2005 SATURN L-SERIES towing

Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
•The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
•Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the
hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-25. Dirt and
water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try to
tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you
do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
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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’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll 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’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t 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 flasher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument
panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash 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’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
•start your engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•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
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
information. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (do not
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belt, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review this
information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-23.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid 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 fluid level checked by your
retailer or service center when you have your oil
changed.
Change both the fluid and filter 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 fluid and filter do not require changing.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the
H-Specication, may damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by your warranty.
Always use automatic transaxle uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the H-Specication.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for five years or 100,000 miles
(166 000 km), whichever occurs first, 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 5-23.
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.
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Check the tire’s inflation pressure when the tires
are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting
for at least three hours or driven no more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Re-check the
tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-56andWheel Replacement
on page 5-60for more information.The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation.
If you are towing your Saturn vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground, the transaxle and tire maintenance should
be scheduled by mileage accumulated through both
driving and towing, not to driven (odometer) mileage.
Tire wear will reflect actual “rolling” mileage and may be
greater than expected for the current odometer mileage.
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(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 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and filler 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.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your Saturn retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for
further details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
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Power (cont.)
Electrical System.........................................5-83
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-35
Steering Fluid.............................................5-31
Windows....................................................2-13
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-8
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radios..........................................................3-38
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-61
Care of Your CD and DVD Player..................3-62
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-62
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-43
Radio with CD............................................3-39
Setting the Time..........................................3-38
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-58
Understanding Reception..............................3-61
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-52
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-27Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-13
Recovery Hook...............................................4-31
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-37
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-35
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-65
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-64
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-46
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government................................... 7-8
Saturn......................................................... 7-8
United States Government.............................. 7-8
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-55
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-56
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-55
Replacing Parts...........................................1-56
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-20
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-31
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-26
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Sun Visors.....................................................2-14
Sunroof.........................................................2-29
T
Tachometer....................................................3-25
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps....5-45
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-29
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-58
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-14
Passlock
®...................................................2-14
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tires.............................................................5-48
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..........................5-78
Buying New Tires........................................5-57
Chains.......................................................5-61
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-62
Cleaning....................................................5-78
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-72
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-62
Inflation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-54
Inspection and Rotation................................5-55
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-65
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-65
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-64
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-71
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-49Tires (cont.)
Tire Terminology and Definitions....................5-51
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-58
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-59
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-56
Top Strap......................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-38
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-37
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-40
Your Vehicle...............................................4-37
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-29
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-20
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-18
Trip Odometer................................................3-24
Trunk............................................................2-10
Trunk Ajar Light..............................................3-36
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-58
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