towing SATURN VUE 2009 Owner's Manual

Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds,
large trucks going by and rough
roads are a few reasons why
the right hitch is needed.
The rear bumper on the vehicle is
not intended for hitches. Do not
attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
be sure to seal the holes when
the hitch is removed. If they are
not sealed, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from the engine’s
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 2-28. Sealing the holes will
also prevent dirt and water from
entering the vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation
for attaching safety chains and do
not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so
the rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 1,000 lbs (450 kg) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the trailer.Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly. Because the
vehicle has StabiliTrak
®, do not try
to tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both brake
systems will not work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear
of the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
4-40 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION (Continued)
To maximize safety when towing
a trailer:
Have the exhaust system
inspected for leaks and make
necessary repairs before
starting a trip.
Never drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-28.Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Get to know
the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of
handling and braking with the added
weight of the trailer. And always keep
in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the
vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that
require heavy braking and sudden
turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-41
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
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

(g)Check system for interference or
binding and for damaged or missing
parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have
high effort or excessive wear.
(h)Severe service is when the
vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer
towing.
Uses such as found in taxi,
police, or delivery service.(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling
system. This service can be
complex; you should have your
dealer/retailer perform this service.
See Engine Coolant on page 5-22 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system
could indicate a problem. Have
the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add
fluid if needed.
(k)Or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first. If you drive regularly
under dusty conditions, the filter may
require replacement more often.(l)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
(m)Change the fluid the first
time the vehicle is serviced after
100,000 miles (166 000 km) and
when the vehicle is serviced after
each subsequent 50,000 miles
(83 000 km).
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Maintenance Schedule 6-9
ProCarManuals.com

Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Saturn and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to
make any changes or discontinue
the Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notication.
Saturn and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to
limit services or payment to an
owner or driver if they decide the
claims are made too often, or
the same type of claim is made
many times.
Services Provided

Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for
the vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
Lock-Out Service:Service is
provided to unlock the vehicle
if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if
you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must
present identication before this
service is given.
Emergency Tow From a Public
Road or Highway:Tow to the
nearest Saturn retailer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is also
given when the vehicle is stuck
in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Service is
provided to change a at tire
with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good
condition and properly inated. It
is the owner’s responsibility
for the repair or replacement of
the tire if it is not covered by
the warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is
provided to jump start a dead
battery.
Trip Interruption Benets and
Assistance:If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty
failure, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed during the 5 years/
100,000 miles (160 000 km)
Powertrain warranty period. Items
considered are hotel, meals, and
rental car.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance

Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or
changing of snow tires, chains,
or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles
driven on a non-public road or
highway.
Customer Assistance Information 7-7
ProCarManuals.com

If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are
involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you are
all right. If you are uninjured,
make sure that no one else in
your vehicle, or the other vehicle,
is injured.
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help.
Do not leave the scene of a crash
until all matters have been
taken care of. Move your vehicle
only if its position puts you in
danger or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and
requested information to
police and other parties involved
in the crash. Do not discuss
your personal condition, mental
frame of mind, or anything
unrelated to the crash. This will
help guard against post-crash
legal action.
If you need roadside assistance,
call GM Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6for more
information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven,
know where the towing service
will be taking it. Get a card
from the tow truck operator or
write down the driver’s name, the
service’s name, and the phone
number.
Remove any valuables from your
vehicle before it is towed away.
Make sure this includes your
insurance information and
registration if you keep these
items in your vehicle.
Gather the important information
you will need from the other
driver. Things like name,
address, phone number, driver’s
license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model
and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN),
insurance company and policy
number, and a general
description of the damage to the
other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance
company from the scene of
the crash. They will walk
you through the information they
will need. If they ask for a
police report, phone or go to the
police department headquarters
the next day and you can get
a copy of the report for a nominal
fee. In some states/provinces
with “no fault” insurance laws, a
report may not be necessary.
This is especially true if there are
no injuries and both vehicles
are driveable.
7-12 Customer Assistance Information
ProCarManuals.com

Rearview Mirror, Automatic
Dimming ..........................2-29
Rearview Mirrors..................2-29
Reclining Seatbacks............... 1-6
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants........................6-13
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . 4-32
Reduced Engine Power
Light...............................3-39
Reimbursement
Program, GM Mobility......... 7-6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System............................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System, Operation.............. 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start............. 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire.....5-66
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools........................5-65
Replacement Bulbs..............5-41
Replacement Parts,
Maintenance....................6-15
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government.......7-14
Reporting Safety Defects
to Saturn.........................7-14Reporting Safety Defects
to the Canadian
Government.....................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint
Systems.......................1-58
Replacing Restraint
System Parts After a
Crash..........................1-59
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) ....................2-17
Roadside Assistance
Program............................ 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ........................4-27
Roof
Sunroof...........................2-45
Running the Vehicle While
Parked............................2-28
S
Safety Belt Reminders..........3-28
Safety Belts
Care of ...........................5-74
Extender.........................1-23
How to Wear Safety
Belts Properly...............1-14Safety Belts (cont.)
Lap-Shoulder Belt.............1-19
Safety Belts Are for
Everyone.....................1-10
Use During Pregnancy......1-23
Safety Defects
Reporting to Saturn...........7-14
Reporting to the United
States Government........7-14
Safety Warnings and Symbols.... iii
Scheduled Maintenance.......... 6-3
Additional Required
Services........................ 6-6
Scheduling Appointments........ 7-8
Seatback, Folding Passenger . . . 1-8
Seats
Driver Seat Height
Adjuster......................... 1-4
Head Restraints................. 1-2
Heated Seats..................... 1-5
Manual Lumbar.................. 1-5
Passenger Folding
Seatback....................... 1-8
Power Seat....................... 1-4
Reclining Seatbacks............ 1-6
Split Folding Rear Seat....... 1-9
INDEX i-9
ProCarManuals.com

Tire
Pressure Light..................3-34
Tires..................................5-43
Aluminum Wheels,
Cleaning......................5-77
Buying New Tires.............5-58
Chains............................5-62
Changing a Flat Tire.........5-64
Cleaning..........................5-77
Compact Spare................5-71
Different Size...................5-59
High-Speed Operation.......5-50
If a Tire Goes Flat............5-63
Ination - Tire Pressure.....5-49
Inspection and Rotation.....5-56
Installing the Spare Tire.....5-66
Pressure Monitor
Operation.....................5-53
Pressure Monitor System . . . 5-51
Removing the Flat Tire......5-66
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools.....................5-65
Sidewall Labeling..............5-44
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools...............5-70
Terminology and
Denitions....................5-46Tires (cont.)
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading.......................5-60
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance.................5-61
Wheel Replacement..........5-62
When It Is Time for
New Tires....................5-57
Towing
Recreational Vehicle..........4-32
Towing a Trailer................4-35
Your Vehicle.....................4-32
Traction
Control System (TCS)......... 4-8
Control System Warning
Light............................3-33
StabiliTrak
®System............ 4-7
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic................5-18
Transmission Operation,
Automatic................2-19, 2-22
Transportation, Courtesy......... 7-9
Trip Odometer.....................3-28
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals............................. 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................ 3-6
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 5-60
Universal Home Remote
System...........................2-37
Operation........................2-37
V
Vehicle
Control............................. 4-4
Design.............................. 4-2
Loading...........................4-28
Running While Parked.......2-28
Service Soon Light...........3-40
Symbols.............................. iii
Vehicle Customization, DIC....3-57
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy............................7-16
Vehicle Data Recording,
Radio Frequency (RFID)....7-17
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)...................5-79
Service Parts
Identication Label.........5-79
Vehicle, Remote Start............. 2-5
Ventilation Adjustment...........3-24
Visors.................................2-11
INDEX i-11
ProCarManuals.com