check engine light SATURN ION 2007 User Guide

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 does not 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 has 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 103.
Reduced Engine Power Light
This light will come on
briey when you start
the engine.
This light, along with the service engine soon light
will be displayed when a noticeable reduction in
the vehicle’s performance may occur. Stop the
vehicle and turn off the ignition. Wait for
10 seconds and restart your vehicle. This may
correct the condition.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. The brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 270.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on the
instrument panel will
come on briey
when you start your
vehicle.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to
drive away, your ABS will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise
while this test is going on, and you may even
notice that your brake pedal moves or pulses a
little. This is normal.
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Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts at Saturn retailers all across the
United States and Canada. They will be ready and
willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
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You can run the engine to keep warm, but be
careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO
(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
could overcome you and kill you. You
cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is blocking the
exhaust pipe. And check around again
from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This
saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a
little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the
heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
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If your vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code B)
or the 2.0L Supercharged engine (VIN Code P), use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You may also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but
your vehicle’s acceleration may be slightly reduced,
and you may notice a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane
is less than 87, you may notice a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you might damage your engine. If you
are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and
you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). Saturn recommends against the use
of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on
page 273for additional information.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on
fuels that meet California specications. See the
underhood emission control label. If this fuel is not
available in states adopting California emissions
standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on
fuels meeting federal specications, but emission
control system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn on and your
vehicle may fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 174. If this occurs, return to
your authorized Saturn retailer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is caused by the type
of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by your
warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United
States are now required to contain additives
that will help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing your emission
control system to work properly. In most cases,
you should not have to add anything to your fuel.
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Manual Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle uid level.
A transaxle uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your
retailer’s service department and have it repaired
as soon as possible. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 402for the proper uid
to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives uid from the brake master
cylinder reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 308for more information.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 297.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at the
rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder
use the same reservoir.
The reservoir is lled
with DOT-3 brake
uid. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 280for the
location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid
level in the reservoir might go down. The rst
is that the brake uid goes down to an acceptable
level during normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are put in, the uid level goes back
up. The other reason is that uid is leaking out of
the brake system or hydraulic clutch system if
you have a manual transaxle. If it is, you should
have both systems checked and the necessary
repairs made, since a leak means that sooner or
later your brakes and/or clutch will not work
well, or will not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you
add uid when your linings are worn, then you will
have too much uid when you get new brake
linings. You should add or remove brake uid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the
brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has too much brake uid, it
can spill on the engine. The uid will burn
if the engine is hot enough. You or others
could be burned, and your vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake and/or clutch
hydraulic system.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your
brake warning light will come on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 170.
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CD, MP3 ..................................................... 205
Center Console Storage Area...................... 133
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)..... 324
Chains, Tire................................................. 348
Change Engine Oil Message....................... 183
Check
Engine Light............................................ 174
Check Gage Message................................. 184
Check Gas Cap Message........................... 185
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 278
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 373
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 47
Infants and Young Children........................ 44
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children....... 53
Older Children........................................... 41
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position................................. 61
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position........................ 64
Where to Put the Restraint........................ 52
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 154
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels.................................... 371
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 370
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 367
Finish Care.............................................. 370Cleaning (cont.)
Inside of Your Vehicle .............................. 366
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.................................... 368
Tires........................................................ 372
Underbody Maintenance........................... 372
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 369
Weatherstrips........................................... 369
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 370
Climate Control System......................155, 157
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment........... 161
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 160
Clock..................................................187, 188
Clutch, Hydraulic......................................... 293
Collision Damage Repair............................. 420
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt................. 36
Compact Spare Tire.................................... 365
Compass............................................122, 125
Competitive Driving, Racing or Other........... 234
Content Theft-Deterrent............................... 103
Control of a Vehicle..................................... 222
Convenience Net......................................... 134
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage........................ 173
Surge Tank Pressure Cap........................ 297
Cooling System........................................... 300
Cruise Control
............................................. 147
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Electrical System (cont.)
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 375
Power Windows and Other Power
Options................................................. 375
Windshield Wiper Fuses........................... 375
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 290
Change Oil Message............................... 183
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 174
Coolant.................................................... 293
Coolant Temperature Gage...................... 173
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 405
Engine Compartment Overview................ 280
Exhaust................................................... 120
Oil ........................................................... 283
Oil Life System........................................ 288
Overheating............................................. 297
Reduced Power Light............................... 178
Starting.................................................... 108
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)................ 226
Entry Lighting.............................................. 153
Error Message............................................ 185
Event Data Recorders (EDR)...................... 418
Extender, Safety Belt..................................... 40F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner................................... 290
Finish Damage............................................ 372
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................... 215
Flashers, Hazard Warning........................... 142
Flash-to-Pass.............................................. 145
Flat Tire...................................................... 349
Flat Tire, Changing...................................... 350
Flat Tire, Storing......................................... 362
Fluid
Manual Transaxle..................................... 293
Windshield Washer.................................. 307
Fog Lamp
Fog .......................................................... 152
Folding Rear Seat......................................... 16
Folding Seatback, Passenger........................ 14
Front Turn Signal, Parking and
Daytime Running Lamps.................322, 323
Fuel............................................................ 272
Additives.................................................. 273
California Fuel.......................................... 273
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.............. 277
Filling Your Tank...................................... 275
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Fuel (cont.)
Fuels in Foreign Countries....................... 274
Gage....................................................... 179
Gasoline Octane...................................... 272
Gasoline Specications............................ 273
Low Warning Message............................. 185
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block............. 378
Floor Console Fuse Block........................ 376
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 375
Windshield Wiper..................................... 375
G
Gage
Boost....................................................... 180
Engine Coolant Temperature.................... 173
Fuel......................................................... 179
Speedometer........................................... 165
Tachometer.............................................. 165
Gas, Check Cap Message........................... 185
Gasoline
Octane..................................................... 272
Specications........................................... 273
Glove Box................................................... 133
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.......... 415
H
Hazard Warning Flashers............................ 142
Head Restraints............................................ 13
Headlamp
Aiming..................................................... 318
Headlamps................................150, 319, 320
Bulb Replacement.................................... 318
Daytime Running Lamps.......................... 151
Flash-to-Pass........................................... 145
Halogen Bulbs......................................... 318
High/Low Beam Changer ......................... 145
Heater................................................155, 157
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................ 9
Highbeam On Light..................................... 179
High-Speed Operation, Tires........................ 338
Highway Hypnosis....................................... 242
Hill and Mountain Roads............................. 242
Hood
Checking Things Under............................ 278
Release................................................... 279
Horn............................................................ 142
How to Use This Manual................................ 3
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly............... 24
Hydraulic Clutch.......................................... 293
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