SATURN L-SERIES 2005 Owners Manual

The recirculation mode can be used with vent, bi-level,
or floor modes, but it cannot be used with the defog
or defrost modes. When you switch to the defog
or defrost modes the system will automatically move
from recirculation to outside air. When you move
the mode knob back to another mode, the system will
move back into recirculation. When the car is turned off
and back on the system will default to outside air
automatically.
AC (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is pressed,
an indicator light above the button will come on to let
you know that air conditioning is activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select A/C.
4. Select the recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is used
properly. There are two modes to choose from to clear
fog or frost from your windshield. Use the defog mode
to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost
from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and half to the floor outlets with a small
amount directed to the side windows. When you select
this mode, the system turns off recirculation automatically
and runs the air-conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is at or below freezing. The
recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
3-19
ProCarManuals.com

1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield with some air directed to the floor vents.
In this mode, the system will automatically force outside
air into your vehicle and run the air-conditioning
compressor. Recirculation cannot be selected while in
the defrost mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
defogger on or off. An indicator light above the
button will come on to let your know that the rear
window defogger is activated. Be sure to clear as much
snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
15 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximately seven
minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be
turned off by pressing the button again or by turning off
the engine.
If your vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the mirrors
will also heat when the rear defogger is on. SeeOutside
Heated Mirrors on page 2-28for more information.Notice:Don’t use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar
to the defogger grid.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change the
direction of the airflow.
Operation Tips
•
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the flow of air into your vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
•Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
3-20
ProCarManuals.com

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passenger
compartment air filter. It is located underneath the hood
just below the windshield wiper arm on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
The filter traps most of the pollen from air entering the
Climate Control System. Like your engine’s air
cleaner/filter, it may need to be changed periodically to
insure system performance. For information on how
often to change the passenger compartment air
filter, seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
For the type of filter to use, seeNormal Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the
following steps:
1. Open the hood. Locate the passenger compartment
air filer access panel.
2. Peel back the hood weatherstrip from the
passenger’s side of the vehicle halfway to center.3. Use a tool to open the passenger compartment
air filter access door.
4. Remove any leaves or other debris from the
filter area.
3-21
ProCarManuals.com

5. Release the two locking tabs and pull the filter out.
6. Reverse the steps to install the new air filter.
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 briefly 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.
3-22
ProCarManuals.com

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how the 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.
3-23
ProCarManuals.com

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles or kilometers.
Your vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. You may
wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a new
odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the
mileage total of the old odometer, then that will be done.
If it can’t, it will be set at zero and a label must be put
on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was installed. If the mileage is
unknown, the label should then indicate “previous
mileage unknown”.
Trip Odometer
Your trip odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven since the trip odometer was last reset.
To reset the trip odometer to zero, press and hold
the trip/reset button on the speedometer for about
two seconds.
3-24
ProCarManuals.com

Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
The maximum rpm is limited in PARK (P) and
NEUTRAL (N) to 4000 rpm by the vehicle’s computer.
This is to prevent engine damage.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime
will come on for several seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt
is already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay
on for several seconds,
then it will flash for
several more.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
3-25
ProCarManuals.com

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensor, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the
airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-46.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will flash
for a few seconds.
Then the light should go
out. This means the
system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start
the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,
your airbag system may not work properly. Have your
vehicle serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the airbag
readiness light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-26
ProCarManuals.com

Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light
will come on briefly 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.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still
work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.If the brake system warning light comes on, there is
a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
The BRAKE light is
located in the instrument
panel cluster.
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a
problem.
When the ignition is on, the BRAKE light will come on
when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on if
your parking brake doesn’t release fully. A chime will
also sound if the parking brake is not fully released and
the vehicle is moving. If it stays on after your parking
brake is fully released, it means you have a brake
problem.
The BRAKE light will also come on to indicate a low
brake fluid level. SeeBrakes on page 5-33for
more information.
3-27
ProCarManuals.com

If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-37.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you
have pulled off the road and stopped carefully,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, the anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning light will come on briefly, as
a check, when you start your vehicle. If it does not, 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 4-37.
3-28
ProCarManuals.com