tire pressure SATURN VUE 2009 Owner's Manual

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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Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will ash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle toensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 5-53for
additional information.
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) operates on a radio
frequency and complies with Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.Vehicles with TPMS operate on
a radio frequency and comply with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modications to
this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
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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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The TPMS malfunction light comes
on at each ignition cycle until the
problem is corrected. Some of
the conditions that can cause the
malfunction light to come on are:
One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction
light should go off once you
re-install the road tire containing
the TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching
process was started but not
completed or not completed
successfully after rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The TPMS
malfunction light should go
off once the TPMS sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See “TPMS Sensor
Matching Process” later in this
section.
One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The TPMS
malfunction light should go
off when the TPMS sensors
are installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match your vehicle’s original
equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those
recommended for your vehicle
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires on page 5-58.
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time you
replace one or more of the TPMS
sensors or rotate the vehicle’s tires,
the identication codes will need to
be matched to the new tire/wheel
position. The sensors are matched,
to the tire/wheel positions, in the
following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger
side rear tire, and driver side rear tire
using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See
your dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. When increasing
the tire’s pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
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To decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match
each tire and wheel position.
If it takes longer than two minutes to
match any tire and wheel position,
the matching process stops and you
will need to start over.
The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the RKE
transmitter’s Lock and Unlock
buttons at the same time, for
about three seconds. The horn
will sound twice to indicate the
receiver is ready for the sensor
matching process to begin.4. Start with the driver side front
tire. The driver side turn signal
lamp comes on.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
tire’s valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air
pressure for ve seconds, or until
a horn chirp sounds. The horn
chirp, which may take up to
30 seconds to sound, conrms
that the sensor identication code
has been matched to the
tire/wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side
front tire. The passenger side
front turn signal lamp comes on.
Repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire. The passenger side
rear turn signal lamp comes on.
Repeat the procedure in Step 5.8. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire. The driver side rear turn
signal lamp comes on. Repeat the
procedure in Step 5. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the
sensor identication code has
been matched to the driver side
rear tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active.
9. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.
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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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Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC Spec) system
rating. If you need replacement
tires, GM strongly recommends
that you get tires with the same
TPC Spec rating. This way, your
vehicle will continue to have tires
that are designed to give the
same performance and vehicle
safety, during normal use, as the
original tires.
GM’s exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specications that impact
the overall performance of your
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressuremonitoring performance. GM’s
TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall near the
tire size. If the tires have an
all-season tread design, the TPC
Spec number will be followed by
an MS for mud and snow. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling on
page 5-44for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all tires
will help keep your vehicle
performing most like it did when
the tires were new. Replacing
less than a full set of tires can
affect the braking and handling
performance of your vehicle. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-56for information on
proper tire rotation.{CAUTION
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving. If
you mix tires of different sizes,
brands, or types (radial and
bias-belted tires), the vehicle
may not handle properly, and
you could have a crash. Using
tires of different sizes, brands,
or types may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be
sure to use the correct size,
brand, and type of tires on all
wheels. It is all right to drive
with your compact spare
temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your
vehicle. SeeCompact Spare
Tire on page 5-71.
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{CAUTION
If you use bias-ply tires on the
vehicle, the wheel rim anges
could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s
tires with those that do not have
a TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load
range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and
bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give an
inaccurate low-pressure warning
if non-TPC Spec rated tires
are installed on your vehicle.Non-TPC Spec rated tires may
give a low-pressure warning that
is higher or lower than the proper
warning level you would get with
TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-51.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information Label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-28, for more information
about the Tire and Loading
Information Label and its location
on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are
a different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires,
this may affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, anti-lock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and stability control, the
performance of these systems can
be affected.
{CAUTION
If you add different sized wheels,
your vehicle may not provide an
acceptable level of performance
and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and
suffer serious injury. Only use
Saturn specic wheel and tire
systems developed for your
vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a Saturn certied
technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-58
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for additional
information.
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5. Remove the disk (A) from the
retainer bolt. Turn the disk (A)
over and place it back on
the retainer bolt.
Return the disk back to its original
position after removing the at tire
from the spare tire compartment
and before storing the spare tire.
6. Place the wheel retainer bolt
onto the wheel stow rod and
tighten by turning it clockwise.
The compact spare is for temporary
use only. Replace the compact spare
tire with a full-size tire as soon as
possible.Compact Spare Tire
{CAUTION
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
The compact spare tire was fully
inated when the vehicle was
new, however, it can lose air after a
time. Check the ination pressure
regularly. It should be 60 psi
(414 kPa).
After installing the compact spare
on your vehicle, you should stop as
soon as possible and make sure
your spare tire is correctly inated.
The compact spare is intended to
perform well at speeds up to 50 mph
(80 km/h), so you can nish your tripand have your full-size tire repaired
or replaced where you want. Replace
your spare with a full-size tire as
soon as you can.
Notice:When the compact spare
is installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use your compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix your compact spare tire
or wheel with other wheels or tires.
Keep your spare tire and its wheel
together.
Notice:Tire chains will not t
the compact spare. Using them
can damage the vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use
tire chains on the compact spare.
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