2006 Saturn ION Owners Manual

Download PDF Manual
Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Secure any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed. Be sure to follow the instructions of the child restraint manufacturer. Notice: Contact between the child restraint or the LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly may cause damage to these parts. Make sure when securing unused safety belts behind the child restraint that there is no contact between the child restraint or the LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly. Folding an empty rear seat with the safety belts secured, may cause damage to the safety belt or the seat. When removing the child restraint, always remember to return the safety belts to their normal position before folding the rear seat. 1. Find the lower anchors, if equipped, for the desired seating position. 2. If the desired seating position does not have lower anchors or if your child restraint does not have lower anchor attachments, see Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position on page 1-49 for instructions on installing the child restraint using the safety belts. 3. Put the child restraint on the seat. 4. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors, if equipped, in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 1-47 If the position you are using has a ﬁxed headrest and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the head restraint. If the position you are using has a ﬁxed headrest and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the head restraint. 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. 5. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 5.1. Find the top tether anchor. 5.2. Pull open the top tether anchor trim cover to expose the anchor. 5.3. Route and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions: If the position you are using does not have a head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback. If the position you are using does not have a head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback. 1-48 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-43. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 3. Buckle the belt. Be sure the latch plate clicks when you put it into the buckle. This means you are using the correct buckle. Also, make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-49 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 1-50 5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6. If your child restraint manufacturer recommends using a top tether, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor. Refer to the instructions that came with the child restraint and to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-43. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, if the top tether is attached to the top tether anchor, disconnect it. Unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger’s airbag. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-42. In addition, your vehicle may have the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag when an infant in a rear-facing infant seat or a small child in a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat is detected. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-62 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-31 for more information on this including important safety information. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. See Manual Seats on page 1-2. If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-43. 1-51 There is no top tether anchor at the right front seating position. Do not secure a child restraint in this position if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be anchored. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-43 if your child restraint has a top tether. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Your vehicle has a right front passenger’s frontal airbag. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-62. General Motors recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint is forward-facing, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the child restraint in this seat. See Manual Seats on page 1-2. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to RUN or START. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-31. 1-52 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. You should not be able to pull more of the belt from the retractor once the lock has been set. 1-53 Airbag System Your vehicle has a frontal airbag for the driver and a frontal airbag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have roof-mounted side impact airbags. Roof-mounted side impact airbags are available for the driver and the passenger seated directly behind the driver and for the right front passenger and the passenger seated directly behind that passenger. If your vehicle has roof-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the airbag covering on the garnish trim near the ceiling and the side windows. Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inﬂating frontal airbag. But these airbags must inﬂate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. 8. If your vehicle has a passenger sensing system and the airbag is off, the off indicator on the instrument panel will be lit and stay lit when the key is turned to RUN or START. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 1-54 Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system: CAUTION: (Continued) {CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All airbags are designed to work with safety belts but do not replace them. Frontal airbags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to deploy in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They are not designed to inﬂate in rollover, rear crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal airbags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful airbags have provided in the past. (Continued) CAUTION: Roof-mounted side impact airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They are not designed to inﬂate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. {CAUTION: Both frontal and side impact airbags inﬂate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you are too close to an inﬂating airbag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for airbag inﬂation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt even with frontal airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door. 1-55 Where Are the Airbags? {CAUTION: Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-32 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-34. There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30 for more information. 1-56 The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. If your vehicle has a roof-mounted side impact airbag for the driver and the person seated directly behind the driver, it is in the ceiling above the side windows. 1-57 {CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the bag might not inﬂate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. And, if your vehicle has roof-mounted side impact airbags, never secure anything to the roof of your vehicle by routing the rope or tiedown through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inﬂating side impact airbag will be blocked. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear. If your vehicle has a roof-mounted side impact airbag for the right front passenger and the person seated directly behind that passenger, it is in the ceiling above the side windows. 1-58 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inﬂate only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment events and are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inﬂate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact and how quickly your vehicle slows down. In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal airbags, which adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle has an electronic frontal sensor which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, the airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 16 to 20 mph (26 to 32 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is 25 to 30 mph (40 to 48 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with speciﬁc vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. Frontal airbags may inﬂate at different crash speeds. For example: (cid:127) If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object. (cid:127) If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform. (cid:127) If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). (cid:127) If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. Frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. Your vehicle may or may not have roof-mounted side impact airbags. See Airbag System on page 1-54. Roof-mounted side impact airbags are intended to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. A roof-mounted side impact airbag will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Roof-mounted side impact airbags are not intended to inﬂate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts. A roof-mounted side impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. 1-59 In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For roof-mounted side impact airbags, inﬂation is determined by the location and severity of the impact. What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inﬂator, which inﬂates the airbag. The inﬂator, airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. For vehicles with roof-mounted side impact airbags, there are also airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows. How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The airbag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the airbag. Side impact airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including many frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for side impact airbags. 1-60 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? After a frontal airbag inﬂates, it quickly deﬂates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag inﬂated. Roof-mounted side impact airbags deﬂate more slowly and may still be at least partially inﬂated minutes after the vehicle comes to rest. Some components of the airbag module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s airbag, the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag or the garnish trim and ceiling of your vehicle near the side windows for roof-mounted side airbags — may be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deﬂated airbags. Airbag inﬂation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle. {CAUTION: When an airbag inﬂates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inﬂates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention. Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers on, when the airbags inﬂate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers off by using the controls for those features. 1-61 In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate an airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. (cid:127) Airbags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an airbag inﬂates, you will need some new parts for your airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. (cid:127) Your vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders on page 7-7. (cid:127) Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on your airbag system. Improper service can mean that your airbag system will not work properly. See your retailer for service. 1-62 Passenger Sensing System If your vehicle has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, then your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The passenger airbag status indicator on the instrument panel will be visible when you turn your ignition key to RUN or START. The words ON and OFF or the symbol for on and off, will be visible during the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol for off will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-31. Passenger Airbag Status Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – Canada Indicator – United States The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver’s airbag and the side airbags (if equipped) are not part of the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inﬂate) or not. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat, and an older child riding in a booster seat. Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. 1-63 The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if: (cid:127) the right front passenger seat is unoccupied (cid:127) the system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat (cid:127) the system determines that a small child is present in a forward-facing child restraint (cid:127) the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat (cid:127) a right front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time (cid:127) the right front passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints (cid:127) or if there is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator on the instrument panel will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-51. 1-64 If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inﬂate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the passenger’s airbag. {CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the frontal airbag. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30 for more on this, including important safety information. A thick layer of additional material such as a blanket, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers, can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. Remove any additional material from the seat cushion before reinstalling or securing the child restraint and before a small occupant, including a small adult, sits in the right front passenger position. You may want to consider not using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-67 for more information about modiﬁcations that can affect how the system operates. 1-65 The passenger sensing system may suppress the airbag deployment when liquid is soaked into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator and the airbag readiness light on the instrument panel will be lit. The system should resume normal operation after the seat is allowed to dry. If the system operates incorrectly after the seat has dried, have your dealer check the system. {CAUTION: Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat or between the passenger’s seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system. 1-66 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around your vehicle. You do not want the system to inﬂate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your retailer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-12. {CAUTION: For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inﬂate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inﬂates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualiﬁed to do so. The airbag system does not need regular maintenance. Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or sides of the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Also, the airbag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag sensors. If you have any questions about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modiﬁed. How can I ﬁnd out whether this will affect my airbag system? A: Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, ceiling headliner, ceiling and pillar garnish trim, roof-mounted airbag modules, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system. If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. 1-67 Restraint System Check Checking the Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. See Care of Safety Belts on page 5-93 for more information. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. If you damage the covering for the driver’s Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. The airbag system does not need regular maintenance. Notice: or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the side impact airbag covering (if equipped) on the ceiling near the side windows, the airbag may not work properly. You may have to replace the airbag module in the steering wheel, both the airbag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s airbag, or side impact airbag module and ceiling covering for roof-mounted side impact airbags (if equipped.) Do not open or break the airbag coverings. 1-68 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash {CAUTION: A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible. If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts. If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system was not being used at the time of the collision. If your seat adjuster will not work after a crash, the special part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the adjuster may need to be replaced. If an airbag inﬂates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part about the airbag system earlier in this manual. If the frontal airbags inﬂate you will need to replace the driver’s and right front passengers safety belt retractor assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new retractor assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision. After a crash you may need to replace the driver and front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies, even if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver and front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30. 1-69 ✍ NOTES 1-70 Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............................................................2-2 Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-3 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-4 Doors and Locks .............................................2-7 Door Locks ....................................................2-7 Power Door Locks ..........................................2-8 Delayed Locking .............................................2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................2-8 Rear Door Security Locks ................................2-9 Lockout Protection ........................................2-10 Rear Doors (Coupe) ......................................2-10 Trunk ..........................................................2-11 Windows ........................................................2-13 Manual Windows ..........................................2-13 Power Windows ............................................2-14 Sun Visors ...................................................2-15 Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-16 Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-16 Passlock® ....................................................2-17 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-17 New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-17 Ignition Positions ..........................................2-18 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-20 Starting the Engine .......................................2-20 Automatic Transaxle Operation .......................2-22 Manual Transaxle Operation ...........................2-25 Parking Brake ..............................................2-27 Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) ......2-28 Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-29 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle) .........2-29 Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-30 Engine Exhaust ............................................2-30 Running the Engine While Parked ...................2-31 Mirrors ...........................................................2-32 Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-32 Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar® ..............2-32 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ....................................................2-32 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display ..............2-35 Outside Remote Control Mirror .......................2-37 Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-37 Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-38 OnStar® System .............................................2-38 Storage Areas ................................................2-40 Glove Box ...................................................2-40 Cupholder(s) ................................................2-40 Center Console Storage Area .........................2-40 Roof Rack System ........................................2-40 Convenience Net ..........................................2-41 Sunroof .........................................................2-41 2-1 Keys {CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The children or others could be badly injured or even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children. 2-2 This key operates the ignition and all of the lock cylinders on the vehicle. You may be able to obtain a VALET key from your retailer. The VALET key only operates the driver’s door and the ignition. This a theft-deterrent feature. The VALET key should always be used when valet parking your vehicle. Remote Keyless Entry System If equipped, the keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, Notice: you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys. 2-3 At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: (cid:127) Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. (cid:127) Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. (cid:127) Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4. (cid:127) If you are still having trouble, see your retailer or a qualiﬁed technician for service. Remote Keyless Entry System Operation With this feature, you can lock and unlock the doors or the trunk from about 26 feet (8 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Q(Lock): Press this symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock the doors. This also arms the theft-deterrent system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-16. Your vehicle can be programmed so that the parking lamps will ﬂash and/or the horn will sound when you lock the doors with the remote keyless entry transmitter. See your retailer for more information on programming this feature. 2-4 W(Unlock): Press this symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock the driver’s door. This also disarms the theft-deterrent system. See Manual Rearview Mirror on page 2-32. Press the button again to unlock the rest of the doors. Your vehicle can be programmed so that the parking lamps will ﬂash and/or the horn will sound when you unlock the doors with the remote keyless entry transmitter. See your retailer for more information on programming this feature. L(Panic Alarm): The remote keyless entry transmitter comes equipped with an instant panic alarm. Press the horn symbol when the ignition is turned off. The horn will sound and the parking lamps and dome lamp will ﬂash for up to two minutes. To stop the instant panic alarm, press the symbol again. V(Trunk): Press and hold this button for approximately one second to open the trunk. If the vehicle’s speed is faster than 2 mph (3 km/h), the trunk will not open when this button is pressed. The remote keyless entry transmitter is used to arm/disarm the theft-deterrent system. The system will arm when the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter pressed. The system will disarm when the unlock button is pressed. Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your retailer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your retailer. When the retailer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it. 2-5 Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about four years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter. 1. Use a ﬂat thin object to pry open the transmitter. 2-6 2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a toothpick, pen cap or similar object to remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery as the instructions under the cover indicate. 4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure no moisture can enter. 5. Check the operation of the transmitter. Doors and Locks Door Locks {CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. (cid:127) Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. (cid:127) Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it. (cid:127) Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening. There are several ways to lock your vehicle. To lock a door from the outside, turn the key toward the front of the vehicle or use the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped. From the inside, move the manual lock knob above the door handle or use the power door lock switch. 2-7 Power Door Locks Press the top of the switch to unlock the doors. Press the bottom of the switch to lock the doors. Delayed Locking This feature will delay the actual locking of the doors for up to ﬁve seconds when the power door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter is used to lock the vehicle. If any door is open when locking the vehicle, three chimes will be heard signaling that the delayed locking feature is active. Five seconds after the last door is closed, all of the doors will lock and the parking lamps will ﬂash. To cancel the delay and lock the doors immediately, press the lock button a second time. If the key is in the ignition this feature will not lock the doors. 2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks With this feature, the doors will automatically lock when the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P) for vehicles with an automatic transaxle, or the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) for vehicles with a manual transaxle. The doors will automatically unlock when the ignition is turned off. To turn the automatic door locking feature on or off, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off and all of the doors closed. 2. Press and hold the power door lock button in the lock position until the horn chirps twice. To turn the automatic door unlocking feature on or off, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off and all of the doors closed. 2. Press and hold the power door lock button in the unlock position until the horn chirps twice. Rear Door Security Locks Your vehicle has rear door security locks. These prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside. The rear door security locks are located on the inside edge of each rear door. You must open the rear doors to access them. The label depicting lock and unlock positions is located near the lock. To set the locks, do the following: 1. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the horizontal position. 2. Close the door. When you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on, do the following: 1. Unlock the door using the remote keyless entry transmitter, if the vehicle has one, the power door lock switch, or by lifting the rear door manual lock. 2. Open the door from the outside. To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside. 2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the vertical position. Security Lock Label shown 2-9 Lockout Protection If you press the power door lock switch when the key is in the ignition and any door is open, all the doors will lock and the driver’s door will unlock. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition when locking your vehicle. The lockout protection can be overridden by pressing and holding the power door lock in the lock position for three seconds. Rear Doors (Coupe) Your vehicle has a driver’s and passenger’s side rear access door. To open the rear access doors, ﬁrst you must open the driver’s or passenger’s door. Then use the handle located on the front edge of the rear door to open it. When closing the doors, the rear door must be closed and latched before you can close the driver’s or passenger’s door. 2-10 Trunk To unlock the trunk from the outside, use the vehicle key or press the trunk button on the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped. {CAUTION: Remote Trunk Release Press the remote trunk release button, located on the lower left side of the instrument panel, to release the trunk lid. It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid: (cid:127) Make sure all other windows are shut. (cid:127) Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System. (cid:127) If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. Make sure the remote trunk release lockout feature is not on. The remote trunk release will work when the ignition is either in LOCK or ACC, the parking brake is engaged, or the vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h). See Engine Exhaust on page 2-30. 2-11 Remote Trunk Release Lockout Your remote trunk release is equipped with a lockout feature. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch. To turn the lockout on, slide the switch to the lock symbol. To turn the lockout off, slide the switch to the unlock symbol. When the lockout is on, the remote trunk release button will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk lid can still be opened with the key, but not with the keyless entry transmitter. 2-12 Emergency Trunk Release Handle Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk as it could damage the handle. The emergency trunk release handle is only intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling them to open the trunk from the inside. There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located on the inside of the trunk lid. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle and push the trunk lid open from the inside to open the trunk. Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather. Manual Windows If your vehicle has manual windows, use the window crank to open and close each window. 2-13 Power Windows If your vehicle has power windows, switches located on the driver’s door armrest control each of the windows. This switch panel is illuminated for easier night time operation. In addition, each passenger door has a window switch that controls that door’s window. To operate each window, press the switch forward to close the window and rearward to open it. Express-Down Window The driver’s window has an express-down feature which allows the window to lower all the way without continuously pressing the switch. The switch is labeled AUTO. Press the rear of the switch all the way down and release. To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front of the switch. Window Lockout o (Window Lockout): The window lockout button is located near the driver’s power window switches. Press the right side of the button to prevent rear passengers from using their windows. Press the left side of the button to return to normal window operation. 2-14 Sun Visors To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. You can also swing them to the side. Visor Vanity Mirrors Your sun visors may have vanity mirrors. If so, the driver’s mirror is covered. Lift the cover to expose the mirror. Passenger Visor Safety Belt Clip (Coupe) If you have a coupe, the sun visor on the passenger’s side of the vehicle has a clip. This clip is designed to hold the safety belt out of the way when entering and exiting the rear seats. Be sure to remove the safety belt from the clip when you are done. Notice: Using the safety belt clip to enter or exit the vehicle, or in any way other than as it was intended, can damage your vehicle. Do not use the safety belt clip in any way other than as it was intended. 2-15 Theft-Deterrent Systems Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. Content Theft-Deterrent The remote keyless entry transmitter is used to arm/disarm the theft-deterrent system. Your vehicle’s theft-deterrent system can be programmed to three different modes. Active Arming: The system will arm when the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed. The system will disarm when the unlock button is pressed. Passive Arming: The system will arm itself one minute after the ignition is turned off and the driver’s door has been opened and closed. If the lock button on the transmitter is pressed before the minute has passed, the system will arm immediately. The system will disarm when the unlock button is pressed. 2-16 Security System Disable: The system will not arm. To change the mode that your vehicle is programmed to, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC. 2. Press the panic alarm button on the transmitter slowly four times within ﬁve seconds. 3. You must complete one of the following within three seconds to change the mode. (cid:127) To select the active arming mode, press the lock button on the transmitter. (cid:127) To select the passive arming mode, press the lock button on the transmitter twice within 3 seconds. (cid:127) To select the security system disable mode, press the unlock button on the transmitter. A chime will sound once the mode has been selected. If you accidentally set off the alarm when entering/exiting the vehicle, you can shut it off by pressing any button on the remote keyless entry transmitter other than the panic alarm button. If you hear three horn chirps when you press the unlock button on the transmitter, that means the vehicle’s alarm was triggered while you were away. Passlock® Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock® theft-deterrent system. Passlock® is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock® enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled. During normal operation, the security light will go off approximately three seconds after the key is turned to the RUN ignition position. If the engine stalls and the security light ﬂashes, wait until the light stops ﬂashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the key from START as soon as the engine starts. If the engine is running and the security light comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock® system is not working properly and must be serviced by your retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock® at this time. You may also want to check the fuses, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-100. See your retailer for service. Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: (cid:127) Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. Do not exceed 5,000 engine rpm. Avoid downshifting to brake, or slow, the vehicle. (cid:127) Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your 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. (cid:127) Do not tow a trailer during the ﬁrst 1,000 miles (1 600 km). See Towing a Trailer on page 4-39 for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle and more information. Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased. 2-17 Ignition Positions With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to four different positions. If you have an automatic transaxle, the ignition switch cannot be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is in PARK (P). {CAUTION: If you have a manual transaxle removing the key from the ignition switch will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key to ACC. ACC (ACCESSORY): This position operates some of your electrical accessories. It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition. R(RUN): This is the position the switch returns to after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the RUN position when the engine is running. But even when the ignition is not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical accessories and to display some warning and indicator lights. Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the ignition switch could cause damage or break the key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service. 9(LOCK): This position locks your steering column. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. 2-18 /(START): This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to RUN for normal driving. A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door while in LOCK or ACC, when the key has not been removed from the ignition. Shift Lock Release The following procedure allows the ignition to be turned to LOCK and for ignition key removal in case of a dead battery or low voltage battery. 1. Make sure the shift lever is in PARK (P). 2. Using a tool, pry off the cover from the bottom of the steering column. 2-19 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio, wipers, power windows, sunroof and the rear power outlet to work after the ignition is turned off. Your radio will work when the ignition key is in RUN or ACC. Once the key is turned from RUN to LOCK, the radio will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened. Starting the Engine Automatic Transaxle Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). The engine will not start in any other position — that is a safety feature. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Notice: Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. 3. Place your ﬁnger into the access hole and locate the plunger. 4. Press and hold the plunger toward the driver’s door while turning the ignition key to LOCK. Remove the key. Have your vehicle serviced at your retailer as soon as possible. 2-20 Manual Transaxle The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the ﬂoor and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a safety feature. Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects the electrical system. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking until the vehicle starts or until it exceeds the maximum cranking time allowed, approximately 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent starter-motor gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. The engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC or LOCK. Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engine by turning the ignition to START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try. When the engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not run your engine at high speed when it is cold. If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. 3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts brieﬂy but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for ﬁve or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. 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 retailer. If you do not, your engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. 2-21 Automatic Transaxle Operation If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats. There are several different positions for the automatic transaxle. 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. 2-22 {CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake ﬁrmly 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). See Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. Ensure he shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes 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 — push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever. See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-29. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. 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 transaxle, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-30. 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 your engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly 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) while the engine is running at high speed may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle. Notice: Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N) while the vehicle is moving could damage the transaxle. Make sure the vehicle is stopped before shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear. 2-23 AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving with the automatic transaxle. If you need more power for passing, and you are: (cid:127) Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. (cid:127) Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator all the way down. INTERMEDIATE (I): This position is also used for normal driving. However, it offers braking from the engine for slight downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade. If repetitive shifts occur between third and fourth gears on steep uphills, this position can be used to prevent repetitive shifting. Fuel economy will be lower than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): (cid:127) When driving on hilly, winding roads. (cid:127) When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears. LOW (L): This position gives you even more power but lower fuel economy than INTERMEDIATE (I). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift into LOW (L) until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the vehicle in place. 2-24 Manual Transaxle Operation This is your shift pattern. Here is how to operate your transaxle: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1). SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5), the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL. NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal, and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. To back up a Red Line model vehicle, press down the clutch pedal, lift up the ring on the shift lever, and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. 2-25 When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions let you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on. While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on and off if you quickly change the position of the accelerator. Ignore the light when you downshift. Notice: you downshift, or if you race the engine when you release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft, or the transaxle. Do not skip gears or race the engine when downshifting. For information on operating the illuminated ladder tachometer, see Tachometer on page 3-28. If you skip more than one gear when Shift Speeds {CAUTION: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. Up-Shift Light If you have a manual transaxle, you may have an up-shift light. This light will show you when to shift to the next higher gear for the best fuel economy. United States Only 2-26 Parking Brake The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-34. To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake lever all the way down. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. 2-27 Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running {CAUTION: {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 ﬁrmly 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, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding 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. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P). 2-28 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 ﬁrmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch ﬁre. 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 ﬁrmly 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 ﬁrst pushing the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P). Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may ﬁnd it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To ﬁnd out how, see Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-28. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, then you will be able to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). Shifting Out of Park (P) Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock release system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-22. The shift lock release is designed to do the following: (cid:127) Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless the shift lever is in PARK (P), and (cid:127) Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a position other than LOCK. The shift lock release is always functional except in the case of a dead battery or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever — push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P), as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever. Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle) Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R), and ﬁrmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to LOCK, remove the key and release the clutch. See Manual Transaxle Operation on page 2-25. 2-29 Parking Over Things That 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: (cid:127) Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. (cid:127) Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. (cid:127) Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. (cid:127) Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris. (cid:127) Repairs were not done correctly. (cid:127) Your vehicle or exhaust system has been modiﬁed improperly. If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: (cid:127) Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and (cid:127) Have your vehicle ﬁxed immediately. {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. 2-30 Running the Engine While Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. {CAUTION: {CAUTION: Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle. See the earlier caution under Engine Exhaust on page 2-30. Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the climate control fan is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in a garage with the engine running. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See Winter Driving on page 4-26. It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake ﬁrmly 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). Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-28. If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a trailer, also see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. 2-31 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display The vehicle may have this feature. When on, an automatic dimming mirror automatically dims to the proper level to minimize glare from lights behind you after dark. The mirror also includes a dual display in the upper right corner of the mirror face. The compass reading and the outside temperature will both appear in the display at the same time. Y (On/Off): This is the on/off button. Mirrors Manual Rearview Mirror When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the lamps behind you. Push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use. Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar® If the vehicle has this mirror, while sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind the vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center and move it up and down or side to side. The day/night control, located at the bottom of the mirror, allows adjustment to lessen glare from the lamps behind you. Push the lever for daytime use; pull it for night use. There are three OnStar® buttons located at the bottom of the mirror face. For more information about OnStar® and the services it provides, see OnStar® System on page 2-38. 2-32 Temperature and Compass Display Press the on/off button, located to the far left, brieﬂy to turn the comp/temp display on or off. If the display reads CAL, the compass needs to be calibrated. See the information following on calibration. To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius do the following: 1. Press and hold the on/off button for approximately four seconds until either a ﬂashing °F, or °C appears. 2. Press the button again to change the display to the desired unit of measurement. After approximately four seconds of inactivity, the new unit will be locked in and the compass/temperature display will return. Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on automatically each time the ignition is started. To operate the automatic dimming mirror do the following: 1. Make sure the green indicator light, located to the left of the on/off button, is lit. If it’s not, press and hold the on/off button for approximately six seconds until the green light comes on, indicating that the mirror is in automatic dimming mode. 2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror function by pressing and holding the on/off button for approximately six seconds until the green indicator light turns off. 2-33 Compass Calibration The compass may need calibration from time to time. In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push in the on/off button for approximately nine seconds or until CAL is displayed. The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads a direction, or the word CAL disappears. Compass Variance The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory. It will be necessary to adjust the compass to compensate for compass variance if you live outside of zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust for compass variance. Compass variance is the difference between earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north. If not adjusted to account for compass variance, your compass could give false readings. To adjust for compass variance do the following: 1. Find your current location and variance zone number on the following zone map. 2-34 2. Press and hold the on/off button until a zone number appears in the display. The compass is now in zone mode. 3. Keep pressing the on/off button until the desired zone number appears in the display. Release the button. After approximately four seconds of inactivity, the new zone number will be locked in and the comp/temp display will return. Cleaning the Mirror When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing. Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display If the vehicle has an automatic dimming mirror, it will automatically dim to the proper level to minimize glare from lights behind you after dark. The mirror also includes a display in the upper right corner of the mirror face. The compass reading and the outside temperature will both appear in the display at the same time. Temperature Display The temperature can be displayed by pressing the TEMP button. Pressing the TEMP button for approximately four seconds, will toggle the temperature reading from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C). Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation Press the TEMP button for approximately eight seconds to turn the automatic dimming feature on and off. An indicator light on the bottom of the mirror face will be on when the automatic dimming feature is on. Compass Operation Press the COMP button once brieﬂy to turn the compass on or off. When compass feature is on, the compass will show the direction the vehicle is traveling, with a maximum of two characters. 2-35 Compass Calibration The compass may need calibration from time to time. In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the mirror compass window. If CAL is not displayed, push in the COMP button for approximately eight seconds or until CAL is displayed. The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads a direction, or the word CAL disappears. Compass Variance The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory. It will be necessary to adjust the compass to compensate for compass variance if you live outside zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust for compass variance. Compass variance is the difference between earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north. If not adjusted to account for compass variance, your compass could give false readings. To adjust for compass variance: 1. Find your current location and variance zone number on the following zone map. 2-36 2. Press and hold the COMP button for ﬁve seconds until a zone number appears in the display. 3. Press the COMP button on the bottom of the mirror until the new zone number appears in the display. After you stop pressing the button, the display will show a compass direction within a few seconds. Outside Power Mirrors The controls are located on the driver’s door armrest. Move the selector switch to the left or right to choose the mirror you want to adjust; then press the dots located on the four-way control pad to adjust the mirror. Cleaning the Mirror Use a paper towel or similar material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing. Outside Remote Control Mirror Adjust the driver’s outside mirror by moving the control located on the driver’s door. The outside rearview mirrors should be adjusted so you can see a little of the side of your vehicle while you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. To adjust the passenger’s outside mirror, sit in the driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for you. 2-37 Outside Convex Mirror OnStar® System {CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes. The passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from the driver’s seat. It also makes things appear farther away than they really are. 2-38 OnStar® uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite technology, wireless communications, and call centers to provide you with a wide range of safety, security, information, and convenience services. A complete OnStar® user’s guide and the terms and conditions of the OnStar® Subscription Service Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca. Contact OnStar® at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar® button to speak to an OnStar® advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca. OnStar® Services The Safe and Sound Plan is included for the ﬁrst year. You can extend this plan beyond the ﬁrst year, or upgrade to the Directions and Connections Plan to meet your needs. For more information, press the OnStar® button to speak with an advisor. Safe and Sound Plan (cid:127) Automatic Notiﬁcation of Airbag Deployment (cid:127) Emergency Services (cid:127) Roadside Assistance (cid:127) Stolen Vehicle Tracking (cid:127) AccidentAssist (cid:127) Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert (cid:127) Remote Diagnostics (cid:127) Online Concierge Directions and Connections Plan (cid:127) All Safe and Sound Plan Services (cid:127) Driving Directions (cid:127) RideAssist (cid:127) Information and Convenience Services OnStar® Personal Calling As an OnStar® subscriber, the Personal Calling capability is an available hands-free wireless phone that is integrated into the vehicle. Calls can be placed nationwide using simple voice commands with no additional contracts and no additional roaming charges. To ﬁnd out more about OnStar® Personal Calling, refer to the OnStar® user’s guide in the vehicle’s glove box or visit www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca; or speak with an OnStar® advisor by pressing the OnStar® button or by calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827). OnStar® Virtual Advisor Your vehicle may have Virtual Advisor. It is a feature of OnStar® Personal Calling that uses your minutes to access weather, local traffic reports and stock quotes. By pressing the phone button and giving a

Boost Classifieds - Car Advice, Reviews, Events & Classifieds

2006 Saturn ION Owners Manual