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In any particular crash, no one can say whether
an airbag should have in ated simply because
of the damage to a vehicle or because of what
the repair costs were. In ation is determined
by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact,
and how quickly the vehicle slows down.
What Makes an Airbag In ate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag
sensing system detects that the vehicle is
in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release
of gas from the in ator, which in ates the
airbag. The in ator, airbag, and related hardware
are all part of the airbag modules inside the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel in
front of the right front passenger.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the
steering wheel or the instrument panel. The
airbag supplements the protection provided by
safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually.But airbags would not help you in many types
of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts,
and many side impacts, primarily because
an occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything
more than a supplement to safety belts, and then
only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions.
What Will You See After an
Airbag In ates?
After an airbag in ates, it quickly de ates, so
quickly that some people may not even realize
the airbag in ated. Some components of the
airbag module — the steering wheel hub for the
driver’s airbag or the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s airbag — may be hot for a
short time. The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust
coming from the vents in the de ated airbags.
Airbag in ation does not prevent the driver from
seeing out of the windshield or being able to
steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
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Gasoline Speci cations
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
speci cation D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). Saturn recommends against the use
of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives
on page 236for additional information.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certi ed to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate
on fuels that meet California speci cations.
See the underhood emission control label.
If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal speci cations, but emission control
system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn on
and your vehicle may fail a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 138.
If this occurs, return to your authorized Saturn
retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that
the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the
United States are now required to contain additives
that will help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing your emission
control system to work properly. In most cases,
you should not have to add anything to your
fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required to meet
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves
clean, or if your vehicle experiences problems due
to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that
is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Also, your retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
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Page 239 of 384
{CAUTION:
If you spill fuel and then something ignites
it, you could be badly burned. Fuel can
spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. This spray can happen if your
tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly
and wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then
unscrew the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or over ll
the tank and wait a few seconds after you have
nished pumping before removing the nozzle.
Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as
possible. SeeWashing Your Vehicle on page 318.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 138.Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
The CHECK GAS CAP message displays if the fuel
cap is not properly installed. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 147for more information.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling,
do not remove the nozzle. Shut off the
ow of fuel by shutting off the pump or
by notifying the station attendant. Leave
the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to
get the right type. Your retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not t
properly. This may cause your malfunction
indicator lamp to light and may damage
your fuel tank and emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 138.
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Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulb to use, seeReplacement
Bulbs on page 283.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your retailer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas
inside and can burst if you drop or
scratch the bulb. You or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps and Parking Lamps
A. High-beam Headlamp
B. Low-beam Headlamp
C. Parking Lamp
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