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
or exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too
little uid could cause the transaxle to overheat.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transaxle uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be
at normal operating temperature, which is
180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
430
ProCarManuals.com

3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push
the dipstick back in all the way.
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
150,000 miles (240 000 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 435.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 messages 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
the rst maintenance service after each
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.
432
ProCarManuals.com