traction control SATURN VUE 2007 Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview........................ 140
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 142
Horn.......................................................... 142
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 142
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 143
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 143
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 144
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 144
Windshield Wipers..................................... 144
Windshield Washer.................................... 145
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...................... 146
Cruise Control........................................... 146
Headlamps................................................ 149
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 150
Automatic Headlamp System..................... 151
Fog Lamps................................................ 152
Interior Lamps........................................... 152
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 152
Dome Lamp.............................................. 153
Entry Lighting............................................ 153
Map Lamps............................................... 153
Footwell Lamps......................................... 153
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 154
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 154
Cigarette Lighter........................................ 155Climate Controls......................................... 155
Climate Control System............................. 155
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 159
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 159
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 161
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 162
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 163
Trip Odometer........................................... 163
Tachometer............................................... 164
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 164
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 165
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 165
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 166
Battery Warning Light................................ 169
Up-Shift Light............................................ 169
Brake System Warning Light..................... 170
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 171
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light........................................ 172
Low Traction Light..................................... 173
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 173
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage............ 174
Low Coolant Warning Light....................... 174
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control System on
page 155.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 143.
C. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control on
page 146.
D. Horn. SeeHorn on page 142.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument
Panel Cluster on page 162.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio
Steering Wheel Controls on page 223.
G. Windshield Wiper Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 144.
H. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 152.
I. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 142.
J. Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 166.K. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped) or Traction
Control System Button (If Equipped). SeeFog
Lamps on page 152orTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 238.
L. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 182.
M. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on
page 313.
N. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 142.
O. Power Mirror Control. SeeOutside Power
Mirrors on page 127.
P. Power Window Switches. SeePower Windows
on page 105.
Q. Automatic Transaxle Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation on page 114.
R. Heated Seats Buttons or Footwell Lamps
(If Equipped). SeeHeated Seats on page 11or
Footwell Lamps on page 153.
S. Climate Control. SeeClimate Control System
on page 155.
T. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 132.
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Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The band on the wiper lever with the smaller
arrow operates the rear wiper/washer.
9(Off):Turn the band to this position to turn off
the rear wiper.
Z(Rear Wiper):Turn the band with the smaller
arrow to this position to turn on the rear wiper.
To set for a shorter or longer delay between wipes,
turn the other band with the larger arrow pointing
to the numbers (1, 2, or 3). Select 3 for the
most frequent movement; select 1 for the least
frequent. The band with the arrow pointing to
the numbers (1, 2, or 3) will affect both the front
and rear wipers if they are on at the same time.
Y(Wash):Turn and hold the band in this
position to spray washer uid on the rear window.
The rear wiper will also come on. Release the
band when enough uid has been sprayed on the
window. The rear wiper will run a few additional
times after you release it.
The rear window washer uses the same uid
bottle as the windshield washer. However, the
rear window washer will run out of uid before the
windshield washer. If you can wash your windshield
but not your rear window, check the uid level.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed
of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can
really help on long trips. Cruise control does not
work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise control
on slippery roads.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle may have
a traction control system
warning light. The
traction control system
warning light may
come on for the
following reasons:
For vehicles equipped with the 2.2L L4
engine, turn the system off by pressing
the traction control button located on the
instrument panel above the audio system.
The warning light will come on and stay on.
To turn the system back on, press the
button again. The warning light should go off.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 238for more information.
For vehicles equipped with the
3.5L V6 engine, the traction control system
will be turned off when the shift lever is
in REVERSE (R) or LOW (L). The traction
control system warning light will be displayed
on the instrument panel. The traction
control system can be activated again by
selecting DRIVE (D) or INTERMEDIATE (I).
If there is an engine-related and brake system
problem that is specically related to traction
control, the traction control system will
turn off and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when
the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
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Low Traction Light
If your vehicle has the
Traction Control System
(TCS), this light will
come on when the
system is limiting
wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal. The roads may be slippery if this
light comes on. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The light will stay on for a few seconds after the
system stops limiting wheel spin. This light should
also come on for a few seconds when you start your
vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle serviced.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning
light will come on
when the engine
has overheated.If this happens you should pull over and see
Engine Overheating on page 334for more
information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 334. Your vehicle could be damaged,
and it might not be covered by your warranty.
Never drive with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on.
This light will come on and ash when the
temperature of the automatic transmission uid is
too high. If this happens you should pull over,
shift into PARK (P) and let the engine idle until
the light goes out.
This light will also come on briey when
starting your vehicle. If it does not, have
your vehicle serviced.
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Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a
safer driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 230. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s
audio system, you can use it with less effort, as
well as take advantage of its features. While your
vehicle is parked, set up your audio system by
presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the
tone and adjusting the speakers. Then, when
driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. Here are some ways in which you can
help avoid distraction while driving.
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Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 228
Driver Behavior......................................... 228
Driving Environment.................................. 229
Vehicle Design.......................................... 229
Defensive Driving...................................... 230
Drunken Driving........................................ 231
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 234
Braking...................................................... 234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 235
Braking in Emergencies............................. 237
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 238
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.................. 239
Steering.................................................... 240
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 243
Passing..................................................... 243
Loss of Control.......................................... 245
Off-Road Driving........................................ 247Driving at Night......................................... 262
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 264
City Driving............................................... 267
Freeway Driving........................................ 268
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 269
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 270
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 270
Winter Driving........................................... 272
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow................................. 276
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 277
Recovery Hook.......................................... 277
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 279
Towing........................................................ 284
Towing Your Vehicle................................. 284
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 285
Towing a Trailer........................................ 290
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
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Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the
steering, and the accelerator. All three systems
have to do their work at the places where the tires
meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control of your vehicle. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 238.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 304.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 170.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might
be less with one driver and as long as two or
three seconds or more with another. Age, physical
condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight
all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and
frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,
a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful
in slippery road conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
This light will come on
when your traction
control system is
limiting wheel spin.
SeeLow Traction Light on page 173. You may
feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
The traction control system automatically comes
on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit
wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions,
you should always leave the system on.But you can turn the traction control system off if
you ever need to. You should turn the system
off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud,
ice or snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on
page 277andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 276for more
information.
If your vehicle is
equipped with the
2.2L L4 engine, the
traction control system
can be turned off by
pressing the traction
control button.
It is located on the instrument panel above the
audio system.
If your vehicle is equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine,
the traction control system will be turned off when
the shift lever is in REVERSE (R) or LOW (L).
The traction control system warning light will be
displayed on the instrument panel. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 172
for more information.
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The traction control system can be activated again
by pressing the traction control button for the
2.2L L4 engine, or by selecting DRIVE (D)
or INTERMEDIATE (I) for the 3.5L V6 engine.
If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press
the button, the system will not turn off until there
is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. If the traction control
warning light does not come on, you may not have
traction control and your vehicle should be
serviced at a retailer.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 304for more information.All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If your vehicle has all-wheel drive (AWD), the
AWD system operates automatically without any
action required by the driver. If the front drive
wheels begin to slip, the rear wheels will
automatically begin to drive the vehicle as
required. There may be a slight engagement
noise during hard use but this is normal.
During heavy AWD applications, the engine
torque may be reduced to protect AWD system
components. If the vehicle is exposed to extended
heavy AWD usage, the AWD system will shut
itself off to protect the system from overheating.
When the system cools down, the AWD system
will activate itself again automatically; this
cool-down can take up to 20 minutes depending
on outside temperature and vehicle use.
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