app SATURN VUE 2009 Manual PDF

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.
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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.
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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.
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If you turn the steering wheel in
either direction several times until it
stops, or hold the steering wheel
in the stopped position for an
extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of
power steering assist. The normal
amount of power steering assist
should return shortly after a
few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering
system does not require regular
maintenance. If you suspect steering
system problems and/or the Service
Vehicle Soon light comes on, contact
your dealer/retailer for service
repairs.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic
power steering system and power
steering assist is lost because
the engine stops or the power
steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered but it
will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on
the condition of the tires and
the road surface, the angle at which
the curve is banked, and vehicle
speed. While in a curve, speed
is the one factor that can be
controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you
can drive through the curve.
Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until out
of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking. For
example, you come over a hill and
nd a truck stopped in your lane, or a
car suddenly pulls out from nowhere,
or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of
you. These problems can be avoided
by braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop in
time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the
problem.
The vehicle can perform very well
in emergencies like these. First
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-5. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
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Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts
say about what happens when the
three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not
have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up.
Keep trying to steer and constantly
seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of
the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid
most skids by taking reasonable care
suited to existing conditions, and by
not overdriving those conditions.
But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond
to the vehicle’s three control
systems. In the braking skid, the
wheels are not rolling. In the steeringor cornering skid, too much speed
or steering in a curve causes tires to
slip and lose cornering force. And in
the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Remember: Any traction control
system helps avoid only the
acceleration skid. If the traction
control system is off, then an
acceleration skid is best handled by
easing your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease
your foot off the accelerator pedal
and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering
quickly enough, the vehicle may
straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced
when water, snow, ice, gravel,
or other material is on the road.
For safety, slow down and adjust
your driving to these conditions.It is important to slow down on
slippery surfaces because stopping
distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear.
Any sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. You may not realize
the surface is slippery until the
vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored
surface — and slow down when
you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.
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Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with all-wheel drive can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without all-wheel drive should not be
driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features
that help make the vehicle more
responsive on paved roads during
poor weather conditions also help
make it better suited for off-road
use than conventional passenger
vehicles. The vehicle does not
have features usually thought to be
necessary for extended or severe
off-road use such as special
underbody shielding and transfer
case low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range of
conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and
observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain.Drinking and driving can be very
dangerous on any road and this is
certainly true for off-road driving.
At the very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your
reexes, perceptions, and judgment
can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could have a
serious — or even fatal — accident if
you drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking.
Off-roading can be great fun but has
some denite hazards. The greatest
of these is the terrain itself. When
off-road driving, traffic lanes are not
marked, curves are not banked, and
there are no road signs. Surfaces
can be slippery, rough, uphill, or
downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off-road could result
in loss of vehicle control or vehicle
rollover.Off-roading involves some new skills.
That is why it is very important that
you read these driving tips and
suggestions to help make off-road
driving safer and more enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading

Have all necessary maintenance
and service work done.
Make sure there is enough fuel,
that uid levels are where they
should be, and that the spare tire
is fully inated.
Be sure to read all the
information about all-wheel-drive
vehicles in this manual.
Make sure all underbody shields,
if the vehicle has them, are
properly attached.
Know the local laws that apply to
off-roading where you will be
driving or check with law
enforcement people in the area.
Be sure to get the necessary
permission if you will be on
private land.
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Always carry a litter bag and
make sure all refuse is removed
from any campsite before leaving.
Take extreme care with open res
(where permitted), camp stoves,
and lanterns.
Never park your vehicle over dry
grass or other combustible
materials that could catch re
from the heat of the vehicle’s
exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip,
especially when going to a remote
area. Know the terrain and plan your
route. Get accurate maps of trails
and terrain. Check to see if there are
any blocked or closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel with at
least one other vehicle in case
something happens to one of them.For vehicles with a winch, be sure to
read the winch instructions. In a
remote area, a winch can be handy if
you get stuck but you will want to
know how to use it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road
Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an
area that is safe and close to home
before you go into the wilderness.
Off-roading requires some new
and different skills.
Tune your senses to different kinds
of signals. Your eyes need to
constantly sweep the terrain for
unexpected obstacles. Your ears
need to listen for unusual tire or
engine sounds. Use your arms,
hands, feet, and body to respond
to vibrations and vehicle bounce.Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control the vehicle is
to control the speed. At higher
speeds:
You approach things faster and
have less time to react.
There is less time to scan the
terrain for obstacles.
The vehicle has more bounce
when driving over obstacles.
More braking distance is needed,
especially on an unpaved surface.
{CAUTION
When you are driving off-road,
bouncing and quick changes in
direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause
you to lose control and crash. So,
whether you are driving on or off
the road, you and your passengers
should wear safety belts.
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Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over
many different kinds of terrain.
Be familiar with the terrain and its
many different features.
Surface Conditions:Off-roading
surfaces can be hard-packed dirt,
gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud,
snow, or ice. Each of these surfaces
affects the vehicle’s steering,
acceleration, and braking in different
ways. Depending on the surface,
slipping, sliding, wheel spinning,
delayed acceleration, poor traction,
and longer braking distances can
occur.Surface Obstacles:Unseen or
hidden obstacles can be hazardous.
A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can
startle you if you are not prepared for
them. Often these obstacles are
hidden by grass, bushes, snow, or
even the rise and fall of the terrain
itself.
Some things to consider:
Is the path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change
abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or
downhill?
Will you have to stop suddenly or
change direction quickly?
When driving over obstacles or
rough terrain, keep a rm grip on the
steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or
other surface features can jerk the
wheel out of your hands.When driving over bumps, rocks, or
other obstacles, the wheels can
leave the ground. If this happens,
even with one or two wheels, you
cannot control the vehicle as well or
at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved
surface, it is especially important
to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden turns, or sudden braking.
Off-roading requires a different kind
of alertness from driving on paved
roads and highways. There are no
road signs, posted speed limits, or
signal lights. Use good judgment
about what is safe and what is not.
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Driving on Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up,
down, or across a hill. Driving safely
on hills requires good judgment and
an understanding of what the vehicle
can and cannot do. There are some
hills that simply cannot be driven, no
matter how well built the vehicle.
{CAUTION
Many hills are simply too steep for
any vehicle. If you drive up them,
you will stall. If you drive down
them, you cannot control your
speed. If you drive across them,
you will roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. If you
have any doubt about the
steepness, do not drive the hill.
Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, decide if it
is too steep to climb, descend, or
cross. Steepness can be hard to
judge. On a very small hill, for
example, there may be a smooth,
constant incline with only a small
change in elevation where you can
easily see all the way to the top. On a
large hill, the incline may get steeper
as you near the top, but you might
not see this because the crest of the
hill is hidden by bushes, grass, or
shrubs.
Consider this as you approach
a hill:
Is there a constant incline, or
does the hill get sharply
steeper in places?
Is there good traction on the
hillside, or will the surface
cause tire slipping?
Is there a straight path up or
down the hill so you will not have
to make turning maneuvers?
Are there obstructions on the hill
that can block your path, such
as boulders, trees, logs, or ruts?
What is beyond the hill? Is there
a cliff, an embankment, a drop-off,
a fence? Get out and walk the hill
if you do not know. It is the smart
way to nd out.
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep
hills often have ruts, gullies,
troughs, and exposed rocks
because they are more
susceptible to the effects of
erosion.
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Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive
up the hill:
Use a low gear and get a rm
grip on the steering wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill
and try to maintain speed.
Not using more power than
needed can avoid spinning the
wheels or sliding.
{CAUTION
Turning or driving across steep
hills can be dangerous. You could
lose traction, slide sideways, and
possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When
driving up hills, always try to go
straight up.
Try to drive straight up the hill if
at all possible. If the path twists
and turns, you might want to
nd another route.
Ease up on the speed as you
approach the top of the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to be
more visible to approaching
traffic on trails or hills.
Sound the horn as you approach
the top of the hill to let opposing
traffic know you are there.
Use headlamps even during the
day to make the vehicle more
visible to oncoming traffic.
{CAUTION
Driving to the top (crest) of a
hill at full speed can cause an
accident. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or
even another vehicle. You could
be seriously injured or killed.
As you near the top of a hill,
slow down and stay alert.If the vehicle stalls, or is about to
stall, and you cannot make it up
the hill:
Push the brake pedal to stop the
vehicle and keep it from rolling
backwards and apply the parking
brake.
If the engine is still running, shift
the transmission to R (Reverse),
release the parking brake,
and slowly back down the hill in
R (Reverse).
If the engine has stopped running,
you need to restart it. With the
brake pedal pressed and the
parking brake still applied, shift
the transmission to P (Park) and
restart the engine. Then, shift to
R (Reverse), release the parking
brake, and slowly back down the
hill as straight as possible in
R (Reverse).
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