2009 SATURN VUE engine

The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
will be on solid to warn the driver that
StabiliTrak is disabled and requires
service. If the problem does not clear
itself after restarting the vehicle, see
your dealer/retailer for service.
If cruise control is being used
when StabiliTrak activates, the
cruise control automatically
disengages. The cruise control can
be re-engaged when road conditions
allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-9.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature as part of the
StabiliTrak system. If the vehicle is
towing a trailer and the system
detects that the trailer is swaying, the
vehicle’s brakes are applied without
the driver pressing the brake pedal.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
will ash on the instrument panel
cluster to notify the driver to reduce
speed. If the trailer continues to
sway, StabiliTrak will reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle.Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for
more information.
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system
operates only if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
limit wheel spin and also reduces
engine power. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.This light will ash when TCS is
limiting wheel spin.
It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow, and
you want to “rock” the vehicle to
attempt to free it. SeeRocking Your
Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-27
andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-27for
more information.
The TCS/StabiliTrak
®button is
located on the instrument panel.
4-8 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

Press and release this button to turn
off TCS. The TCS warning light will
be displayed on the instrument panel
cluster. The traction control system
can be turned back on by pressing
the TCS/StabiliTrak button.
If the system is limiting wheel spin
when the button is pressed, the
system will not turn off until there is
no longer a current need to limit
wheel spin. The system can
be turned back on at any time by
pressing the button again. If the TCS
light does not come on, TCS may
not be functioning properly and
the vehicle should be serviced at
your dealer/retailer.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for
more information.All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System
If the vehicle has all-wheel drive
(AWD), the AWD system operates
automatically without any action
required by the driver. If the front
drive wheels begin to slip, the rear
wheels will automatically begin to
drive the vehicle as required. There
may be a slight engagement noise
during hard use but this is normal.
This light is located on the
instrument panel cluster.
It will come on and stay on to
indicate there may be a problem
with the drive system and service is
required. If the light stays on, it must
be reset. To reset the light, turn the
ignition off and then back on again.
If the light stays on, see your
dealer/retailer for service.If the vehicle is exposed to extended
heavy AWD usage, the AWD system
will shut off to protect the system
from overheating. When the system
cools down, the AWD system will
activate again automatically; this
cool-down can take up to 20 minutes
depending on outside temperature
and vehicle use.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has the electric power
steering system and the engine
stalls while driving, the power
steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to
stop the vehicle. If power steering
assist is lost because the electric
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-9
ProCarManuals.com

If you turn the steering wheel in
either direction several times until it
stops, or hold the steering wheel
in the stopped position for an
extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of
power steering assist. The normal
amount of power steering assist
should return shortly after a
few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering
system does not require regular
maintenance. If you suspect steering
system problems and/or the Service
Vehicle Soon light comes on, contact
your dealer/retailer for service
repairs.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic
power steering system and power
steering assist is lost because
the engine stops or the power
steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered but it
will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on
the condition of the tires and
the road surface, the angle at which
the curve is banked, and vehicle
speed. While in a curve, speed
is the one factor that can be
controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you
can drive through the curve.
Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until out
of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking. For
example, you come over a hill and
nd a truck stopped in your lane, or a
car suddenly pulls out from nowhere,
or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of
you. These problems can be avoided
by braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop in
time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the
problem.
The vehicle can perform very well
in emergencies like these. First
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-5. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
4-10 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

Always carry a litter bag and
make sure all refuse is removed
from any campsite before leaving.
Take extreme care with open res
(where permitted), camp stoves,
and lanterns.
Never park your vehicle over dry
grass or other combustible
materials that could catch re
from the heat of the vehicle’s
exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip,
especially when going to a remote
area. Know the terrain and plan your
route. Get accurate maps of trails
and terrain. Check to see if there are
any blocked or closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel with at
least one other vehicle in case
something happens to one of them.For vehicles with a winch, be sure to
read the winch instructions. In a
remote area, a winch can be handy if
you get stuck but you will want to
know how to use it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road
Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an
area that is safe and close to home
before you go into the wilderness.
Off-roading requires some new
and different skills.
Tune your senses to different kinds
of signals. Your eyes need to
constantly sweep the terrain for
unexpected obstacles. Your ears
need to listen for unusual tire or
engine sounds. Use your arms,
hands, feet, and body to respond
to vibrations and vehicle bounce.Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control the vehicle is
to control the speed. At higher
speeds:
You approach things faster and
have less time to react.
There is less time to scan the
terrain for obstacles.
The vehicle has more bounce
when driving over obstacles.
More braking distance is needed,
especially on an unpaved surface.
{CAUTION
When you are driving off-road,
bouncing and quick changes in
direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause
you to lose control and crash. So,
whether you are driving on or off
the road, you and your passengers
should wear safety belts.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-15
ProCarManuals.com

Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive
up the hill:
Use a low gear and get a rm
grip on the steering wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill
and try to maintain speed.
Not using more power than
needed can avoid spinning the
wheels or sliding.
{CAUTION
Turning or driving across steep
hills can be dangerous. You could
lose traction, slide sideways, and
possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When
driving up hills, always try to go
straight up.
Try to drive straight up the hill if
at all possible. If the path twists
and turns, you might want to
nd another route.
Ease up on the speed as you
approach the top of the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to be
more visible to approaching
traffic on trails or hills.
Sound the horn as you approach
the top of the hill to let opposing
traffic know you are there.
Use headlamps even during the
day to make the vehicle more
visible to oncoming traffic.
{CAUTION
Driving to the top (crest) of a
hill at full speed can cause an
accident. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or
even another vehicle. You could
be seriously injured or killed.
As you near the top of a hill,
slow down and stay alert.If the vehicle stalls, or is about to
stall, and you cannot make it up
the hill:
Push the brake pedal to stop the
vehicle and keep it from rolling
backwards and apply the parking
brake.
If the engine is still running, shift
the transmission to R (Reverse),
release the parking brake,
and slowly back down the hill in
R (Reverse).
If the engine has stopped running,
you need to restart it. With the
brake pedal pressed and the
parking brake still applied, shift
the transmission to P (Park) and
restart the engine. Then, shift to
R (Reverse), release the parking
brake, and slowly back down the
hill as straight as possible in
R (Reverse).
4-18 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

While backing down the hill, put
your left hand on the steering
wheel at the 12 o’clock position
so you can tell if the wheels are
straight and can maneuver as you
back down. It is best to back down
the hill with the wheels straight
rather than in the left or right
direction. Turning the wheel too
far to the left or right will increase
the possibility of a rollover.
Things not to do if the vehicle stalls,
or is about to stall, when going
up a hill:
Never attempt to prevent a stall
by shifting into N (Neutral) to
rev-up the engine and regain
forward momentum. This will
not work. The vehicle can
roll backward very quickly and
could go out of control.
Never try to turn around if about to
stall when going up a hill. If the hill
is steep enough to stall the
vehicle, it is steep enough to
cause it to roll over. If you cannot
make it up the hill, back straight
down the hill.If, after stalling, you try to back
down the hill and decide you just
cannot do it, set the parking brake,
put your transmission in P (Park),
and turn off the engine. Leave
the vehicle and go get some help.
Exit on the uphill side and stay clear
of the path the vehicle would take
if it rolled downhill.
Driving Downhill
When off-roading takes you
downhill, consider:
How steep is the downhill? Will I
be able to maintain vehicle
control?
What is the surface like? Smooth?
Rough? Slippery? Hard-packed
dirt? Gravel?
Are there hidden surface
obstacles? Ruts? Logs?
Boulders?
What is at the bottom of the hill?
Is there a hidden creek bank or
even a river bottom with large
rocks?If you decide you can go down a hill
safely, try to keep the vehicle headed
straight down. Use a low gear so
engine drag can help the brakes so
they do not have to do all the work.
Descend slowly, keeping the vehicle
under control at all times.
{CAUTION
Heavy braking when going down
a hill can cause your brakes to
overheat and fade. This could
cause loss of control and a
serious accident. Apply the brakes
lightly when descending a hill and
use a low gear to keep vehicle
speed under control.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-19
ProCarManuals.com

Things not to do when driving down
a hill:
When driving downhill, avoid turns
that take you across the incline of
the hill. A hill that is not too steep
to drive down might be too steep
to drive across. The vehicle could
roll over.
Never go downhill with the
transmission in N (Neutral), called
free-wheeling. The brakes will
have to do all the work and could
overheat and fade.
Vehicles are much more likely to
stall when going uphill, but if it
happens when going downhill:
1. Stop the vehicle by applying the
regular brakes and apply the
parking brake.
2. Shift to P (Park) and, while still
braking, restart the engine.
3. Shift back to a low gear, release
the parking brake, and drive
straight down.
4. If the engine will not start, get
out and get help.
Driving Across an Incline
An off-road trail will probably go
across the incline of a hill. To decide
whether to try to drive across the
incline, consider the following:
{CAUTION
Driving across an incline that is
too steep will make your vehicle
roll over. You could be seriously
injured or killed. If you have any
doubt about the steepness of the
incline, do not drive across it. Find
another route instead.
A hill that can be driven straight
up or down might be too steep to
drive across. When going straight
up or down a hill, the length of the
wheel base — the distance from
the front wheels to the rear
wheels — reduces the likelihood
the vehicle will tumble end over
end. But when driving across
an incline, the narrower track
width — the distance between theleft and right wheels — might not
prevent the vehicle from tilting
and rolling over. Driving across an
incline puts more weight on the
downhill wheels which could
cause a downhill slide or a
rollover.
Surface conditions can be a
problem. Loose gravel, muddy
spots, or even wet grass can
cause the tires to slip sideways,
downhill. If the vehicle slips
sideways, it can hit something
that will trip it — a rock, a rut,
etc. — and roll over.
Hidden obstacles can make the
steepness of the incline even
worse. If you drive across a rock
with the uphill wheels, or if the
downhill wheels drop into a rut or
depression, the vehicle can tilt
even more.
For these reasons, carefully consider
whether to try to drive across an
incline. Just because the trail goes
across the incline does not mean you
have to drive it. The last vehicle to try
it might have rolled over.
4-20 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com