towing SATURN VUE 2004 Owner's Manual

When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher
than normal engine and transaxle temperatures may
result and damage your vehicle. Frequent stops
are very important to allow the engine and transaxle
to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you
start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t
shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If your engine does overheat, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-31.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle, or into gear
for a manual transaxle.
When parking uphill, turn your wheels away from
the curb. When parking downhill, turn your wheels
into the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks behind the trailer
wheels.
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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 5-31.
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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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid 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 recreational/trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the uid at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership 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’s colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to
drive longer.
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Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-71andWheel Replacement
on page 5-75for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4, for scheduled rotation intervals.
When towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground, the vehicle’s odometer will not record the miles
generated while towing. Keep a record of how many
miles your vehicle was towed so they can be added to
the mileage on the vehicle’s odometer when following
your maintenance schedule for recommended services.When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specications on page 5-102.
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(h)Severe service is when 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. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-28 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.
(m)Change the uid the rst time the vehicle is
serviced after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) and
when the vehicle is serviced after each subsequent
50,000 miles (83 000 km).(n)Severe service is when the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
In very high temperatures — over 110°F (43°C).
In very low temperatures — under -20°F (-29°C).
When doing frequent trailer towing.
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 6-14.
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.
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Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-92
Your CD and DVD Player.............................3-75
Your CDs and DVDs....................................3-75
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-19
CD Messages........................................3-49, 3-61
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-36
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-58
Chains, Tire...................................................5-76
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing................4-61
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Coolant............................................5-30
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-15
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-95
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-34
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-45Child Restraints (cont.)
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-89
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-92
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-94
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-93
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-89
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-91
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-91
Cleaning the DVD Player.................................3-71
Cleaning the Mirror.................................2-31, 2-33
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-91
Cleaning the Video Screen...............................3-71
Cleaning Tires................................................5-94
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-91
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-94
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-23
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-28
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-88
Compass Calibration...............................2-30, 2-32
Compass Operation.........................................2-32
Compass Variance..................................2-30, 2-32
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Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-7
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-34
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-33
Heater, Engine............................................2-17
Low Warning Light.......................................3-34
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-31
Cooling System..............................................5-34
Cruise Control........................................3-11, 3-14
Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn.................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government.................................... 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information......... 7-9
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-17
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-40
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-3Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-22
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Dinghy Towing (All-Wheel Drive and
Front-Wheel Drive with VTi Transaxle)............4-46
Dinghy Towing (Manual or Five-Speed
Automatic Transaxle*)...................................4-47
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature.................3-74
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel Drive Vehicles)..............4-48
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles)..........4-48
Dome Lamp...................................................3-19
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driver Behavior................................................ 4-2
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-30
City...........................................................4-35
Defensive..................................................... 4-3
Drunken....................................................... 4-4
Environment................................................. 4-2
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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement...............5-21
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-61
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-19
Environmental Concerns..................................4-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-7
Express-Down Window....................................2-12
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-17
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finding a Category (CAT) Station......................3-53
Finding a Station............................3-44, 3-46, 3-51
Finish Care....................................................5-93
Finish Damage...............................................5-95
Five-Speed....................................................2-21
Five-Speed Automatic and VTi Variable..............2-18
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-75
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-78Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-25
Manual Transaxle........................................5-27
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
FM Stereo.....................................................3-74
Fog Lamps....................................................3-18
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-8
Following Distance..........................................4-59
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-42
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-98
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Light (cont.)
TCS Warning Light......................................3-32
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-32
Up-Shift.....................................................3-30
Load Floor Storage Box...................................2-37
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-49
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-18
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-34
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-42
Low Traction Light..........................................3-33
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At Least Once a Month................................6-11
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-18
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-16
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-14
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-61
Making Turns.................................................4-59
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-35
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transaxle............................................2-15
Fluid..........................................................5-27
Operation...................................................2-21
Manual Windows............................................2-11
Map Lamps....................................................3-20
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-31
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Playing the Single CD Player...........................3-54
Playing the Six-Disc CD Player.........................3-56
Power............................................................. 1-3
Accessory Outlets........................................3-20
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-98
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-39
Windows....................................................2-12
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-28
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-9
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-14
R
Radio Data System (RDS)...............................3-49
Radio Personalization......................................3-62
Radios..........................................................3-42
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-43
Care of Your CD and DVD Player..................3-75
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-75
Radio with CD....................................3-45, 3-49
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-43
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-43Radios (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-72
Understanding Reception..............................3-74
RDS Messages..............................................3-53
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-25
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-62
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-23
Rear Window Wiper/Washer.............................3-10
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-31
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display....................................2-29
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-29
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-14
Recovery Hook...............................................4-45
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-46
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-39
Remote Control..............................................3-68
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...................5-78
Removing the Wheel.......................................5-82
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