tow SATURN VUE 2009 User Guide

To program the new key:
1. Verify that the new key has
a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed
key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does not
start, see your dealer/retailer for
service.
3. After the engine has started,
turn the key to LOCK/OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to the ON/RUN
position within ve seconds of
the original key being turned
to the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4
if additional keys are to be
programmed.
If the PASS-Key
®III+ key is lost or
damaged, see your dealer/retailer or
a locksmith to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does
not need an elaborate break-in.
But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these
guidelines:
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for
the rst 200 miles (322 km) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-35for the trailer
towing capabilities of your
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Features and Controls 2-15
ProCarManuals.com

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the regular brake pedal.
Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand,
see your dealer/retailer.LOCK/OFF:This position locks the
ignition. It also locks the steering
wheel and the transmission. The key
can only be removed in LOCK/OFF.
The shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning the key
to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this doesn’t
work, the vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is
the position in which you can operate
the electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory power
outlets.
Use this position if the vehicle must
be pushed or towed.ON/RUN:This position can be used
to operate the electrical accessories
and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator
lights. The switch stays in this
position when the engine is running.
The transmission is also unlocked in
this position. If you leave the key in
the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
positions with the engine off, the
battery could be drained. You may
not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
START:This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition is
in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
and the key is in the ignition.
2-16 Features and Controls
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{CAUTION
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause
an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured.
Plug the cord into a properly
grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach,
use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the cord
as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you
do not, it could be damaged.
The length of time the heater
should remain plugged in depends
on several factors. Ask a dealer/
retailer in the area where you will
be parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
Automatic Transmission
Operation (Uplevel)
The shift lever is located on the
console between the seats.
There are several different positions
for the automatic transmission.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when
the engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25.If
you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-35.
Make sure the shift lever is
fully in P (Park) before starting
the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission
shift lock control system.
Features and Controls 2-19
ProCarManuals.com

The regular brakes must be applied
rst and then the shift lever button
pressed before you can shift from
P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of Park on page 2-27.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice or sand without
damaging the transmission, seeIf
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-27.N (Neutral):In this position,
the engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving with the automatic
transmission. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph
(55 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h),
push the accelerator all the
way down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding, see “Skidding” under
Loss of Control on page 4-12.
Notice:Spinning the tires
or holding the vehicle in one
place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
2-20 Features and Controls
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Manual Shift Mode (MSM)
(Automatic Transmission)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) to the left into the
manual gate.
While driving in manual
shift mode, the transmission
will remain in the driver gear
selected. When coming to a
stop in the manual position,
the vehicle will automatically
shift to 1 (First) gear.
2. Push the shift lever forward
toward the plus (+) to upshift or
rearward toward the minus (−)to
downshift. The instrument panel
will display the actual gear
selected.
In manual shift mode all six forward
gears can be selected.While using the MSM feature the
vehicle will have operation similar to
a manual transmission. You can use
this for sport driving or when driving
hilly roads to stay in gear longer or to
downshift for more power or engine
braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for
the vehicle speed:
The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next
higher gear without moving
the shift lever.
The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next lower gear
if the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a
gear change, or detects a problem
with the transmission, the range of
gears may be reduced and the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp will come
on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-35.
2 (Second) and 3 (Third) Gear
Start Feature
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to select 2 (Second)
and 3 (Third) gear. A higher gear,
and light application of the gas pedal,
may allow you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.
With the Manual Shift Mode, the
vehicle can accelerate from a stop
in 2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) into the manual gate.
2. With the vehicle stopped,
move the shift lever forward to
select 2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
The vehicle will start from a
stop position in 2 (Second)
or 3 (Third).
3. Once the vehicle is moving
select the desired drive gear
or move the shift lever to
the D (Drive) position.
Features and Controls 2-21
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Automatic Transmission
Operation (Base)
The shift lever is located on the
console between the seats.
There are several different positions
for the automatic transmission.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on
page 2-25. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-35.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You have to fully apply theregular brakes rst and then press
the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the ignition
key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift
out of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of Park on page 2-27.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth
to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-27.
2-22 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com

N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle
is being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving with the automatic
transmission. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph
(55 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h),
push the accelerator all the
way down.Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding, see “Skidding” under
Loss of Control on page 4-12.
M (Manual):This position allows
you to change gears similar to a
manual transmission. If the vehicle
has this feature, see Manual
Shift Mode.
Notice:Spinning the tires
or holding the vehicle in one
place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
Features and Controls 2-23
ProCarManuals.com

To release the parking brake,
hold the brake pedal down. Pull the
parking brake lever up until you can
press the release button. Hold the
release button in as you move the
brake lever all the way down.
Release the parking brake before
driving the vehicle.
Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature wear
or damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-35.To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down
and set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-24
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the lever
all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
Features and Controls 2-25
ProCarManuals.com

Shifting Out of Park
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift
lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless
the ignition is in ON/RUN 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 the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-31for more information.To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer/retailer or a professional
towing service.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{CAUTION
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Features and Controls 2-27
ProCarManuals.com

{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out
of the vehicle if the automatic
transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when
the engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move.
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-35.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
If the vehicle has the manual
rearview mirror, it can be adjusted
by holding the mirror in the center
to move it for a clearer view behind
your vehicle. Reduce the glare of
headlamps from behind by pushing
the lever forward or pulling it back
for daytime/nighttime use.
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Vehicles with OnStar
®have three
additional control buttons for the
OnStar
®system. See your dealer/
retailer for more information about
OnStar
®and how to subscribe to it.
SeeOnStar®System on page 2-33
for more information about the
services OnStar
®provides.
O(On/Off):Press to turn the
dimming feature on or off.Your vehicle may also have a Rear
Vision Camera. SeeRear Vision
Camera (RVC) on page 2-31
for more information.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
Operation
The automatic dimming mirror
reduces the glare from the
headlamps of the vehicle behind you.
The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each
time the ignition is turned to start.
Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the driver door.
Features and Controls 2-29
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