brakes SATURN VUE HYBRID 2009 Owner's Manual

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
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 at 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 regular
brakes 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.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3for more information.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission uid, engine oil,
axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good
idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-23.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-33
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Service and
Appearance Care
Service
Service...............................5-3
Accessories and
Modications.....................5-3
California Proposition 65
Warning............................5-3
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................5-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle......5-4
Fuel
Fuel....................................5-5
Gasoline Octane.................5-5
Gasoline Specications.......5-5
California Fuel....................5-5
Additives.............................5-5
Fuels in Foreign
Countries..........................5-6
Filling the Tank...................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................5-8
Checking Things Under
the Hood
Checking Things Under
the Hood..........................5-9
Hood Release.....................5-9
Engine Compartment
Overview.........................5-10
Engine Oil.........................5-11
Engine Oil Life System.....5-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . .5-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................5-17
Cooling System.................5-17
Engine Coolant.................5-20
Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap..................5-22
Engine Overheating...........5-23
Windshield Washer
Fluid................................5-24
Brakes..............................5-25
Battery..............................5-27
Jump Starting...................5-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............5-33
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............5-35
Halogen Bulbs..................5-35
Headlamps........................5-35
Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps................5-36
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps
.............................5-36
License Plate Lamp..........5-37
Replacement Bulbs...........5-37
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................5-38
Service and Appearance Care 5-1
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Service
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer/retailer. You will receive
genuine Saturn parts and
Saturn-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine Saturn parts have one of
these marks.
Accessories and
Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories are added to the vehicle,
they can affect vehicle performance
and safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. Some of these accessories
could even cause malfunction or
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from the installation or use
of non-GM certied parts, including
control module modications, are not
covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with
other systems on the vehicle.Your GM dealer/retailer can
accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories. When you
go to your GM dealer/retailer and
ask for GM Accessories, you
will know that GM-trained and
supported service technicians will
perform the work using genuine GM
Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-55.
California Proposition 65
Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle),
many uids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
Service and Appearance Care 5-3
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is lled with either DOT-3 or DOT-4
brake uid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake uid level in the reservoir
might go down:
The brake uid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the uid level goes
back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic
system can also cause a low uid
level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes will
not work well.
Do not top off the brake uid. Adding
uid does not correct a leak. If uid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much uid when new
brake linings are installed. Add or
remove brake uid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{CAUTION
If too much brake uid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake uid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.When the brake uid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-27.
What to Add
If the vehicle has DOT-3 brake uid,
as indicated on the reservoir cap,
use only new DOT-3 brake uid from
a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11.
If the vehicle has DOT-4 brake uid,
as indicated on the reservoir cap,
use only new DOT-4 brake uid from
a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11. DOT-4
brake uid requires the brake
hydraulic system to be ushed and
relled with new DOT-4 brake
uid at a regular maintenance
service every two years. See
Additional Required Services on
page 6-5.
Service and Appearance Care 5-25
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Always clean the brake uid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.
{CAUTION
With the wrong kind of uid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake uid.
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 5-69.
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 5-81.
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.
5-26 Service and Appearance Care
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Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle
moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System
Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to
be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have
really good braking. The vehicle was
designed and tested with top-quality
brake parts. When parts of the
braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings
wear down and new ones are
installed — be sure to get new
approved replacement parts. If
this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
if someone puts in brake linings
that are wrong for the vehicle, the
balance between the front andrear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance
expected can change in many other
ways if the wrong replacement
brake parts are installed.
Battery
{CAUTION
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-28for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery and a 36-volt hybrid
battery system.
12-Volt Battery
When a new standard 12-volt
battery is needed, see your
dealer/retailer for one that has the
replacement number shown on
the original battery’s label.
36-Volt Battery System
If a new 36-volt hybrid battery
system is needed, see your
dealer/retailer.
Vehicle Storage
Infrequent Usage: If the vehicle is
driven infrequently, remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery, the one that
is exposed. This helps keep the
battery from running down.
Service and Appearance Care 5-27
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Tire Terminology and
Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means
the combined weight of
optional accessories. Some
examples of optional
accessories are, automatic
transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire’s height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between the
plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals
(kPa) before a tire has built
up heat from driving. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-43.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard
and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and date
of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-18.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
Service and Appearance Care 5-41
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Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give an
inaccurate low-pressure warning if
non-TPC Spec rated tires are
installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC
Spec rated tires may give a
low-pressure warning that is higher
or lower than the proper warning
level you would get with TPC Spec
rated tires. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-45.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-18,
for more information about the
Tire and Loading Information label
and its location on your vehicle.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a
different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires,
this may affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, anti-lock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and stability control,
the performance of these systems
can be affected.
{CAUTION
If you add different sized wheels,
your vehicle may not provide an
acceptable level of performance
and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and
suffer serious injury. Only use
Saturn specic wheel and tire
systems developed for your
vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a Saturn certied
technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-51
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for additional
information.
Service and Appearance Care 5-53
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{CAUTION
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause
the wheel to become loose and
even come off. This could lead to a
crash. Be sure to use the correct
wheel nuts. If you have to replace
them, be sure to get new Saturn
original equipment wheel nuts.
Notice:Improperly tightened
wheel nuts can lead to brake
pulsation and rotor damage. To
avoid expensive brake repairs,
evenly tighten the wheel nuts in
the proper sequence and to
the proper torque specication.Used Replacement Wheels{CAUTION
Putting a used wheel on your
vehicle is dangerous. You cannot
know how it has been used or
how far it has been driven. It
could fail suddenly and cause a
crash. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new Saturn original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension or other vehicle parts.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and you or
others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions. To
help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove
the device if it is contacting the
vehicle, and do not spin the
vehicle’s wheels. If you do nd
traction devices that will t, install
them on the front tires.
Service and Appearance Care 5-57
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See Engine Coolant on page 5-20
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system
could indicate a problem. Have
the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add
fluid if needed.
(k)Or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first. If driving regularly
under dusty conditions, the filter may
require replacement more often.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(n)Vehicles using DOT-4 brake
fluid only: Drain, flush, and
refill brake hydraulic system at a
regular maintenance service (IorII)
every two years. This service can
be complex; you should haveyour dealer/retailer perform this
service. See Brakes on page 5-25
andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11.
Owner Checks and
Services
These owner checks and services
should be performed at the intervals
specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission
control performance. Your dealer/
retailer can assist with these checks
and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once. Whenever
any uids or lubricants are added to
the vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check
the engine oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level. Failure
to keep the engine oil at the
proper level can cause damage to
the engine not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add
the proper oil if necessary. See
Engine Oil on page 5-11.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level
and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-20.
6-8 Maintenance Schedule
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