2007 SATURN OUTLOOK brakes

Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists when
driving on a downhill grade. It maintains the
vehicle’s speed by automatically implementing a
shift schedule that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces
wear on the brakes system and increases control
of the vehicle. The system constantly monitors
the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, throttle position,
and whether the brake pedal is being pressed,
and determines when to keep the current vehicle
speed or to slow down. The system will then
automatically command downshifts that reduces
the vehicle’s speed, until the brake pedal is
no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS) mode,
grade braking is deactivated, allowing the driver
to select a range and limiting the highest gear
available. Grade braking is available for normal
driving and in Tow/Haul mode.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 129.
Parking Brake
To set the parking
brake, push down the
parking brake pedal
down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 217.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
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Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can
really help on long trips. Cruise control does not
work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, cruise control
is turned off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.The cruise control
buttons are located on
left side of the
steering wheel.T(On/Off):Press this button to turn cruise
control on and off. The indicator comes on when
cruise control is on.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press this button
to make the vehicle accelerate or resume to
a previously set speed.
SET–:Press this button to set the speed or make
the vehicle decelerate.
[(Cancel):Press this button to cancel cruise
control.
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light will come on the URPA display when the shift
lever is moved into REVERSE (R). This occurs
under the following conditions:
The parking brake pedal is depressed.
A trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a
bicycle or an object was hanging out of your
trunk during your last drive when you turned off
the vehicle. If the attached objects are removed
from your vehicle before the start of your next
drive, the system will return to normal operation
unless an object is detected when the vehicle is
shifted into REVERSE (R). If this occurs, URPA
assumes the object is still attached, so you will
have to wait until the vehicle is driven forward
above 15 mph (25 km/h) before URPA will
return to normal operation.
The ultrasonic sensors need to be kept clean.
So, be sure to keep your vehicle’s rear bumper
free of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush. For
cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your
Vehicle on page 468. If the DIC still displays the
PARK ASSIST OFF message after cleaning the
bumper and driving forward at a speed of at
least 15 mph (25 km/h), see your
dealer/retailer.
Other conditions that may affect system
performance include vibrations from a
jackhammer or the compression of air brakes
on a very large truck or other mechanical
devices that interfere with URPA performance.
As always, drivers should use care when backing
up a vehicle. Always look behind you, being
sure to check for other vehicles, obstructions and
blind spots.
If the vehicle bumper is damaged, the URPA
system may not work properly. Take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
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Readings in the low warning zone may occur
when a large number of electrical accessories are
operating in the vehicle and the engine is left
idling for an extended period.
If there is a problem with the battery charging
system, a SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM message will appear in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) and/or the charging
system light will come on. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 239andCharging System
Light on page 216for more information.
However, readings in either warning zone may
indicate a possible problem in the electrical
system. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop you. For good
braking, though, you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
This light should come on briey when you turn
the ignition key to ON. If it does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
This light may also come on due to low brake
uid. SeeBrakes on page 410for more
information.
United StatesCanada
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Turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again
to reset the system. If the light still stays on,
or comes on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes,
but you do not have antilock brakes. If the regular
brake system warning light is also on, you do
not have antilock brakes and there is a problem
with your regular brakes. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 217earlier in this section.
The ABS warning light will come on briey
when you turn the ignition key to ON. This is
normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This warning light
should come on briey
when the engine is
started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem. If it stays on, or comes on when you are
driving, there may be a problem with your
StabiliTrak
®system and your vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on, the system
is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
This light will also ash when the StabiliTrak
®
system is active.
If the StabiliTrak
®system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time
when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs
service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 329
for more information.
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Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your
vehicle while driving — brakes, steering, and
accelerator. At times, as when driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control
systems than the tires and road can provide.
Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 329.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 377.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 217.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on
the brake pedal. That is perception time. Then
you have to bring up your foot and do it. That is
reaction time.Average reaction time is about three-fourths of
a second. But that is only an average. It might be
less with one driver and as long as two or
three seconds or more with another. Age, physical
condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight
all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and
frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,
a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by
heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with
traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes might
not have time to cool between hard stops. The
brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of
heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you
will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That
means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal could get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 377.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that
will help prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive
away, ABS will check itself. You might hear
a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you might even notice that the
brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem
with ABS, this warning
light will stay on.
SeeAntilock Brake
System Warning Light
on page 218.
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Let us say the road is wet and you are driving
safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of
you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking.
Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the brakes at each
wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make
the most of available tire and road conditions. This
can help you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving
updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
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