2006 SATURN VUE towing

Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to
be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip
on page 4-35.
Dinghy Towing
Front-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with a manual
transaxle, four-speed automatic transaxle or ve-speed
automatic transaxle may be dinghy towed from the
front. These vehicles may also be towed by putting
the front wheels on a dolly. See “Dolly Towing” later
in this section.All-wheel-drive vehicles with the ve-speed automatic
transaxle can be dinghy towed from the front. You
can also tow these vehicles by placing them on
a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground.
These vehicles cannot be towed using a dolly.
To tow your vehicle from the front with all four wheels
on the ground, do the following:
1. Position and attach the vehicle to tow it behind
the recreational vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC.
3. Turn fog lamps and all accessories off.
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4. If your vehicle has the manual transaxle, shift your
transaxle to NEUTRAL and let the engine run for
three minutes, then turn it off.
If your vehicle has the ve-speed automatic
transaxle, shift your transaxle from AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) to NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine run for three minutes. Then turn it off.
Due to transaxle uid drain back, the transaxle
lubrication procedure in Step 4 is required every
seven hours after the initial procedure has
been completed, regardless of the vehicle being
towed or parked. Once the procedure is performed,
the transaxle is adequately lubricated and can
be recreational vehicle towed for seven hours
prior to repeating the lubrication procedure.
As an example, if you initially perform the lubrication
procedure and tow your vehicle for three hours,
then park for four hours, the lubrication procedure
will need to be performed again, prior to dinghy
towing the vehicle.
Notice:Towing your vehicle after shifting the
automatic transaxle (four-speed or ve-speed) from
anything other than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D)
to NEUTRAL (N) can cause internal damage
to the automatic transaxle. Always shift the
automatic transaxle (four-speed or ve-speed)
from AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) to NEUTRAL (N)
as the last shift before towing.5. Locate and remove the large IGN fuse from the
underhood fuse block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 5-96.
Notice:If you tow your vehicle without performing
each of the steps listed under “Dinghy Towing,”
you could damage the automatic transaxle. Be sure
to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure
prior to and after towing your vehicle.
Notice:If your vehicle has a four-speed automatic
transaxle, it can be dinghy towed from the front
for unlimited miles at 65 mph (105 km/h). If you
exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing your
vehicle, it could be damaged. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Never exceed
65 mph (105 km/h) while towing your vehicle.
Notice:If your vehicle has a ve-speed automatic
transaxle and it is towed for more than seven hours
without performing lubrication process or at
speeds greater than 65 mph (105 km/h), you could
damage the automatic transaxle. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Do not
tow your vehicle for extended periods of time or
at speeds greater than 65 mph (105 km/h).
After seven hours, repeat Step 4 above for the
ve-speed automatic transaxle.
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Once you have reached your destination, do the
following:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transaxle to REVERSE (R) for manual
transaxle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the
key from the ignition.
4. Reinstall the large IGN fuse.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
the transaxle. Be sure that the transaxle uid is
at the proper level before towing with all four wheels
on the ground.
Notice:Don’t tow a vehicle with the front drive
wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is
a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire
sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transaxle.
Dolly Towing
(All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with
two wheels on the ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer
with all four wheels off of the ground or dinghy
towed from the front.
Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
To tow your front-wheel-drive vehicle from the front with
two wheels on the ground, do the following:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. If you have a ve-speed automatic transaxle or
four-speed automatic transaxle, move the shift
lever to PARK (P). If you have a manual transaxle,
move the shift lever to SECOND (2).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.
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Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
Notice:Towing your vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by
the warranty. Never have your vehicle towed
from the rear.
Do not tow your vehicle from the rear.
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.
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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,
acceleration, braking, 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.If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(805 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
If you have an automatic transaxle, you can use
INTERMEDIATE (I) or as you need to, a lower
gear which will minimize heat buildup and extend
the life of your transaxle.
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If you have a manual transaxle, you should not use
FIFTH (5) gear. Drive in FOURTH (4) gear or as
you need to a lower gear.
Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h),
to save wear on your vehicle’s parts.
Don’t tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer
the weight of the trailer tongue
and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to
pull a trailer are all important. It can also depend on
any special equipment that you have on your vehicle,
and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can
carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this
section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
You can ask your retailer for trailering information
or advice.
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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
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try to tap
into your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both brake systems won’t 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’ll 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 all trailer hitch parts 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 when towing a trailer, 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 asher and/or extra wiring. See your
retailer if you need information. The arrows on your
instrument panel will ash whenever you signal a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps
will also ash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash 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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