2006 SATURN ION fuel cap

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-11
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-54
Restraint System Check
............................1-68
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-17
Mirrors
....................................................2-32
OnStar
®System
......................................2-38
Storage Areas
.........................................2-40
Sunroof
..................................................2-41
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-25
Message Center
.......................................3-43
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-48Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-36
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-48
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-56
Tires
......................................................5-57
Appearance Care
.....................................5-90
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-99
Electrical System
......................................5-99
Capacities and Specications
...................5-109
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-11
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Saturn ION Owner ManualM
ProCarManuals.com

Passlock®
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Passlock®theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock®enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the
ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
During normal operation,
the security light will
go off approximately
three seconds after the
key is turned to the
RUN ignition position.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes,
wait until the light stops ashing before trying to
restart the engine. Remember to release the key
from START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine
off. However, your Passlock
®system is not working
properly and must be serviced by your retailer. Your
vehicle is not protected by Passlock
®at this time. You
may also want to check the fuses, seeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-100. See your retailer for service.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast
or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Do not exceed
5,000 engine rpm. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during the rst 1,000 miles
(1 600 km). SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-39
for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle
and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-17
ProCarManuals.com

Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-41
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Boost Gage.................................................3-43
Message Center.............................................3-43
Low Traction Message...................................3-44
Traction Off Message....................................3-44
Cruise Control Message.................................3-44
Transaxle Fluid Hot Message.........................3-45
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-45
Check Gage Message...................................3-45
Power Steering Message...............................3-46
Trunk Ajar Warning Message.........................3-46
Check Gas Cap Message..............................3-46
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-46
Service Vehicle Message...............................3-47
Error Message.............................................3-47Audio System(s).............................................3-48
Setting the Time (Without Date Display)...........3-49
Setting the Time (With Date Display)...............3-50
Radio with CD (Base)...................................3-50
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-55
Radio Reception...........................................3-70
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-71
Care of the CD Player...................................3-71
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-72
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-72
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2
ProCarManuals.com

If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-7. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light to
turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your retailer can check the vehicle. Your retailer has the
proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
3-38
ProCarManuals.com

Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on, the
fuel gage on the right tells
you about how much fuel
you have left in your tank.
When the indicator nears empty, the LOW FUEL
message will come on. You still have a little fuel left,
but you should get more soon. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Message on page 3-46for more information.Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with your fuel gage:At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to
ll the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
The gage takes a few seconds to stabilize after the
ignition is turned on, and will go back to empty
when you turn the ignition off.
For your fuel tank capacity, seeCapacities and
Specications on page 5-109.
3-42
ProCarManuals.com

Power Steering Message
If the PWR STR message
is displayed, a problem
has been detected with the
electric power steering.
If you suspect electric power steering problems and/or
the PWR STR message is on, see your retailer for
service and repair.
Trunk Ajar Warning Message
When the TRUNK
message is displayed,
it means the trunk lid
is not fully closed.
Check Gas Cap Message
This message will come on
when the ignition is on and
the gas cap is open.
Low Fuel Warning Message
When the LOW FUEL
message is displayed,
you may have less
than 1.5 gallons (5.5 liters)
of fuel left. A chime will
also sound to alert you to
this message.
You should refuel your vehicle immediately. When the
fuel tank is lled to more than 3.3 gallons (11.5 liters),
this message will no longer be displayed.
3-46
ProCarManuals.com

Certication Label
A vehicle specic Certication label is found on the rear
edge of the driver’s door.
The label shows the gross weight capacity of your
vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front
or rear axle.And, if you do have a heavy load, spread it out. Do not
carry more than 150 lbs (68 kg) in your vehicle’s trunk.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
4-35
ProCarManuals.com

Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part and see your retailer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify the trailering
capacity of your vehicle, you should read the information
in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this
section. Trailering is different than just driving your
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to
wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
4-39
ProCarManuals.com