check oil SATURN OUTLOOK 2009 User Guide

A. Radiator Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System on page 5-19.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Cap.
SeeCooling System on
page 5-19.
C. Remote Negative (−) Terminal.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-30.
D.Underhood Fuse Block on
page 5-94.
E. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-30.
F.Power Steering Fluid on
page 5-25.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 5-13.H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-18.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir.
See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 5-27.
K.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-17.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-26.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel ll. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on
level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If this is not done,
the oil dipstick might not show the
actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean
it with a paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the
tip down, and check the level.
Service and Appearance Care 5-13
ProCarManuals.com

When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system
might not indicate that an oil change
is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter
must be changed at least once a
year and at this time the system must
be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last oil change. Remember
to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
The Engine Oil Life System
calculates when to change the
engine oil and lter based on vehicle
use. Whenever the oil is changed,
reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required.
If a situation occurs where the oil
is changed prior to a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message being
turned on, reset the system.
If the vehicle does not have Driver
Information Center (DIC) buttons:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with
the engine off. The vehicle must
be in P (Park) to access this
display. Press the trip odometer
reset stem until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays.
2. Press and hold the trip
odometer reset stem until OIL
LIFE REMAINING shows 100%.
Three chimes sound and the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message goes off.3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes back on
when the vehicle is started, the
engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
If the vehicle has Driver Information
Center (DIC) buttons:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off.
2. Press the vehicle information
button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays.
3. Press and hold the set/reset
button until 100% is displayed.
Three chimes sound and
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
5-16 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the FULL COLD mark, add
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure
the cooling system is cool before this
is done. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-19for more information.The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.
When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at or above
the FULL COLD line marked on the
recovery tank.
When the engine is hot, the level
could be higher than the FULL COLD
line. If the coolant is below the FULL
COLD line when the engine is hot,
there could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to a dealer/retailer
for service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery 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.
Notice:This vehicle has a
specic coolant ll procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture at
the coolant recovery tank.
Service and Appearance Care 5-21
ProCarManuals.com

If the temperature overheat gage is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue
to drive the vehicle slow for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the car in front of you.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes
while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.Overheated
Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets
the vehicle be driven to a safe place
in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates ring groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is a signicant loss in
power and engine performance.
The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving
extended distances and/or towing a
trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid reservoir is
located toward the front of the engine
compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir location.
When to Check Power
Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering uid unless
you suspect there is a leak in
the system or you hear an unusual
noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
Service and Appearance Care 5-25
ProCarManuals.com

How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering uid:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove engine oil ll cap.
3. Slide engine cover rearward and
lift to remove.
4. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
5. Unscrew the cap and wipe the
dipstick with a clean rag.
6. Replace the cap and completely
tighten it.
7. Remove the cap again and look
at the uid level on the dipstick.
The uid level should be somewhere
between MAX and MIN line on the
dipstick in room temperature. If the
uid is on or below MIN line, you
should add uid close to MAX Line.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to
use, seeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12. Always
use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid
may damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the correct uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When adding windshield washer
uid, be sure to read the
manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If the vehicle will be operating
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a
uid that has sufficient protection
against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer uid
reservoir is low, a WASHER FLUID
LOW ADD FLUID message will be
displayed on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-56for more
information.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer uid
until the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir location.
5-26 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12 for more information.
Application Capacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more information.
Cooling System 11.4 qt 10.8 L
Engine Oil with Filter 5.5 qt 5.2 L
Fuel Tank 22.0 gal 83.3 L
Transmission Fluid* 5.3 qt 5.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lb ft 190 Y
*See Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-18 for information on checking uid level.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
3.6L V6 Engine DAutomatic 0.043 in (1.10 mm)
5-98 Service and Appearance Care
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Maintenance
Schedule
Maintenance ScheduleIntroduction..........................6-1
Maintenance Requirements.....6-1
Your Vehicle and the
Environment........................6-1
Using the Maintenance
Schedule............................6-2
Scheduled Maintenance.........6-3
Additional Required Services. . . .6-6
Maintenance Footnotes..........6-7
Owner Checks and Services. . . .6-9
At Each Fuel Fill...................6-9
At Least Once a Month........6-10
At Least Once a Year..........6-10
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants.........................6-12
Maintenance
Replacement Parts.............6-14
Engine Drive Belt Routing.....6-15
Maintenance Record............6-16
Maintenance
Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the
proper level and change as
recommended.
Maintenance
Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals,
checks, inspections, replacement
parts, and recommended uids
and lubricants as prescribed in
this manual are necessary to
keep this vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused
by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Your Vehicle and the
Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only
helps to keep the vehicle in good
working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended
maintenance is important. Improper
vehicle maintenance can even affect
the quality of the air we breathe.
Improper uid levels or the wrong tire
ination can increase the level of
emissions from the vehicle. To help
protect the environment, and to keep
the vehicle in good condition, be sure
to maintain the vehicle properly.
Maintenance Schedule 6-1
ProCarManuals.com

To purchase service information,
seeService Publications Ordering
Information on page 7-15.
Owner Checks and Services on
page 6-9tells what should be
checked, when to check it, and what
can easily be done to help keep
the vehicle in good condition.
The proper replacement parts,
uids, and lubricants to use
are listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12
andMaintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-14. When the
vehicle is serviced, make sure these
are used. All parts should be
replaced and all necessary repairs
done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend
the use of genuine parts from
your dealer/retailer.Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message displays,
service is required for the vehicle.
Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible
that, if driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system
might not indicate that vehicle
service is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter
must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer
has trained service technicians
who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system.If the engine oil life system is ever
reset accidentally, service the vehicle
within 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since
the last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil
is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-15for information
on the Engine Oil Life System and
resetting the system.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message appears, certain
services, checks, and inspections
are required. Required services
are described in the following
for “MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that the rst service
be MaintenanceI, the second
service be MaintenanceII, and then
alternate MaintenanceIand
MaintenanceIIthereafter. However,
in some cases, MaintenanceIImay
be required more often.
Maintenance Schedule 6-3
ProCarManuals.com

MaintenanceI—Use
Maintenance Iif the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
displays within 10 months since the
vehicle was purchased or
Maintenance IIwas performed. Maintenance
II—Use
Maintenance IIif the previous
service performed was
Maintenance I. Always use
Maintenance IIwhenever the message displays 10 months or
more since the last service or if the
message has not come on at all for
one year.
Scheduled Maintenance
Service
MaintenanceIMaintenance II
Change engine oil and lter. See Engine Oil on page 5-13. Reset oil life
system. See Engine Oil Life System on page 5-15 .An Emission Control
Service. ••
Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (g). ••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17 .See footnote (l). •
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-52 and “Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month
on page 6-10. ••
6-4 Maintenance Schedule
ProCarManuals.com

(j)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.
(k)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
(m)Change transfer case fluid if the
vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where
the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer
towing.
Uses such as found in taxi,
police, or delivery service.Owner Checks and
Services
These owner checks and services
should be performed at the intervals
specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission
control performance. Your dealer/
retailer can assist with these checks
and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once. Whenever any
uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the
proper ones, as shown in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check
the engine oil regularly and keep it
at the proper level. Failure to keep
the engine oil at the proper level
can cause damage to the engine
not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and
add the proper oil if necessary.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level
and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-19.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid
level in the windshield washer
uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary.
Maintenance Schedule 6-9
ProCarManuals.com