check engine SATURN VUE 2009 Owner's Guide

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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Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil level at each fuel ll. In
order to get an accurate reading, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle
must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a
yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If this is not
done, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with
a paper towel or cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove
it again, keeping the tip down and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN (minimum)
mark, add at least one quart/liter
of the recommended oil. This
section explains what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-86.Notice:Do not add too much
oil. If the engine has so much oil
that the oil level gets above the
upper mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for the location of
the engine oil ll cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the
way back in when through.
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Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and lter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A change engine oil light
comes on. SeeChange Engine Oil
Light on page 3-38. Change the oil
as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible
that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might
not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However,
the engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained
service people who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset
the system. It is also important to
check the oil regularly and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
The Engine Oil Life System
calculates when to change the
engine oil and lter based on vehicle
use. Whenever the oil is changed,
reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required.
If a situation occurs where the oil is
changed prior to a change engine
oil light being turned on, reset the
system.
After changing the engine oil, reset
the system:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN
with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal three times
within ve seconds.
If the change engine oil light is
not on, the system is reset.
If the light comes on again and stays
on for 30 seconds at the next ignition
cycle, it did not reset. The system
needs to be reset again.
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6. Inspect or replace the air lter
element.
If the air lter element is dirty,
you should replace it. If it is only
dusty, it may be cleaned by
blowing compressed air through
it from the clean side.
Make sure you are away from
the engine compartment when
cleaning the air lter with
compressed air.
Wipe all dust from inside of the
housing and inspect the air
cleaner and air outlet duct for
cracks, cuts and deterioration.
The air outlet duct must be
replaced if damaged.
7. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to
reinstall the engine air cleaner/
lter cover and air duct hose.{CAUTION
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off can cause you
or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop ames if the engine
backres. If it is not there and the
engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off,
and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/
lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter
is off, a backre can cause a
damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when
you are driving.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check
the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the
only reason for uid loss. If a leak
occurs, take your vehicle to the
dealer/retailer and have it repaired
as soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at
the intervals listed inAdditional
Required Services on page 6-6, and
be sure to use the transmission
uid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
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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.
For the 2.4L, 3.5L and 3.6L engines,
the transmission uid will not
reach the end of the dipstick unless
the transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check the
transmission uid level, please take
your vehicle to your dealer/retailer.Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the
hood, here is what you will see:
A. Electric Engine Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Pressure Cap{CAUTION
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a
level surface.
2.4L L4 Engine shown, 3.5L V6
and 3.6L V6 Engines similar
Service and Appearance Care 5-19
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The coolant level should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. If it is not,
you may have a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water
pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
{CAUTION
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine re, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
xed before you drive the vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, with
the engine on, check to see if
the electric engine cooling fan is
running. If the engine is overheating,
the fan should be running. If it is
not, your vehicle needs service.
Turn off the engine.
Notice:Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.
Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing
sooner, at 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.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Notice:This vehicle has a
specic coolant ll procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If you have not found a problem
yet, check to see if coolant is
visible in the surge tank. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
between the MIN and MAX lines, add
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at
the coolant surge tank, but be sure
the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for more
information.
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This will allow any pressure still
left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
2. Then keep turning the pressure
cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant
mixture, to between the MIN
and MAX lines.4. With the coolant surge tank
pressure cap off, start the engine
and let it run until you can feel
the upper radiator hose getting
hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank may
be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture to the coolant
surge tank until the level reaches
between the MIN and MAX lines.
5. Then replace the pressure cap.
Be sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight.
Check the level in the surge
tank when the cooling system
has cooled down. If the coolant is
not at the proper level, repeat
Steps 1 through 3 and reinstall the
pressure cap. If the coolant still is not
at the proper level when the system
cools down again, see your dealer/
retailer.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle
is lled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km),
whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life
coolant.
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant
when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-25.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C).
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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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Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information
on location.
{CAUTION
Turning the surge tank pressure
cap when the engine and radiator
are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and
burn you badly. Never turn the
surge tank pressure cap — even
a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level
surface. When your engine is cold,
the coolant level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines.Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the
proper DEX-COOL®coolant mixture
at the surge tank, but only when
the engine is cool. SeeCooling
System on page 5-19for instructions
on “How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank”.
{CAUTION
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap,
make sure it is hand-tight and
fully seated.
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If you get the overheat warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a
minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner
and it is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at
the highest fan speed and open
the windows as necessary.
3. Try to minimize engine load. If
you are in a traffic jam, shift to
N (Neutral); otherwise, shift to the
highest gear possible while
driving.
If you no longer have the overheat
warning, you can drive. Just to
be safe, drive slower for about
ten minutes. If the warning does
not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you
have not stopped, pull over, stop,
and park your vehicle right away.If there is still no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes
while you are parked. If the warning
continues, turn off the engine and
get everyone out of the vehicle until
it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood
but to get service help right away.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
When to Check Power
Steering Fluid
Power steering uid is used in all
vehicles with V6 engines. Vehicles
with the 4-cylinder engine have
electric power steering and does not
use power steering uid.
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering uid unless
you suspect there is a leak in
the system or you hear an unusual
noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering uid,
do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove engine oil ll cap.
3. Slide engine cover rearward and
lift to remove.
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