steering wheel SATURN VUE HYBRID 2008 Owner's Manual

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.
You can avoid these problems by braking — if you
can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is
not room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
Your 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
you can from a possible collision. Then steer around
the problem, to the left or right depending on the
space available.An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel
at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly,
and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
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Off-Road Recovery
Your vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off
the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the
pavement. Turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter
turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement
edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go straight
down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.
If in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your
side of the lane.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
When you are being passed, ease to the right.
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.
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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 your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or 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.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration skid. If your traction control
system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your 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,
your 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,
you will want to 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 your 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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Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear
the area around the front wheels. Turn the traction
control system off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-7. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear,
wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when
the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning the
wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you will
cause a rocking motion that could free your vehicle.
If that does not get your vehicle out after a few tries,
it might need to be towed out. If your vehicle does
need to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-28.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Certication/Tire label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you
do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of the vehicle.
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Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
To tow your front-wheel-drive vehicle from the front with
two wheels on the ground, do the following:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.
Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
Notice:Towing your vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered
by the warranty. Never have your vehicle towed
from the rear.
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Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You will need more passing distance up ahead when
you are towing a trailer. And, because you are a
good deal longer when towing a trailer, you will need
to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that
hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right,
move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer will not strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers.
Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal asher and/or extra wiring.
See your dealer/retailer if you need information.
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other
drivers you are about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the
trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signal when they are
not. It is important to check occasionally to be sure
the trailer bulbs are still working.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit.
SeeTire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 5-68.
There is no spare tire, no tire changing equipment,
and no place to store a tire.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. SeeTires
on page 5-47. If air goes out of a tire, it is much more
likely to leak out slowly. But, if you should ever have a
blow out, here are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blow out, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would use
in a skid. In any rear blow out, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place and stopping.
Then do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
2. Park your vehicle. Set the parking brake rmly and
put the shift lever in PARK (P). SeeShifting Into
PARK (P) on page 2-27.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel, has
damaged sidewalls, or has a puncture larger than a
14inch (6 mm), the tire is too severely damaged for
the tire sealant and compressor kit to be effective.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If the tire has a puncture less than a
14inch (6 mm)
in the tread area of the tire, seeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 5-68.
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Fuses Usage
CIGAR Cigarette Lighter
ECM/TCMEngine Control Module (ECM)/
Transmission Control Module (TCM)
FSCM Fuel Storage Control Module
ISRVM Inner Side Rearview Mirror)
Cluster Instrument Panel Cluster
AIR BAG Airbag System
OSRVM Outer Side Rearview Mirror
KEY CAP Key Capture Solenoid
WHL S/W Steering Wheel Switch
F/DR LCK Front Driver Door Lock
APO2 Accessory Power Outlet 2
BCM (VB3) Body Control Module (BCM) (VB3)
DR LCK Door LockFuses Usage
BCM (VB6) Body Control Module (VB6)
BCM (VB4) Body Control Module (VB4)
BCM (VB5) Body Control Module (VB5)
TRL Trailer
AIRCON Air Conditioner
AUDIO Audio
BCM (VB7) Body Control Module (VB7)
IGN SW Ignition Switch
AIR BAG Air Bag System
WASHER Washer Pump
APO1 Accessory Power Outlet 1
FSCM Fuel Storage Control Module
RR CLR Rear Closure
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A
About Driving Your Vehicle................................... iii
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-68
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-89
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-30
Readiness Light..........................................3-29
Airbag System................................................1-53
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?........1-62
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-59
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-56
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-68
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-61
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-63
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-68
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-61
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-77
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-77
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-6Anti-lock Brake, System Warning Light...............3-33
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-84
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-81
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-82
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-80
Finish Care.................................................5-83
Finish Damage............................................5-85
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-81
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-79
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-85
Tires..........................................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-86
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-86
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-82
Weatherstrips..............................................5-82
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-84
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-8
Audio System.................................................3-59
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-76
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-77
Radio Reception..........................................3-76
Setting the Clock.........................................3-60
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-77
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S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-28
Safety Belts
Care of ......................................................5-81
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-25
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-30
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-30
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-12
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback, Folding Passenger............................. 1-9
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-5
Heated Seats............................................... 1-6
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-6
Manual Reclining Seatbacks........................... 1-7
Passenger Folding Seatback........................... 1-9
Power Seat.................................................. 1-5
Split Folding Rear Seat................................1-10
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................1-47
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-49Security Light.................................................3-40
Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements..... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-36
Publications Ordering Information...................7-14
Service, Scheduling Appointments....................... 7-8
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-68
Setting the Clock............................................3-60
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-85
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-27
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-28
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-7
Specications, Capacities.................................5-98
Speedometer..................................................3-27
Split Folding Rear Seat....................................1-10
Stabilitrak Program Indicator Light, Electronic......3-34
Starting the Engine.........................................2-18
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-76
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
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