2009 SATURN VUE maintenance schedule

Driving in Water
{CAUTION
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers
could drown. If it is only shallow
water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and
you could lose traction and roll
the vehicle over. Do not drive
through rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean ash ooding,
and ood waters demand extreme
caution.
Find out how deep the water is
before driving through it. Do not
try it if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe — you probably will not get
through. Deep water can damage
the axle and other vehicle parts.If the water is not too deep, drive
slowly through it. At faster speeds,
water splashes on the ignition
system and the vehicle can stall.
Stalling can also occur if you get the
tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is
under water, you will never be able to
start the engine. When going through
water, remember that when the
brakes get wet, it might take longer to
stop. SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet
Roads on page 4-23.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that
has collected on the underbody,
chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand,
have the brake linings cleaned and
checked. These substances can
cause glazing and uneven braking.
Check the body structure, steering,
suspension, wheels, tires, axles, and
exhaust system for damage and
check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.The vehicle requires more frequent
service due to off-road use.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than
day driving because some drivers
are likely to be impaired — by alcohol
or drugs, with night vision problems,
or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by
adjusting the inside rearview
mirror.
Slow down and keep more space
between you and other vehicles
because headlamps can only
light up so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
4-22 Driving Your Vehicle
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Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet.
Turn the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.3. When the wheel chocks are
in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-3
for more information. Things that
are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system and brake system.
It is a good idea to inspect these
before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-25.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-43
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What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for the location of the
engine air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter
remove the lter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter
remains caked with dirt, a new lter
is required.To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter, do the following:
1. Remove the clamp on the air
duct hose.
2. Disconnect the hose.
3. Remove the four bolts on the
side of the air cleaner assembly.
4. Turn the cover upward to
disengage the cover hinges.
5. Remove the air cleaner cover
assembly and air lter element.
Service and Appearance Care 5-17
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All-Wheel Drive
It is recommended that the all-wheel
drive lubricants be checked and
lled by the dealer/retailer.
Transfer Case
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check
the lubricant and when to change it.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3.How to Check Lubricant
A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom
of the ller plug hole, located on
the transfer case, you’ll need to
add some lubricant. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to
the bottom of the ller plug hole.A uid loss could indicate a problem;
check and have it repaired, if
needed.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine what kind of lubricant
to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check
the lubricant and when to change it.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3.
Service and Appearance Care 5-35
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How to Check Lubricant
A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level surface.If the level is below the bottom of
the ller plug hole, you’ll need to
add some lubricant. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ller plug hole. A uid
loss could indicate a problem; check
and have it repaired, if needed.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine what kind of lubricant
to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.Headlamp Aiming
The headlamp aiming system has
been preset at the factory.
If the vehicle is damaged in an
accident, the aim of the headlamps
may be affected and adjustment
may be necessary.
It is recommended that a
dealer/retailer adjust the headlamps.
To re-aim the headlamps yourself,
use the following procedure.
The vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
The vehicle should be placed so
the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m)
from a light colored wall.
The vehicle must have all four
tires on a level surface which
is level all the way to the wall.
The vehicle should be placed so
it is perpendicular to the wall or
other at surface. AWD Differential Case
5-36 Service and Appearance Care
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Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-3for more information.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type
and length, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
To replace the windshield wiper
blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the
windshield.2. Push the release lever (B) to
disengage the hook and push
the wiper arm (A) out of the
blade (C).
3. Push the new wiper blade
securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release lever
click into place.To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Lift the rear wiper arm (A) from
the window.
2. Rotate the bottom edge of the
blade assembly (B) slightly
away from the underside of the
wiper arm.
3. Apply downward pressure to the
blade assembly and remove
from the wiper arm.
5-42 Service and Appearance Care
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Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, for
signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-57for more
information.
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000
to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-3.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the
vehicle. This will ensure that the
vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the
tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-57andWheel
Replacement on page 5-62.
When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear ination
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-49andLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-28.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 5-53.
Make certain that all wheel nuts
are properly tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 5-86.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or
on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after time.
The wheel could come off
and cause an accident.
(Continued)
5-56 Service and Appearance Care
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Maintenance
Schedule
Maintenance ScheduleIntroduction..........................6-1
Maintenance Requirements.....6-1
Your Vehicle and the
Environment........................6-1
Using the Maintenance
Schedule............................6-2
Scheduled Maintenance.........6-3
Additional Required Services. . . .6-6
Maintenance Footnotes..........6-8
Owner Checks and
Services...........................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill.................6-10
At Least Once a Month........6-10
At Least Once a Year..........6-11
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants...................6-13
Maintenance Replacement
Parts................................6-15
Engine Drive Belt Routing.....6-16
Maintenance Record............6-17
Maintenance
Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the
proper level and change as
recommended.
Maintenance
Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals,
checks, inspections, replacement
parts, and recommended uids
and lubricants as prescribed
in this manual are necessary to
keep this vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused
by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Your Vehicle and the
Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only
helps to keep the vehicle in good
working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended
maintenance is important. Improper
vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we
breathe. Improper uid levels or the
wrong tire ination can increase
the level of emissions from the
vehicle. To help protect the
environment, and to keep the
vehicle in good condition, be sure to
maintain the vehicle properly.
Maintenance Schedule 6-1
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