maintenance SATURN VUE 2009 User Guide

Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with all-wheel drive can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without all-wheel drive should not be
driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features
that help make the vehicle more
responsive on paved roads during
poor weather conditions also help
make it better suited for off-road
use than conventional passenger
vehicles. The vehicle does not
have features usually thought to be
necessary for extended or severe
off-road use such as special
underbody shielding and transfer
case low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range of
conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and
observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain.Drinking and driving can be very
dangerous on any road and this is
certainly true for off-road driving.
At the very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your
reexes, perceptions, and judgment
can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could have a
serious — or even fatal — accident if
you drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking.
Off-roading can be great fun but has
some denite hazards. The greatest
of these is the terrain itself. When
off-road driving, traffic lanes are not
marked, curves are not banked, and
there are no road signs. Surfaces
can be slippery, rough, uphill, or
downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off-road could result
in loss of vehicle control or vehicle
rollover.Off-roading involves some new skills.
That is why it is very important that
you read these driving tips and
suggestions to help make off-road
driving safer and more enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading

Have all necessary maintenance
and service work done.
Make sure there is enough fuel,
that uid levels are where they
should be, and that the spare tire
is fully inated.
Be sure to read all the
information about all-wheel-drive
vehicles in this manual.
Make sure all underbody shields,
if the vehicle has them, are
properly attached.
Know the local laws that apply to
off-roading where you will be
driving or check with law
enforcement people in the area.
Be sure to get the necessary
permission if you will be on
private land.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-13
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Driving in Water
{CAUTION
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers
could drown. If it is only shallow
water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and
you could lose traction and roll
the vehicle over. Do not drive
through rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean ash ooding,
and ood waters demand extreme
caution.
Find out how deep the water is
before driving through it. Do not
try it if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe — you probably will not get
through. Deep water can damage
the axle and other vehicle parts.If the water is not too deep, drive
slowly through it. At faster speeds,
water splashes on the ignition
system and the vehicle can stall.
Stalling can also occur if you get the
tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is
under water, you will never be able to
start the engine. When going through
water, remember that when the
brakes get wet, it might take longer to
stop. SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet
Roads on page 4-23.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that
has collected on the underbody,
chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand,
have the brake linings cleaned and
checked. These substances can
cause glazing and uneven braking.
Check the body structure, steering,
suspension, wheels, tires, axles, and
exhaust system for damage and
check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.The vehicle requires more frequent
service due to off-road use.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
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 headlamps can only
light up so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
4-22 Driving Your Vehicle
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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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Tire Inspection and
Rotation............................5-56
When It Is Time for
New Tires.........................5-57
Buying New Tires................5-58
Different Size Tires and
Wheels.............................5-59
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading............................5-60
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance.....................5-61
Wheel Replacement.............5-62
Tire Chains.........................5-62
If a Tire Goes Flat...............5-63
Changing a Flat Tire............5-64
Removing the Spare
Tire and Tools...................5-65
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire.......5-66
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools...................5-70
Compact Spare Tire.............5-71Appearance CareInterior Cleaning..................5-72
Fabric/Carpet......................5-73
Leather..............................5-74
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.........5-74
Care of Safety Belts............5-74
Weatherstrips......................5-75
Washing Your Vehicle..........5-75
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses...................5-75
Finish Care.........................5-76
Windshield and Wiper
Blades..............................5-76
Aluminum Wheels................5-77
Tires..................................5-77
Sheet Metal Damage...........5-78
Finish Damage....................5-78
Underbody Maintenance.......5-78
Chemical Paint Spotting........5-78Vehicle IdenticationVehicle Identication
Number (VIN)....................5-79
Service Parts Identication
Label...............................5-79
Electrical SystemAdd-On Electrical
Equipment........................5-79
Windshield Wiper Fuses.......5-80
Power Windows and
Other Power Options..........5-80
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers...........................5-80
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block.......................5-80
Underhood Fuse Block.........5-82
Capacities and
Specications
Capacities and
Specications....................5-86
5-2 Service and Appearance Care
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California Proposition 65
Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle),
many uids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained
in remote keyless transmitters, may
contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{CAUTION
You can be injured and the
vehicle could be damaged if you
try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient
knowledge, experience, the
proper replacement parts, and
tools before attempting any
vehicle maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper
nuts, bolts, and other
fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily
confused. If the wrong
fasteners are used, parts
can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service manual.
It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service
manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-56.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date
of any service work performed. See
Maintenance Record on page 6-17.
5-4 Service and Appearance Care
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Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the
vehicle can affect the airow
around it. This can cause wind
noise and can affect fuel economy
and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer
before adding equipment to
the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel
is an important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN) shows
the code letter or number that
identies the vehicle’s engine.
The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identification Number (VIN) on
page 5-79.
Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine
(VIN Code P) or the 3.5L V6 engine
(VIN Code N), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is
less than 87, you might notice an
audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark
knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon
as possible. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you
hear heavy knocking, the engine
needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code 7), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best
performance or trailer towing, you
could choose to use middle grade
89 octane unleaded gasoline.
Service and Appearance Care 5-5
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What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for the location of the
engine air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter
remove the lter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter
remains caked with dirt, a new lter
is required.To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter, do the following:
1. Remove the clamp on the air
duct hose.
2. Disconnect the hose.
3. Remove the four bolts on the
side of the air cleaner assembly.
4. Turn the cover upward to
disengage the cover hinges.
5. Remove the air cleaner cover
assembly and air lter element.
Service and Appearance Care 5-17
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Protect against rust and
corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages
work as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can 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
the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free)
coolant in the vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean,
drinkable water and one-half
DEX-COOL
®coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If you
use this coolant mixture, you do not
need to add anything else.
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
If you have to add coolant more
than four times a year, have
your dealer/retailer check your
cooling system.
Notice:If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in
the vehicle’s cooling system,
the vehicle could be damaged.
Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in
this manual for the cooling
system. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13for more information.
Service and Appearance Care 5-23
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Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have to
be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have
really good braking. The vehicle was
designed and tested with top-quality
brake parts. When parts of the
braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings
wear down and new ones are
installed — be sure to get new
approved replacement parts. If this
is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if
someone puts in brake linings
that are wrong for the vehicle, the
balance between the front and
rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance
expected can change in many other
ways if the wrong replacement
brake parts are installed.
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free
battery. When it is time for a new
battery, see your dealer/retailer for
one that has the replacement
number shown on the original
battery’s label. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{CAUTION
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-31for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: If the vehicle is
driven infrequently, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery. This helps keep the battery
from running down.
Extended Storage: For extended
storage of the vehicle, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger. This helps maintain the
charge of the battery over an
extended period of time.
5-30 Service and Appearance Care
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All-Wheel Drive
It is recommended that the all-wheel
drive lubricants be checked and
lled by the dealer/retailer.
Transfer Case
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check
the lubricant and when to change it.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3.How to Check Lubricant
A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom
of the ller plug hole, located on
the transfer case, you’ll need to
add some lubricant. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to
the bottom of the ller plug hole.A uid loss could indicate a problem;
check and have it repaired, if
needed.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine what kind of lubricant
to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check
the lubricant and when to change it.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3.
Service and Appearance Care 5-35
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