2007 SATURN ION service

Radio Display Message Condition Action Required
No CAT Info Category Name
not availableNo category information is available at this time on this
channel. The system is working properly.
No Information No Text/Informational
message availableNo text or informational messages are available at this time
on this channel. The system is working properly.
CAT Not Found No channel available for
the chosen categoryThere are no channels available for the selected category.
The system is working properly.
XM Theftlocked Theft lock active The XM™ receiver in the vehicle may have previously been
in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™ receivers
cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this message
appears after having your vehicle serviced, check with
your retailer.
XM Radio ID Radio ID label
(channel 0)If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the
XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown Radio ID not known
(should only be if
hardware failure)If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, there
may be a receiver fault. Consult with your retailer.
Check XM Receivr Hardware failure If this message does not clear within a short period of time,
the receiver may have a fault. Consult with your retailer.
XM Not Available XM Not Available If this message does not clear within a short period of time,
the receiver may have a fault. Consult with your retailer.
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Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur
during normal radio reception if items such as
cellphone chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic devices are
plugged into the accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the item from the
accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for
FM, especially at night. The longer range can
cause station frequencies to interfere with each
other. For better radio reception, most AM
radio stations boost the power levels during the
day, and then reduces these levels during
the night. Static can also occur when things like
storms and power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try reducing the
treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals
reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM,
tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out.
In addition, traveling or standing under heavy
foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
the loss of XM™ signal for a period of time.
The radio might display NO XM SIGNAL to
indicate interference.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage could cause interference
with your vehicle’s radio. This interference
could occur when making or receiving phone calls,
charging the phone’s battery, or simply having
the phone on. This interference is an increased
level of static while listening to the radio. If static is
received while listening to the radio, unplug the
cellular phone and turn it off.
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When you turn the system off, the TRAC OFF
message will be displayed. If the ETS is limiting
wheel spin when you press the button to turn
the system off, the TRAC OFF message will be
displayed, but the system will not turn off until
there is no longer a current need to limit wheel
spin. You can turn the system back on at any time
by pressing the button again. The TRAC OFF
message will no longer be displayed.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 270for more information.
Limited-Slip Differential
Your vehicle may have this feature. A limited-slip
transaxle can give you additional traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard transaxle most of the time, but when one
of the front wheels loses traction, this feature
will allow the wheel with traction to move
the vehicle.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the engine stalls while you are driving, the
power steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to stop the vehicle.
If you lose power steering assist because the
system is not functioning, you can steer but it will
take much more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction
several times until it stops, or hold the steering
wheel in the stopped position for an extended
amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount
of power steering assist. The normal amount of
power steering assist should return shortly after a
few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance.
If the PWR STR
message in the
message center is
displayed, see your
retailer for service.
SeePower Steering
Message on page 184.
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Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts at Saturn retailers all across the
United States and Canada. They will be ready and
willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness,
or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with
a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors
and your instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different
from driving in at or rolling terrain.
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Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your retailer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 415.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle
Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a
motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as “dinghy
towing” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground) and “dolly towing” (towing
your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See
“Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing” following in
this section.
Here are some important things to consider before
you do recreational vehicle towing:
What is 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 retailer 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 will want to make sure your vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving
on a Long Trip on page 241.
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Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you are pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 391for more information.
Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid (don’t
overll), 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 nd them quickly. If you are 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 297.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If you get a at tire while towing a trailer, be
sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from
the vehicle before changing the tire.
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Service........................................................ 270
Accessories and Modications................... 270
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 271
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 271
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 272
Fuel............................................................. 272
Gasoline Octane........................................ 272
Gasoline Specications.............................. 273
California Fuel........................................... 273
Additives................................................... 273
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 274
Filling the Tank......................................... 275
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 277
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 278
Hood Release........................................... 279
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 280
Engine Oil................................................. 283
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 288
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 290
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 292
Manual Transaxle Fluid............................. 293
Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 293Engine Coolant.......................................... 293
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 297
Engine Overheating................................... 297
Cooling System......................................... 300
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 307
Brakes...................................................... 308
Battery...................................................... 311
Jump Starting............................................ 312
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 318
Bulb Replacement....................................... 318
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 318
Headlamps (Coupe)................................... 319
Headlamps (Sedan)................................... 320
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) (Coupe).............. 322
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) (Sedan).............. 323
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)................................ 324
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps...................................... 324
License Plate Lamp................................... 326
Replacement Bulbs................................... 326
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
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