SATURN VUE HYBRID 2007 Owners Manual

Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the rst 500 miles
(805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.
Avoid downshifting to brake, or slow,
the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings are not yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Trailer on page 274for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn it to four different
positions. A warning
tone will sound if
you open the driver’s
door when the key
has not been removed
from the ignition.
9(LOCK):This position locks your steering
column. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove your key when the ignition is
turned to LOCK.
The ignition switch cannot be turned to LOCK
unless the shift lever is in PARK (P).
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the
way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
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ACC (Accessory):This position operates some
of your electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition.
R(RUN):This is the position the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays in RUN when the engine
is running. But even when the ignition is not
running, you can use RUN to operate your
electrical accessories and to display some warning
and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACC or RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to RUN for
normal driving.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after it
has been parked for an extended period of time.
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Starting the Engine
(Automatic Engine Start/Stop)
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position — this is a safety feature.
To restart when you are already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the
vehicle moving could damage the transaxle.
Shift into PARK (P) only when your vehicle is
stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transaxle gently
to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.Your 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 begins cranking, 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 for
many seconds, cranking stops 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 or LOCK 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 allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
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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 the procedure.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your retailer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.Automatic Engine Start/Stop
{CAUTION:
There is something about your vehicle
that can make it move suddenly, and you
or others can be seriously injured.
This can happen if the vehicle is in the
Auto Stop mode, and the shift lever is in
DRIVE (D). Because your vehicle has the
Automatic Engine Start/Stop feature, your
vehicle’s engine might seem to be shut off
when you come to a complete stop.
However, if you then start to exit the
vehicle, as soon as you take your foot off
the brake pedal, the engine will start again
and the vehicle can move forward. If you
are going to exit your vehicle, rst shift to
PARK (P) and turn the ignition to LOCK.
Then exit.
Your vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop
feature which is a hybrid fuel-saving operation.
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After the engine is started and has reached
operating temperature, the AUTO STOP feature
may cause the engine to turn off when you apply
the brakes and come to a complete stop. When you
take your foot off the brake pedal or press the
accelerator pedal, the engine will start. The engine
will continue to run until the next AUTO STOP.
The AUTO STOP mark on the tachometer signies
that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode. After
parking and then turning off the vehicle, the
tachometer needle will move to OFF. If the driver’s
door is opened while in AUTO STOP mode, a
chime will sound.
If you are on an incline, your vehicle may roll
backwards a short distance until the engine
performs an AUTO START. The Hill Start Assist
feature will help start the vehicle on a moderate or
steep incline. SeeHill Start Assist Light on
page 183for more information. To restart the
engine during the AUTO STOP, release the brake
pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The engine
starts immediately. The vehicle continues to
run until the next stop.
There are several conditions which may prevent
an AUTO STOP or cause an AUTO START.The Engine Will Remain Running When:

The engine, transaxle, or hybrid battery is
not warmed up yet.
The outside temperature is high — usually
above 95°F (35°C) and the climate control
system is working to cool the vehicle in
A/C mode (yellow light illuminated on A/C
button) or if defrost is selected. SeeClimate
Control System on page 156for more
information.
The shift lever is in PARK (P), NEUTRAL (N),
REVERSE (R), INTERMEDIATE (I) or
LOW (L).
The hybrid battery pack charge is low.
The 12V vehicle battery charge is low, or
loads are high.
The hood is not fully closed.
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The Engine Will Restart When:

The brake pedal is released.
The accelerator pedal is applied.
When shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N), the engine will restart after
3.5 seconds.
When shifting from DRIVE (D) to
INTERMEDIATE (I), LOW (L) or
REVERSE (R) the engine will restart
immediately.
If the A/C button (green light illuminated
on A/C) button is selected, the duration of the
AUTO STOP will depend on the outside
temperature. This economy mode improves
fuel economy by limiting the effects of the
air conditioning. The warmer it is outside,
the shorter the time before the engine
is restarted to provide cabin cooling.
The climate control system is turned from
Off to On (econ or normal A/C, or
oor/defog/defrost). SeeClimate Control
System on page 156for more information.
The engine is required to run for either
heater or climate control performance.
See “Air Conditioning and Engine Start/Stop”
underClimate Control System on page 156
for more information.
The hybrid battery pack charge is low and
requires recharging.
Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has this feature, in very cold
weather 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant
heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged
in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your
vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of
the coolant heater is not required.
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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The cord is located near the air
cleaner assembly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt
AC outlet.
{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.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and
some other things. Instead of trying to list
everything here, we ask that you contact your
retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The retailer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
The shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several
different positions for
the automatic transaxle.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start
the engine because your vehicle cannot
move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your 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 your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 122.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 274.
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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system.
You have to fully apply the regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before shifting
from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the
way into PARK (P) while maintaining brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 123.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice or sand without damaging your
transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 261.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine
is running at high speed is dangerous.
Unless your foot is rmly on the brake
pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running at
high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
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DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving with
the automatic transaxle. It provides the best fuel
economy for your vehicle. 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 transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 246.
INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used
for normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle
speed without using your brakes for slight
downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise
accelerate due to steepness of grade. If constant
upshifting or downshifting occurs while driving
up steep hills, this position can be used to prevent
repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of DRIVE (D) when
driving on hilly, winding roads and when towing a
trailer, so that there is less shifting between gears.LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed
more than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually
using your brakes. You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever
is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift into
LOW (L) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle.
If you are stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or
parking brake to hold the vehicle in place.
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