tow SATURN VUE 2009 Service Manual

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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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Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
If you need to replace your coolant
surge tank pressure cap, see
your retailer.
Engine Overheating
There is a coolant temperature
warning light on your vehicle’s
instrument panel. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
on page 3-34.
If Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
{CAUTION
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch re. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.Notice:If the engine catches re
because of being driven with
no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat
warning, but see or hear no steam,
the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
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Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, seeReplacement Bulbs
on page 5-41.
For any bulb changing procedure
not listed in this section, contact
your dealer/retailer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
Headlamps
To replace one of the headlamp
bulbs, use the following procedure.
To replace the parking/turn signal
lamp bulb, seeFront Turn Signal
and Parking Lamps on page 5-40.
1. Open the hood. SeeHood
Release on page 5-11for
more information.
2. Remove the two screws from the
top of the front fascia and grille.
They are inboard of the
headlamp assembly.
3. Remove the three screws
retaining the headlamp assembly.
4. Insert a at blade tool through the
opening in the top. Make sure the
tool ts through the opening in the
headlamp bracket lower arm.
5. Push the locking tab toward the
rear of the vehicle with the tool
to lift the headlamp bracket
lower arm.6. Pull back on the front fascia and
then pull the headlamp assembly
out from the vehicle. Another
person might be needed to assist
with this step.
7. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the bulb
assembly.
8. Turn the bulb assembly
counterclockwise to remove it
from the housing.
9. Replace the old bulb with a
new one.
10. Reverse Steps 1 through 8 to
reinstall.
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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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