2004 SATURN ION service

Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. You can nd your specic vehicle information
all in one place.
The Owner Center allows you to:
Get e-mail service reminders.
Access information about your specic vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner’s manual. (United States only)
Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and
maintenance schedule.
Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members. (United States only)
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com.
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
To assist owners who have hearing difficulties, Saturn
has installed special TDD (Telecommunication Devices
for the Deaf) equipment in its Saturn Customer
Assistance Center.
Any hearing- or speech-impaired customer who has
access to a TDD or to a conventional Text Telephone
(TTY) can communicate with Saturn by dialing
1-800-TDD-6000. TTY users in Canada may dial
1-800-263-3830.
7-4
ProCarManuals.com

GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available
to qualied applicants,
can reimburse you up to
$1,000 toward eligible
aftermarket driver or
passenger adaptive
equipment you may
require for your vehicle
(hand controls, wheelchair/
scooter lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The offer is available for
a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease.
For more details, or to determine your vehicle’s
eligibility, see your Saturn retailer or call the Saturn
Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-553-6000. Text
telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-6000.
In Canada, customers may call the Saturn Customer
Communication Centre at 1-800-263-1999. TTY users in
Canada may call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
For vehicles purchased in the U.S. call 1-800-553-6000
(TTY: 1-800-833-6000).
For vehicles purchased in Canada call 1-800-268-6800.
As the proud owner of a new Saturn vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Saturn Roadside
Assistance Program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Saturn’s Roadside
Assistance toll-free number is staffed by courteous and
capable Roadside Assistance Representatives who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
7-5
ProCarManuals.com

We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period at no expense
to you:
Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to
the nearest service station.
Lock-out Service (identication required):
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement
key will be covered within 10 miles.
Emergency Tow:Tow to the nearest Saturn
retailer for warranty service or in the event of
a vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance when the
vehicle is mired in sand, mud or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. (The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
covered by a warrantable failure.)
Jump Start:No-start occurrences which require a
battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
Saturn Retailer Locator ServiceIn many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Saturn’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representatives:
Your name, home address, and home telephone
number
Telephone number of your location
Location of the vehicle
Model, year, color, and license plate number
Mileage, Vehicle Identication Number and delivery
date of the vehicle
Description of the problem
7-6
ProCarManuals.com

While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember we are only a phone call
away. Saturn Roadside Assistance: 1-800-553-6000;
text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-6000.
Saturn reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Saturn’s
judgment, the claims become excessive in frequency
or type of occurrence.
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Saturn reserves the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notication.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Saturn
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor
emission control components to optimize fuel economy,
to monitor conditions for air bag deployment and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the
driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations.
Some information may be stored during regular
operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions;
other information is stored only in a crash or near crash
event by computer systems commonly called event data
recorders (EDR).
In a crash or near crash event, computer systems, such
as the Air Bag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in
your vehicle may record information about the condition
of the vehicle and how it was operated, such as engine
speed, brake applications, throttle position, vehicle
speed, safety belt usage, air bag readiness, air bag
performance data, and the severity of a collision.
7-7
ProCarManuals.com

This information has been used to improve vehicle
crash performance and may be used to improve crash
performance of future vehicles and driving safety.
Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes, these
on-board systems do not record sounds, such as
conversation of vehicle occupants.
To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the SDM is required.
GM will not access information about a crash event or
share it with others other than
with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
as required by law.In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may
use the data for GM research needs,
make it available for research where appropriate
condentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
share summary data which is not tied to a specic
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to
the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or SDM.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®, please check
the OnStar®subscription service agreement or
manual for information on its operations and data
collection.
7-8
ProCarManuals.com

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
A variety of publications are available to you. Saturn
service manuals are written for trained technicians, and
in some cases, specialized tools and equipment are
necessary to complete certain repairs. However,
the manuals are available to owners who either have
the training, or wish to gain a greater understanding of
the technical aspect of their Saturn.
For additional publications information or to order
publications, call toll free 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order on-line.
In Canada, Saturn service manuals are available by
calling toll free 1-800-551-4123.
Owner Publications
Information on how to obtain product bulletins and as
described below is applicable only in the fty U.S. states
and the District of Columbia, and only for cars and
light trucks with a GVWR less than 10,000 pounds
(4 536 kg). Copies of individual bulletins are also at your
participating Saturn retailer. You can ask to see them.
In Canada, information relating to product service bulletins
can be obtained by contacting your Saturn retailer.
Service Bulletins
Saturn regularly sends its retailers useful service
bulletins about Saturn products. Saturn monitors product
performance in the eld. We then prepare bulletins for
servicing our products better. You can get these
bulletins, too.
Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain to the
proper use and care of your vehicle. Some describe
costly repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs
which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid
future costly repairs.
Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or
unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker
way to x your vehicle. They can help a technician
service your vehicle better.
Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small
number of vehicles. Your Saturn retailer or a qualied
technician may have to determine if a specic
bulletin applies to your vehicle. To order Saturn bulletins,
call Saturn Publications at 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
win.wallace.com/saturn to order on-line.
7-10
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Headlamp System............................3-16
Automatic Transaxle........................................2-20
Fluid..........................................................5-24
Operation...................................................2-23
B
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-41
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-18
Battery Warning Light......................................3-31
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Parking......................................................2-30
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brake Adjustment............................................5-40
Brake Fluid....................................................5-38
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-40
Brake Wear...................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-55
Fog Lamps.................................................5-53Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-53
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-47
Headlamps.........................................5-48, 5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-56
Sidemarker Lamps.......................................5-54
Taillamps, Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps........5-55
Buying New Tires...........................................5-70
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications..........................5-102
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-12, 2-34
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-89
Your CD Player...........................................3-71
Your CDs ...................................................3-71
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
CD Messages........................................3-54, 3-67
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-55
Chains, Tires..................................................5-74
2
ProCarManuals.com

Convenience Net............................................2-45
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Low Level Warning Message.........................3-43
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control................................................3-12
Cruise Control Message...................................3-42
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-44
Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn.................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government................................ 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.......................... 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-10D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-21, 3-23
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10
Dinghy Towing (Five-Speed Automatic
Transaxle and VTi Variable Transaxle)............4-31
Dinghy Towing (Manual Transaxle)....................4-32
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature.................3-70
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing (All Transaxles)............................4-33
Dome Lamp...................................................3-18
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Rear Doors.................................................2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
4
ProCarManuals.com