battery SATURN OUTLOOK 2008 User Guide

Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the windows and sunroof will work up to
10 minutes or until a door is opened.The radio continues to work for 10 minutes or until the
driver’s door is opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of operation, close all the
doors and turn the key to ON/RUN and then back
to LOCK/OFF.
All these features will work when the key is in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY positions.
Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-27
ProCarManuals.com

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up
and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
2-28
ProCarManuals.com

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the shift lever
out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into
PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat.
To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park on page 2-35.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push your vehicle a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal
is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-38for more
information.
2-36
ProCarManuals.com

Location information about your vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
Your vehicle must have a working electrical system
(including adequate battery power) for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service to you at any particular time or place.
Some examples are damage to important parts of your
vehicle in an accident, hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather or wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the radio volume if you cannot hear the OnStar
advisor. If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red,
this means that your system is not functioning properly
and should be checked by your dealer/retailer. If the
light appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired. You can always press the
OnStar button to conrm that your OnStar equipment is
active.
Universal Home Remote
System
The Universal Home Remote System provides a way to
replace up to three hand-held Radio-Frequency (RF)
transmitters used to activate devices such as garage
door openers, security systems, and home lighting.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-50
ProCarManuals.com

Universal Home Remote System
Operation (With One Triangular LED)
If there is one triangular Light Emitting Diode (LED)
indicator light above the Universal Home Remote
buttons, follow the instructions below.
This system provides a way to replace up to three
remote control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security systems,
and home automation devices.
Do not use the Universal Home Remote with any
garage door opener that does not have the stop and
reverse feature. This includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982.Read the instructions completely before attempting to
program the Universal Home Remote. Because of
the steps involved, it may be helpful to have another
person available to assist you in the programming
the Universal Home Remote.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for use in other
vehicles as well as for future Universal Home Remote
programming. It is also recommended that upon the
sale of the vehicle, the programmed Universal Home
Remote buttons should be erased for security purposes.
See “Erasing Universal Home Remote Buttons” later
in this section.
When programming a garage door, park outside of
the garage. Park directly in line with and facing
the garage door opener motor-head or gate motor-head.
Be sure that people and objects are clear of the
garage door or gate that is being programmed.
It is recommended that a new battery be installed in
your hand-held transmitter for quicker and more
accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
2-51
ProCarManuals.com

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-7
Horn .............................................................3-7
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-7
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column.........................................3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-9
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer...................3-9
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-10
Windshield Wipers........................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-15
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System.......................3-16
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-17
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-18
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-18
Entry Lighting...............................................3-18
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-19Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-19
Parade Dimming...........................................3-19
Reading Lamps............................................3-20
Electric Power Management...........................3-20
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-21
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-21
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-22
Climate Controls............................................3-23
Climate Control System.................................3-23
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-26
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-34
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-34
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
and Electronic Climate Controls...................3-36
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-37
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-38
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-39
Tachometer.................................................3-39
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-39
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-40
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-41
Charging System Light..................................3-43
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-44
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-45
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-46
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
ProCarManuals.com

Reading Lamps
The vehicle has reading lamps that also act as the
dome lamp. Press the button to turn them on and off.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of
charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up
or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert
will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high
speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-64.
3-20
ProCarManuals.com

Battery Run-Down Protection
This vehicle has a feature to help prevent the battery
from being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps,
reading/map lamps, visor vanity lamps or trunk lamp are
accidentally left on. If any of these lamps are left on,
they automatically turn off after 10 minutes, if the ignition
is off. The lamps will not come back on again until
one of the following occurs:
The ignition is turned on.
The exterior lamps control is turned off, then on
again.
The headlamps will timeout after 10 minutes, if they are
manually turned on before the ignition is off.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets let you plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone.
The vehicle may have four accessory power outlets.
They are located on the instrument panel below
the climate controls, inside the front center console
storage bin, at the rear of the center console, and in the
rear cargo area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlets and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
3-21
ProCarManuals.com

Voltmeter Gage
When the engine is not
running, but the ignition is
on, this gage shows
the battery’s state of
charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, this gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The vehicle’s charging
system regulates voltage based on the state of charge
of the battery. The voltmeter may uctuate. This is
normal. Readings between the low and high warning
zones indicate the normal operating range.Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left idling for an
extended period.
If there is a problem with the battery charging system, a
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM message
will appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC) and/or
the charging system light will come on. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-64andCharging
System Light on page 3-43for more information.
However, readings in either warning zone may indicate
a possible problem in the electrical system. Have
the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
3-44
ProCarManuals.com

Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
If you just drove through a deep puddle of water,
your vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out. A few driving trips
should turn the light off.
If you recently changed brands of fuel, be sure to
fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. SeeGasoline
Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality causes the
engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You might notice this as stalling after start-up,
stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misring,
hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on
acceleration — these conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help your vehicle pass
an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection.
This can happen if you have recently replaced
the battery or if the battery has run down.
3-50
ProCarManuals.com