2009 SATURN VUE service

Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
The vehicle’s interior will continue
to look its best if it is cleaned often.
Although not always visible, dust
and dirt can accumulate on the
upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet,
fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended
to remove particles from the
upholstery. It is important to keep
the upholstery from becoming and
remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly as
possible. The vehicle’s interior may
experience extremes of heat that
could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may
require more frequent cleaning.
Use care because newspapers and
garments that transfer color to home
furnishings may also transfer color to
the vehicle’s interior.When cleaning the vehicle’s interior,
only use cleaners specically
designed for the surfaces being
cleaned. Permanent damage may
result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not
intended. Use glass cleaner only on
glass. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning
cloth.
Notice:Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces
on the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to
the rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass
cleaner.Many cleaners contain solvents that
may become concentrated in the
vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere to
all safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the vehicle’s interior,
maintain adequate ventilation by
opening the vehicle’s doors and
windows.
Dust may be removed from small
buttons and knobs using a small
brush with soft bristles.
Products that remove odors from the
vehicle’s upholstery and clean the
vehicle’s glass can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
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Do not clean the vehicle using:
A knife or any other sharp object
to remove a soil from any interior
surface.
A stiff brush. It can cause damage
to the vehicle’s interior surfaces.
Heavy pressure or aggressive
rubbing with a cleaning cloth. Use
of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve
the effectiveness of soil removal.
Laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue
that streaks and attracts dirt. For
liquid cleaners, about 20 drops
per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a
good guide. Use only mild,
neutral-pH soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates
the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc. that can damage the
vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush attachment frequently to
remove dust and loose dirt. A
canister vacuum with a beater bar in
the nozzle may only be used on oor
carpet and carpeted oor mats. For
any soil, always try to remove it rst
with plain water or club soda. Before
cleaning, gently remove as much of
the soil as possible using one of the
following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper towel.
Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be
removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white
cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess
moisture.3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled
area until the cleaning cloth
remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely
removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with
plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or
spot lifter is to be used, test a small
hidden area for colorfastness rst.
If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may
result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been
completed, a paper towel can be
used to blot excess moisture from
the fabric or carpet.
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Leather
A soft cloth dampened with
water can be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can be
used. Allow the leather to dry
naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
Never use steam to clean leather.
Never use spot lifters or spot
removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners and
coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect leather may permanently
change the appearance and
feel of the leather and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those
containing organic solvents to clean
the vehicle’s interior because they
can alter the appearance by
increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on
leather.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with
water may be used to remove
dust. If a more thorough cleaning
is necessary, a clean soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove dust
and dirt. Never use spot lifters or
removers on plastic surfaces. Many
commercial cleaners and coatings
that are sold to preserve and
protect soft plastic surfaces may
permanently change the appearance
and feel of the interior and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those
containing organic solvents to
clean the vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by
increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner.Some commercial products may
increase gloss on the instrument
panel. The increase in gloss may
cause annoying reections in the
windshield and even make it difficult
to see through the windshield under
certain conditions.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION
Do not bleach or dye safety
belts. It may severely weaken
them. In a crash, they might
not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only
with mild soap and lukewarm
water.
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Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
frequent application may be required.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean
by washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain acid
or abrasives, as they can damage
the paint, metal or plastic on the
vehicle. Approved cleaning products
can be obtained from your dealer/
retailer. Follow all manufacturers’
directions regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety precautions
and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to
the surface of the vehicle. Use of
power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth and a car washing soap to
clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions underWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-75.
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Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint nish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/
clearcoat paint nish, the clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to the
colored basecoat. Always use waxes
and polishes that are non-abrasive
and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish.
Notice:Machine compounding
or aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint nish on the
vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting
agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals fromindustrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle’s nish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are
subject to aging, weather and
chemical fallout that can take their
toll over a period of years. To
help keep the paint nish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged
or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright
Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned
regularly to keep their luster.
Washing with water is all that is
usually needed. However, chrome
polish may be used on chrome or
stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim.
To avoid damaging protective
trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soapto clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright metal
parts.
Windshield and Wiper
Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer uid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the blades.
Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may
cause wiper streaking. Replace the
wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper
removal
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Aluminum Wheels
Notice:Chrome wheels and
other chrome trim may be
damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions
such as ice and dust. Always
wash the vehicle’s chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Notice:Using strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use only approved
cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.Keep the wheels clean using a soft
clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft
clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because the surface
could be damaged. Do not use
chrome polish on aluminum wheels.Notice:Driving the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, could damage
the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Never drive a vehicle that has
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes.
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush
with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
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Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced
to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the nish should be
repaired right away. Bare metal will
corrode quickly and may develop
into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be
repaired with touch-up materials
available from your dealer/retailer.
Larger areas of nish damage can be
corrected in your dealer’s/retailer’s
body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can
develop on the underbody parts such
as fuel lines, frame, oor pan, and
exhaust system even though they
have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, ush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas
where mud and debris can collect.
Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before
being ushed. Your dealer/retailer
or an underbody car washing
system can do this.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical
fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall
upon and attack painted surfaces on
the vehicle. This damage can take
two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job
causes this, we will repair, at no
charge to the owner, the surfaces
of new vehicles damaged by this
fallout condition within 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of
purchase, whichever occurs rst.
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Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)
This is the legal identier for the
vehicle. It appears on a plate in the
front corner of the instrument panel,
on the driver side. It can be seen
through the windshield from outside
the vehicle. The VIN also appears on
the Vehicle Certication and Service
Parts labels and the certicates of
title and registration.
Engine Identication
The eighth character in the VIN is the
engine code. This code helps identify
the vehicle’s engine, specications,
and replacement parts. See “Engine
Specications” underCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-86for the
vehicle’s engine code.
Service Parts
Identication Label
This label is on the inside of the
glove box. It is very helpful if parts
need to be ordered. The label
has the following information:
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)
Model designation
Paint information
Production options and special
equipment
Do not remove this label from the
vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything
electrical to the vehicle unless you
check with your dealer/retailer
rst. Some electrical equipment
can damage the vehicle and the
damage would not be covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle’s battery, even if the vehicle
is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-56.
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