2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID engine

Automatic Engine Start/Stop
{CAUTION:
There is something about your vehicle that can
make it move suddenly, and you or others can
be seriously injured. This can happen if the
vehicle is in the Auto Stop mode, and the shift
lever is in DRIVE (D). Because your vehicle has
the Automatic Engine Start/Stop feature, your
vehicle’s engine might seem to be shut off
when you come to a complete stop. However,
if you then start to exit the vehicle, as soon as
you take your foot off the brake pedal, the
engine will start again and the vehicle can
move forward. If you are going to exit your
vehicle, rst shift to PARK (P) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF. Then exit.Your vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop feature
that is a hybrid operation. After the engine is started
and has reached operating temperature, the AUTO
STOP feature may turn the engine off when you apply
the brakes and come to a complete stop. When you take
your foot off the brake pedal or press the accelerator
pedal, the engine will start. The engine will continue
to run until the next AUTO STOP.
The AUTO STOP mark on the tachometer indicates
that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode. If the driver’s
door is opened while in AUTO STOP mode, a chime will
sound.
If you are on an incline, your vehicle may roll backwards
a short distance until the engine performs an AUTO
START. The Hill Start Assist feature will help start the
vehicle on a moderate or steep incline. To restart the
engine during the AUTO STOP, release the brake
pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The engine
starts immediately. The vehicle continues to run
until the next stop.
There are several conditions that may prevent an AUTO
STOP or cause an AUTO START.
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The Engine Will Remain Running When:

The engine, transmission, or hybrid battery is
not warmed up yet.
The outside temperature is high — usually above
95°F (35°C) and the climate control system is
working to cool the vehicle in A/C mode (yellow light
illuminated on A/C button) or if defrost is selected.
SeeAutomatic Climate Control System on
page 3-18for more information.
The shift lever is in PARK (P), REVERSE (R),
NEUTRAL (N), MANUAL MODE (M).
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 from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P),
REVERSE (R), NEUTRAL (N), MANUAL MODE (M)
the engine will restart immediately.
If the A/C button (green light illuminated on 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
On (econ or normal A/C, or oor/ defog/defrost). See
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-18for
more information.
The engine is required to run for either heater or
climate control performance. See “Air Conditioning
and Engine Start/Stop” underAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-18for more information.
The hybrid battery pack charge is low and requires
recharging.
Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
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Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0° F (−18° C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
engine coolant heater cord is located near the air
cleaner box on the passenger side of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more information on location.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your
dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, 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 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)
on page 2-27. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-31.
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 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 move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
PARK (P) on page 2-28.
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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.
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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 your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
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.
MANUAL (M):This position allows you to change gears
similar to a manual transmission. If your vehicle has
this feature, see Manual Shift Mode.
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.
Manual Shift Mode (MSM)
(Automatic Transmission)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward to the
MANUAL MODE (M).
The display will show a 3 for third gear.
When coming to a stop in the manual position, the
vehicle will automatically shift to FIRST (1) gear.
2. Press the plus (+) button to upshift or the minus (−)
button to downshift.
While driving in MSM, the vehicle will have sportier
performance. Use this when you want the vehicle to
stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power
or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into a gear
range appropriate for the vehicle speed.
The transmission will not automatically shift to
the next higher gear range without pressing
the button on the shifter handle.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or
detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-36.
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Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-31.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your foot and set
the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-26
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle is
in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from PARK (P) without rst pressing the
button on the console shift lever. If you can, it means that
the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P).
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To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever
button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot
see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness
and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or the exhaust system has
been modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
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