ECU SATURN L-SERIES 2005 Owner's Guide

Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
If the vehicle is going to carry a heavy load, spread
it out. Do not carry more than 167 lbs (75 kg)
in your trunk.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else
are put inside the vehicle, they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
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Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
•The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
•Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the
hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-25. Dirt and
water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try to
tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you
do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
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Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-23
for instructions on “How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.”
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
If you replace your coolant surge tank pressure cap,
a Saturn cap is required.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a coolant
temperature warning light on your vehicle’s instrument
panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 3-30andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light on page 3-29. You will also find a low coolant level
warning light on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See
Low Coolant Warning Light on page 3-30.
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7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect
it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything until the
next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable
does notgo to the dead battery. It goes to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable at
least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery,
but not near engine parts that move. The electrical
connection is just as good there, and the chance
of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine for a while.
11. Press UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry
transmitter to disarm your security system
(if equipped).
12. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery.
If it will not start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.
Notice:If the jumper cables are removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Remove the jumper
cables in the correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or other metal.
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Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Windshield
Wipers, Blade Check” underScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
seeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-14. Here’s how to remove the wiper blades:
1. Turn on the wipers to the low wipe setting.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades
are more accessible for removal/replacement
while in this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the blade
connecting point and pull the old blade assembly
down toward the glass to remove it from the
wiper arm.
5. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper
arm until you hear the release clip “click” into place.
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Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
1. Place the wheel wrench into the clips on the jack.
2. Install the jack in the left side panel of the trunk and
secure as shown on the jacking instruction label
located in the trunk.
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3. Place the flat tire, face down, into the spare tire
compartment. When placing an aluminum flat tire
into the spare tire compartment, be very careful
to avoid scraping the wheel face on the hold-down
bolt and other hard surfaces. The hold-down
bolt should pass through the rear most wheel vent
hold. The flat tire will protrude above the trunk
floor in this position.
4. Place the nut onto the hold-down bolt and tighten
down until it is snug.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon
as you can. See the storage instructions label to replace
your compact spare into your trunk or cargo area
separately.
Store the flat tire in the compact spare tire compartment
and secure the adapter, extension (aluminum wheel
only) and wing bolt. Store the jack and wheel wrench in
the foam tray.
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when
your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).After installing the compact spare tire on your vehicle,
you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your
compact spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact
spare tire is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so
you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire
repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it is best
to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you
can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in
case you need it again.
Notice:When the compact spare is installed, do not
take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the
rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe
other parts of your vehicle.
Do not use your compact spare tire on other vehicles.
And do not mix your compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your
compact spare tire and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains will not t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
your compact spare.
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Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-20for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-48for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Push, pull and then try to turn the spare tire.
If it moves, tighten it. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-62.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-22if necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, contact
your retailer for service.
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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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Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-43
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-78
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-76
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-73
Finish Care.................................................5-76
Glass Surfaces............................................5-75
Instrument Panel.........................................5-75
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-75
Tires..........................................................5-78
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Vinyl..........................................................5-75
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-76
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-77Climate Control System...................................3-18
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-21
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-24
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-72
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-30
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-29
Low Warning Light.......................................3-30
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn.................. 7-8
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government................................ 7-8
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.......................... 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information......... 7-9
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