2007 SATURN ION Owners Manual

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it
to four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the
way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
9(LOCK):This position locks your steering
column. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove your key when the ignition is
turned to LOCK.
If you have an automatic transaxle, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transaxle removing
the key from the ignition switch will lock
the steering column and result in a loss of
ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the
engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key to ACC.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position operates
some of your electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition.
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R(RUN):This is the position the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays in the RUN position when
the engine is running. But even when the ignition
is not running, you can use RUN to operate
your electrical accessories and to display some
warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACC or RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch will return to RUN for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s
door while in LOCK or ACC, when the key has not
been removed from the ignition.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after it
has been parked for an extended period of time.
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Shift Lock Release
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the
following procedure allows the ignition to be turned
to LOCK and for ignition key removal in case of
a dead battery or low voltage battery.
1. Make sure the shift lever is in PARK (P).
2. Using a tool, pry off the cover from the bottom
of the steering column.3. Place your nger into the access hole and
locate the plunger.
4. Press and hold the plunger toward the driver’s
door while turning the ignition key to LOCK.
Remove the key.
Have your vehicle serviced at your retailer as
soon as possible.
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Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle has a Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) feature which will allow the radio, wipers,
power windows, sunroof and the rear power outlet
to work after the ignition is turned off.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in
RUN or ACC (Accessory). Once the key is turned
from RUN to LOCK, the radio will continue to
work for up to 10 minutes or until any door
is opened.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position — that
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift
into PARK (P) only when your vehicle is
stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to
the oor and start the engine. Your vehicle
will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down — that is a safety feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down
as your engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transaxle gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects the electrical
system. If the ignition key is turned to START,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking
until the vehicle starts or until it exceeds the
maximum cranking time allowed, approximately
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
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To prevent starter-motor gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. The engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC (Accessory) or LOCK.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer
than 15 seconds at a time will cause your
battery to be drained much sooner. And the
excessive heat can damage your starter motor.
Wait about 15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining your battery or damaging
your starter.
2. If it does not start, wait about 15 seconds and
try again to start the engine by turning the
ignition to START. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try.
When the engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven.
Do not run your engine at high speed
when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C),
let the engine run for a few minutes to
warm up.3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but
then stops, it could be ooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding
it there as you hold the key in START
for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, do the same
thing, but this time keep the pedal down for
ve or six seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with your
retailer. If you do not, your engine might not
perform properly. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, the
shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several
different positions for
the automatic transaxle.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start
your engine because your vehicle cannot
move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 116. If you are pulling
a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 259.
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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You
have to fully apply your regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before you
can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in
RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever
all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the shift lever button
and then move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on page 118.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging your
transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 249.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is rmly on
the brake pedal, your vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running at
high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
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DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving with
the automatic transaxle. It provides the best fuel
economy for your vehicle. If you need more power
for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push
your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push
your accelerator all the way down.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 233.
INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used for
normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed
without using your brakes for slight downgrades
where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate due
to steepness of grade. If constant upshifting or
downshifting occurs while driving up steep hills, this
position can be used to prevent repetitive types of
shifts. You might choose INTERMEDIATE (I)
instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding
roads and when towing a trailer, so that there is less
shifting between gears.LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed
more than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually
using your brakes. You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever
is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift into
LOW (L) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle.
If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or parking
brake to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Transaxle Operation
This is your shift
pattern.
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