automatic transmission SATURN VUE 2009 User Guide

The main components of the
instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on
page 3-24.
B.Instrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-14.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-6.
D.Instrument Panel Cluster on
page 3-27.
E.Windshield Wipers on page 3-7.
F.Audio System(s) on page 3-64.
G. Auxiliary Input Jack.
SeeRadio(s) on page 3-67.
H.Fog Lamps on page 3-14.
Exterior Lamps on page 3-12.
I.Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-42.
J.Instrument Panel Storage on
page 2-42.
K.Hood Release on page 5-11.
L.Cruise Control on page 3-9.
M.Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.N.Horn on page 3-5.
O.Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-92.
P.Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 3-9.
Q.Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation
(Uplevel) on page 2-19or
Automatic Transmission
Operation (Base) on page 2-22.
S.Climate Control System on
page 3-17orAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20
(If Equipped).
T.Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 3-5.
U.Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 3-30.
V.Safety Belt Reminders on
page 3-28.
W.Glove Box on page 2-41.Hazard Warning Flashers
|
(Hazard Warning Flasher):
Press this button located on the
instrument panel, to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps ash on
and off. This warns others that you
are having trouble.
Press
|again to turn the
ashers off.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols
on the steering wheel pad to sound
the horn.
Instrument Panel 3-5
ProCarManuals.com

To increase the speed in small
amounts, move the thumbwheel
up toward RES+ briey and then
release it. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) faster.
Use the accelerator pedal to
reach the desired speed and
move the thumbwheel towards
−SET. The new desired speed
must be greater than the previous
set speed by a least 5 mph.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already engaged,
Move the thumbwheel toward
−SET and hold until the desired
lower speed is reached, then
release it.
To slow down in very small
amounts, move the thumbwheel
toward−SET briey. Each time
this is done, the vehicle goes
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle’s speed.
When you take your foot off the
pedal, the vehicle will slow down
to the previously set cruise control
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends upon the vehicle’s
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills,
you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the
vehicle’s speed. When going
downhill, you might have to brake or
shift to a lower gear to maintain the
vehicle’s speed. For some vehicles
the transmission may automatically
downshift when going down hills to
help maintain the vehicle’s speed.
When the brakes are applied the
cruise control shuts off.Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to disengage
the cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal
or clutch; when cruise control
disengages, the indicator light
on the instrument panel cluster
goes out.
PressEto turn off the cruise
control system.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed
memory is erased when the
cruise control or the ignition is
turned off.
Instrument Panel 3-11
ProCarManuals.com

Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver
Information Center (DIC).
All information appears in the DIC
display located in the instrument
panel cluster.
The DIC comes on when the
ignition is on. After a short delay,
the DIC displays the information
that was last displayed before
the engine was turned off.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and
vehicle system information, and
warning messages if a system
problem is detected.
The DIC also displays the compass
direction, outside air temperature,
and shift position indicator at thetop of the DIC display. If there is
a problem with the system that
controls the temperature display,
the numbers will be replaced with
dashes. If this occurs, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. If an abnormal temperature
reading is displayed for an extended
period of time, consult your
dealer/retailer. Under certain
circumstances, especially when
the engine is idling, a delay updating
the temperature display is normal.
SeeDIC Compass on page 3-47
andAutomatic Transmission
Operation (Uplevel) on page 2-19or
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Base) on page 2-22for more
information.
DIC Operation and
Displays
The DIC has different displays which
can be accessed by pressing the DIC
buttons located on the instrument
panel, below the headlamp switch.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and
vehicle system information, and
warning messages if a system
problem is detected.
The DIC also allows some features
to be customized. SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-57for more
information.
3-42 Instrument Panel
ProCarManuals.com

The following are the possible
messages that can be displayed
and some information about them.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the
charging system detects that the
battery is being drained. You may
notice that the vehicle attempts to
reduce the drain for you by turning
off accessories, such as interior fans,
rear defogger, and heated seats.
Turn off all accessories. If the vehicle
is not running, start and run the
engine for at least 10 minutes to
allow the battery to recharge. If the
engine is running and the condition
persists, see your dealer/retailer
immediately.
CALIBRATING COMPASS:
TURN IN CIRCLES
This message displays when
calibrating the compass. Drive
the vehicle in circles at less than
5 mph (8 km/h) to complete the
calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-47.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when service
is required for the vehicle. See your
dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-14andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-3for
more information.
Acknowledging this message will
not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING
display. That must be done at the
OIL LIFE screen. See “OIL LIFE”
underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-42andEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16for more
information.
CHANGE TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Notice:Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission uid
may damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13.
This message displays when the life
of the transmission uid has expired
and it should be changed. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-3
andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13for the
proper uid and change intervals.
3-50 Instrument Panel
ProCarManuals.com

SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is not
functioning properly. A warning light
also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-33
andTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8for more information.
Have the TCS serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when
a non-emissions related malfunction
occurs. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak,
this message may display and the
StabiliTrak indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on
after rst driving the vehicle and
exceeding 20 mph (32 km/h) for
30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system
is not functional until the light has
turned off. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-7for more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when you turn off
the StabiliTrak, or when the stability
control has been automatically
disabled. To limit wheel spin and
realize the full benets of the stability
enhancement system, you should
normally leave StabiliTrak on.
However, you should turn StabiliTrak
off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow and you want to
rock your vehicle to attempt to free it,or if you are driving in extreme
off-road conditions and require more
wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-27. To turn the StabiliTrak
system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-7.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the
vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened
properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-35. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-8. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap allows
fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off.
Instrument Panel 3-55
ProCarManuals.com

To tow the vehicle from the front
with all four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle that will
be towed and secure it to
the towing vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
3. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
4. Turn fog lamps and all
accessories off.5. To prevent the battery from
draining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove the 2 amp
IGN SW fuse from the instrument
panel fuse block and store it in a
safe location. SeeInstrument
Panel Fuse Block on page 5-80
Notice:If the vehicle is towed
without performing each of the
steps listed under “Dinghy
Towing,” the automatic
transmission could be damaged.
Be sure to follow all steps of the
dinghy towing procedure prior to
and after towing the vehicle.
Notice:If the vehicle has
a four-speed automatic
transmission, it can be dinghy
towed from the front for unlimited
miles at 65 mph (105 km/h).
The vehicle could be damaged If
65 mph (105 km/h) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle. The
repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Never
exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while
towing the vehicle.Once the destination has been
reached:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to
P (Park).
3. Reinstall the 2 amp IGN SW fuse
to the instrument panel fuse
block.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/
OFF and remove the key from
the ignition.
Notice:Too much or too
little uid can damage the
transmission. Be sure that the
transmission uid is at the proper
level before towing with all four
wheels on the ground.
Notice:Do not tow a vehicle
with the front drive wheels on the
ground if one of the front tires is a
compact spare tire. Towing with
two different tire sizes on the front
of the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-33
ProCarManuals.com

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer,
make wider turns than normal. Do
this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or
other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
ash whenever signaling a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also ash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel ash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may
think other drivers are seeing thesignal when they are not. It is
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
transmission temperatures may
result and damage the vehicle.
Frequent stops are very important
to allow the engine and
transmission to cool.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbeforestarting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the transmission
is not shifted down, the brakes
might have to be used so much that
they would get hot and no longer
work well.On a long uphill grade, shift down
and reduce the vehicle’s speed
to around 45 mph (70 km/h)
to reduce the possibility of the
engine and the transmission
overheating.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at a
lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
automatic transmission in P (Park)
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-25.
4-42 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet.
Turn the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.3. When the wheel chocks are
in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
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
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-3
for more information. Things that
are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system and brake system.
It is a good idea to inspect these
before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-25.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-43
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Service and
Appearance Care
ServiceService................................5-3
Accessories and
Modications.......................5-3
California Proposition 65
Warning.............................5-4
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements........5-4
Doing Your Own
Service Work......................5-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle...........5-5
FuelFuel....................................5-5
Gasoline Octane...................5-5
Gasoline Specications..........5-6
California Fuel......................5-6
Additives..............................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries......5-8
Filling the Tank.....................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................5-10
Checking Things Under
the Hood
Checking Things Under
the Hood..........................5-10
Hood Release.....................5-11
Engine Compartment
Overview..........................5-12
Engine Oil..........................5-14
Engine Oil Life System.........5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-17
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................5-18
Cooling System...................5-19
Engine Coolant...................5-22
Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap....................5-25
Engine Overheating.............5-25
Power Steering Fluid............5-26
Windshield Washer Fluid......5-27
Brakes...............................5-28
Battery...............................5-30
Jump Starting.....................5-31
All-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive...................5-35
Headlamp AimingHeadlamp Aiming................5-36
Bulb ReplacementBulb Replacement...............5-39
Halogen Bulbs....................5-39
Headlamps.........................5-39
Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps..................5-40
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps..............................5-40
License Plate Lamp.............5-41
Replacement Bulbs..............5-41
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement.....................5-42
TiresTires..................................5-43
Tire Sidewall Labeling..........5-44
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.........................5-46
Ination - Tire Pressure........5-49
High-Speed Operation..........5-50
Tire Pressure Monitor
System.............................5-51
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation..........................5-53
Service and Appearance Care 5-1
ProCarManuals.com

When you open the hood on the 3.5L V6 engine (3.6L V6 similar), you will
see the following:
A. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-17.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See Power
Steering Fluid on page 5-26 .C. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (Out
of View). See Cooling System
on page 5-19.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine
Oil on page 5-14. E. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-14.
F. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking the Fluid Level” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
on page 5-18.
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See Brakes on page 5-28 .
H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System on
page 5-19.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on page 5-31 .
J. See Underhood Fuse Block
on page 5-82.
K. See Battery on page 5-30 .
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-27 .
Service and Appearance Care 5-13
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