sensor SATURN VUE 2009 Owners Manual

When Should an Airbag
Inate?
Frontal airbags are designed to
inate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver’s or right
front passenger’s head and chest.
However, they are only designed
to inate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inate and help restrain
the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on
how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you
hit, the direction of the impact,
and how quickly your vehicle
slows down.Frontal airbags may inate at
different crash speeds. For example:If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inate at
a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could inate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits an object that
does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.Thresholds can also vary with
specic vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.
Seats and Restraint System 1-47
ProCarManuals.com

The passenger sensing system
turns off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbags
and the roof-rail airbags are not
affected by the passenger sensing
system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the right front passenger seat and
safety belt. The sensors are
designed to detect the presence
of a properly-seated occupant and
determine if the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side
impact airbag should be enabled
(may inate) or not.According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in a correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.
We recommend that children be
secured in a rear seat, including: an
infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child
riding in a forward-facing child seat;
an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat
in the front.” This is because the risk
to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.{CAUTION
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.
(Continued)
1-52 Seats and Restraint System
ProCarManuals.com

Adding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add
to or change about the
vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working
properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that
change the vehicle’s frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, front sensors,
side impact sensors, rollover
sensor module, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of
the airbag system.In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position,
which includes sensors that
are part of the passenger seat.
The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the
original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery
or trim, or with GM covers,
upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such
as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the
seat fabric, could also interfere
with the operation of the
passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system from
properly turning off the passenger
airbag(s). SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-51.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.
If the vehicle has rollover
roof-rail airbags, seeDifferent
Size Tires and Wheels on
page 5-59for additional
important information.
Seats and Restraint System 1-57
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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
ProCarManuals.com

If they become damaged, install
new blades or blade inserts.
SeeWindshield Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 5-42.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor. A circuit breaker will
stop the motor until it cools down.
Rainsense™ II Wipers
For vehicles with Rainsense™ II
windshield wipers, the moisture
sensor is located next to the inside
rearview mirror and is mounted
on the windshield. When active,
these sensors are able to detect
moisture on the windshield and
automatically turn on the wipers.
To turn on the Rainsense feature,
the wipers must be set to one
of the ve delay settings on the
multifunction lever. Each of the
ve settings adjusts the sensitivity
of the sensor.Since different drivers have
different setting preferences, it is
recommended that the mid-range
setting (position 3) be used initially.
For more wipes, select the higher
settings; for fewer wipes, select the
lower settings located closer to the
off position on the multifunction lever.
The sensor will automatically control
the frequency of the wipes from the
off setting to the high speed setting
according to the weather conditions.
The wipers can be left in a rainsense
mode even when it is not raining.
When Rainsense is active, the
headlamps will turn on automatically
if the exterior lamp control is in the
AUTO position and the wipers are
active.
Notice:Going through an
automatic car wash with the
wipers on can damage them.
Turn the wipers off when going
through an automatic car wash.
Windshield Washer
{CAUTION
In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray washer uid
on the windshield. The wipers will
run for a few cycles to clear the
windshield. For more wash cycles,
pull the lever forward and hold.
Heated Windshield Washer
Nozzles
This feature prevents the windshield
washer uid from freezing on the
nozzle during cold conditions.
The heated nozzles are turned on
when the rear window defogger is
activated. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20.
3-8 Instrument Panel
ProCarManuals.com

Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can
make it easier for others to see the
front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional daytime running
lamps are required on all vehicles
rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system makes the
low-beam headlamps come on
in daylight when the following
conditions are met:
The engine is running,
The exterior lamp band is in
AUTO, and
The light sensor determines it is
daytime.When the DRL are on, the
low-beam headlamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker,
instrument panel lights and
other lamps will not be on.
When the exterior lamp band is
turned to the headlamp position,
the regular headlamps will come on.
The other lamps that come on with
the headlamps will also come on.
When the headlamps are turned off,
the regular lamps also turn off, and
the low-beam headlamps turn on.
The regular headlamp system
should be used when needed.
Automatic Headlamp
System
When it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
There is a light sensor located on
top of the instrument panel. Do not
cover the sensor or the headlamps
will come on when they are not
needed.
The system may also turn on the
headlamps when driving through a
parking garage or tunnel.
Instrument Panel 3-13
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Operation
This climate control system
automatically maintains the desired
temperature inside the vehicle.
Do not cover the sensor located on
the top of the instrument panel near
the windshield or the sensor grille
below the climate control faceplate.
These two sensors help regulate the
inside air temperature.
AUTO (Automatic Fan):Turn the
fan knob to AUTO for the system
to automatically adjust the fan
speed to reach the desired inside
temperature.
Temperature Control:Select
the desired cabin air temperature
between 60-90°F (16-32°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest
temperature setting does not cause
the system to heat or cool any faster.AUTO (Automatic Air Delivery
Mode):Turn the air delivery mode
knob to AUTO for the system to
automatically control the direction
of the airow to help reach the
desired inside temperature.
The system automatically controls
the air inlet to supply the outside
air or recirculated inside air needed
to heat or cool the vehicle faster.
The recirculation button indicator
light is lit whenever the recirculation
mode is on.
Press the outside air button to
change to outside air. However,
the recirculation mode may
turn back on automatically.
In cold weather, if the fan and air
delivery modes are in automatic,
the system starts at lower fan speeds
to avoid directing cold air into the
vehicle until warmer air is available.
The climate control system directs
air to the oor, but may automaticallychange modes as the vehicle
warms up to maintain the chosen
temperature setting. The length of
time needed to warm the interior
depends on the outside temperature
and inside temperature of the
vehicle.
Manual Operation
A(Fan Control):Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase
or decrease the fan speed. To turn
the fan off, turn the left knob to
the
9position. In any setting other
than off, the fan runs continuously
with the ignition on. The fan must be
turned on to run the air conditioning
compressor. There will be some
airow noticeable from the various
outlets when driving, even with the
fan in the off position. To turn off the
air completely, turn the fan to
9and
select the recirculation button.
Instrument Panel 3-21
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Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine
is started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind the front
passenger to buckle their safety belt.
This only occurs if the passenger
airbag is enabled. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-51for
more information. The passenger
safety belt light, located on the
instrument panel, comes on and
stays on for several seconds and
then ashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if
the passenger remains unbuckled
and the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled before the engine is started,
neither the chime nor the light
comes on.The front passenger safety belt
warning light and chime may turn on
if an object is put on the seat such as
a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop or other electronic device.
To turn off the warning light and or
chime, remove the object from the
seat or buckle the safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light indicates if there is an
electrical problem. The system
check includes the airbag sensor,
the pretensioners, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System on
page 1-42.
{CAUTION
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inate in a
crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
The airbag readiness light comes
on when the vehicle is started, and
ashes for a few seconds. The light
goes out when the system is ready.
Instrument Panel 3-29
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TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the TPMS
is re-learning the tire positions on
your vehicle. The tire positions must
be re-learned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-56,Tire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-51,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-49for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
turns off. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-7for more information.This message only displays
while the ignition is in ON/RUN
and disappears after 10 seconds,
unless it is acknowledged or an
urgent warning appears.
Any of the following conditions may
cause the TCS to turn off:
The TCS is turned off by pressing
the TCS/StabiliTrak button.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-7for more information.
The battery is low.
There is a TCS failure. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) turns
on. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-7for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle
while the transmission uid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster
and/or DIC, you can damage the
transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not
drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning
is displayed.
This message displays along with a
chime if the transmission uid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission uid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool.
This message clears and the chime
stops when the uid temperature
reaches a safe level.
3-56 Instrument Panel
ProCarManuals.com

If your vehicle has P235/55R18 size
tires, they will require ination
pressure adjustment when driving
your vehicle at speeds of 100 mph
(160 km/h) or higher. Set the cold
ination pressure to the maximum
ination pressure shown on the
tire sidewall, or 38 psi (262 kPa),
whichever is lower. See the example
following. When you end this
high-speed driving, return the tires to
the cold tire ination pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-28andInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-49.
Example:
You will nd the maximum load
and ination pressure molded on
the tire’s sidewall, in small letters,
near the rim ange. It will read
something like this: Maximum load
690 kg (1521 lbs) 300 kPa (44 psi)
Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the
ination pressure for high-speed
driving at 38 psi (262 kPa).Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires
and transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare
(if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inated to the
ination pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire ination pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
ination pressure for those tires.)As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with
a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is signicantly
under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on
a signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-ination
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is
not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Service and Appearance Care 5-51
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