maintenance SATURN VUE 2009 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint
System............................... 1-1
Head Restraints
.............. 1-2
Front Seats
.................... 1-3
Rear Seats
.................... 1-9
Safety Belts
..................1-10
Child Restraints
.............1-23
Airbag System
..............1-42
Restraint System
Check
......................1-58
Features and Controls...... 2-1
Keys
............................. 2-2
Doors and Locks
............ 2-7
Windows
......................2-10
Theft-Deterrent
Systems
...................2-12
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
.............2-15
Mirrors
.........................2-29
Object Detection
Systems
...................2-31
OnStar
®System
............2-33Universal Home Remote
System
.....................2-37
Storage Areas
...............2-41
Sunroof
........................2-45
Instrument Panel............... 3-1
Instrument Panel
Overview
.................... 3-4
Climate Controls
............3-17
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
............3-26
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
.............3-42
Audio System(s)
............3-64
Driving Your Vehicle......... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road,
and the Vehicle
........... 4-1
Towing
........................4-32
Service and
Appearance Care............... 5-1
Service
.......................... 5-3
Fuel
.............................. 5-5
Checking Things Under
the Hood
..................5-10All-Wheel Drive
.............5-35
Headlamp Aiming
..........5-36
Bulb Replacement
.........5-39
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
.............5-42
Tires
...........................5-43
Appearance Care
..........5-72
Vehicle Identication
......5-79
Electrical System
...........5-79
Capacities and
Specications
............5-86
Maintenance Schedule...... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
..... 6-1
Customer Assistance
Information........................ 7-1
Customer Assistance and
Information
................. 7-1
Reporting Safety
Defects
.....................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording
and Privacy
................. 16
Index....................................i-1
2009 Saturn VUE Owner ManualM
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Q:Because I have a disability,
I have to get my vehicle
modied. How can I nd out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in
this manual. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on
page 7-1.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and
the service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.
Restraint System
Check
Checking the Restraint
Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts that might
keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to
have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. SeeSafety Belt
Reminders on page 3-28for more
information.Keep safety belts clean and dry.
SeeCare of Safety Belts on
page 5-74.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance
or replacement. Make sure the
airbag readiness light is working.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-29for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering
is damaged, opened, or broken,
the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened
or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag
module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
seeWhat Makes an Airbag
Inflate? on page 1-49. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
1-58 Seats and Restraint System
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For vehicles with the remote start
feature, the rear defogger will
automatically turn on when remote
start is activated.
Notice:Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation
For vehicles with the remote start
feature and if it is activated, the
climate control system heats and
cools the inside of the vehicle using
the modes that were set before the
vehicle was turned off.Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air
outlets to change the direction of the
airow.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets
at the base of the vehicle that
may block the ow of air into
the vehicle.
Do not use any non-GM
approved hood deectors
that could adversely affect the
performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of
the vehicle more effectively.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The lter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The lter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3for replacement intervals.
To nd out what type of lter to use,
seeMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-15.
The passenger compartment air
lter can be accessed by removing
the entire glove box.
1. Remove the six screws from
around the glove box and
detach the three inner clips
from the glove box.
3-24 Instrument Panel
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Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It ensures
that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle,
helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light comes on when the
ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer.If the check engine light comes
on and stays on, while the engine
is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service
is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle’s fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine
might not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.Notice:Modications made
to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of the vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modications to these
systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle
warranty. This could also result
in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
test. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition
has been detected. A misre
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
Instrument Panel 3-35
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Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local
governments have or might begin
programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on the vehicle.
Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things to know to
help the vehicle pass an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this
inspection if the check engine
light is on with the engine
running, or if the key is in
ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass
this inspection if the OBD II
(on-board diagnostic) system
determines that critical emission
control systems have not
been completely diagnosed
by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not readyfor inspection. This can happen
if the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer/
retailer can prepare the vehicle
for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.Notice:Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
The oil pressure light should come
on briey as the engine is started. If it
does not come on have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not owing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem.
Instrument Panel 3-37
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Change Engine Oil Light
When the change engine oil light
comes on, it means that service is
required on the vehicle.
SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-3andEngine Oil on
page 5-14for more information.
After the engine oil is changed the
engine oil life system needs to be
reset in order to turn off this light.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-16for more information.
Security Light
For information regarding this light
and the vehicle’s security system,
seePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer on page 2-13.
Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light comes on when
the fog lamps are in use.The light goes out when the fog
lamps are turned off. SeeFog
Lamps on page 3-14for more
information.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light comes on
whenever the cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the
cruise control is turned off.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-9
for more information.
3-38 Instrument Panel
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When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON”
underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-49. You should change
the oil as soon as you can. See
Engine Oil on page 5-14. In addition
to the engine oil life system
monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in
the Maintenance Schedule in
this manual. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-3for
more information.
Units
Press the vehicle information button
until UNITS displays. This display
allows you to select between English
or Metric units of measurement.
Once in this display, press the
set/reset button to select between
ENGLISH or METRIC units. All of
the vehicle information will then be
displayed in the unit of measurement
selected.Tire Pressure
If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), the
pressure for each tire can be viewed
in the DIC. The tire pressure will be
shown in either pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
Press the vehicle information button
until the DIC displays FRONT TIRES
PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press
the vehicle information button again
until the DIC displays REAR TIRES
PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##.
If a low or high tire pressure
condition is detected by the system
while driving, a message advising
you to check the pressure in a
specic tire will appear in the display.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-49andDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-49for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows
dashes instead of a value, there
may be a problem with your vehicle.
If this consistently occurs, see
your dealer/retailer for service.Relearn Remote Key
This display allows you to match
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitters to your vehicle.
This procedure will erase all
previously learned transmitters.
Therefore, they must be relearned
as additional transmitters.
To match an RKE transmitter to
your vehicle:
1. Press the vehicle information
button until PRESS
VTO
RELEARN REMOTE KEY
displays.
2. Press the set/reset button until
REMOTE KEY LEARNING
ACTIVE is displayed.
3. Press and hold the lock and
unlock buttons on the rst
transmitter at the same time
for about 15 seconds.
A chime will sound indicating
that the transmitter is matched
and REMOTE KEY LEARNING
COMPLETE will be shown
on the display.
3-46 Instrument Panel
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The following are the possible
messages that can be displayed
and some information about them.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the
charging system detects that the
battery is being drained. You may
notice that the vehicle attempts to
reduce the drain for you by turning
off accessories, such as interior fans,
rear defogger, and heated seats.
Turn off all accessories. If the vehicle
is not running, start and run the
engine for at least 10 minutes to
allow the battery to recharge. If the
engine is running and the condition
persists, see your dealer/retailer
immediately.
CALIBRATING COMPASS:
TURN IN CIRCLES
This message displays when
calibrating the compass. Drive
the vehicle in circles at less than
5 mph (8 km/h) to complete the
calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-47.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when service
is required for the vehicle. See your
dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-14andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-3for
more information.
Acknowledging this message will
not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING
display. That must be done at the
OIL LIFE screen. See “OIL LIFE”
underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-42andEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16for more
information.
CHANGE TRANSMISSION
FLUID
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.
This message displays when the life
of the transmission uid has expired
and it should be changed. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-3
andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13for the
proper uid and change intervals.
3-50 Instrument Panel
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Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inated.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire’s sidewall
near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The rst
step in driving defensively is to wear
your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts:
They Are for Everyone on page 1-10.
{CAUTION
Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
In addition:
Allow enough following
distance between you and
the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques could
save your life.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-3
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If you turn the steering wheel in
either direction several times until it
stops, or hold the steering wheel
in the stopped position for an
extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of
power steering assist. The normal
amount of power steering assist
should return shortly after a
few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering
system does not require regular
maintenance. If you suspect steering
system problems and/or the Service
Vehicle Soon light comes on, contact
your dealer/retailer for service
repairs.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic
power steering system and power
steering assist is lost because
the engine stops or the power
steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered but it
will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on
the condition of the tires and
the road surface, the angle at which
the curve is banked, and vehicle
speed. While in a curve, speed
is the one factor that can be
controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you
can drive through the curve.
Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until out
of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking. For
example, you come over a hill and
nd a truck stopped in your lane, or a
car suddenly pulls out from nowhere,
or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of
you. These problems can be avoided
by braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop in
time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the
problem.
The vehicle can perform very well
in emergencies like these. First
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-5. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
4-10 Driving Your Vehicle
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