2010 SATURN AURA HYBRID Owners Manual

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedal must be
applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is
all the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand, see your
dealer/retailer.
9(LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission. The key can only be removed
in LOCK/OFF.
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The shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If
this doesn’t work, the vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and windshield wipers while
the engine is not running.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel warning lights. The switch will stay in this position
while the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to the ON/RUN position for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
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 P (Park) or N (Neutral) for the
vehicle to start. To restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
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Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle
is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed goes down as your
engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the key is
turned to the START position, and then released
when the engine begins cranking, the engine
continues cranking for a few seconds or until the
vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and
the key is held in START, cranking stops after
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To
prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
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Automatic Engine Start/Stop
{WARNING:
Exiting the vehicle, without first shifting into
P (Park), may cause the vehicle to move, you or
others may be injured. Because the vehicle has
the Automatic Engine Start/Stop feature, the
vehicle’s engine might seem to be shut off,
however, once the brake pedal is released, the
engine will start up again.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF, before exiting the vehicle.The vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop feature.
After the engine is started and has reached operating
temperature, the AUTO STOP feature may cause
the engine to turn 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 symbol on the tachometer signifies
that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode. SeeAuto Stop
Mode on page 4-36for more information. When the
vehicle is turned off, the tachometer will move to OFF. If
the driver door is opened while in AUTO STOP mode,
a chime will sound.
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 which 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 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 4-16for more
information.
•Defrost is selected.
•The shift lever is in P (Park), N (Neutral),
R (Reverse), I (Intermediate) or L (Low).
•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 D (Drive) 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 4-16for 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 4-16for 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 can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should be plugged
in at least four hours before starting. Some models may
have an internal thermostat in the cord 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 6-14for more information on location.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
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.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in
the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the
best advice on this.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several different
positions for the automatic
transmission.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move easily.{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 3-30.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. Fully apply the
brake pedal, and then press the shift lever button before
shifting from P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) while maintaining brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park on page 3-32.
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R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 5-19.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicles is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving with the
automatic transmission. It provides the best fuel
economy. 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 5-12.
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