sensor SATURN ASTRA 2008 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.
The vehicle has seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags.
SeeAirbag System on page 1-23.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inate in moderate to severe side
crashes. Seat-mounted side impact
and roof-rail airbags will inate if
the crash severity is above the
system’s designed threshold level.
The threshold level can vary with
specic vehicle design.
Seats and Restraints 1-27
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Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible
in the rearview mirror when you start
the vehicle.
The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the
word ON or the word OFF, or the
symbol for on or the symbol for off,
will be visible. SeePassenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 4-15.
The passenger sensing system will
turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag under certain
conditions. The driver’s airbags
are not part of the passenger
sensing system.The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part
of the right front passenger’s seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
should be enabled (may inate)
or not.
Accident statistics show that
children are safer if they are
restrained in the rear rather than
the front seat.
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. United States
Canada
1-30 Seats and Restraints
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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,
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’s 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). See
Passenger Sensing System
on page 1-30.
If you have any questions about
this, you should contact Customer
Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbersand addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
in this manual. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on
page 11-1.
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 11-1.
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.
Seats and Restraints 1-35
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Windshield Wipers
Clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If the
wiper blades are frozen to the
windshield, gently loosen or thaw
them. If the blades do become
damaged, install new blades or
blade inserts. SeeWindshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 9-21.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor. A circuit breaker will
stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent
an overload.The lever on the right side of the
steering column operates the
windshield wipers. Push up or pull
down on the lever to place it in
one of the following positions.
[(High):For rapid wiping cycles.
— (Low):For slow, steady wiping
cycles.
-- (Intermittent/RainSense™):
See RainSense™ wipers below.
9(Off):Turns off the wipers.For a single wipe pull the lever
down from the off position. The lever
will return to its original position.
For more cycles, hold the lever
down before releasing it.
RainSense™ Wipers
There is a moisture sensor mounted
on the windshield next to the inside
rearview mirror. When active, the
sensor is able to detect moisture on
the windshield and automatically
control the frequency of the wipes
according to the weather conditions.
To turn on the RainSense feature,
the wipers must be set to the
intermittent delay setting on
the windshield wiper lever.
To turn off RainSense, move the
lever downwards.
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.
Instruments and Controls 4-9
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Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a Driver Safety Belt
Reminder Light on the instrument
panel cluster.
When the engine is started this light
and chime will come on and stay on
for several seconds to remind people
to fasten their safety belts. The light
will also begin to ash.This cycle repeats if the driver
remains unbuckled and the vehicle
is moving.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled,
neither the light nor chime will
come on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
If your vehicle has this light, it will
operate the same as the Safety Belt
Reminder Light except that it is
meant for the front passenger.
If the passenger’s safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light tells you 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 1-23.
This light will come on and stay
on for several seconds when you
start your vehicle. Then the light
should go out.
4-14 Instruments and Controls
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Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can
make it easier for others to see
the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many
different driving conditions, but they
can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before
sunset. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on all
vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system makes the
low-beam headlamps turn on at
a reduced brightness when
the following conditions are met:
The engine is running.
The light sensor determines it
is night and the exterior lamps
control is in the off position.
The light sensor determines
it is daytime.The taillamps and other lamps will
be off.
The DRL turns off when the engine
is not running.
The regular headlamps or parking
lamps should be used when needed.
Delayed Headlamps
Vehicles with headlamp exit delay,
keep the headlamps and taillamps
on for 30 seconds.
To activate:
1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the key from the ignition.
2. Open the driver door.
3. Pull the multifunction lever
toward the steering wheel.
To deactivate, do either of the
following:
Insert the key into the ignition.
Pull the multifunction lever toward
the steering wheel again while
the driver door is open.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the
button is located on the instrument
panel, to the left of the steering
wheel.
The ignition and headlamps or
parking lamps must be on to turn on
the fog lamps. The fog lamps will not
turn on if the high beam headlamps
or ash to pass are active.
Press the button to turn the fog
lamps on or off. An indicator light on
the instrument panel cluster comes
on when the fog lamps are on.
Some localities have laws that
require the headlamps to be
on along with the fog lamps.
5-2 Lighting
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Fuses Usage
8 Horn
10 Door Locks
13 Foglamps
14Windshield Wipers
(high speed)
15Windshield Wipers
(low speed)
16Antilock Brake System,
Brake Lamp Switch
17 Vacuum Pump
18 Starter
20 Air Conditioning Clutch
21Engine Control
Module (ECM)
(Main Relay)
22 ECM (Battery)
24 Fuel Pump/InjectorsFuses Usage
26ECM (Sensor and
Actuators)
27 Power Steering
28Automatic
Transmission (Battery)
29Automatic
Transmission (Ignition)
30 ECM (Ignition)
32 Brake Switch
34Steering Column
Module
35 Radio
36OnStar™ Module/
OnStar™ Interface
Module/DisplayRear Compartment Fuse
Block
To open the liftgate, SeeLiftgate on
page 2-6.
The rear compartment fuse block is
located on the left side of the
cargo area behind a cover.
9-36 Vehicle Service and Care
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Fuses Usage
16Front Passenger Seat
Detection Sensor
17Tire Pressure
Monitoring
System (TPMS)/
Rain Sensor/Inside
Rearview Mirror
18 Interior Lights
21 Outside Mirror Heating
22 Sunroof
23 Rear Power Window
24Diagnostic Link
Connector
29Accessory Power
Outlet (APO)
34 Sunroof
38 Door Locks
39 Seat Heating Driver
40Seat Heating Front
PassengerTires
Your new vehicle comes with
high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions about
the tire warranty and where to
obtain service, see the “Limited
Warranty, Maintenance and
Owner Assistance Information”
manual for details.
{CAUTION
Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.
Overloading your tires can
cause overheating as a
result of too much exing.
You could have an air-out
and a serious accident.
SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 8-30.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Underinated tires pose
the same danger as
overloaded tires.
The resulting accident
could cause serious
injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the
recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be
checked when your tires
are cold. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46.
Overinated tires are more
likely to be cut, punctured,
or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when
you hit a pothole. Keep
tires at the recommended
pressure.
(Continued)
9-38 Vehicle Service and Care
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When high-speed driving ends,
return the tire pressure to the
recommended cold ination
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 8-30.
Tire pressure should be checked
and correctly set when the tires are
cold. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 9-46.
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 inationpressure 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.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will ash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
9-48 Vehicle Service and Care
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Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and
wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle’s tires and transmit tire
pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning
light located in the instrument
panel cluster.The low tire pressure warning light
comes on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inated to
the correct ination pressure.
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.
You must begin driving before the
TPMS system is operational.
TPMS sensors need to be installed
onto the full-size tire and wheel
assemblies, and the tires adjusted
to the manufacturers’ recommended
tire pressure amount.
A Tire and Load Information label is
attached to the vehicle, and shows
the size of the vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct
ination pressure for the tires when
they are cold. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 8-30, for anexample of the Tire and Load
Information label and its location on
the vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46.
The vehicle’s TPMS can warn you
about a low tire pressure condition
but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-51andTires
on page 9-38.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants
could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) sensors.
Sensor damage caused by
using a tire sealant is not covered
by your warranty. Do not use
liquid tire sealants.
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 are automatically learned by
the TPMS. This occurs within a
few moments of driving the vehicle
over 19 mph (31 km/h).
9-50 Vehicle Service and Care
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