maintenance SATURN VUE 2009 Owner's Manual

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, 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.Headlamp Aiming
The headlamp aiming system has
been preset at the factory.
If the vehicle is damaged in an
accident, the aim of the headlamps
may be affected and adjustment
may be necessary.
It is recommended that a
dealer/retailer adjust the headlamps.
To re-aim the headlamps yourself,
use the following procedure.
The vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
The vehicle should be placed so
the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m)
from a light colored wall.
The vehicle must have all four
tires on a level surface which
is level all the way to the wall.
The vehicle should be placed so
it is perpendicular to the wall or
other at surface. AWD Differential Case
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Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-3for more information.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type
and length, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
To replace the windshield wiper
blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the
windshield.2. Push the release lever (B) to
disengage the hook and push
the wiper arm (A) out of the
blade (C).
3. Push the new wiper blade
securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release lever
click into place.To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Lift the rear wiper arm (A) from
the window.
2. Rotate the bottom edge of the
blade assembly (B) slightly
away from the underside of the
wiper arm.
3. Apply downward pressure to the
blade assembly and remove
from the wiper arm.
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If your vehicle has P235/55R18 size
tires, they will require ination
pressure adjustment when driving
your vehicle at speeds of 100 mph
(160 km/h) or higher. Set the cold
ination pressure to the maximum
ination pressure shown on the
tire sidewall, or 38 psi (262 kPa),
whichever is lower. See the example
following. When you end this
high-speed driving, return the tires to
the cold tire ination pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-28andInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-49.
Example:
You will nd the maximum load
and ination pressure molded on
the tire’s sidewall, in small letters,
near the rim ange. It will read
something like this: Maximum load
690 kg (1521 lbs) 300 kPa (44 psi)
Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the
ination pressure for high-speed
driving at 38 psi (262 kPa).Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires
and transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare
(if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inated to the
ination pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire ination pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
ination pressure for those tires.)As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with
a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is signicantly
under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on
a signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-ination
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is
not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
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Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire
and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the vehicle’s tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning light on
the instrument panel cluster.The low tire pressure warning light
comes on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inated to
the correct ination pressure.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This may be an early indicator
that the air pressure in the tire(s)
are getting low and need to be
inated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information
label, attached to your vehicle,
shows the size of your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and
the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they
are cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-28, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information
label and its location on your
vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-49.Your vehicle’s TPMS system can
warn you about a low tire pressure
condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-56andTires on page 5-43.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors. Sensor
damage caused by using a tire
sealant is not covered by your
warranty. Do not use liquid tire
sealants.
TPMS Malfunction Light
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS
sensors are missing or inoperable.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire warning
light ashes for about one minute
and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle.
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Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, for
signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-57for more
information.
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000
to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-3.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the
vehicle. This will ensure that the
vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the
tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the 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 5-57andWheel
Replacement on page 5-62.
When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear ination
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-49andLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-28.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 5-53.
Make certain that all wheel nuts
are properly tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 5-86.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or
on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after time.
The wheel could come off
and cause an accident.
(Continued)
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CAUTION (Continued)
When you change a wheel,
remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency,
you can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt
off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-64.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions inuence when
you need new tires.One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear when
the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.
You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:
You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge, or
split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out before
they degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
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CAUTION (Continued)
The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and you or
others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions. To
help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove
the device if it is contacting the
vehicle, and do not spin the
vehicle’s wheels. If you do nd
traction devices that will t, install
them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your vehicle’s tires
properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire creates
a drag that pulls the vehicle toward
that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop well out of
the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rear
blowout remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the
way you want the vehicle to go.It may be very bumpy and noisy, but
you can still steer. Gently brake to a
stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a
at tire. If it is used for anything
else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided
with the vehicle, only use it for
changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part
shows how to use the jacking
equipment to change a at tire
safely.
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{CAUTION
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a
at tire. If it is used for anything
else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided
with the vehicle, only use it for
changing a at tire.
Notice:Make sure that the jack
lift head is in the correct
position or you may damage your
vehicle. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
7. Remove all of the wheel nuts.
8. Remove the at tire.9. Remove any rust or dirt from the
wheel bolts, mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure
to use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the rust
or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat
Tire on page 5-64.
10. Place the compact spare tire on
the wheel-mounting surface.11. Reinstall the wheel nuts. Tighten
each nut by hand until the wheel
is held against the hub.
{CAUTION
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle’s wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
12. Lower the vehicle by turning the
jack handle counterclockwise.
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Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced
to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the nish should be
repaired right away. Bare metal will
corrode quickly and may develop
into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be
repaired with touch-up materials
available from your dealer/retailer.
Larger areas of nish damage can be
corrected in your dealer’s/retailer’s
body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can
develop on the underbody parts such
as fuel lines, frame, oor pan, and
exhaust system even though they
have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, ush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas
where mud and debris can collect.
Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before
being ushed. Your dealer/retailer
or an underbody car washing
system can do this.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical
fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall
upon and attack painted surfaces on
the vehicle. This damage can take
two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job
causes this, we will repair, at no
charge to the owner, the surfaces
of new vehicles damaged by this
fallout condition within 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of
purchase, whichever occurs rst.
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Maintenance
Schedule
Maintenance ScheduleIntroduction..........................6-1
Maintenance Requirements.....6-1
Your Vehicle and the
Environment........................6-1
Using the Maintenance
Schedule............................6-2
Scheduled Maintenance.........6-3
Additional Required Services. . . .6-6
Maintenance Footnotes..........6-8
Owner Checks and
Services...........................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill.................6-10
At Least Once a Month........6-10
At Least Once a Year..........6-11
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants...................6-13
Maintenance Replacement
Parts................................6-15
Engine Drive Belt Routing.....6-16
Maintenance Record............6-17
Maintenance
Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the
proper level and change as
recommended.
Maintenance
Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals,
checks, inspections, replacement
parts, and recommended uids
and lubricants as prescribed
in this manual are necessary to
keep this vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused
by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Your Vehicle and the
Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only
helps to keep the vehicle in good
working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended
maintenance is important. Improper
vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we
breathe. Improper uid levels or the
wrong tire ination can increase
the level of emissions from the
vehicle. To help protect the
environment, and to keep the
vehicle in good condition, be sure to
maintain the vehicle properly.
Maintenance Schedule 6-1
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