2004 SATURN L-SERIES check engine light

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
oor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You can not see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-29
ProCarManuals.com

When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil
Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A Change Engine Oil light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two
times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a
year. However, your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your retailer has trained service people
who will perform this work using genuine Saturn
parts and reset the system. It is also important to check
your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Oil Life System
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your
engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Anytime your
oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when
the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where
you change your oil prior to a Change Engine Oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by
performing the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three
times within ve seconds.
If the Change Engine Oil light is ashing, the
system is reset. The light will ash for up to
30 seconds or until the ignition is turned off.
If the light comes on again and stays on for 30 seconds
at the next ignition cycle, it did not reset. You will
need to reset the system again.
5-19
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle uid level. A
transaxle uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to retailer’s service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible.
You may also have your uid level checked by your
retailer or service center when you have your oil
changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require changing.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use DEXRON
®-III labeled automatic
transaxle uid.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 100,000 miles
(166 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-23
ProCarManuals.com

Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located
on the driver”s side of the
engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for more information
on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the Cold
line (surge tank seam). When your engine is warm,
the level should be at the Cold line or a little higher.
If the low coolant light comes on and stays on, it means
you’re low on engine coolant. SeeLow Coolant
Warning Light on page 3-33.
5-25
ProCarManuals.com

Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil light comes on, it means
that service is required for your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next 600
miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving
under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over
a year. However, your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your Saturn retailer has Saturn-trained
service technicians who will perform this work using
genuine Saturn parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16for information on the Engine
Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the Change Engine Oil light appears, certain
services, checks and inspections are required. Required
services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service be MaintenanceI,
your second service be MaintenanceIIand that you
alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter.
However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be
required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the Change
Engine Oil light comes on within ten months since
vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas
performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light comes on ten months
or more since the last service or if the light has not
come on at all for one year.
6-4
ProCarManuals.com

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine
Saturn parts as needed. To help ensure proper
operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator
and air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, glove box hinges,
sunroof (if equipped) and any folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.(g)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-23 for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)Or every 12 months, whichever occurs rst. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter may
require replacement more often.
6-8
ProCarManuals.com

B
Backing Up....................................................4-44
Battery..........................................................5-39
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Battery Warning Light......................................3-29
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Before You Drive............................................3-59
Brake
Parking......................................................2-27
System Warning Light..................................3-30
Brake Fluid....................................................5-36
Brake Wear...................................................5-38
Brakes..........................................................5-36
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)..........................5-49, 5-50
Fog Lamps.................................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps................................5-50, 5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications............................5-98
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-40, 2-13, 2-31
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-85
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-72
Your CD and DVD Player.............................3-73
Your CDs and DVDs....................................3-73
Cargo Cover..................................................2-43
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-54
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-54
CD Messages........................................3-49, 3-58
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-41
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)....5-49, 5-50
Center Rear Passenger Position (Wagon)...........1-31
Chains, Tires..................................................5-68
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-34
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-16
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-88
2
ProCarManuals.com

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-92
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Emergency Trunk Release Handle (Sedan).........2-15
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-36
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-39
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-38
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-34
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-22
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-33
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-32
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-26
Reduced Power Light...................................3-38
Starting......................................................2-21
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-95
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-46
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-18
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-8
Express-Down Window....................................2-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-35
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finding a Station............................3-42, 3-45, 3-50
Finish Care....................................................5-86
Finish Damage...............................................5-88
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-73
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Floor Console Fuse Blocks...............................5-92
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
FM ...............................................................3-71
Fog Lamps....................................................3-14
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Following Distance..........................................4-44
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
5
ProCarManuals.com