oil level SATURN VUE 2010 Owners Manual

5-34 Instruments and Controls
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
instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil
pressure is corrected. See Engine
Oil
on page 10‑8for 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. See
Engine Oil Pressure Light
on
page 5‑22. 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.
Engine Power Messages
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
maximum 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 System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when your
vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel
tank as soon as possible. See
Fuel
Gage
on page 5‑11and Filling the
Tankon page 9‑50for more
information.
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. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
on page 5‑15. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. See Filling the Tank
on page 9‑50. 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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Driving and Operating 9-55
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a
lower gear before starting down a
long or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
will boil at a lower temperature than
at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground,
with the transmission in P (Park) for
a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, see
Engine Overheating
on page 10‑20.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface. If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
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Vehicle Care 10-7
3.5L V6 Engine (3.6L V6 Engine similar)
A. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 10‑12.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See Power
Steering Fluid
on page 10‑21. C. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
(Out of View). See Cooling
System
on page 10‑14.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10‑8. E. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of
View). See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil
on
page 10‑8.
F. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking the Fluid Level” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
on
page 10‑12.
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See Brakes
on
page 10‑23.
H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System
on
page 10‑14.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 10‑74.
J. See Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑38.
K. See Battery on page 10‑25.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
on
page 10‑22.
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10-8 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. 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 10‑6for 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 out 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 liter/quart of the recommended
oil. This section explains what
kind of oil to use. For engine oil
crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications on page 12‑2.
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.
See Engine Compartment Overviewon page 10‑6for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
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10-10 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
starburst symbol that meet GM
standards are all that is needed for
good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes 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 filter. 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. See
Change Engine Oil
Light
on page 5‑22. Change the oil
as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 miles). 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 filter 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 5 000 km (3,000 miles)
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 filter 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 message being
turned on, reset the system.
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10-12 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take your vehicle to the
dealer/retailer and have it repaired
as soon as possible.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inScheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2, and be
sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 11‑7. For the 2.4L, 3.5L and 3.6L engines,
the transmission fluid will not reach
the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check
the transmission fluid level, please
take your vehicle to your dealer/
retailer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See
Engine Compartment Overviewon page 10‑6for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
Maintenance IIintervals and replace
it at the first oil change after each
80 000 km (50,000 mile) interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance
on
page 11‑2for more information.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at
each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required.
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10-18 Vehicle Care
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Notice:This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If you have not found a problem yet,
check to see if coolant is visible in
the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at
between the MIN and MAX lines,
add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®
coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you
do it. See Engine Coolant
on
page 10‑15for more information.
{WARNING
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.
{WARNING
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
fire 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.
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Vehicle Care 10-21
If the overheat warning is no longer
on, the vehicle can be driven. Just
to be safe, drive slower for about
ten minutes. If the warning does not
come back on, drive normally.
If the warning continues and the
vehicle is not stopped, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning continues,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
The decision may be made to not lift
the hood but to get service help
right away.Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 10‑6for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Power steering fluid is used in all
vehicles with V6 engines. Vehicles
with the 4-cylinder engine have
electric power steering and does not
use power steering fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system or you hear an unusual
noise. A fluid 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 fluid,
do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove engine oil fill cap.
3. Slide engine cover rearward and lift to remove.
4. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
5. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
6. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
7. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The fluid level should be within the
area indicated on the dipstick when
the engine is cold.
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11-2 Service and Maintenance
{WARNING
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous. Some jobs can
cause serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if you
have the required know-how and
the proper tools and equipment.
If in doubt, see your dealer/
retailer to have a qualified
technician do the work. See
Doing Your Own Service Work
on
page 10‑4
.
At your General Motors dealer/
retailer, you can be certain that you
will receive the highest level of
service available. Your dealer/
retailer has specially trained service
technicians, uses genuine GM
replacement parts, as well as, up to
date tools and equipment to ensure
fast and accurate diagnostics. The proper replacement parts,
fluids, and lubricants to use are
listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 11‑7and
Maintenance Replacement Partson
page 11‑9. We recommend the use
of genuine parts from your dealer/
retailer.
Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and
performance of the vehicle, it is
important that the first rotation
service for new tires be performed
when they have 8 000 to 13 000 km
(5,000 to 8,000 miles). See Tire
Rotation on page 10‑57.
Scheduled
Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil
Light Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See
Engine Oilon page 10‑8. An
Emission Control Service.
When the change engine oil light
displays, service is required for the
vehicle as soon as possible, within
the next 1 000 km/600 miles.
If driving under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer
has trained service technicians who
will perform this work and reset the
system. If the engine oil life system
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles
since the last service. Reset the oil
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Service and Maintenance 11-3
life system whenever the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 10‑10.
When the change engine oil light
displays, certain services, checks,
and inspections are required. The
services described for
Maintenance Ishould be performed
at every engine oil change.
The services described for
Maintenance IIshould be
performed when:
.Maintenance Iwas performed
the last time the engine oil was
changed.
.It has been 10 months or more
since the change engine oil light
has displayed or since the last
service.
Maintenance I
.Change engine oil and filter. See
Engine Oilon page 10‑8.An
Emission Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑15.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluidon
page 10‑22.
.Tire inflation check. See Tire
Pressure on page 10‑50.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑57.
.Rotate tires. See Tire Rotationon page 10‑57.
.Fluids visual leak check (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and the
fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection (vehicles driven in
dusty conditions only). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
on
page 10‑12.
.Brake system inspection (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
Maintenance II
.Perform all services described in
MaintenanceI.
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection for
damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care
on page 10‑82. Worn or
damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑29.
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