brake light SATURN L-SERIES 2005 User Guide

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road,
and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before you
hit them.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
4-18
ProCarManuals.com

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the
fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should
have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes will not work well, or will
not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add
fluid when your linings are worn, then you will have
too much fluid when you get new brake linings.
You should add or remove brake fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have 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
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-27.
5-33
ProCarManuals.com

{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to Saturn torque specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your retailer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then — very carefully — make a
few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system — for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in — be sure you get new approved
Saturn replacement parts. If you do not, your brakes may
no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance you have come to
expect can change in many other ways if someone puts
in the wrong replacement brake parts.
5-35
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine
Saturn parts as needed. To help ensure proper
operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator
and air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, glove box hinges,
sunroof (if equipped) and any folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
6-8
ProCarManuals.com

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-83
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM).............................................. 7-7
Airbag System................................................1-46
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-52
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-54
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................1-52
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?....1-53
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................1-51
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-48
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-62
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-28
Appearance Care............................................5-73
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-78
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-75
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-80
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-76
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-73
Finish Care.................................................5-76
Finish Damage............................................5-79Appearance Care (cont.)
Glass Surfaces............................................5-75
Instrument Panel.........................................5-75
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-75
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-79
Tires..........................................................5-78
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-80
Vinyl..........................................................5-75
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-76
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-77
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Assist Handles...............................................2-29
Audio System(s).............................................3-38
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-61
Care of Your CD and DVD Player..................3-62
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-62
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-62
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-43
Radio with CD............................................3-39
Setting the Time..........................................3-38
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-58
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-61
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-14
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-18
1
ProCarManuals.com

B
Battery..........................................................5-36
Run-Down Protection...................................3-16
Battery Warning Light......................................3-27
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-22
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-33
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-45
Fog Lamps.................................................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-46
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-45
Buying New Tires...........................................5-57
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specifications............................5-89
Carbon Monoxide...................2-10, 2-25, 4-26, 4-40
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-75
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-61
Your CD and DVD Player.............................3-62
Your CDs and DVDs....................................3-62
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-28
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-45
Chains, Tire...................................................5-61
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-31
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-80
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-39
Older Children.............................................1-26
2
ProCarManuals.com

Headlamps (cont.)
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-42
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Heater...........................................................3-18
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-35
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-29
Inflation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-54
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-4
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-37
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labelling, Tire Sidewall....................................5-49
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection.........................3-16
Dome........................................................3-16
Fog ...................................................3-15, 5-44
Map ..........................................................3-16
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-41
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-26
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
6
ProCarManuals.com

Light (cont.)
Battery Warning..........................................3-27
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
Change Engine Oil......................................3-34
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator..................3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-29
Highbeam On.............................................3-35
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-30
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-37
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-36
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-31
Oil Pressure...............................................3-33
Reduced Engine Power................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-25
Security.....................................................3-34
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-36
TCS Warning Light......................................3-29
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-29
Trunk Ajar..................................................3-36
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-16
Lockout Protection............................................ 2-9
Locks
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-7Locks (cont.)
Lockout Protection......................................... 2-9
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-30
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-37
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-36
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-14
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
7
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-31
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Passenger Seat.................................... 1-2
Manual Windows............................................2-12
Map Lamps....................................................3-16
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-27
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-28
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-28
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-27
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-27
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-15
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-14
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-24
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-34
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-33
Older Children, Restraints................................1-26
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-28
Heated Mirrors............................................2-28
Power Mirrors.............................................2-27
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-27
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-23
Shifting Out of............................................2-24
Parking
Brake........................................................2-22
Over Things That Burn.................................2-25
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-21
Passing.........................................................4-13
Passlock
®......................................................2-14
Power............................................................. 1-2
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
8
ProCarManuals.com