fuel SATURN ION 2006 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-11
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-54
Restraint System Check
............................1-68
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-17
Mirrors
....................................................2-32
OnStar
®System
......................................2-38
Storage Areas
.........................................2-40
Sunroof
..................................................2-41
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-25
Message Center
.......................................3-43
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-48Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-36
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-48
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-56
Tires
......................................................5-57
Appearance Care
.....................................5-90
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-99
Electrical System
......................................5-99
Capacities and Specications
...................5-109
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-11
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Saturn ION Owner ManualM
ProCarManuals.com

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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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):This position is for
normal driving with the automatic transaxle. If you
need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push
your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator all the way down.
INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used for
normal driving. However, it offers braking from
the engine for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of
grade. If repetitive shifts occur between third and
fourth gears on steep uphills, this position can be
used to prevent repetitive shifting. Fuel economy
will be lower than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).Here are some times you might choose
INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less
shifting between gears.
LOW (L):This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than INTERMEDIATE (I).
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle
will not shift into LOW (L) until the vehicle is going
slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the
vehicle in place.
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Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
Up-Shift Light
If you have a manual
transaxle, you may
have an up-shift light.
This light will show
you when to shift to the
next higher gear for
the best fuel economy.When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions let
you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly
and shift when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go
on and off if you quickly change the position of
the accelerator. Ignore the light when you downshift.
Notice:If you skip more than one gear when
you downshift, or if you race the engine when you
release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you
could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft, or the
transaxle. Do not skip gears or race the engine
when downshifting.
For information on operating the illuminated ladder
tachometer, seeTachometer on page 3-28.
United States Only
2-26
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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
3-2
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know how fast you
are going, about how much fuel you have used, and many other things you will need to know to drive safely and
economically.
United States version shown, Canada similar
3-26
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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.
3-37
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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.
3-38
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Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on, the
fuel gage on the right tells
you about how much fuel
you have left in your tank.
When the indicator nears empty, the LOW FUEL
message will come on. You still have a little fuel left,
but you should get more soon. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Message on page 3-46for more information.Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with your fuel gage:At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to
ll the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
The gage takes a few seconds to stabilize after the
ignition is turned on, and will go back to empty
when you turn the ignition off.
For your fuel tank capacity, seeCapacities and
Specications on page 5-109.
3-42
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