traction control SATURN ION 2006 Owners Manual

Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-41
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Boost Gage.................................................3-43
Message Center.............................................3-43
Low Traction Message...................................3-44
Traction Off Message....................................3-44
Cruise Control Message.................................3-44
Transaxle Fluid Hot Message.........................3-45
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-45
Check Gage Message...................................3-45
Power Steering Message...............................3-46
Trunk Ajar Warning Message.........................3-46
Check Gas Cap Message..............................3-46
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-46
Service Vehicle Message...............................3-47
Error Message.............................................3-47Audio System(s).............................................3-48
Setting the Time (Without Date Display)...........3-49
Setting the Time (With Date Display)...............3-50
Radio with CD (Base)...................................3-50
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-55
Radio Reception...........................................3-70
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-71
Care of the CD Player...................................3-71
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-72
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-72
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2
ProCarManuals.com

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
D. Windshield Wiper Lever. SeeWindshield Wiper
Lever on page 3-9.
E. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-26.
G. Enhanced Traction System (ETS) (If Equipped).
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-48.
I. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-10.
J. Trunk Release Button. SeeTrunk on page 2-11.K. Fog Lamp (If Equipped)/Dimmer Switch. SeeFog
Lamps on page 3-15andInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-15.
L. Cruise Control Switches. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-10.
M. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System (Without Air Conditioning) on page 3-18
orClimate Control System (With Air Conditioning)
on page 3-20.
N. Transaxle Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-22orManual Transaxle
Operation on page 2-25Manual Transaxle
Operation.
O. Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-31.
P. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-40.
3-5
ProCarManuals.com

&(Delay):Put the lever in this position to set a delay
between wipes. Turn the end of the lever to set the
length of the delay.
6(Low Speed):Put the lever in this position for
slow, steady wiping cycles.
1(High Speed):Put the lever in this position for
rapid wiping cycles.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
gently loosen or thaw them. If the blades do become
damaged, install new blades or blade inserts.
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.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise
control does not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
3-10
ProCarManuals.com

Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
The cruise control buttons are located on the steering
wheel.
J(On/Off):Press this button to turn the cruise
control system on and off.
+RES (Resume):Press this part of the button to
resume a set speed and to accelerate the speed.
−SET (Set):Press this part of the button to set a speed
and to decrease the speed.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off button to turn cruise control on.
The indicator light on the button will come on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the−SET part of the control button and
release it. The CRUISE message will display in
the instrument panel cluster to show the system
is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Enhanced
Traction System (ETS) begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage. See
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9. When
road conditions allow, the cruise control can be
used again.
3-11
ProCarManuals.com

Changing the Language (Canada Only)
Vehicles rst sold in Canada have instrument panel
clusters that show messages in either English or French.
To change the language, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Press the trip/reset button until the current language
of ENGLISH or FRENCH is displayed.
3. Press and hold the trip/reset button for
several seconds until the language is changed.
4. Press the trip/reset button to return to the odometer
display.
Low Traction Message
If your vehicle has an
enhanced traction system
(ETS), this LOW TRAC
message will be displayed
when the system is
limiting wheel spin.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9for
more information.
Traction Off Message
If your vehicle has an
enhanced traction system
(ETS), this TRAC OFF
message will be displayed
briey when the system
has been turned off.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9for
more information.
Cruise Control Message
The CRUISE message is
displayed briey when your
cruise control system has
been activated, or set to a
desired speed.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more information.
3-44
ProCarManuals.com

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and get
familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can use it
with less effort, as well as take advantage of its features.
While your vehicle is parked, set up your audio system
by presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the
tone and adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
stations using the presets and steering wheel controls
if the vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving
on page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your favorite
radio stations, setting the tone, and adjusting the
speakers. Then, when driving conditions permit,
you can tune to your favorite radio stations using
the presets and steering wheel controls if the vehicle
has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to your
vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player, CB
radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make sure
that it can be added by checking with your retailer.
Also, check federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be added, it
is very important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of your
vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems, and even
damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere
with the operation of sound equipment that has
been added.
3-48
ProCarManuals.com

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-9
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).....................4-9
Limited-Slip Differential..................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-14
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Racing or Other Competitive Driving................4-16
Driving at Night............................................4-17Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-18
City Driving..................................................4-20
Freeway Driving...........................................4-21
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-22
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-24
Winter Driving..............................................4-26
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-30
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-31
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-31
Towing..........................................................4-36
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-36
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-36
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-39
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1
ProCarManuals.com

But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of
0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills
of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching
0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All
drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent.
Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a
collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance
of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is not the
right answer. What if there is an emergency, a need
to take sudden action, as when a child darts into
the street? A person with even a moderate BAC
might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid
the collision.
There is something else about drinking and driving that
many people do not know. Medical research shows that
alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries
worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or
heart. This means that when anyone who has been
drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that
person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled
is higher than if the person had not been drinking.
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or
even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
Please do not drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a
cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the
steering, and the accelerator. All three systems have to
do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can
lose control of your vehicle. SeeEnhanced Traction
System (ETS) on page 4-9.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
4-5
ProCarManuals.com

Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation
that requires hard braking.
If you have ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. However, if you do not have ABS, your rst
reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it
down — may be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can
stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle cannot respond
to your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever
direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling.
That could be off the road, into the very thing you
were trying to avoid, or into traffic.
If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking while
maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing
on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
This will help you retain steering control. If you do have
ABS, it is different. SeeAnti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) on page 4-7.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if
it senses that one or both of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system reduces engine power and may
also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin.
The LOW TRAC message will be displayed when your
Enhanced Traction System is engaged and limiting
wheel spin. SeeLow Traction Message on page 3-44.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Enhanced
Traction System begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle
shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the
transaxle only as high as the shift lever position
you have chosen, so you should use the lower gears
only when necessary.
4-9
ProCarManuals.com

The Enhanced Traction System automatically comes
on whenever you start your vehicle. The light on
the traction control button will also come on to let you
know the system is on. To limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, you should always leave the
system on. But you can turn the traction control system
off if you ever need to. You should turn the system
off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or
snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-31and
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-30.
To turn the system on or
off, press the enhanced
traction system button
located on the instrument
panel.When you turn the system off, the TRAC OFF message
will be displayed. If the Enhanced Traction System is
limiting wheel spin when you press the button to turn the
system off, the TRAC OFF message will be displayed,
but the system will not turn off until there is no longer a
current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system
back on at any time by pressing the button again. The
TRAC OFF message will no longer be displayed.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications on
page 5-3for more information.
Limited-Slip Differential
Your vehicle may have this feature. A limited-slip
transaxle can give you additional traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard transaxle
most of the time, but when one of the front wheels loses
traction, this feature will allow the wheel with traction
to move the vehicle.
4-10
ProCarManuals.com