warning light SATURN SKY 2008 Owner's Manual

SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-31. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-59for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when the
TCS is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-8andTrunk Ajar
Light on page 3-36for more information.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has personalization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to a preferred setting.
All of the features listed may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the features available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the features were set when your
vehicle left the factory, but may have been changed
from their default state since that time.
To change feature settings, use the following procedure:
Entering Personalization Menu
1. Turn the ignition on while the vehicle is stopped.
To avoid excessive drain on the battery, it is
recommended that the headlamps are turned off.
2. Press and hold the information and reset buttons at
the same time for one second, then release to enter
the personalization menu.
If the vehicle speed is greater than 2 mph (3 km/h),
only the UNITS menu will be accessible.
3. Press the information button to scroll through the
available personalization menu modes.
Press the reset button to scroll through the available
settings for each mode.
If you do not make a selection within ten seconds,
the display will go back to the previous information
displayed.
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For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-27.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do,
the pedal could get harder to push down. If the
engine stops, you will still have some power brake
assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the
power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
If your vehicle has the 2.0L turbocharged engine, it has
a hydraulic brake boost feature as part of the Electronic
Stability Control which supplements the power brake
system to maintain consistent brake performance under
conditions of low brake booster vacuum. Low brake
booster vacuum conditions can include initial start
up after the vehicle has been parked for several hours,
very frequent brake stops, or high altitude driving.
When hydraulic brake boost is active, you might feel
minor brake pulsation or movement but this is normal.If brake pedal feel changes or the brake pedal feels
hard to push, you might not be receiving the intended
brake boost and the SVC BRAKE SYSTEM DIC
message may be displayed.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with
the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and
you might even notice that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-28.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that the rear wheels are spinning too much
or are beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system works the rear brakes and reduces
engine power by closing the throttle and managing
engine spark to limit wheel spin.
If your vehicle has TCS, there is a ESC/TCS button
located on the instrument panel.
This light will ash when
your traction control
system is limiting
wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.If your vehicle is in cruise control when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
When this light is on solid
and either the SERVICE
TRACTION or TRACTION
OFF message is
displayed, the system will
not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-41for more information.
The Traction Control System is automatically enabled
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system enabled. You can turn TCS off if
you ever need to.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
ice or snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle to
attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off
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the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions
where high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle
is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-22.
To turn the system off or
on, press and release the
ESC/TCS button located
on the instrument panel.
The DIC will display the appropriate message as
described previously when you press the button.
Traction Control Operation
Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine
power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when you start your vehicle, and it will activate and ash
the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION
message if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction while driving. For more
information on the LOW TRACTION message,
seeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-38.Notice:If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin
excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake
warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or
SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, you
could damage the differential. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Reduce engine
power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively
while these lights and this message are displayed.
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the rear
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not
attempt to shift when the rear wheels do not have
traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is
not covered. See your warranty book for additional
information.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, you may
notice a reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise
or vibration. This is normal.
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If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the ESC/TCS light will ash and the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to use cruise control again, you
may re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your vehicle may have a limited-slip rear differential
which provides maximum power and performance.
It is designed to give you additional traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard
axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels
has no traction and the other does, this feature will
allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
During a sudden shift, such as shifting from FIRST (1)
to SECOND (2) gear at low engine speeds or suddenly
applying the clutch, you may feel or hear a clunking
or rattling noise. This is normal.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system which combines antilock brake, and
traction and stability control systems that help the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most
driving conditions.
When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the
system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure
there are no problems. You may hear or feel the system
working. This is normal and does not mean there is a
problem with your vehicle. The system should initialize
before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h).
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS
light comes on, and the ESC OFF and/or SERVICE ESC
message displays.
For more information, seeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-38andElectronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light on page 3-29.
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This light ashes on the
instrument panel cluster
while the ESC system
is on and activated.
ESC activates when the computer senses a discrepancy
between your intended path and the direction the vehicle
is actually traveling. ESC selectively applies braking
pressure at any one of the vehicle’s brakes to help steer
the vehicle in the direction which you are steering.
When the system activates, an ESC ACTIVE message
displays on the Driver Information Center. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-41. This light ashes
on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC system
is on and activated. You may also hear a noise or
feel vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal.
Continue to steer the vehicle in the direction you want
it to go.
When the light is comes on and the message(s)
SERVICE ESC, ESC OFF, or both displays, the system
will not assist the driver in maintaining directional
control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-41.SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
automatically enabled whenever the vehicle is started.
To assist the driver with vehicle directional control,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system on. But, ESC can be turned off if
needed.
If the vehicle is in cruise control while the system begins
to assist the driver maintain directional control of the
vehicle, the ESC/TCS light ashes and the cruise control
automatically disengages. When road conditions allow
you to use cruise again, you may re-engage the
cruise control. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
The ESC/TCS button
is located on the
instrument panel.
The traction control system can be turned off or back on
by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable both
traction control and ESC, press and hold the button from
ve to ten seconds.
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When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION
OFF and ESC OFF messages appear, and the
ESC/TCS light comes on to warn the driver that both
traction control and ESC are disabled.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
ice or snow and you want to “rock” your vehicle
to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off
the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions
where high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-22. Also,
see “Competitive Driving Mode” later in this section.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that
a problem exists with the system. The ESC OFF and
SERVICE ESC messages and the ESC/TCS light comes
on to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and requires
service. If the problem does not clear after restarting
the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-41for
more information.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.Competitive Driving Mode
The driver can select this optional handling mode by
pressing the ESC/TCS button on the console two times
within a ve second time period. COMPETITIVE
MODE displays in the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-41for more information.
Competitive Driving Mode allows the driver to have full
control of the rear wheels while the ESC system
helps maintain directional control of the vehicle by
selective brake application. The ESC/TCS light will be
on and the traction control system will not be operating.
Adjust your driving accordingly. This electronic stability
control mode is recommended only for use during closed
track events and competitive driving venues.
When the ESC/TCS button is pressed again, or the
vehicle is restarted, the ESC and TCS turn back on.
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the rear
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not
attempt to shift when the rear wheels do not have
traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is
not covered. See your warranty book for additional
information.
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Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because
some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because your headlamps can only
light up so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns
or curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and
affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive
slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and deep-standing
or owing water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through owing water could
cause your vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle occupants
could drown. Do not ignore police warnings
and be very cautious about trying to drive
through owing water.
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Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
You might want to put winter emergency supplies
in your trunk.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer uid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a ashlight, a red
cloth, and a couple of reective warning triangles. And,
if you will be driving under severe conditions, include
a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet, or a couple
of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you
properly secure these items in your vehicle.
Also seeTires on page 5-50.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where the tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between the tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation.
You have a lot less traction, or grip, and need to be
very careful.What is the worst time for this? Wet ice. Very cold snow
or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice
can be even more trouble because it can offer the least
traction of all. You can get wet ice when it is about
freezing, 32°F (0°C), and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
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