tire pressure SATURN VUE HYBRID 2009 Owner's Manual

At the same time a message to
check the pressure in a specic tire
appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC
warning message come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are
inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed by the
driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and
displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-36andDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-42.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and
the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they
are cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-18, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information
label and its location on your
vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-43.
Your vehicle’s TPMS system can
warn you about a low tire pressure
condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-50andTires on page 5-38.Notice:Using non-approved tire
sealants could damage the
Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the GM approved
tire sealant available through your
dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle, when new, included a
factory-installed Tire Inator Kit.
This kit uses a GM approved liquid
tire sealant. Using non-approved
tire sealants could damage the
TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit for information
regarding the inator kit materials
and instructions.
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TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly if
one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the
low tire warning light ashes for
about one minute and then stays on
for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. A DIC warning message is
also displayed. The low tire warning
light and DIC warning message
come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of
the conditions that can cause the
malfunction light and DIC message
to come on are:
The TPMS sensor matching
process was started but not
completed or not completed
successfully after rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The DIC message
and TPMS malfunction light
should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
“TPMS Sensor Matching Process”
later in this section.
One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The DIC
message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go
off when the TPMS sensors
are installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match your vehicle’s original
equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those
recommended for your vehicle
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires on page 5-51.
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low tire
condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light
and DIC message comes on and
stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time
you replace one or more of the
TPMS sensors or rotate the
vehicle’s tires, the identication
codes need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel location. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel
locations, in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. When increasing
the tire’s pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall. To
decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
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You have two minutes to match
each tire and wheel position.
If it takes longer than two minutes to
match any tire and wheel position,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.
The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons,
at the same time, for about
ve seconds to start the TPMS
learn mode. The horn sounds
twice indicating the TPMS
receiver is ready and in
learn mode.
4. Start with the driver side front
tire. The driver side front turn
signal also comes on to indicate
that corner’s sensor is ready
to be learned.5. Remove the valve cap from the
tire’s valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air
pressure for about eight seconds.
The horn chirp, can take up to
30 seconds to sound. It
chirps one time and then all the
turn signals ash one time to
conrm the sensor identication
code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
6. The passenger side front turn
signal comes on to indicate
that corner sensor is ready to be
learned. Proceed to the
passenger side front tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. The passenger side rear
turn signal comes on to indicate
that corner sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side rear tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. The driver side rear turn signal
comes on to indicate that
corner sensor is ready to belearned. Proceed to the driver
side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
9. After hearing the single horn
chirp for the driver side rear
tire, two additional horn chirps
sound to indicate the tire learning
process is done. Turn the
ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
If no tires are learned after
entering the TPMS learn mode,
or if communication with the
receiver stops, or if the time limit
has expired, turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF and
start over beginning with Step 2.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.
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Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, for
signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-51for more
information.
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to
13 000 km). SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-3.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the
vehicle. This will ensure that the
vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the
tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-51and
Wheel Replacement on
page 5-55.
When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear ination
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-43andLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-18.Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 5-46.
Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on
page 5-81.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after a
time. The wheel could come
off and cause a crash. 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 you need to, to get all
the rust or dirt off.
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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.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle.
The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC spec) system
rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC
Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that
are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original
tires.
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GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specications that impact the overall
performance of your vehicle,
including brake system performance,
ride and handling, traction control,
and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire’s
sidewall near the tire size. If the tires
have an all-season tread design,
the TPC spec number will be
followed by a MS, for mud and
snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling on
page 5-39for additional information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all tires will
help keep your vehicle performing
most like it did when the tires
were new. Replacing less than a full
set of tires can affect the brakingand handling performance of your
vehicle. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-50for
information on proper tire rotation.
{CAUTION
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving. If
you mix tires of different sizes,
brands, or types (radial and
bias-belted tires) the vehicle
may not handle properly, and
you could have a crash. Using
tires of different sizes, brands,
or types may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be
sure to use the correct size,
brand, and type of tires on
your vehicle’s wheels.
{CAUTION
If you use bias-ply tires on the
vehicle, the wheel rim anges
could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s
tires with those that do not have a
TPC Spec number, make sure they
are the same size, load range, speed
rating, and construction type (radial
and bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
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Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give an
inaccurate low-pressure warning if
non-TPC Spec rated tires are
installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC
Spec rated tires may give a
low-pressure warning that is higher
or lower than the proper warning
level you would get with TPC Spec
rated tires. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-45.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-18,
for more information about the
Tire and Loading Information label
and its location on your vehicle.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a
different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires,
this may affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, anti-lock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and stability control,
the performance of these systems
can be affected.
{CAUTION
If you add different sized wheels,
your vehicle may not provide an
acceptable level of performance
and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and
suffer serious injury. Only use
Saturn specic wheel and tire
systems developed for your
vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a Saturn certied
technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-51
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for additional
information.
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Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{CAUTION
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-26.
{CAUTION
Over-inating a tire could cause
the tire to rupture and you or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the tire sealant
and compressor kit instructions
and inate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not
exceed the recommended
pressure.
{CAUTION
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of
the vehicle could cause injury. In
a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone.
Store the tire sealant and
compressor kit in its original
location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire, tire changing equipment,
and on some vehicles there may not
be a place to store a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor
can be used to temporarily seal
punctures up to
14inch (6 mm) in the
tread area of the tire. It can also be
used to inate an under inated tire.
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If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a large puncture, the tire
is too severely damaged for the tire
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-5.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.The kit includes:
A. Air Compressor
B. Tire Sealant Canister
C. Power Plug
D. On/Off Button
E. Pressure Gage
F. Air Only Hose (Black)
G. Sealant/Air Hose (Clear)Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered
to the sealant canister.
Check the tire sealant expiration
date on the sealant canister.
The sealant canister should be
replaced before its expiration date.
Replacement sealant canisters
are available at your local
dealer/retailer. See “Removal and
Installation of the Sealant Canister”
following.
There is only enough sealant to seal
one tire. After usage, the sealant
canister and sealant/air hose
assembly must be replaced. See
“Removal and Installation of
the Sealant Canister” following.
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8. Press the on/off (D) button to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gage (E) will initially
show a high pressure while the
compressor pushes the sealant
into the tire. Once the sealant is
completely dispersed into the tire,
the pressure will quickly drop and
start to rise again as the tire
inates with air only.
9. Inate the tire to the
recommended ination pressure
using the pressure gage (E).
The recommended ination
pressure can be found on the
Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-43.The pressure gage (E) may read
higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor is
on. Turn the compressor off to
get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may be
turned on/off until the correct
pressure is reached.
Notice:If the recommended
pressure cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inating hose from
the tire valve. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-5.10. Press the on/off button (D) to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will
continue to leak air until
the vehicle is driven and the
sealant is distributed in the tire,
therefore, Steps 11 through 17
must be done immediately
after Step 10.
Be careful while handling the tire
sealant and compressor kit as it
could be warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (C) from
the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
12. Turn the sealant/air hose (F)
counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve
stem cap.
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