2007 Saturn VUE Owners Manual

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(RSE) system, the vehicle has a radio that accepts either CD audio or DVD video. The radio with CD and DVD is very similar to the radio with CD (Base) or the radio with CD (MP3). If you are interested in learning more about the radio and CD audio functions for this type of radio system, see Radio with CD (Base) on page 186 or Radio with CD (MP3) on page 192 earlier in this section for more information. 202 If you are interested in learning more about the DVD functions of this radio system, see Rear Seat Entertainment System on page 211 later in this section for more information. Using an MP3 MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc The radio plays MP3 ﬁles that were recorded on a CD-R or CD-RW disc. The ﬁles can be recorded with the following ﬁxed bit rates: 32 kbps, 40 kbps, 56 kbps, 64 kbps, 80 kbps, 96 kbps, 112 kbps, 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 224 kbps, 256 kbps, and 320 kbps or a variable bit rate. Song title, artist name, and album are available for display by the radio when recorded using ID3 tags version 1 and 2. Compressed Audio The radio also plays discs that contain both uncompressed CD audio (.CDA ﬁles) and MP3 ﬁles. By default the radio reads only the uncompressed audio and ignore the MP3 ﬁles. Pressing the CAT (category) button toggles between compressed and uncompressed audio format. MP3 Format If you burn your own MP3 disc on a personal computer: (cid:129) Make sure the MP3 ﬁles are recorded on a CD-R or CD-RW disc. (cid:129) Avoid mixing standard audio and MP3 ﬁles on one disc. (cid:129) The CD player is able to read and play a maximum of 50 folders, 50 playlists, and 255 ﬁles. (cid:129) Create a folder structure that makes it easy to ﬁnd songs while driving. Organize songs by albums using one folder for each album. Each folder or album should contain 18 songs or less. (cid:129) Avoid subfolders. The system can support up to 8 subfolders deep, however, keep the total number of folders to a minimum in order to reduce the complexity and confusion in trying to locate a particular folder during playback. (cid:129) Make sure playlists have a .mp3 or .wpl extension (other ﬁle extensions might not work). (cid:129) Minimize the length of the ﬁle, folder or playlist names. Long ﬁle, folder, or playlist names, or a combination of a large number of ﬁles and folders, or playlists can cause the player to be unable to play up to the maximum number of ﬁles, folders, playlists, or sessions. If you wish to play a large number of ﬁles, folders, playlists or sessions, minimize the length of the ﬁle, folder, or playlist name. Long names also take up more space on the display, potentially getting cut off. (cid:129) Finalize the audio disc before you burn it. Trying to add music to an existing disc can cause the disc not to function in the player. Change playlists by using the previous and next folder buttons, the tuner knob, or the seek buttons. You can also play an MP3 CD-R that was recorded using no ﬁle folders. If a CD-R contains more than the maximum of 50 folders, 50 playlists, and 255 ﬁles, the player lets you access and navigate up to the maximum, but all items over the maximum are not accessible. 203 Root Directory The root directory of the CD-R is treated as a folder. If the root directory has compressed audio ﬁles, the directory displays as F1 ROOT. All ﬁles contained directly under the root directory are accessed prior to any root directory folders. However, playlists (Px) are always accessed before root folders or ﬁles. Empty Directory or Folder If a root directory or a folder exists somewhere in the ﬁle structure that contains only folders/ subfolders and no compressed ﬁles directly beneath them, the player advances to the next folder in the ﬁle structure that contains compressed audio ﬁles. The empty folder does not display. No Folder When the CD-R contains only compressed ﬁles, the ﬁles are located under the root folder. The next and previous folder functions do not display on a CD-R that was recorded without folders or playlists. When displaying the name of the folder the radio displays ROOT. When the CD-R contains only playlists and compressed audio ﬁles, but no folders, all ﬁles are located under the root folder. The folder down and the folder up buttons searches playlists (Px) ﬁrst and then go to the root folder. When the radio displays the name of the folder the radio displays ROOT. Order of Play Tracks recorded to the CD-R are played in the following order: (cid:129) Play begins from the ﬁrst track in the ﬁrst playlist and continues sequentially through all tracks in each playlist. When the last track of the last playlist has played, play continues from the ﬁrst track of the ﬁrst playlist. (cid:129) Play begins from the ﬁrst track in the ﬁrst folder and continues sequentially through all tracks in each folder. When the last track of the last folder has been played, play continues from the ﬁrst track of the ﬁrst folder. When play enters a new folder, the display does not automatically show the new folder name unless you have chosen the folder mode as the default display. The new track name displays. 204 File System and Naming The song name that is displayed is the song name that is contained in the ID3 tag. If the song name is not present in the ID3 tag, then the radio displays the ﬁle name without the extension (such as .mp3) as the track name. Track names longer than 32 characters or four pages are shortened. The display does not show parts of words on the last page of text and the extension of the ﬁlename does not display. Preprogrammed Playlists Preprogrammed playlists that were created using WinAmp™, MusicMatch™, or Real Jukebox™ software can be accessed, however, they cannot be edited using the radio. These playlists are treated as special folders containing compressed audio song ﬁles. Playing an MP3 Insert a CD-R partway into the slot (Single CD Player), or press the load button and wait for the message to insert disc (Six-Disc CD Player), label side up. The player pulls it in, and the CD-R should begin playing. If you turn off the ignition or radio with a CD-R in the player it stays in the player. When you turn on the ignition or radio, the CD-R starts to play where it stopped, if it was the last selected audio source. As each new track starts to play, the track number and song title displays. The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CD-Rs with an adapter ring. Full-size CD-Rs and the smaller CD-Rs are loaded in the same manner. 205 If playing a CD-R, the sound quality can be reduced due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality of the music that has been recorded, and the way the CD-R has been handled. There can be an increase in skipping, difficulty in ﬁnding tracks, and/or difficulty in loading and ejecting. If these problems occur, check the bottom surface of the CD. If the surface of the CD is damaged, such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the CD will not play properly. If the surface of the CD is soiled, see Care of Your CDs and DVDs on page 225 for more information. If there is no apparent damage, try a known good CD. Notice: than one CD is inserted into the slot at a time, or an attempt is made to play scratched or damaged CDs, the CD player could be damaged. While using the CD player, use only CDs in good condition without any label, load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player and the loading slot free of foreign materials, liquids, and debris. If a label is added to a CD, or more Do not add any label to a CD, it could get caught in the CD player. If a CD is recorded on a personal computer and a description label is needed, try labeling the top of the recorded CD with a marking pen. If an error displays, see “CD Messages” later in this section. Z EJECT: Press the CD eject button to eject CD-R(s). To eject the CD-R that is currently playing, press and release this button. A beep sounds and Ejecting Disc displays. Once the disc is ejected, Remove Disc displays. The CD-R can be removed. If the CD-R is not removed, after several seconds, the CD-R automatically pulls back into the player and begins playing. For the Six-Disc CD player, press and hold the eject button for two seconds to eject all discs. f (Tune): Turn this knob to select MP3 ﬁles on the CD-R currently playing. 206 © SEEK ¨: Press the left SEEK arrow to go to the start of the current MP3 ﬁle, if more than ten seconds have played. Press the right SEEK arrow to go to the next MP3 ﬁle. If either SEEK arrow is held or pressed multiple times, the player continues moving backward or forward through MP3 ﬁles on the CD. S c (Previous Folder): Press the pushbutton positioned under the Folder label to go to the ﬁrst track in the previous folder. c T(Next Folder): Press the pushbutton positioned under the Folder label to go to the ﬁrst track in the next folder. s REV (Reverse): Press and hold this button to reverse playback quickly within an MP3 ﬁle. Sound is heard at a reduced volume. Release this button to resume playing the ﬁle. The elapsed time of the ﬁle displays. \ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold this button to advance playback quickly within an MP3 ﬁle. Sound is heard at a reduced volume. Release this button to resume playing the ﬁle. The elapsed time of the ﬁle displays. RDM (Random): With the random setting, MP3 ﬁles on the CD-R can be listened to in random, rather than sequential order, on one CD-R or all discs in a six-disc CD player. To use random, do one of the following: 1. To play MP3 ﬁles from the CD-R you are listening to in random order, press the pushbutton positioned under the RDM label until Random Current Disc displays. Press the same pushbutton again to turn off random play. 2. To play songs from all CDs loaded in a six-disc CD player in random order, press the pushbutton positioned under the RDM label until Randomize All Discs displays. Press the same pushbutton again to turn off random play. 207 h (Music Navigator): Use the music navigator feature to play MP3 ﬁles on the CD-R in order by artist or album. Press the pushbutton located below the music navigator label. The player scans the disc to sort the ﬁles by artist and album ID3 tag information. It can take several minutes to scan the disc depending on the number of MP3 ﬁles recorded to the CD-R. The radio can begin playing while it is scanning the disc in the background. When the scan is ﬁnished, the CD-R begins playing again. Once the disc has been scanned, the player defaults to playing MP3 ﬁles in order by artist. The current artist playing is shown on the second line of the display between the arrows. Once all songs by that artist are played, the player moves to the next artist in alphabetical order on the CD-R and begin playing MP3 ﬁles by that artist. To listen to MP3 ﬁles by another artist, press the pushbutton located below either arrow button. The CD goes to the next or previous artist in alphabetical order. Continue pressing either button until the desired artist is displayed. 208 To change from playback by artist to playback by album, press the pushbutton located below the Sort By label. From the sort screen, push one of the buttons below the album button. Press the pushbutton below the back label to return to the main music navigator screen. Now the album name is displayed on the second line between the arrows and songs from the current album begins to play. Once all songs from that album are played, the player moves to the next album in alphabetical order on the CD-R and begins playing MP3 ﬁles from that album. To exit music navigator mode, press the pushbutton below the Back label to return to normal MP3 playback. BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio while a CD is playing. The CD remains inside the radio for future listening. CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button to play a CD while listening to the radio. The CD icon and a message showing disc and/or track number displays while a CD is in the player. Press this button again and the system automatically searches for an auxiliary input device such as a portable audio player. If a portable audio player is not connected, No Aux Input Device displays. XM Radio Messages Radio Display Message Condition Action Required XL (Explicit Language Channels) XM Updating XL on the radio display, after the channel name, indicates content with explicit language. Updating encryption code No XM Signal Loss of signal These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696). The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, and no action is required. This process should take no longer than 30 seconds. The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in a location that is blocking the XM™ signal. When you move into an open area, the signal should return. Loading XM Acquiring channel audio (after four second delay) The audio system is acquiring and processing audio and text data. No action is needed. This message should disappear shortly. Channel Off Air Channel not in service This channel is not currently in service. Tune to another channel. Channel Unavail Channel no longer available This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned. Tune to another station. If this station was one of the presets, choose another station for that preset button. No Artist Info No Title Info Artist Name/Feature not available No artist information is available at this time on this channel. The system is working properly. Song/Program Title not available No song title information is available at this time on this channel. The system is working properly. 209 Radio Display Message Condition Action Required No CAT Info No Information CAT Not Found XM TheftLocked XM Radio ID Unknown Category Name not available No category information is available at this time on this channel. The system is working properly. No Text/Informational message available No text or informational messages are available at this time on this channel. The system is working properly. No channel available for the chosen category Theftlock® active Radio ID label (channel 0) Radio ID not known (should only be if hardware failure) There are no channels available for the selected category. The system is working properly. The XM™ receiver in the vehicle could have previously been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™ receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this message appears after having your vehicle serviced, check with your retailer. If tuned to channel 0, this message alternates with the XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed to activate the service. If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, there could be a receiver fault. Consult with your retailer. Check XM Receivr Hardware failure XM Not Available XM™ Not Available If this message does not clear within a short period of time, the receiver could have a fault. Consult with your retailer. If this message does not clear within a short period of time, the receiver could have a fault. Consult with your retailer. 210 Rear Seat Entertainment System Your vehicle may have a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system works with the vehicle’s audio system and includes a radio that accepts CD audio or DVD video, a video display screen, two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote control. Before You Drive The RSE is designed for rear seat passengers only. The driver cannot safely view the video screen while driving and should not try to do so. In severe or extreme weather conditions the RSE system might not work until the temperature is within the operating range. The operating range for the RSE system is above −4°F (−20°C) or below 140°F (60°C). If the temperature of your vehicle is outside of this range, heat or cool the vehicle until the temperature is within the operating range of the RSE system. Headphones The RSE includes two sets of wireless headphones that are only dedicated to this system. These headphones are used to listen to the radio with CD and DVD or an auxiliary device connected to the RCA jacks. The wireless headphones have an ON/OFF switch and a volume control. To use the headphones, turn the switch to ON. An indicator light on the headphones comes on. If the light does not come on, the batteries might need to be replaced. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section for more information. Switch the headphones to OFF when not in use. The infrared transmitters are located in the display below the video screen. The headphones shut off automatically to save the battery power if the DVD system is shut off or if the headphones are out of range of the transmitters for more than three minutes. If you move too far forward or step out of the vehicle, the headphones lose the audio signal. 211 To adjust the volume on the headphones, use the volume control located on the right side. Notice: Do not store the headphones in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the headphones and repairs will not be covered by your warranty. Keep the headphones stored in a cool, dry place. Battery Replacement To change the batteries, do the following: 1. Slide open the battery door located on the left side of the headphones. 2. Replace the two AAA batteries in the compartment. Make sure that they are installed correctly, using the diagram on the inside of the battery compartment. 3. Slide the battery door shut. If the headphones are to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place. 212 Stereo RCA Jacks The RCA jacks are located behind the video screen on the overhead console. The RCA jacks allow audio or video signals to be connected from an auxiliary device such as a camcorder or a video game unit to the RSE. Adapter connectors or cables might be required to connect the auxiliary device to the RCA jacks. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage. The RCA jacks are color coded to match typical home entertainment system equipment. The yellow jack (right) is for the video input. The white jack (middle) is for the left audio input. The red jack (left) is for the right audio input. The red connector must always be used in order for the DVD system to recognize that an external source is plugged in. With the radio on, the screen automatically switches to the rear auxiliary input when the red connector cable is inserted. Power for auxiliary devices is not supplied by the radio system. To use the auxiliary function, connect a camcorder or a video game unit to the RCA jacks and turn on the auxiliary device. To view a DVD, insert the DVD into the CD/DVD loading slot on the radio. The system automatically switches to DVD and starts to play. To switch between the auxiliary device and the DVD, press the DVD/AUX button on the radio faceplate or the SRCE (source) button on the remote control. See “DVD Player” and “Remote Control” later in this section for more information. Audio Output Only one audio source can be heard through the speakers at one time. Press the power button to turn the radio on. The radio can be heard through all of the vehicle speakers. When a DVD is inserted, playback is heard through the vehicle speakers and headphones. Front seat passengers can listen to the radio by pressing the BAND button to select AM, FM or XM™ (if equipped). The rear seat speakers are muted for radio listening, and the DVD plays through the headphones (RSE Mode). When RCA jacks are connected, the rear speakers are muted. The rear seat passengers are able to hear audio from the auxiliary device through the wireless headphones. The front seat passengers are able to listen to the radio through the front speakers, by pressing the BAND button to select AM, FM, or XM (if equipped), or listen to a CD that is inserted into the radio. If a playback device is plugged into the radio’s auxiliary input jack, the device can be heard through all of the vehicle speakers. In RSE mode the playback device is only heard through the front speakers. 213 Video Screen The video screen is located in the overhead console. To use the video screen, do the following: 1. Push forward on the release button located on the DVD display console. 2. Pull the screen down, away from you, and adjust its position as desired. When the video screen is not in use, push it up into its locked position. If a DVD is playing and the screen is raised to its locked position, the screen shuts off, but the DVD continues to play through the previous audio or video source. The video screen contains the transmitters for the wireless headphones and the receivers for the remote control. If the screen is in the closed position, the signals are not available for the operation of the headphones or the remote control. Notice: Avoid directly touching the video screen, as damage may occur. See “Cleaning the Video Screen” later in this section for more information. 214 DVD Player The DVD player is part of the radio and is located in the center of the instrument panel. The DVD player is controlled by the buttons on the radio faceplate, or by the buttons on the remote control. See “Remote Control” later in this section for more information. The DVD player is only compatible with DVDs that are authorized for use in the United States and Canada (Region Code 1). The DVD region code is printed on the jacket of most DVDs. Most audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3s can also be played by the radio with CD and DVD. If an error message displays on the video screen or the radio, see “DVD Player Error Messages” later in this section. Auxiliary Input Jack The radio system has an auxiliary input jack located on the lower right side of the faceplate. An external audio device such as an iPod, MP3 player, or cassette player can be connected to the auxiliary input jack for use as another source for audio listening. DVD Player Buttons To learn about the DVD functions for this type of radio system, read the following for more information on the DVD player. DVD/AUX (Auxiliary): While a DVD is playing, press this button to switch between front auxiliary and RSE. To listen to a DVD through the headphones, press this button. While a CD is playing, press this button to switch between playing a CD or the front auxiliary, if not in RSE mode. If the system is in RSE mode, press the power button on the remote control ﬁrst, to listen to the CD through the headphones, while the front passengers listen to the front auxiliary. O (Power): Press this knob to turn the radio/DVD player on. Turn this knob clockwise to or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the volume. A single press turns the radio off, a quick double press turns off the entire radio and rear seat entertainment system. f (Tune): Turn this knob to change tracks on a CD or DVD, to manually tune a radio station, or to change clock or date settings, while in the clock or date setting mode. See Setting the Time (Without Date Display) on page 183 or Setting the Time (With Date Display) on page 184 for more information. 215 © SEEK (Previous Track/Chapter): Press this button to return to the start of the current track or chapter. Press this button again to go to the previous track or chapter. This button might not work while the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. ¨ SEEK (Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to advance to the beginning of the next track or chapter. This button might not work while the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. s REV (Reverse): Press this button to fast reverse the DVD or CD, ﬁve times the normal speed. The radio displays the elapsed time while in fast reverse. To stop fast reversing, press this button again. This button might not work while the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. \ FWD (Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward the DVD or CD. The radio displays the elapsed time and fast forwards ﬁve times the normal speed. To stop fast forwarding, press this button again. This button might not work while the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. Some DVDs begins playing after the previews have ﬁnished, although there could be a delay of up to 30 seconds. If the DVD does not begin playing the movie automatically, press the pushbutton located under the play/pause symbol tag displayed on the radio. If the DVD still does not play, refer to the on-screen instructions, if available. Z(Eject): Press this button to eject a DVD or CD. If a DVD or CD is ejected, but not removed, the player automatically pulls it back in after 15 seconds. If the DVD does not begin playing the movie automatically, press the pushbutton located under the play symbol tag displayed on the radio. If the DVD still does not play, refer to the on-screen instructions (if available). 216 DVD Display Buttons Once a DVD is inserted, a screen display menu shows several tag options for DVD playing. Press the pushbuttons located under any desired tag option during DVD playback. See the tag options listed below for more information: r / j (Play/Pause): Press either the play or pause icon displayed on the radio system, to toggle between pausing or restarting playback of a DVD. If the forward arrow is showing on display, the system is in pause mode. If the pause icon is showing on display, the system is in playback mode. c (Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD. r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu. y (Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the pushbuttons located under the navigation arrows to navigate the cursor through the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when using a DVD. Nav (Navigate): Press this button to display directional arrows for navigating through the menus. q (Return): Press this button to exit the current active menu and return to the previous menu. This button operates only when a DVD is playing and a menu is active. Playing a Disc To play a disc, gently insert the disc, with the label side up, into the loading slot. The player starts loading the disc into the system and display “Loading Disc” on the video screen. At the same time, the radio displays a softkey menu of options. The ﬁrst option tag located on the left-hand side of the menu options, displays alternately the play or pause symbols. This indicates the system is loading the disc or is not yet ready to accept a play button press. The displayed symbol arrow remains until the disc is completely loaded or Promos and Copyright information has ended. The time can vary depending on the discs media type and format. Once the DVD is loaded into the system, a pause icon displays instead of the forward arrow. This indicates the system is in play mode, and the disc automatically starts playback. 217 Loading a disc into the system usually takes approximately 30 seconds for playback to begin. If a DVD is already in the radio, press the play/pause button on the remote control, or press the pushbutton located under the play symbol tag displayed on the radio to start playing the disc, when the DVD system is active. The DVD player might not accept some paper labeled media. The DVD player/video screen can only be turned on by pressing the power button on the remote control or by inserting a DVD. Playing an MP3 CD The CD player has the ability to recognize up to 255 folders, and up to 255 ﬁles per folder to a maximum of 512 total MP3 selections on a CD. Mixed media CD’s are not supported. Stopping and Resuming Playback To turn the RSE system off, press the power button twice on the radio. To turn the RSE system back on again, press the power button on the radio, then press the DVD/AUX button. This brings up the softkey menu displayed on the radio. Press the play/pause icon to begin playback from where it had previously stopped. To stop playing a DVD without turning off the system, press the stop button on the remote control, or press the pushbutton located under the stop or the play/pause symbol tags displayed on the radio. To resume DVD playback, press the play/pause button on the remote control, or press the pushbutton located under the play/pause symbol tag displayed on the radio. The DVD should resume play from where it last stopped if the disc has not been ejected and the stop button has not been pressed twice on the remote control. If the disc has been ejected or the stop button has been pressed twice on the remote control, the disc resumes playing at the beginning of the disc. 218 Ejecting a Disc Press the eject button on the radio to eject the disc. If a disc is ejected from the radio, but not removed, the radio reloads the disc after a short period of time. The disc is stored in the radio. The radio does not resume play of the disc automatically. Remote Control To use the remote control, aim it at the transmitter window below the video screen and press the desired button. Direct sunlight or very bright light could affect the ability of the RSE transmitter to receive signals from the remote control. If the remote control does not seem to be working, the batteries might need to be replaced. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section. Objects blocking the line of sight could also affect the function of the remote control. The DVD player can only be turned on by pressing the DVD/AUX button on the radio. Notice: Storing the remote control in a hot area or in direct sunlight can damage it, and the repairs will not be covered by your warranty. Keep the remote control stored in a cool, dry place. Remote Control Buttons O(Power): Press this button to turn the RSE screen on and off (also powers up the DVD player if a disc is loaded). P(Illumination): Press this button to turn the remote control backlight on. The backlight times out after seven to ten seconds if no other button is pressed while the backlight is on. v (Title): Press this button to return the DVD to the main menu of the DVD. 219 y (Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when using a DVD. n, q, p, o (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to navigate through a menu. r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu. z (Display Menu): Press this button to adjust the color, tint, brightness, contrast, and display mode (normal, full, or zoom). The dynamic range compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio and increase low audio produced by some DVDs. q(Return): Press this button to exit the current active menu and return to the previous menu. This button operates only when a DVD is playing and a menu is active. e(Audio): Press this button to display a menu that only appears when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function varies for each disc. 220 { (Subtitle): Press this button to turn on subtitles and to move through subtitle options when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function varies for each disc. | (Camera Angle): Press this button to change camera angles on DVDs that have this feature when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function varies for each disc. r(Fast Reverse): Press this button to fast reverse the DVD or CD. To stop fast reversing, press this button again. This button might not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. SRCE (Source): Press this button to switch between the DVD player and an auxiliary source. [ (Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward the DVD or CD. To stop fast forwarding, press this button again. This button might not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. c(Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD. Press this button twice to return to the beginning of the DVD. s(Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue playing the DVD. While the DVD is playing, press the pause button then press the fast forward button. The DVD continues playing in a slow play mode. To cancel slow play mode, press the play/pause button. t(Previous Track/Chapter): Press this button to return to the start of the current track or chapter. Press this button again to go to the previous track or chapter. This button might not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. u(Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to advance to the beginning of the next track or chapter. This button might not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. 1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad): The numeric keypad provides the capability of direct chapter, title, and track number selection. \(Clear): Press this button, within three seconds after entering a numeric selection to clear all numeric inputs. }10 (Double Digit Entries): Press the button, to select chapter, title, and track numbers greater than nine. Press this button before inputting the number. Battery Replacement To change the remote control batteries, do the following: 1. Remove the battery compartment door located on the bottom of the remote control. 2. Replace the two AA batteries in the compartment. Make sure that they are installed correctly, using the diagram on the inside of the battery compartment. 3. Close the battery door securely. If the remote control is to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place. 221 DVD Player Error Messages The video screen could display one of the following: Disc Load/Eject Error: This message displays when there are disc load or eject problems. Disc Format Error: This message displays, if the disc is inserted with the disc label wrong side up, or if the disc is damaged. Disc Region Error: This message displays, if the disc is not from a correct region. No Disc Inserted: This message displays, if no disc is present when the EJECT or DVD/AUX button is pressed on the radio. DVD Distortion Video distortion could occur when operating cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Position Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies. It might be necessary to turn off the DVD player when operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle. *Excludes the OnStar® System. Cleaning the DVD Player When cleaning the outside DVD faceplate and buttons, use only a clean cloth dampened with clean water. Cleaning the Video Screen When cleaning the video screen, use only a clean cloth dampened with clean water. Use care when directly touching or cleaning the screen, as damage could result. 222 Audio Steering Wheel Controls Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel. They include the following: x w: Press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous radio station and stay there. The radio seeks stations only with a strong signal that are in the selected band. To scan stations, press and hold either arrow for two seconds until SCAN displays and a beep sounds. The radio goes to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to the next station. Press either arrow again to stop scanning. While a CD is playing, press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or previous track. To scan the current CD, press and hold either up or down arrow for more than two seconds. The CD goes to the next track, plays the ﬁrst 10 seconds, then goes to the next track. Press either up or down arrow again to stop scanning. To scan all of the CDs loaded, press and hold either up or down arrow for more than four seconds. The CD goes to the next CD, plays the ﬁrst 10 seconds of each track, then goes to the next CD. Press either up or down arrow again to stop scanning. + − (Volume): Press the plus or minus button to increase or to decrease the volume. g(Mute): Press this button to silence the system. Press this button again, to turn the sound on. 223 Radio Reception Frequency interference and static during normal radio reception can occur if items such as cellphone chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external electronic devices are plugged into the accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the item from the accessory power outlet. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause station frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio reception, most AM radio stations boost the power levels during the day, and then reduce these levels during the night. Static can also occur when things like storms and power lines interfere with radio reception. When this happens, try reducing the treble on your radio. FM Stereo FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. XM™ Satellite Radio Service XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels could cause loss of XM signal for a period of time. The radio might display NO XM SIGNAL to indicate interference. 224 Care of Your CDs and DVDs Handle CDs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. The CD player scans the bottom surface of the disc. If the surface of a CD is damaged, such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the CD does not play properly or not at all. If the surface of a CD is soiled, take a soft, lint free cloth or dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution mixed with water, and clean it. Make sure the wiping process starts from the center to the edge. Do not touch the bottom side of a CD while handling it; this could damage the surface. Pick up CDs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge. Care of the CD and DVD Player The use of CD lens cleaners for CDs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism. Fixed Mast Antenna The ﬁxed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, replace it. Check occasionally to make sure the mast is still tightened to the antenna base. If tightening is required, tighten by hand. XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System The XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up for clear radio reception. A vehicle with a sunroof might not get the best performance from the XM™ system if the sunroof is open. Loading items onto the roof of your vehicle can interfere with the performance of the XM™ system. Make sure the XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is not obstructed. 225 ✍ NOTES 226 Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ............................................ 228 Driver Behavior ......................................... 228 Driving Environment .................................. 229 Vehicle Design .......................................... 229 Defensive Driving ...................................... 230 Drunken Driving ........................................ 231 Control of a Vehicle .................................. 234 Braking ...................................................... 234 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 235 Braking in Emergencies ............................. 237 Traction Control System (TCS) .................. 238 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System .................. 239 Steering .................................................... 240 Off-Road Recovery .................................... 243 Passing ..................................................... 243 Loss of Control .......................................... 245 Off-Road Driving ........................................ 247 Driving at Night ......................................... 262 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads ............ 264 City Driving ............................................... 267 Freeway Driving ........................................ 268 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .................. 269 Highway Hypnosis ..................................... 270 Hill and Mountain Roads ........................... 270 Winter Driving ........................................... 272 If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow ................................. 276 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out ........... 277 Recovery Hook .......................................... 277 Loading Your Vehicle ................................ 279 Towing ........................................................ 284 Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 284 Recreational Vehicle Towing ...................... 285 Towing a Trailer ........................................ 290 227 Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Whenever we drive, we are taking on an important responsibility. This is true for any motor vehicle — passenger car, van, truck, sport utility. Driver behavior, the driving environment, and the vehicle’s design all affect how well a vehicle performs. But statistics show that the most important factor, by far, is how we drive. Knowing how these three factors work together can help you understand how your vehicle handles and what you can do to avoid many types of crashes, including a rollover crash. Driver Behavior The single most important thing is this: everyone in the vehicle, including the driver, should buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 20. In fact, most serious injuries and fatalities to unbelted occupants can be reduced or prevented by the use of safety belts. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is signiﬁcantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. In addition, avoiding excessive speed, sudden or abrupt turns, and drunken or aggressive driving can help make trips safer and avoid the possibility of a crash, especially a rollover crash. This section provides many useful tips to help you drive more safely. 228 Driving Environment You can also help avoid a rollover or other type of crash by being prepared for driving in inclement weather, at night, or during other times where visibility or traction may be limited, such as on curves, slippery roads, or hilly terrain. Unfamiliar surroundings can also have hidden hazards. To help you learn more about driving in different conditions, this section contains information about city, freeway, and off-road driving, as well as other hints for driving in various weather conditions. Vehicle Design According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, utility vehicles have a signiﬁcantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Utility vehicles do have higher ground clearance and a narrower track or shorter wheelbase than passenger cars, to make them more capable for off-road driving. Speciﬁc design characteristics like these give the driver a better view of the road, but also give utility vehicles a higher center of gravity than other types of vehicles. This means that you should not expect a utility vehicle to handle the same way a vehicle with a lower center of gravity, like a car, would in similar situations. But driver behavior factors are far more often the cause of a utility vehicle rollover than are environmental or vehicle factors. Safe driver behavior and understanding the environment in which you will be driving can help avoid a rollover crash in any type of vehicle, including utility vehicles. 229 Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 20. 230 {CAUTION: Defensive driving really means “Be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or expressways, it means “Always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do these things, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life. Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It is the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment (cid:129) Muscular Coordination (cid:129) Vision (cid:129) Attentiveness Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured. Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half the adult population — choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological, and developmental reasons for these laws. The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. But what if people do? How much is “too much” if someone plans to drive? It is a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things: (cid:129) The amount of alcohol consumed (cid:129) The drinker’s body weight (cid:129) The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking (cid:129) The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol 231 (cid:129) According to the American Medical Association, a 180 lb (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of liquors like whiskey, gin, or vodka. It is the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level. There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a lower relative percentage of body water than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight will when each has the same number of drinks. The law in most U.S. states, and throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we have seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. 232 But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater! The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is not the right answer. What if there is an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There is something else about drinking and driving that many people do not know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that when anyone who has been drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the person had not been drinking. {CAUTION: Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reﬂexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Please do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink. 233 Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 238. Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 304. Braking See Brake System Warning Light on page 170. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time. Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second. But that is only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied. 234 Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If the engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 304. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Your vehicle might have the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. If your vehicle has ABS, this warning light on the instrument panel will come on brieﬂy when you start your vehicle. When you start the engine, or when you begin to drive away, ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you might even notice that the brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal. 235 ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS: A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel. 236 As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have ABS. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down ﬁrmly and let anti-lock work for you. You might feel a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. If you have ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. However, if you do not have ABS, your ﬁrst reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it down — might be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle cannot respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic. If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking technique. This will give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. This will help you retain steering control. If you do have ABS, it is different. See Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) on page 235. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. 237 Traction Control System (TCS) Your vehicle may have a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. This light will come on when your traction control system is limiting wheel spin. But you can turn the traction control system off if you ever need to. You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 277 and If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 276 for more information. If your vehicle is equipped with the 2.2L L4 engine, the traction control system can be turned off by pressing the traction control button. See Low Traction Light on page 173. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. It is located on the instrument panel above the audio system. If your vehicle is equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine, the traction control system will be turned off when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R) or LOW (L). The traction control system warning light will be displayed on the instrument panel. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 172 for more information. 238 The traction control system can be activated again by pressing the traction control button for the 2.2L L4 engine, or by selecting DRIVE (D) or INTERMEDIATE (I) for the 3.5L V6 engine. If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the system will not turn off until there is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. If the traction control warning light does not come on, you may not have traction control and your vehicle should be serviced at a retailer. Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 304 for more information. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System If your vehicle has all-wheel drive (AWD), the AWD system operates automatically without any action required by the driver. If the front drive wheels begin to slip, the rear wheels will automatically begin to drive the vehicle as required. There may be a slight engagement noise during hard use but this is normal. During heavy AWD applications, the engine torque may be reduced to protect AWD system components. If the vehicle is exposed to extended heavy AWD usage, the AWD system will shut itself off to protect the system from overheating. When the system cools down, the AWD system will activate itself again automatically; this cool-down can take up to 20 minutes depending on outside temperature and vehicle use. 239 Steering Electric Power Steering If the engine stalls while you are driving, the power steering assist system will continue to operate until you are able to stop your vehicle. If you lose power steering assist because the electric power steering system is not functioning, you can steer, but it will take more effort. If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the stopped position for an extended amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist. The normal amount of power steering assist should return shortly after a few normal steering movements. The electric power steering system does not require regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system problems and/or the Service Vehicle Soon light comes on, contact your dealer/retailer for service repairs. Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here is why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. 240 Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems — steering and braking — have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you are steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems — steering and acceleration — can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 238. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while the front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 304. 241 Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and ﬁnd a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the time for evasive action — steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply the brakes — but, unless you have anti-lock brakes, not enough to lock the wheels. See Braking on page 234. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. 242 An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. Off-Road Recovery You may ﬁnd that your vehicle’s right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you are driving. Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents — the head-on collision. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway. 243 (cid:129) When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and do not get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a running start that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone is not trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. So here are some tips for passing: (cid:129) Drive ahead. Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. (cid:129) Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it is all right to pass, providing the road ahead is clear. Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. (cid:129) Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you are awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you are following a larger vehicle. Also, you will not have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. 244 (cid:129) (cid:129) Check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your vehicle’s inside mirror, activate the right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. Remember that an outside convex mirror makes the vehicle you just passed seem farther away from you than it really is. (cid:129) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle. (cid:129) Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lamps are not ﬂashing, it might be slowing down or starting to turn. If you are being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right. Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems — brakes, steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. 245 (cid:129) A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the Traction Control System (TCS), remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 238. If you do not have this system, or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt. If you have the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do not have ABS, then in a braking skid, where the wheels are no longer rolling, release enough pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again. This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the wheels are rolling, you will have steering control. 246 Off-Road Driving This off-road guide is for vehicles that have all-wheel drive. If your vehicle does not have all-wheel drive, you should not drive off-road unless you are on a level, solid surface. Many of the same design features that help make your vehicle responsive on paved roads during poor weather conditions — features like all-wheel drive — help make it much better suited for off-road use. Its higher ground clearance also helps your vehicle step over some off-road obstacles. But your vehicle does not have features like special underbody shielding and a transfer case low gear range, things that are usually thought necessary for extended or severe off-road service. Also, see Braking on page 234. The airbag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some deﬁnite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself. “Off-roading” means you have left the North American road system behind. Traffic lanes are not marked. Curves are not banked. There are no road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill, or downhill. In short, you have gone right back to nature. Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that is why it is very important that you read this guide. You will ﬁnd many driving tips and suggestions. These will help make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable. Before You Go Off-Roading There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Is there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully inﬂated? Are the ﬂuid levels up where they should be? What are the local laws that apply to off-roading where you will be driving? If you do not know, you should check with law enforcement people in the area. Will you be on someone’s private land? If so, be sure to get the necessary permission. 247 There are some important things to remember about how to load your vehicle. (cid:129) The heaviest things should be on the load ﬂoor and forward of the rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward as you can. (cid:129) Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain does not toss things around. You will ﬁnd other important information in this manual. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 279, Roof Rack System on page 134, and Tires on page 366. Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving {CAUTION: (cid:129) Cargo on the load ﬂoor piled higher than the seatbacks can be thrown forward during a sudden stop. You or your passengers could be injured. Keep cargo below the top of the seatbacks. (cid:129) Unsecured cargo on the load ﬂoor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be struck by ﬂying objects. Secure the cargo properly. (cid:129) Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and low as possible. 248 Environmental Concerns Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying recreation. However, it also raises environmental concerns. We recognize these concerns and urge every off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting the environment: (cid:129) Always use established trails, roads, and areas that have been specially set aside for public off-road recreational driving; obey all posted regulations. (cid:129) Avoid any driving practice that could damage the environment — shrubs, ﬂowers, trees, grasses — or disturb wildlife. This includes wheel-spinning, breaking down trees, or unnecessary driving through streams or over soft ground. (cid:129) Always carry a litter bag — make sure all refuse is removed from any campsite before leaving. (cid:129) Take extreme care with open ﬁres where permitted, camp stoves, and lanterns. (cid:129) Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other combustible materials that could catch ﬁre from the heat of the vehicle’s exhaust system. Traveling to Remote Areas It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your route. You are much less likely to get bad surprises. Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn of any blocked or closed roads. It is also a good idea to travel with at least one other vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the other can help quickly. 249 Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving It is a good idea to practice in an area that is safe and close to home before you go into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some new and different driving skills. Here is what we mean. Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen for unusual tire or engine sounds. With your arms, hands, feet, and body, you will need to respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce. Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the best ways to control your vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to keep in mind. At higher speeds: (cid:129) You approach things faster and you have less time to scan the terrain for obstacles. (cid:129) You have less time to react. (cid:129) You have more vehicle bounce when you drive over obstacles. (cid:129) You will need more distance for braking, especially since you are on an unpaved surface. {CAUTION: When you are driving off-road, bouncing and quick changes in direction can easily throw you out of position. This could cause you to lose control and crash. So, whether you are driving on or off the road, you and your passengers should wear safety belts. 250 Scanning the Terrain Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain and its many different features. Here are some things to consider. Surface Conditions: Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow, or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration, and braking of your vehicle in different ways. Depending upon the kind of surface you are on, you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction, and longer braking distances. Surface Obstacles: Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can startle you if you are not prepared for them. Often these obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow, or even the rise and fall of the terrain itself. Here are some things to consider: Is the path ahead clear? (cid:129) Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead? (cid:129) Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? There is more discussion of these subjects later. (cid:129) Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction quickly? When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a ﬁrm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface features can jerk the wheel out of your hands if you are not prepared. 251 (cid:129) When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, the wheels can leave the ground. If this happens, even with one or two wheels, you cannot control the vehicle as well or at all. Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it is especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns, or sudden braking. In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of alertness from driving on paved roads and highways. There are no road signs, posted speed limits, or signal lights. You have to use your own good judgment about what is safe and what is not. Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any road. And this is certainly true for off-road driving. At the very time you need special alertness and driving skills, your reﬂexes, perceptions, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious — or even fatal — accident if you drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. See Drunken Driving on page 231. Driving on Off-Road Hills Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or across a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and understanding of what your vehicle can and cannot do. There are some hills that simply cannot be driven, no matter how well built the vehicle. {CAUTION: Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. If you drive up them, you will stall. If you drive down them, you cannot control your speed. If you drive across them, you will roll over. You could be seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt about the steepness, do not drive the hill. 252 Approaching a Hill When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it is one of those hills that is just too steep to climb, descend, or cross. Steepness can be hard to judge. On a very small hill, for example, there may be a smooth, constant incline with only a small change in elevation where you can easily see all the way to the top. On a large hill, the incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you may not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden by bushes, grass, or shrubs. Here are some other things to consider as you approach a hill. Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get sharply steeper in places? Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the surface cause tire slipping? Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you will not have to make turning maneuvers? (cid:129) Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your path, such as boulders, trees, logs, or ruts? (cid:129) What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk the hill if you do not know. It is the smart way to ﬁnd out. Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have ruts, gullies, troughs, and exposed rocks because they are more susceptible to the effects of erosion. 253 (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) Driving Uphill Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you need to take some special steps. (cid:129) Use a low gear and get a ﬁrm grip on the steering wheel. (cid:129) Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain speed. Do not use more power than you need, because you do not want the wheels to start spinning or sliding. (cid:129) Ease up on the speed as you approach the top of the hill. (cid:129) Attach a ﬂag to the vehicle to make it more visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills. (cid:129) Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hill to let opposing traffic know you are there. (cid:129) Use your headlamps even during the day. They make your vehicle more visible to oncoming traffic. {CAUTION: {CAUTION: Turning or driving across steep hills can be dangerous. You could lose traction, slide sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills, always try to go straight up. Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed can cause an accident. There could be a drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another vehicle. You could be seriously injured or killed. As you near the top of a hill, slow down and stay alert. (cid:129) Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If the path twists and turns, you might want to ﬁnd another route. 254 Q: What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or is about to stall, and I cannot make it up the hill? A: If this happens, there are some things you should do, and there are some things you must not do. First, here is what you should do: (cid:129) Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and keep it from rolling backwards. Also, apply the parking brake. If the engine is still running, shift the transaxle to REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and slowly back down the hill in REVERSE (R). If the engine has stopped running, you will need to restart it. With the brake pedal pressed and the parking brake still applied, shift the transaxle to PARK (P), or shift to NEUTRAL if you have a manual transaxle, and restart the engine. Then shift to REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and slowly back down the hill as straight as possible in REVERSE (R). (cid:129) As you are backing down the hill, put your left hand on the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position. This way you will be able to tell if the wheels are straight and maneuver as you back down. It is best that you back down the hill with the wheels straight rather than in the left or right direction. Turning the wheel too far to the left or right will increase the possibility of a rollover. Here are some things you must not do if you stall, or are about to stall, when going up a hill. (cid:129) Never attempt to prevent a stall by shifting into NEUTRAL (N), or pressing the clutch if you have a manual transaxle, to rev-up the engine and regain forward momentum. This will not work. Your vehicle will roll backwards very quickly and you could go out of control. Instead, apply the regular brake to stop the vehicle. Then apply the parking brake. Shift to REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and slowly back straight down. (cid:129) Never attempt to turn around if you are about to stall when going up a hill. If the hill is steep enough to stall your vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it to roll over if you turn around. If you cannot make it up the hill you must back straight down the hill. 255 (cid:129) (cid:129) If you decide you can go down a hill safely, then try to keep your vehicle headed straight down, and use a low gear. This way, engine drag can help the brakes and they will not have to do all the work. Descend slowly, keeping your vehicle under control at all times. {CAUTION: Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause your brakes to overheat and fade. This could cause loss of control and a serious accident. Apply the brakes lightly when descending a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle speed under control. Q: Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down the hill and decide I just cannot do it. What should I do? A: Set the parking brake, put your transaxle in PARK (P), or FIRST (1) if your vehicle has a manual transaxle, and turn off the engine. Leave the vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill side and stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if it rolled downhill. Driving Downhill When off-roading takes you downhill, you will want to consider a number of things: (cid:129) How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain vehicle control? (cid:129) What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough? Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel? (cid:129) Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs? Boulders? (cid:129) What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden creek bank or even a river bottom with large rocks? 256 Q: Am I likely to stall when going downhill? A: It is much more likely to happen going uphill. But if it happens going downhill, here is what to do. 1. Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes. Apply the parking brake. 2. Shift to PARK (P), or NEUTRAL if you have a manual transaxle, and, while still braking, restart the engine. 3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake, and drive straight down. 4. If the engine will not start, get out and get help. Q: Are there some things I should not do when driving down a hill? A: Yes! These are important because if you ignore them you could lose control and have a serious accident. (cid:129) When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you across the incline of the hill. A hill that is not too steep to drive down may be too steep to drive across. Your vehicle could roll over if you do not drive straight down. (cid:129) Never go downhill with the transaxle in NEUTRAL (N). This is called “free wheeling.” The brakes will have to do all the work and could overheat and fade. (cid:129) Unless your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, avoid braking so hard that you lock the wheels when going downhill. If the wheels are locked, you cannot steer your vehicle. If the wheels lock up during downhill braking, you may feel the vehicle starting to slide sideways. To regain

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2007 Saturn VUE Owners Manual