light SATURN ASTRA 2008 Repair Manual

{CAUTION
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can
cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside.
CO could overcome you and
kill you. You cannot see it or
smell it, so you might not know
it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust
pipe. And check around again
from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
Open a window just a little on
the side of the vehicle that is
away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you
must. This saves fuel. When you run
the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less
fuel for the heat that you get and it
keeps the battery charged. You will
need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with the
headlamps. Let the heater run
for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close
the window almost all the way to
preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when
you feel really uncomfortable from
the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long
as you can. To help keep warm,
you can get out of the vehicle and
do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help
comes.
If Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out on page 8-30.
{CAUTION
If you let your vehicle’s tires
spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an
engine compartment re or
other damage. Spin the wheels
as little as possible and avoid
going above 35 mph (55 km/h)
as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, seeTire
Chains on page 9-59.
Driving and Operating 8-29
ProCarManuals.com

Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any stability
system. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 8-19. Then shift back and forth
between REVERSE (R) and a
forward gear, or with a manual
transmission, between FIRST (1) or
SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R),
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears.Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly
on the accelerator pedal when
the transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward
and reverse directions, you will
cause a rocking motion that could
free your vehicle. If that does not get
your vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If your
vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 9-72.
Loading the Vehicle
It is very important to know how
much weight your vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on your vehicle
show how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certication label.
8-30 Driving and Operating
ProCarManuals.com

When replacing the fuel cap, turn
it clockwise until it clicks. Make
sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4-20.
{CAUTION
If a re starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel
by shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.Notice:If you need a new fuel
cap, be sure to get the right type.
Your dealer/retailer can get one for
you. If you get the wrong type, it
may not t properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage
your fuel tank and emissions
system. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 4-20.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{CAUTION
Never ll a portable fuel
container while it is in your
vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container
can ignite the fuel vapor.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
You can be badly burned and
your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
Do not ll a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in
contact with the inside of the
ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be
maintained until the lling is
complete.
Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
Do not use a cellular phone
while pumping fuel.
8-38 Driving and Operating
ProCarManuals.com

Owner Checks
{CAUTION
An electric fan under the hood
can start up and injure you
even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION
Things that burn can get on hot
engine parts and start a re.
These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid,
windshield washer and other
uids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others could be burned.
Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a
hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood:
1. Pull the handle that is located
under the instrument panel.2. Push the secondary hood
release lever upward.
3. Lift the hood.
After the hood is slightly lifted, it will
continue to open to the full position.
Before closing the hood, be sure
all the ller caps are on properly.
Then lift the hood to relieve
pressure. Pull the hood down,
close it rmly.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-5
ProCarManuals.com

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-11.
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap.Engine Oil
on page 9-7.
C. Brake Fluid Reservoir.Brakes
on page 9-22.
D. Coolant Reservoir.Cooling
System on page 9-16.
E. Coolant Reservoir Pressure Cap.
Pressure Cap on page 9-15.
F.Engine Compartment Fuse Block
on page 9-34.
G.Battery on page 9-25.
H.Windshield Washer Fluid on
page 9-20.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick.Engine Oil
on page 9-7.Engine Oil
If the low oil level light appears on
the instrument cluster, check
the engine oil level right away.
SeeLow Oil Level Light on
page 4-23. You should check the
engine oil level regularly; this is just
a reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil every time you get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the
vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the engine oil
dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If you do not
do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with
a paper towel or cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down
and check the level.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-7
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for the location of
the engine air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval.
See “Schedule Maintenance”
in Service and Maintenance formore information. If you are driving
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter,
remove the lter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter
remains caked with dirt, a new lter
is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter.
1. Remove the screws that hold
the cover on.
2. Disconnect the electrical
connector.
3. Lift off the cover.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to
reinstall the cover and reconnect
the electrical connector.
{CAUTION
Operating the engine with the
air cleaner/lter off can cause
you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans
the air; it helps to stop ames if
the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres,
you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the
air cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter
is off, a backre can cause a
damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine,
which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place
when you are driving.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-11
ProCarManuals.com

A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down
to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and
corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages
work as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing
sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free)
coolant in the vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean,
drinkable water and one-half
DEX-COOL
®coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If you
use this coolant mixture, you do not
need to add anything else.
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to
the cooling system can be
dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as
alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot
but would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could
catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice:If you use extra
inhibitors and/or additives in
your vehicle’s cooling system,
you could damage your vehicle.
Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in
this manual for the cooling
system. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants in the
Maintenance and Limited
Warranty and Owner Assistance
Information manual.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-13
ProCarManuals.com

Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss
and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is
properly and tightly secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for more information
on location.
Engine Overheating
There is an engine coolant
temperature warning light on
your vehicle’s instrument panel.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 4-19for
more information.
If Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
{CAUTION
Steam from an overheated
engine can burn you badly,
even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if
you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and
get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the
liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly
burned. Stop your engine if it
overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.Notice:If the engine catches re
because of being driven with
no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An engine coolant temperature
warning can indicate a serious
problem. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on
page 4-19.
If you get an engine coolant
temperature warning, but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-15
ProCarManuals.com

Rear disc brake pads do not have
built-in brake pad wear indicators.
Periodic visual inspection of the rear
brake pads is required to determine
when to replace the pads. Visually
inspect the rear brake pads
whenever the rear wheels are
removed such as during tire rotation.
1. Set the parking brake and make
sure that the brakes have been
given enough time to cool.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Visually inspect the rear brake
inner pads (C) at each rear
wheel through the inspection
window in the brake caliper (A).Brake pads should be replaced
when the inner pad (C) is
worn to 5/64 in (2 mm) of pad
thickness (B). New brake
pads, with no wear, are 25/64 of
an inch (10 mm) thick.
4. After brake pad inspection or
replacement, install the rear
wheels.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel bolts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel bolts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities
and Specifications on page 10-2.
Brake linings should always
be replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop,
the disc brakes adjust for wear.
9-24 Vehicle Service and Care
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Headlamp Aiming
The optical headlamp aiming system
has been preset at the factory
and should need no further
adjustment.
However, If the vehicle is damaged
in a crash, the headlamp aim
may be affected and adjustment
may be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles ash their high
beams at you, this may also mean
the vertical aim needs to be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle
is taken to your dealer/retailer for
service if the headlamps need to be
re-aimed. It is possible however, to
re-aim the headlamps as described.The vehicle should:Be placed so the headlamps
are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light
colored wall.
Have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface which is level all
the way to the wall.
Be placed so it is perpendicular
to the wall.
Not have any snow, ice, or
mudonit.
Be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp
aiming is being done.
Have a full tank of fuel and
one person or 160 lbs (75 kg)
on the driver seat.
Have all tires properly inated.Headlamp aiming is done with the
vehicle’s low-beam headlamps.
The high-beam headlamps will be
correctly aimed if the low-beam
headlamps are aimed properly.
To adjust the vertical aim on
the headlamps:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood
Release on page 9-5for more
information.
2. Locate the aim dot on the lens of
the low-beam headlamp.
9-26 Vehicle Service and Care
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