SATURN L-SERIES 2005 Owners Manual

If you wish to write to the Saturn Customer Assistance
Center, our address is:
Saturn Customer Assistance Center
100 Saturn Parkway
Mail Code 371-999-S24 Spring Hill, TN 37174-1500
In Canada, write to:
Saturn Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Ltd.
1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
When contacting Saturn, please remember that
your concern will likely be resolved at a retailer’s facility.
That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if
you have a concern.
STEP THREE:Both Saturn and its retailers are
committed to making sure you are completely satisfied
with your Saturn vehicle. However, if you continue to
remain unsatisfied after following the procedure outlined
in Steps One and Two, Saturn and its retailers offer the
additional assistance of a neutral party through our
voluntary participation in a mediation/arbitration program
called BBB Auto Line. Canadian owners refer to your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet,
located in the front cover pocket of your owner’s
handbook, for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).The BBB Auto Line Program is an out-of-court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus
to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or
the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
This program is available at no cost to you, our customer.
We ask that you not resort to BBB Auto Line until after
Saturn and its retailers have been given the opportunity
to satisfy your vehicle concerns. However, U.S. residents
may file a claim at any time by contacting your local
Better Business Bureau at 1-800-955-5100.
Although you may be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to filing a court action,
use of the program is free of charge and your case will
generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree
with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and
proceed with any other venue for relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program by using
the toll-free telephone number or by writing them at the
following address:
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
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This program is available in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle
age, mileage and other factors. Saturn Corporation
reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or
discontinue its participation in this program.
Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. Specific vehicle information can be found in
one place.
The Online Owner Center allows you to:
•Get e-mail service reminders.
•Access information about your specific vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner’s manual (United States only).
•Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and
maintenance schedule.
•Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
•Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members (United States only).Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
To assist owners who have hearing difficulties, Saturn
has installed special TDD (Telecommunication Devices
for the Deaf) equipment in its Saturn Customer
Assistance Center.
Any hearing- or speech-impaired customer who has
access to a TDD or to a conventional Text Telephone
(TTY) can communicate with Saturn by dialing
1-800-TDD-6000. TTY users in Canada may dial
1-800-263-3830.
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GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program
This program, available to qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000 toward eligible aftermarket
driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may
require for your vehicle such as hand controls,
wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.
The offer is available for a limited period of time from
the date of vehicle purchase/lease.
For more details, or to determine your vehicle’s
eligibility, visit your Saturn retailer or call the Saturn
Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-553-6000.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-6000.
In Canada, customers may call the Saturn Customer
Communication Centre at 1-800-263-1999. TTY users
in Canada may call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance Program
For vehicles purchased in the U.S. call 1-800-553-6000
(TTY: 1-800-833-6000).
For vehicles purchased in Canada call 1-800-268-6800.As the proud owner of a new Saturn vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Saturn Roadside Assistance
Program. This value-added service is intended to provide
you with peace of mind as you drive in the city or travel
the open road. Saturn’s Roadside Assistance toll-free
number is staffed by courteous and capable Roadside
Assistance Representatives who are available 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year.
We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period at no expense
to you:
•Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to the
nearest service station.
•Lock-out Service (identication required):
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement
key will be covered within 10 miles.
•Emergency Tow:Tow to the nearest Saturn
retailer for warranty service or in the event of
a vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance provided
when the vehicle is mired in sand, mud, or snow.
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•Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. (The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
covered by a warrantable failure.)
•Jump Start:No-start occurrences which require a
battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
•Saturn Retailer Locator Service
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Saturn’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representatives:
•Your name, home address, and home
telephone number
•Telephone number of your location
•Location of the vehicle
•Model, year, color, and license plate number
•Mileage, Vehicle Identification Number and delivery
date of the vehicle
•Description of the problemWhile we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember we are only a phone call
away. Saturn Roadside Assistance: 1-800-553-6000;
text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-6000.
Saturn reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Saturn’s
judgment, the claims become excessive in frequency
or type of occurrence.
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Saturn reserves the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notification.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Saturn
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
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Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor
emission control components to optimize fuel economy,
to monitor conditions for airbag deployment and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the
driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations.
Some information may be stored during regular
operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions;
other information is stored only in a crash event by
computer systems, such as those commonly called
event data recorders (EDR).
In a crash event, computer systems, such as the Airbag
Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your vehicle
may record information about the condition of the vehicle
and how it was operated, such as data related to engine
speed, brake application, throttle position, vehicle speed,
safety belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag performance,
and the severity of a collision. This information has been
used to improve vehicle crash performance and may be
used to improve crash performance of future vehicles
and driving safety. Unlike the data recorders on many
airplanes, these on-board systems do not record sounds,
such as conversation of vehicle occupants.To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the device that stores
the data is required. GM will not access information
about a crash event or share it with others other than:•with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
•in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
•as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
•as required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may:
•use the data for GM research needs,
•make it available for research where appropriate
confidentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
•share summary data which is not tied to a specific
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to
the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or the device
that stores the data.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®, please check
the OnStar®subscription service agreement or manual
for information on its operations and data collection.
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Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
Saturn Corporation.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your retailer or
Saturn Corporation.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
U.S. customers can call the Saturn Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-553-6000, or write:
Saturn Corporation
100 Saturn Parkway
Mail Drop 371-999-S24
Spring Hill, TN 37174-1500
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263–1999.
Or, write to:
Saturn Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Limited
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
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Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
A variety of publications are available to you. Saturn
service manuals are written for trained technicians, and
in some cases, specialized tools and equipment are
necessary to complete certain repairs. However,
the manuals are available to owners who either have
the training, or wish to gain a greater understanding of
the technical aspect of their Saturn.
For additional publications information or to order
publications, call toll free 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order on-line.
In Canada, Saturn service manuals are available by
calling toll free 1-800-551-4123.
Owner Publications
Information on how to obtain product bulletins and as
described below is applicable only in the fifty U.S. states
and the District of Columbia, and only for cars and light
trucks with a GVWR less than 10,000 pounds (4 536 kg).
Copies of individual bulletins are also at your participating
Saturn retailer. You can ask to see them.In Canada, information relating to product service
bulletins can be obtained by contacting your
Saturn retailer.
Service Bulletins
Saturn regularly sends its retailers useful service
bulletins about Saturn products. Saturn monitors
product performance in the field. We then prepare
bulletins for servicing our products better. You can
get these bulletins, too.
Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain to the
proper use and care of your vehicle. Some describe
costly repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs
which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid
future costly repairs.
Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new
or unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker way
to fix your vehicle. They can help a technician service
your vehicle better.
Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small
number of vehicles. Your Saturn retailer or a qualified
technician may have to determine if a specific
bulletin applies to your vehicle. To order Saturn bulletins,
call Saturn Publications at 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order on-line.
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✍NOTES
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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
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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
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