check engine light SATURN ION 2006 Owners Manual

Passlock®
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Passlock®theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock®enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the
ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
During normal operation,
the security light will
go off approximately
three seconds after the
key is turned to the
RUN ignition position.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes,
wait until the light stops ashing before trying to
restart the engine. Remember to release the key
from START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine
off. However, your Passlock
®system is not working
properly and must be serviced by your retailer. Your
vehicle is not protected by Passlock
®at this time. You
may also want to check the fuses, seeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-100. See your retailer for service.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast
or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Do not exceed
5,000 engine rpm. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during the rst 1,000 miles
(1 600 km). SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-39
for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle
and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
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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
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Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that may
be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your
warning lights and gages could also save you or others
from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some warning
lights come on briey when you start the engine just to
let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this
section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when there’s
a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
Your vehicle also has a message center that works
along with the warning lights and gages. SeeMessage
Center on page 3-43.
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Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light
will come on briey as a
check, when you turn
on the ignition. Then it
should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light does not come on when you start your
vehicle, have your vehicle serviced right away. This
condition may indicate your battery warning light is not
functioning properly. If this light comes on while you
are driving, be sure to turn off accessories such as the
radio and climate control system. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
Up-Shift Light
Your vehicle may have an up-shift light. When this light
comes on, you should shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road, and traffic conditions allow you to.
This light is located in your
instrument panel cluster to
the left of the speedometer.
SeeManual Transaxle Operation on page 2-25for more
information.
United States Only
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Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, the anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning light will come on briey, as a
check, when you start your vehicle. If it doesn’t, have your
vehicle serviced so that the light works properly when it
needs to.
The ABS light is located
in the instrument panel
cluster, to the left of
the engine coolant
temperature gage.If the light stays on longer than a few seconds after you
start your engine, or comes on and stays on while you
are driving, try resetting the system. To reset the system,
do the following:
1. If you are driving, pull over when it is safe to do so.
2. Be sure the vehicle is in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the ignition.
4. Then restart the engine.
If the light remains on after resetting the system or comes
on again while driving, your vehicle needs service. If the
ABS light is on, but the regular brake system warning light
is not on, you do not have anti-lock brakes, but you still
have regular brakes. Have your vehicle serviced right
away. If both brake lights are on, you do not have
anti-lock brakes, and there’s a problem with your regular
brakes as well. Have your vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-36.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come on
briey when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light
does not come on then, have it xed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage on the left
measures the temperature
of the vehicle’s engine
coolant. If the pointer
moves into the shaded
area, your engine is
too hot!
If the engine coolant temperature reaches 253°F
(123°C) the CHK GAGE message will appear and a
chime will sound to alert you to the engine coolant
temperature gage. SeeMessage Center on page 3-43.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road and
stop your vehicle, be sure the air conditioning is off,
let the engine idle for a few minutes, then turn off
the engine.
If your engine control system detects a failure in the
engine coolant temperature circuit, the malfunction
indicator lamp (service engine soon) light will come on.
The coolant gage may read all the way hot or cold.The engine cooling fan will be turned on to protect the
engine and transmission. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-36for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which monitors
operation of the fuel,
ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine light comes on to indicate that there is
a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often
will be indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist
your service technician in correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
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Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good,
and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could
lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by
your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine, transaxle,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your vehicle or the
replacement of the original tires with other than those
of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modications to these
systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by
your warranty. This may also result in a failure to
pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance
test. SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 5-3.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is
On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your retailer for service as soon
as possible.
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If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-7. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light to
turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your retailer can check the vehicle. Your retailer has the
proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
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Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on or not working properly.Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your battery
has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems during normal
driving. This may take several days of routine driving.
If you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass
the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, your
retailer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
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Oil Pressure Light
If you have a low engine oil
pressure problem, this light
will stay on after you start
your engine, or come on
when you are driving. This
indicates that your engine
is not receiving enough oil.
The engine could be low on oil, or could have some
other oil problem. Have it xed immediately.
The oil light may also come on when the ignition is on but
the engine is not running, the light will come on as a test
to show you it is working, but the light will go out when
you turn the ignition to START. If it doesn’t come on with
the ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or
bulb. Have it xed right away.{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for changing engine oil.
Passlock®Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a Passlock®
theft-deterrent system.
With this system, the
security light will ash
as you open the door if
your ignition is off.
For more information, seePasslock
®on page 2-17.
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