warning light SATURN VUE 2009 Owner's Manual

ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold
enough to create icy road
conditions. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
LIFTGATE OPEN
This message displays when the
liftgate is not closed completely.
Close the liftgate completely.
SeeLiftgate on page 2-9.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle
while the engine oil pressure
is low, severe engine damage
may occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), stop
the vehicle as soon as possible.Do not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure
is corrected. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-14for more information.
This message displays when the
vehicle’s engine oil pressure is low.
The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeOil Pressure Light on page 3-37.
Stop the vehicle immediately,
as engine damage can result
from driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible when this message is
displayed.PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when one
or more of the passenger doors
are not closed properly. Close the
doors completely.
REMOTE KEY LEARNING
ACTIVE
This message displays while
matching a Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter to your
vehicle. See “MATCHING
TRANSMITTERS TO YOUR
VEHICLE” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-4andDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-42for more
information.
REMOTE KEY LEARNING
COMPLETE
This message displays while
matching a Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to your vehicle.
See “MATCHING TRANSMITTERS
TO YOUR VEHICLE” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-4andDIC
Operation and Displays on
page 3-42for more information.
Instrument Panel 3-53
ProCarManuals.com

REPLACE REMOTE KEY FOB
BATTERY
This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs
to be replaced in the transmitter.
See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2-4.
SERVICE A/C
(Air Conditioning) SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem detected in the air
conditioning system. Have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when
there is a problem with the airbag
system. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer immediately.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 3-29for more information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays along with
the brake system warning light if
there is a problem with the brake
system or when the brake uid level
is low. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-31. Have the brake
system serviced by your dealer/
retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
If the vehicle has electric power
steering, this message displays if
a problem has been detected with
the power steering. SeeSteering
on page 4-9for more information.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there
has been a problem detected with
StabiliTrak
®. A warning light also
appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeStabiliTrak
®Indicator
Light on page 3-33. SeeStabiliTrak®
System on page 4-7for more
information.If this message turns on while you
are driving, pull off the road as soon
as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the
ignition off and then back on. If this
message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. Have the
system inspected by your dealer/
retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TIRE MONITORING
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
TPMS is not working properly.
The tire pressure light also ashes
and then remains on during the
same ignition cycle. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 3-34.
Several conditions may cause
this message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-53for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with the
TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.
3-54 Instrument Panel
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Instrument Panel 3-55
ProCarManuals.com

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-31.
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding
to push the brake pedal is
perception time. Actually doing
it 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 the
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.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some
people drive in spurts — heavy
acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace
with traffic. This is a mistake. The
brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will
wear out much faster with a lot of
heavy braking. Keeping pace with
the traffic and allowing realistic
following distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.If the engine ever stops while
the vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal
could get harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used
when the brake is applied. Once the
power assist is used up, it can take
longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-5
ProCarManuals.com

Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock
Brake System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that
helps prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS,
this warning light stays on.
SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on page 3-32.Let us say the road is wet and you
are driving safely. Suddenly, an
animal jumps out in front of you.
You slam on the brakes and continue
braking. Here is what happens
with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work
the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can
help the driver steer around
the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly
slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down rmly and
let antilock work. The antilock
pump or motor operating might be
heard and the brake pedal might be
felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help more
than even the very best braking.
4-6 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has a vehicle stability
enhancement system called
StabiliTrak which combines antilock
brake, traction and stability control
systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the
vehicle in most driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a discrepancy
between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any
one of the vehicle’s brakes to assist
the driver with keeping the vehicle
on the intended path.
When the vehicle is started and
begins to move, the system performs
several diagnostic checks to insure
there are no problems. The system
may be heard or felt while it is
working. This is normal and does not
mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.This light is located on the
instrument panel cluster.
It will ash when StabiliTrak is both
on and activated.
If the system fails to turn on or
activate, this light will be on solid.
When the light is on solid, the system
will not assist the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
The StabiliTrak system automatically
comes on whenever the vehicle is
started. To assist the driver with
vehicle directional control, especially
in slippery road conditions, the
system should always be left on.
StabiliTrak can be turned off if
needed.The Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak button is located
on the instrument panel.
TCS can be turned off or turned
on by pressing and releasing the
TCS/StabiliTrak button. To disable
both StabiliTrak and TCS, press
and hold the button until the TCS/
StabiliTrak warning light turns on
solid.
It is recommended to leave
the system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and
you want to “rock” the vehicle to
attempt to free it.
StabiliTrak may also turn off
automatically if it determines that a
problem exists with the system.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-7
ProCarManuals.com

The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
will be on solid to warn the driver that
StabiliTrak is disabled and requires
service. If the problem does not clear
itself after restarting the vehicle, see
your dealer/retailer for service.
If cruise control is being used
when StabiliTrak activates, the
cruise control automatically
disengages. The cruise control can
be re-engaged when road conditions
allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-9.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature as part of the
StabiliTrak system. If the vehicle is
towing a trailer and the system
detects that the trailer is swaying, the
vehicle’s brakes are applied without
the driver pressing the brake pedal.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
will ash on the instrument panel
cluster to notify the driver to reduce
speed. If the trailer continues to
sway, StabiliTrak will reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle.Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for
more information.
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system
operates only if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
limit wheel spin and also reduces
engine power. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.This light will ash when TCS is
limiting wheel spin.
It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow, and
you want to “rock” the vehicle to
attempt to free it. SeeRocking Your
Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-27
andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-27for
more information.
The TCS/StabiliTrak
®button is
located on the instrument panel.
4-8 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

Press and release this button to turn
off TCS. The TCS warning light will
be displayed on the instrument panel
cluster. The traction control system
can be turned back on by pressing
the TCS/StabiliTrak button.
If the system is limiting wheel spin
when the button is pressed, the
system will not turn off until there is
no longer a current need to limit
wheel spin. The system can
be turned back on at any time by
pressing the button again. If the TCS
light does not come on, TCS may
not be functioning properly and
the vehicle should be serviced at
your dealer/retailer.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for
more information.All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System
If the 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.
This light is located on the
instrument panel cluster.
It will come on and stay on to
indicate there may be a problem
with the drive system and service is
required. If the light stays on, it must
be reset. To reset the light, turn the
ignition off and then back on again.
If the light stays on, see your
dealer/retailer for service.If the vehicle is exposed to extended
heavy AWD usage, the AWD system
will shut off to protect the system
from overheating. When the system
cools down, the AWD system will
activate again automatically; this
cool-down can take up to 20 minutes
depending on outside temperature
and vehicle use.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has the electric power
steering system and the engine
stalls while driving, the power
steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to
stop the vehicle. If power steering
assist is lost because the electric
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-9
ProCarManuals.com

Avoid staring directly into
approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass
on your vehicle clean — inside
and out.
Keep your eyes moving,
especially during turns or curves.
No one can see as well at night as
in the daytime. But, as we get
older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need
at least twice as much light to
see the same thing at night as
a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on
Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or owing water.
{CAUTION
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
owing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through owing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under your vehicle’s
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is
to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid
reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread
depth. SeeTires on page 5-43.
Turn off cruise control.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-23
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