2008 SATURN AURA HYBRID automatic transmission

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation.......................................2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-7
Door Ajar Reminder........................................2-8
Delayed Locking.............................................2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-9
Lockout Protection........................................2-10
Trunk..........................................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-13
Sun Visors...................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-15
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-19
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-19
Ignition Positions..........................................2-20
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-21Starting the Engine (Automatic Engine
Start/Stop)................................................2-21
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-26
Parking Brake..............................................2-28
Regenerative Braking....................................2-29
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-29
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-31
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-31
Engine Exhaust............................................2-32
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-32
Mirrors...........................................................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-34
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-34
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror..................2-35
OnStar
®System.............................................2-35
Storage Areas................................................2-38
Glove Box...................................................2-38
Cupholder(s)................................................2-38
Center Console Storage.................................2-39
Convenience Net..........................................2-39
Sunroof.........................................................2-39
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

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
sounds, when the driver’s door is opened. Always
remember to remove the key from the ignition and take
it with you. This locks your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if the key is left in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You might not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for
an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)These features continue to work up to 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF.
The power windows, heated seats, and sunroof will
work until any door is opened.
The radio continues to work until the driver’s door
is opened.
All these features operate when the key is in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.
Starting the Engine
(Automatic Engine Start/Stop)
The shift lever must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
for the vehicle to start. To restart when the vehicle
is already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-21

The Engine Will Remain Running When:

The engine, transmission, or hybrid battery is
not warmed up yet.
The outside temperature is less than 5°F (−15°C).
While the A/C is in Normal Mode.
A/C is in Hybrid Mode and the climate control system
is working to cool the vehicle. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-19for more information.
Defrost is selected.
The shift lever is in PARK (P), NEUTRAL (N),
REVERSE (R), INTERMEDIATE (I) or LOW (L).
The hybrid battery pack charge is low.
The 12V vehicle battery charge is low, or loads
are high.
The hood is not fully closed.
The Engine Will Restart When:

The brake pedal is released.
The accelerator pedal is applied.
When shifting out of DRIVE (D) to any other gear.
If the Hybrid A/C button is selected, the duration
of the AUTO STOP will depend on the outside
temperature. This economy mode improves
fuel economy by limiting the effects of the air
conditioning. The warmer it is outside, the shorter
the time before the engine is restarted to provide
cabin cooling.
The climate control system is turned from Off to
Normal A/C or defrost SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-19for more information.
The engine is required to run for either heater or
climate control performance. See “Air Conditioning
Engine Start/Stop” underAutomatic Climate Control
System on page 3-19for more information.
The hybrid battery pack charge is low and requires
recharging.
Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
2-24

Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several different
positions for the automatic
transmission.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start the
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) on page 2-29.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to
fully apply the regular brakes rst and then press the
shift lever button before shifting from PARK (P) when
the ignition key is in ON/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) while
maintaining brake application. Then press the shift
lever button and move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-31.
2-26

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
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 transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-21.
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 the 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)
with the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine
is not running at high speed when shifting your
vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving with
the automatic transmission. 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 the accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going above 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator all the way down.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-12.
2-27

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,
so that there is less shifting between gears.
The engine will not Auto Stop when the shifter is in
INTERMEDIATE (I). SeeStarting the Engine (Automatic
Engine Start/Stop) on page 2-21
LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually using the
brakes. Use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transmission
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 transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Parking Brake
To set the parking brake,
push down the parking
brake pedal with your
left foot. If the ignition
is on, the brake system
warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System
Warning Light on
page 3-32.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot. Push down momentarily
on the parking brake pedal with your left foot until you
feel the pedal release. If the parking brake is not
released when you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light will be on and a chime will sound warning
you that the parking brake is still on.
2-28

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-24.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-26.
D. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-30.
G. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
H. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-43.I. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel on page 3-6.
J. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
K. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-72.
L. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-20.
M. Automatic Climate Control System. SeeAutomatic
Climate Control System on page 3-19.
N. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6.
O. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-26.
P. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-56.
Q. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-38.
3-5

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Make sure it is not covered or the automatic headlamp
system will be on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once
the vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute
for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL
if it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument
panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. See “Instrument Panel Brightness
Control” underInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in
Canada, the transmission must stay in PARK (P) for
this function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
3-15