warning light SATURN VUE 2008 User Guide

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
The Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light will
show one of these two symbols.
This light will come on briey when the engine is
started.
This light will also come on when the Traction Control
System (TCS) has been turned off or when the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) is not ready. If there is a problem
with the TCS or the ESP, this light and the TCS warning
light will come on at the same time. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-7andElectronic Stability
Program on page 4-8for more information.
Electronic Stability Program
Indicator Light
This comes on briey
when the engine is started.
It ashes while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or
the Traction Control System (TCS) is working. This light
will come on when the ESP has been turned off and if
there is a problem with the ESP or the TCS. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-7andElectronic
Stability Program on page 4-8for more information.
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Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light comes on briey when starting the vehicle
as a system check. If it does not, take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer for service.
If this light comes on and
stays lit, the engine has
overheated.
If this happens pull over and seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-25for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause your vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-25.
Your vehicle could be damaged, and it might not be
covered by your warranty. Never drive with the
engine coolant temperature warning light on.
Tire Pressure Light
The tire pressure light
comes on briey when
the engine is started.
It provides information about tire pressures and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is Solid
This indicates that one or more of your tires are
signicantly underinated.
Stop and check the tires as soon as it is safe to do,
and inate them to the proper pressure. SeeTires on
page 5-51for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
Solid
This indicates that there may be a problem with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes for about
a minute and then stays solid for the remainder of
the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat with every
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-60for more information.
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Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when
the high-beam headlamps
are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8
for more information.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on briey
when the engine is started.
It also comes on when the windshield washer uid is
low. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-32
for more information.
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light
This light will come
on when there is a
malfunction in the
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
system.
This light will ash when the AWD system is temporarily
disabled.
For more information seeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System on page 4-10.
Gate Ajar Light
If this light comes on, your
liftgate is not completely
closed. Driving with the
liftgate open can cause
carbon monoxide (CO) to
enter the vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-32for more information.
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Door Ajar Light
This light will come on
when a door is open.
Before driving, check that
all doors are properly
closed.
Service Vehicle Soon Light
This light will come on if a
condition exists that may
require the vehicle to
be taken in for service.
If the light comes on, take your vehicle to your
dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on, the fuel gage tells you about
how much fuel is left in the tank.
When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light will
come on. There is still a little fuel left, but you should get
more soon. SeeLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-48
for more information.
United StatesCanada
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Here are four things that some owners ask about. None
of these mean a condition exists with the fuel gage:
At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to
ll the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
The gage takes a few seconds to stabilize after the
ignition is turned on, but it goes back to empty
when the ignition is turned off.
For fuel tank capacity, seeCapacities and Specifications
on page 5-104.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light, below the fuel
gage, will come on briey
when the engine is
started.
This light also comes on when the fuel tank is low on
fuel. When you add fuel the light should go off. If it does
not, have your vehicle serviced.
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Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-37.
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.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.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has 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. SeeAnti-lock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-37.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might
hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has 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 one
or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear
the system working, but this is normal.
This light will ash when
your traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system on. But you can turn the traction control
system off if you ever need to. You should turn the
system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice or snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-35
andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-34for more information.The TCS button is located
on the instrument panel.
Press this button briey to turn off the TCS.
One of these TCS warning
lights will be displayed on
the instrument panel
when the TCS is off.
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The ESP/TCS button is
located on the instrument
panel.
The Traction Control System (TCS) can be turned off or
back on by pressing the ESP/TCS button. To disable
both traction control and ESP, press and hold the button
briey.
When the ESP system is turned off, the ESP/TCS
warning light will be on solid to warn the driver that
both traction control and ESP 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.ESP may also turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the system. The ESP/TCS
warning light will be on solid to warn the driver that ESP
is disabled and requires service. If the problem does
not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, you should
see your dealer/retailer for service.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
begins to assist the driver maintain directional control
of the vehicle, the ESP/TCS light will ash and the
cruise control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to use cruise again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-11.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
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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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This
can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going
fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has
little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
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