engine oil SATURN VUE 2009 Owner's Manual

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 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.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN (minimum)
mark, add at least one quart/liter
of the recommended oil. This
section explains what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-86.Notice:Do not add too much
oil. If the engine has so much oil
that the oil level gets above the
upper mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for the location of
the engine oil ll cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the
way back in when through.
5-14 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
GM6094M
Use only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM6094M.
SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. These numbers on an
oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.
American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst
symbol on the container. This
symbol indicates that the oil has
been certied by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).Notice:Use only engine oil
identied as meeting GM Standard
GM6094M and showing the
American Petroleum Institute
Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use
the recommended oil can result in
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below−20°F
(−29°C), use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30
engine oil. Both provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. Always use an oil
that meets the required specication,
GM6094M. See “What Kind of
Engine Oil to Use” for more
information.
Service and Appearance Care 5-15
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and lter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A change engine oil light
comes on. SeeChange Engine Oil
Light on page 3-38. 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 light being turned on, reset the
system.
After changing the engine oil, reset
the system:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN
with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal three times
within ve seconds.
If the change engine oil light is
not on, the system is reset.
If the light comes on again and stays
on for 30 seconds at the next ignition
cycle, it did not reset. The system
needs to be reset again.
5-16 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for the location of the
engine air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter
remove the lter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter
remains caked with dirt, a new lter
is required.To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter, do the following:
1. Remove the clamp on the air
duct hose.
2. Disconnect the hose.
3. Remove the four bolts on the
side of the air cleaner assembly.
4. Turn the cover upward to
disengage the cover hinges.
5. Remove the air cleaner cover
assembly and air lter element.
Service and Appearance Care 5-17
ProCarManuals.com

Notice:Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission uid
may damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13.
For the 2.4L, 3.5L and 3.6L engines,
the transmission uid will not
reach the end of the dipstick unless
the transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check the
transmission uid level, please take
your vehicle to your dealer/retailer.Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the
hood, here is what you will see:
A. Electric Engine Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Pressure Cap{CAUTION
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a
level surface.
2.4L L4 Engine shown, 3.5L V6
and 3.6L V6 Engines similar
Service and Appearance Care 5-19
ProCarManuals.com

{CAUTION
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:In cold weather, water
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core and other
parts. Use the recommended
coolant and the proper coolant
mixture.
{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.
1. You can remove the coolant
surge tank pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you hear
a hiss, wait for that to stop.
Service and Appearance Care 5-21
ProCarManuals.com

This will allow any pressure still
left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
2. Then keep turning the pressure
cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant
mixture, to between the MIN
and MAX lines.4. With the coolant surge tank
pressure cap off, start the engine
and let it run until you can feel
the upper radiator hose getting
hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank may
be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture to the coolant
surge tank until the level reaches
between the MIN and MAX lines.
5. Then replace the pressure cap.
Be sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight.
Check the level in the surge
tank when the cooling system
has cooled down. If the coolant is
not at the proper level, repeat
Steps 1 through 3 and reinstall the
pressure cap. If the coolant still is not
at the proper level when the system
cools down again, see your dealer/
retailer.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle
is lled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km),
whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life
coolant.
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant
when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-25.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C).
5-22 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com

Protect against rust and
corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages
work as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing
sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free)
coolant in the vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean,
drinkable water and one-half
DEX-COOL
®coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If you
use this coolant mixture, you do not
need to add anything else.
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
If you have to add coolant more
than four times a year, have
your dealer/retailer check your
cooling system.
Notice:If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in
the vehicle’s cooling system,
the vehicle could be damaged.
Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in
this manual for the cooling
system. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13for more information.
Service and Appearance Care 5-23
ProCarManuals.com

If you get the overheat warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a
minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner
and it is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at
the highest fan speed and open
the windows as necessary.
3. Try to minimize engine load. If
you are in a traffic jam, shift to
N (Neutral); otherwise, shift to the
highest gear possible while
driving.
If you no longer have the overheat
warning, you can drive. Just to
be safe, drive slower for about
ten minutes. If the warning does
not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you
have not stopped, pull over, stop,
and park your vehicle right away.If there is still no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes
while you are parked. If the warning
continues, turn off the engine and
get everyone out of the vehicle until
it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood
but to get service help right away.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir location.
When to Check Power
Steering Fluid
Power steering uid is used in all
vehicles with V6 engines. Vehicles
with the 4-cylinder engine have
electric power steering and does not
use power steering uid.
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.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering uid,
do the following:
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.
5-26 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com

Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly
damage brake hydraulic system
parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil,
such as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so
badly that they will have to be
replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid
on the vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-75.
Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc
brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent
brake pulsation. When tires are
rotated, inspect brake pads for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-86.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Service and Appearance Care 5-29
ProCarManuals.com