Page 62 of 380
What Makes an Air Bag In ate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both
frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system
triggers a release of gas from the in ator, which in ates
the air bag. The in ator, air bag, and related hardware
are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering
wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the
right front passenger. For vehicles with side impact air
bags, the air bag modules are located in the ceiling
of the vehicle, near the side windows.
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel
or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the
frontal air bags would not help you in many types
of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many
side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion
is not toward the air bag. Side impact air bags would not
help you in many types of collisions, including frontalor near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts,
primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward
those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and
then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe
side collisions for vehicles with a driver’s and right front
passenger’s side impact air bag.
What Will You See After an
Air Bag In ates?
After an air bag in ates, it quickly de ates, so quickly that
some people may not even realize the air bag in ated.
Some components of the air bag module — the steering
wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, the instrument panel for
the right front passenger’s bag or the ceiling of your
vehicle near the side windows — will be hot for a short
time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the
de ated air bags. Air bag in ation doesn’t prevent the
driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor
does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
1-56
ProCarManuals.com
Page 236 of 380
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certi ed to meet California Emission
Standards (see the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California speci cations. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California emissions standards,
your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal speci cations, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp may turn on (seeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-36) and your vehicle may fail a smog-check
test. If this occurs, return to your authorized Saturn
retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition
is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs may not be
covered by your warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work
properly. You should not have to add anything to your
fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency regulations. General
Motors recommends that you buy gasolines that
are advertised to help keep fuel injectors and intake
valves clean. If your vehicle experiences problems due
to dirty injectors or valves, try a different brand of
gasoline.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if
they comply with the speci cations described earlier.
5-6
ProCarManuals.com
Page 239 of 380
{CAUTION:
If you get fuel on yourself and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. Fuel can
spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too
quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is
nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any “hiss”
noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. SeeCleaning the Outside
of Your Vehicle on page 5-90.
When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) about 1/4 of a turn until you hear three
clicks. Make sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off
or improperly installed. This would allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere and may cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to come on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-36.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not t properly. This may cause
your malfunction indicator lamp to light and may
damage your fuel tank and emissions system.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-36.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
5-9
ProCarManuals.com
Page 278 of 380
Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulb to use, seeReplacement Bulbs on
page 5-56.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your retailer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps (Sedan)
1. Turn the ignition and headlamp switch off.
2. After allowing the bulb to cool, open the hood.
SeeHood Release on page 5-10.
3. Pull up on the headlamp retaining pins to remove
them, gently pull the headlamp assembly away
from the vehicle and remove the electrical
connector.
5-48
ProCarManuals.com
