fuel SATURN VUE 2009 User Guide

Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on, the fuel
gage indicates how much fuel is
left in the tank.
When the indicator nears empty,
the low fuel light comes on. There is
still a little fuel left, but the fuel tank
should be relled soon. SeeLow
Fuel Warning Light on page 3-41
for more information.
An arrow on the fuel gage indicates
the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.Here are four things that some
owners ask about. None of these
means the fuel gage is not working
properly:
At the service station, the fuel
pump shuts off before the
gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel
to ll up than the gage indicated.
For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full,
but it actually took a little more or
less than half the tank’s capacity
to ll the tank.
The gage moves a little while
turning a corner or speeding up.
The gage takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned
on, but it goes back to empty
when the ignition is turned off.
For fuel tank capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
on page 5-86.
Low Fuel Warning Light
The low fuel warning light, below
the fuel gage, comes on briey when
the engine is started.
This light also comes on when the
fuel tank is low on fuel. When fuel is
added, the light should go off. If it
does not, have the vehicle serviced. United StatesCanada
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Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver
Information Center (DIC).
All information appears in the DIC
display located in the instrument
panel cluster.
The DIC comes on when the
ignition is on. After a short delay,
the DIC displays the information
that was last displayed before
the engine was turned off.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and
vehicle system information, and
warning messages if a system
problem is detected.
The DIC also displays the compass
direction, outside air temperature,
and shift position indicator at thetop of the DIC display. If there is
a problem with the system that
controls the temperature display,
the numbers will be replaced with
dashes. If this occurs, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. If an abnormal temperature
reading is displayed for an extended
period of time, consult your
dealer/retailer. Under certain
circumstances, especially when
the engine is idling, a delay updating
the temperature display is normal.
SeeDIC Compass on page 3-47
andAutomatic Transmission
Operation (Uplevel) on page 2-19or
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Base) on page 2-22for more
information.
DIC Operation and
Displays
The DIC has different displays which
can be accessed by pressing the DIC
buttons located on the instrument
panel, below the headlamp switch.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and
vehicle system information, and
warning messages if a system
problem is detected.
The DIC also allows some features
to be customized. SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-57for more
information.
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DIC Buttons
The buttons are the trip/fuel,
vehicle information, customization,
and set/reset buttons. The button
functions are detailed in the
following pages.
3(Trip/Fuel):Press this
button to display the odometer,
trip odometer, fuel range, average
economy, fuel used, and elapsed
time. Some vehicles also display
instantaneous economy. The
compass and outside temperature
will also be shown in the display.
The temperature will be shown
in °F or °C depending on the units
selected.
T(Vehicle Information):Press
this button to display the oil life,
units, tire pressure readings
for vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
programming, compass zone
setting, compass recalibration on
vehicles with this feature, coolant
temperature, and battery voltage.
U(Customization):Press this
button to customize the feature
settings on your vehicle. SeeDIC
Vehicle Customization on page 3-57
for more information.
V(Set/Reset):Press this button
to set or reset certain functions
and to turn off or acknowledge
messages on the DIC.
Trip/Fuel Menu Items
3(Trip/Fuel):Press this button
to scroll through the following
menu items:
Odometer
Press the trip/fuel button until
ODOMETER displays. This display
shows the distance the vehicle
has been driven in either miles (mi)
or kilometers (km). Pressing the
trip odometer reset stem will
also display the odometer.
To switch between English and
metric measurements, see “Units”
later in this section.
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Trip Odometer
Press the trip/fuel button until
TRIP A or TRIP B displays.
This display shows the current
distance traveled in either miles (mi)
or kilometers (km) since the last
reset for the trip odometer. Pressing
the trip odometer reset stem will
also display the trip odometer.
Each trip odometer can be reset
to zero separately by pressing
the set/reset button while the trip
odometer is displayed. You can
also reset the trip odometer while
it is displayed by pressing and
holding the trip odometer reset stem.
Fuel Range
Press the trip/fuel button until
FUEL RANGE displays. This
display shows the approximate
number of remaining miles (mi)
or kilometers (km) the vehicle
can be driven without refueling.
The display will show LOW if
the fuel level is low.The fuel range estimate is based
on an average of the vehicle’s fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining
in the fuel tank. This estimate will
change if driving conditions change.
For example, if driving in traffic and
making frequent stops, this display
may read one number, but if the
vehicle is driven on a freeway, the
number may change even though
the same amount of fuel is in the fuel
tank. This is because different driving
conditions produce different fuel
economies. Generally, freeway
driving produces better fuel economy
than city driving. Fuel range cannot
be reset.
If the vehicle is low on fuel, the
FUEL LEVEL LOW message will be
displayed. See “FUEL LEVEL LOW”
underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-49.Average Fuel Economy
Press the trip/fuel button until
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY
displays. This display shows
the approximate average miles
per gallon (mpg) or liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km). This
number is calculated based on the
number of mpg (L/100 km) recorded
since the last time this menu item
was reset. To reset the AVERAGE
FUEL ECONOMY, press and hold
the set/reset button. The display will
show zero.
Fuel Used
Press the trip/fuel button until
FUEL USED displays. This display
shows the number of gallons (gal) or
liters (L) of fuel used since the last
reset of this menu item. To reset
the fuel used information, press
and hold the set/reset button while
FUEL USED is displayed.
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Elapsed Time
Press the trip/fuel button until
ELAPSED TIME displays. This
display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press the set/
reset button while ELAPSED TIME is
displayed. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed since
the timer was last reset, not including
time the ignition is off. Time will
continue to be counted as long as
the ignition is on, even if another
display is being shown on the DIC.
The timer will record up to 99 hours,
59 minutes and 59 seconds
(99:59:59) after which the display
will return to zero.
To stop the timer, press the set/
reset button briey while ELAPSED
TIME is displayed.
To reset the timer to zero, press
and hold the set/reset button while
ELAPSED TIME is displayed.Instantaneous Fuel Economy
If the vehicle has this display,
press the trip/fuel button until
INSTANT FUEL ECONOMY
displays. This display shows the
current fuel economy at a particular
moment and will change frequently
as driving conditions change. This
display shows the instantaneous fuel
economy in miles per gallon (mpg) or
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km).
Unlike average fuel economy, this
display cannot be reset.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.Vehicle Information Menu
Items
T(Vehicle Information):Press
this button to scroll through the
following menu items:
Oil Life
Press the vehicle information button
until OIL LIFE REMAINING displays.
This display shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. If you
see 99% OIL LIFE REMAINING on
the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine
oil life system will alert you to change
the oil on a schedule consistent with
your driving conditions.
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To adjust for compass variance, use
the following procedure:
Compass Variance (Zone)
Procedure
1. Do not set the compass zone
when the vehicle is moving.
Only set it when the vehicle
is in P (Park).
Press the vehicle information
button until PRESS
VTO SET
COMPASS ZONE: ## displays.
2. Find the vehicle’s current
location and variance zone
number on the map.
Zones 1 through 15 are
available.
3. Press and hold the set/reset
button to scroll through and select
the appropriate variance zone.4. Press the trip/fuel button until
the vehicle heading, for
example, N for North, is
displayed in the DIC.
5. If calibration is necessary,
calibrate the compass.
See “Compass Calibration
Procedure” following.
Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually
calibrated. Only calibrate the
compass in a magnetically clean
and safe location, such as an open
parking lot, where driving the vehicle
in circles is not a danger. It is
suggested to calibrate away from
tall buildings, utility wires, manhole
covers, or other industrial structures,
if possible.
If CAL should ever appear in the
DIC display, the compass should be
calibrated.
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ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster
and/or DIC, stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-25for
more information.
This message displays along with a
continuous chime when the engine
has overheated. Stop and turn the
engine off immediately to avoid
severe engine damage. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-25.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle’s engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance
may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed while
this message is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer/
retailer for service as soon as
possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when your
vehicle is low on fuel. Rell the
fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 3-41and
Filling the Tank on page 5-8for
more information.
HOOD OPEN
If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, this message displays along
with a chime when the hood is not
closed properly. Make sure that
the hood is closed completely.
SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
This message displays while the
ignition is in ON/RUN. Press any
of the DIC buttons to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display
for two seconds if it has not been
acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. The message comes back
on for two seconds if it has been
acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned
off. If the condition still exists, the
message reappears when the engine
is turned on.
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SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is not
functioning properly. A warning light
also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-33
andTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8for more information.
Have the TCS serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when
a non-emissions related malfunction
occurs. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak,
this message may display and the
StabiliTrak indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on
after rst driving the vehicle and
exceeding 20 mph (32 km/h) for
30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system
is not functional until the light has
turned off. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-7for more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when you turn off
the StabiliTrak, or when the stability
control has been automatically
disabled. To limit wheel spin and
realize the full benets of the stability
enhancement system, you should
normally leave StabiliTrak on.
However, you should turn StabiliTrak
off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow and you want to
rock your vehicle to attempt to free it,or if you are driving in extreme
off-road conditions and require more
wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-27. To turn the StabiliTrak
system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-7.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the
vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened
properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-35. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. 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 this light and message off.
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Exiting the Feature
Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be
exited when any of the following
occurs:
The vehicle is no longer in
ON/RUN.
The trip/fuel or vehicle
information DIC buttons
are pressed.
The end of the feature settings
menu is reached and exited.
A 40 second time period has
elapsed with no selection made.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio the vehicle
has and read the following pages to
become familiar with its features.
{CAUTION
Taking your eyes off the road
for extended periods could cause
a crash resulting in injury or
death to you or others. Do not
give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to
many audio and non audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes
off the road while driving, do the
following while the vehicle is parked:
Become familiar with the
operation and controls of
the audio system.
Set up the tone, speaker
adjustments, and preset radio
stations.For more information, seeDefensive
Driving on page 4-3.
Notice:Contact your dealer/
retailer before adding any
equipment.
Adding audio or communication
equipment could interfere with the
operation of the vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and could
damage them. Follow federal
rules covering mobile radio
and telephone equipment.
Notice:The chime signals
related to safety belts, parking
brake, and other functions of
your vehicle operate through
the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or
additional equipment is added
to your vehicle, the chimes
may not work. Make sure that
replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with
your vehicle before installing it.
SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
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Driving Your
Vehicle
Your Driving, the Road,
and the Vehicle
Driving Your Vehicle..............4-1
Driver Behavior.....................4-2
Driving Environment...............4-2
Vehicle Design......................4-2
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy............................4-3
Defensive Driving..................4-3
Drunk Driving.......................4-4
Control of a Vehicle...............4-4
Braking................................4-5
Antilock Brake
System (ABS).....................4-6
Braking in Emergencies..........4-6
StabiliTrak
®System...............4-7
Traction Control
System (TCS).....................4-8
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System..............................4-9
Steering...............................4-9Off-Road Recovery..............4-11
Passing..............................4-11
Loss of Control...................4-12
Off-Road Driving..................4-13
Driving at Night...................4-22
Driving in Rain and
on Wet Roads...................4-23
Before Leaving on
a Long Trip.......................4-24
Highway Hypnosis...............4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads......4-24
Winter Driving.....................4-25
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow......4-27
Rocking Your Vehicle
toGetItOut.....................4-27
Loading the Vehicle.............4-28
TowingTowing Your Vehicle............4-32
Recreational Vehicle Towing. . .4-32
Towing a Trailer..................4-35
Your Driving, the
Road, and the Vehicle
Driving Your Vehicle
Whenever we drive, we are taking
on an important responsibility.
This is true for any motor
vehicle — passenger car, van,
truck, sport utility. Driver behavior,
the driving environment, and the
vehicle’s design all affect how well a
vehicle performs. But statistics show
that the most important factor, by far,
is how we drive.
Knowing how these three factors
work together can help you
understand how your vehicle
handles and what you can do to
avoid many types of crashes,
including a rollover crash.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-1
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