SATURN VUE 2009 Manual Online

Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to the LOCK
position:
Outside Mirror
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Radio
The outside mirror, power windows
and sunroof will function until a
door is opened.
The radio will function until the
driver door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.Notice:Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition to START.
When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow
down as the engine warms. Do
not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature
assists in starting the engine
and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to
the START position, and then
released when the engine beginscranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the
engine does not start and the key
is held in START, cranking will
be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped
by turning the ignition switch to
the ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for
long periods of time, by returning
the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
Features and Controls 2-17
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2. If the engine does not start
after 5-10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be ooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the oor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for up
to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the key
and accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briey but then stops again,
repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics in
the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up in
cold weather conditions at or below
0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with an engine
coolant heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting.
Some models may have an internal
thermostat in the cord which will
prevent engine coolant heater
operation at temperatures above
0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap
the electrical cord. The engine
coolant heater cord is located
near the air cleaner box on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information
on location.
3. Plug the cord into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
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{CAUTION
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause
an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured.
Plug the cord into a properly
grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach,
use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the cord
as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you
do not, it could be damaged.
The length of time the heater
should remain plugged in depends
on several factors. Ask a dealer/
retailer in the area where you will
be parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
Automatic Transmission
Operation (Uplevel)
The shift lever is located on the
console between the seats.
There are several different positions
for the automatic transmission.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when
the engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25.If
you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-35.
Make sure the shift lever is
fully in P (Park) before starting
the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission
shift lock control system.
Features and Controls 2-19
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The regular brakes must be applied
rst and then the shift lever button
pressed before you can shift from
P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of Park on page 2-27.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice or sand without
damaging the transmission, seeIf
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-27.N (Neutral):In this position,
the engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving with the automatic
transmission. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph
(55 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h),
push the accelerator all the
way down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding, see “Skidding” under
Loss of Control on page 4-12.
Notice:Spinning the tires
or holding the vehicle in one
place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
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Manual Shift Mode (MSM)
(Automatic Transmission)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) to the left into the
manual gate.
While driving in manual
shift mode, the transmission
will remain in the driver gear
selected. When coming to a
stop in the manual position,
the vehicle will automatically
shift to 1 (First) gear.
2. Push the shift lever forward
toward the plus (+) to upshift or
rearward toward the minus (−)to
downshift. The instrument panel
will display the actual gear
selected.
In manual shift mode all six forward
gears can be selected.While using the MSM feature the
vehicle will have operation similar to
a manual transmission. You can use
this for sport driving or when driving
hilly roads to stay in gear longer or to
downshift for more power or engine
braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for
the vehicle speed:
The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next
higher gear without moving
the shift lever.
The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next lower gear
if the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a
gear change, or detects a problem
with the transmission, the range of
gears may be reduced and the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp will come
on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-35.
2 (Second) and 3 (Third) Gear
Start Feature
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to select 2 (Second)
and 3 (Third) gear. A higher gear,
and light application of the gas pedal,
may allow you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.
With the Manual Shift Mode, the
vehicle can accelerate from a stop
in 2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) into the manual gate.
2. With the vehicle stopped,
move the shift lever forward to
select 2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
The vehicle will start from a
stop position in 2 (Second)
or 3 (Third).
3. Once the vehicle is moving
select the desired drive gear
or move the shift lever to
the D (Drive) position.
Features and Controls 2-21
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Automatic Transmission
Operation (Base)
The shift lever is located on the
console between the seats.
There are several different positions
for the automatic transmission.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on
page 2-25. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-35.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You have to fully apply theregular brakes rst and then press
the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the ignition
key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift
out of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of Park on page 2-27.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth
to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-27.
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N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle
is being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving with the automatic
transmission. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph
(55 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h),
push the accelerator all the
way down.Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding, see “Skidding” under
Loss of Control on page 4-12.
M (Manual):This position allows
you to change gears similar to a
manual transmission. If the vehicle
has this feature, see Manual
Shift Mode.
Notice:Spinning the tires
or holding the vehicle in one
place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
Features and Controls 2-23
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Manual Shift Mode (MSM)
(Automatic Transmission)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) rearward to M (Manual).
The six-speed transmission will
downshift to a lower gear and the
instrument panel will display the
gear range selected. If equipped
with a 4-speed transmission it will
display a 3 for third gear range.
When coming to a stop in
the manual position, the vehicle
will automatically shift to
1 (First) gear.
2. Press the plus (+) button to
upshift or the minus (−) button
to downshift.While using the MSM feature
the vehicle will have sportier
performance. You can use this
when driving hilly roads to stay
in gear longer or to downshift for
more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into a gear range appropriate
for the vehicle speed.
The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next
higher gear range without
pressing the button on the
shifter handle.
The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next lower gear if
the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond
to a gear change, or detects a
problem with the transmission, the
range of gears may be reduced and
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will
come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-35.
Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located
in the center console between
the front seats.
To set the parking brake, hold the
brake pedal down and pull up on the
parking brake lever. If the ignition
is in ON/RUN, the brake system
warning light will come on.
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To release the parking brake,
hold the brake pedal down. Pull the
parking brake lever up until you can
press the release button. Hold the
release button in as you move the
brake lever all the way down.
Release the parking brake before
driving the vehicle.
Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature wear
or damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-35.To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down
and set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-24
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the lever
all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
Features and Controls 2-25
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Leaving the Vehicle With
the Engine Running
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it
could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured.
Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running.If you have to leave an automatic
transmission vehicle with the engine
running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is
rmly set before you leave it. After
you have moved the shift lever into
P (Park), hold the brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without rst
pushing the button. If you can, it
means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
(Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too
much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may nd it
difficult to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park). This is called “torque lock.”To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave
the driver seat. To nd out how,
seeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25.
Move the shift lever out of P (Park)
before you release the parking
brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in
the transmission, so you can pull the
shift lever out of P (Park).
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