SATURN ION 2004 Owners Manual

While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember we are only a phone call
away. Saturn Roadside Assistance: 1-800-553-6000;
text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-6000.
Saturn reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Saturn’s
judgment, the claims become excessive in frequency
or type of occurrence.
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Saturn reserves the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notication.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Saturn
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor
emission control components to optimize fuel economy,
to monitor conditions for air bag deployment and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the
driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations.
Some information may be stored during regular
operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions;
other information is stored only in a crash or near crash
event by computer systems commonly called event data
recorders (EDR).
In a crash or near crash event, computer systems, such
as the Air Bag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in
your vehicle may record information about the condition
of the vehicle and how it was operated, such as engine
speed, brake applications, throttle position, vehicle
speed, safety belt usage, air bag readiness, air bag
performance data, and the severity of a collision.
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This information has been used to improve vehicle
crash performance and may be used to improve crash
performance of future vehicles and driving safety.
Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes, these
on-board systems do not record sounds, such as
conversation of vehicle occupants.
To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the SDM is required.
GM will not access information about a crash event or
share it with others other than
with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
as required by law.In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may
use the data for GM research needs,
make it available for research where appropriate
condentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
share summary data which is not tied to a specic
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to
the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or SDM.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®, please check
the OnStar®subscription service agreement or
manual for information on its operations and data
collection.
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Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
Saturn Corporation.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your retailer or
Saturn Corporation.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
U.S. customers can call the Saturn Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-553-6000, or write:
Saturn Corporation
100 Saturn Parkway
Mail Drop 371-999-S24
Spring Hill, TN 37174-1500
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263–1999.
Or, write to:
Saturn Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Limited
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
A variety of publications are available to you. Saturn
service manuals are written for trained technicians, and
in some cases, specialized tools and equipment are
necessary to complete certain repairs. However,
the manuals are available to owners who either have
the training, or wish to gain a greater understanding of
the technical aspect of their Saturn.
For additional publications information or to order
publications, call toll free 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order on-line.
In Canada, Saturn service manuals are available by
calling toll free 1-800-551-4123.
Owner Publications
Information on how to obtain product bulletins and as
described below is applicable only in the fty U.S. states
and the District of Columbia, and only for cars and
light trucks with a GVWR less than 10,000 pounds
(4 536 kg). Copies of individual bulletins are also at your
participating Saturn retailer. You can ask to see them.
In Canada, information relating to product service bulletins
can be obtained by contacting your Saturn retailer.
Service Bulletins
Saturn regularly sends its retailers useful service
bulletins about Saturn products. Saturn monitors product
performance in the eld. We then prepare bulletins for
servicing our products better. You can get these
bulletins, too.
Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain to the
proper use and care of your vehicle. Some describe
costly repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs
which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid
future costly repairs.
Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or
unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker
way to x your vehicle. They can help a technician
service your vehicle better.
Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small
number of vehicles. Your Saturn retailer or a qualied
technician may have to determine if a specic
bulletin applies to your vehicle. To order Saturn bulletins,
call Saturn Publications at 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order on-line.
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A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-18
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-68
Adding Windshield Washer Fluid.......................5-37
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-95
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-49, 3-52, 3-58
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-30
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-50
Adding Equipment to Your
Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle..........................1-58
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-56
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-58
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-56
What Will You See After an
Air Bag Inates?......................................1-56
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-55
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-52
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)......... 7-7
AM ...............................................................3-70
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-47
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-71
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System..........................................3-71Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-34
Appearance Care............................................5-87
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-89
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-92
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-87
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-90
Finish Damage............................................5-92
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-92
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-92
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-90
Ashtrays........................................................3-19
Audio System(s).............................................3-46
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-47
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-71
Care of Your CDs........................................3-71
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-71
Radio with CD....................................3-50, 3-54
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-47
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-46
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-68
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-70
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-71
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation..........2-38, 2-40
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Automatic Headlamp System............................3-16
Automatic Transaxle........................................2-20
Fluid..........................................................5-24
Operation...................................................2-23
B
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-41
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-18
Battery Warning Light......................................3-31
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Parking......................................................2-30
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brake Adjustment............................................5-40
Brake Fluid....................................................5-38
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-40
Brake Wear...................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-55
Fog Lamps.................................................5-53Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-53
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-47
Headlamps.........................................5-48, 5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-56
Sidemarker Lamps.......................................5-54
Taillamps, Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps........5-55
Buying New Tires...........................................5-70
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications..........................5-102
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-12, 2-34
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-89
Your CD Player...........................................3-71
Your CDs ...................................................3-71
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
CD Messages........................................3-54, 3-67
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-55
Chains, Tires..................................................5-74
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Change Engine Oil Message............................3-43
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing................4-46
Changing the Language (Canada Only)..............3-41
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Check Gage Message.....................................3-44
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-39
Checking Coolant............................................5-28
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-15
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-92
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-47
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-41
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-87
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-90
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-90
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-91
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-90
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-90
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-89
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-89
Cleaning the Mirror.................................2-39, 2-41
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-89
Cleaning Tires................................................5-92
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-89
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-91
Climate Control System...........................3-20, 3-22
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-24
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-25
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-86
Compass Calibration...............................2-38, 2-40
Compass Operation.........................................2-40
Compass Variance..................................2-38, 2-40
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
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Convenience Net............................................2-45
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Low Level Warning Message.........................3-43
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control................................................3-12
Cruise Control Message...................................3-42
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-44
Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn.................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government................................ 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.......................... 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-10D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-21, 3-23
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10
Dinghy Towing (Five-Speed Automatic
Transaxle and VTi Variable Transaxle)............4-31
Dinghy Towing (Manual Transaxle)....................4-32
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature.................3-70
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing (All Transaxles)............................4-33
Dome Lamp...................................................3-18
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Rear Doors.................................................2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
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Driving (cont.)
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Winter........................................................4-26
Driving on Grades...........................................4-44
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-27
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-19
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-43
E
Electric Power Steering..................................... 4-9
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-95
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-95
Power Windows and Other Power Options.........5-95
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-95
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-14
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-38
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-41
Change Oil Message...................................3-43Engine (cont.)
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-22
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-17
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-15
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement...............5-22
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
(2.0L Supercharged Engine)........................5-100
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
(2.2L L4 Engine).........................................5-98
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-46
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19
Engine Specications.....................................5-103
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Error Message................................................3-45
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-7
Express-Down Window....................................2-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-15
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F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finding a Category (CAT) Station......................3-58
Finding a Station............................3-48, 3-50, 3-56
Finish Care....................................................5-90
Finish Damage...............................................5-92
Five-Speed....................................................2-28
Five-Speed Automatic and VTi Variable..............2-23
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-71
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-75
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-24
Manual Transaxle........................................5-25
Windshield Washer......................................5-37
FM Stereo.....................................................3-70
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-7
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-6
Following Distance..........................................4-43
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-40
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Message.................................3-45
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-95
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-95
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-35
Fuel..........................................................3-40
Speedometer..............................................3-29
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
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