Premium Service for Your Saturn Vehicle
Your new Saturn vehicle was built to the highest quality standards to ensure reliability, durability and efficient operation year after year. The quality and integrity of your new Saturn vehicle can best be maintained with Saturn Service and Genuine Saturn Parts.
Saturn recommends having all your maintenance and service performed by an authorized Saturn retailer because at your Saturn Servicing Retailer, you can be certain that you will receive the highest level of service and care available for your Saturn vehicle. Saturn technicians have been specially trained to maintain and repair your Saturn vehicle. Saturn trains, educates and tests every technician to ensure they meet the highest industry standards for vehicle repair and service. In addition, your Saturn retailer has special tools, equipment and computer software to ensure fast and accurate diagnostics. This level of service is only available at an authorized Saturn retailer.
Replacement Parts
Saturn recommends using ONLY Saturn Original Equipment Manufactured replacement parts. They are specifically designed to fit your vehicle and are manufactured to the highest quality standards to ensure that your vehicle continues to perform at its peak.
Your Saturn retailer usually stocks the parts to meet your vehicle's service needs in its parts department. If not, your Saturn retailer can quickly access the Saturn Parts Warehouse's electronic database to order and promptly obtain the part required for your vehicle.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition, please follow our service recommendations.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in this booklet are necessary to keep your vehicle in good working condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow recommended maintenance may not be covered by warranty.
Saturn recommends that all vehicle maintenance records be documented, including the date and kilometres at time of service as well as service performed and/or part(s) installed. We have included a maintenance logbook for your convenience in this section of your booklet. Should your original vehicle maintenance records be lost or misplaced, your Saturn retailer keeps electronic service records of all work done on your vehicle at the retailer's service department.
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at Saturn want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don't know exactly how you drive. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more frequent checks and replacements. So please read the following maintenance requirements and determine the appropriate schedule for your driving habits. If you have any questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your Saturn retailer, or contact us at 1-800-263-1999 or saturncanada.com.
Regardless of your driving habits and operating conditions, to keep your vehicle in good working order and to protect the environment as well as to ensure the safety of you and your occupants, every Saturn vehicle requires the following three service categories:
- Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled Maintenance
- Routine Checks, Inspections and Services
- Kilometres Driven Maintenance Services
The service requirements in this booklet are for vehicles that:
| • | Carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle's Certification/Tire label. See "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual. |
| • | Are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits. |
| • | Are driven off-road in the recommended manner. See "Off-Road Driving" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual. |
| • | Use the recommended fuel. See "Fuel" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual. |
Category 1: Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled Maintenance
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter.
GM Oil Life System is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on kilometres driven. Based on driving conditions, the kilometres at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will come on. Change your oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 kilometres. It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year for L Series and VUE and not more than 6 months or 10 000 kilometres for ION. Your Saturn retailer has Saturn-trained service technicians who will perform this work using Genuine Saturn Parts and will reset the oil life system. It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 5 000 kilometres from the date of your last oil change. Remember to have the oil life system reset whenever the oil is changed. See "Oil Life System" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for information on resetting the system.
Category 2: Routine Checks, Inspections and Services
To help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle the following checks and services are required at the interval indicated below.
While Operating Your Vehicle
| • | Automatic Transaxle Shift Indicator Operation - Ensure that the indicator points to the gear chosen. |
| • | Horn Operation - Operate the horn occasionally to ensure the horn works. |
| • | Brake System Operation - Observe abnormal sounds, increased brake pedal travel, or repeated pull to one side when braking. If the brake warning light goes on, something may be wrong with part of the brake system. Have the brake system inspected and repaired at once. |
| • | Restraint System Operation - Ensure all belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages, and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage. Notice anything that might keep a restraint system from doing its job and have the system serviced as necessary. |
| • | Exhaust System Operation - Observe any changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the system may be leaking or overheating. Have inspected and repaired at once. |
| • | Tire and Wheel Operation - Observe vibration of the steering wheel or the seat at normal highway speeds, or a pull to the right or left on a straight, level road. This may indicate the need for a tire pressure check. If the tire pressure is correct, and you still notice any of these conditions, have the vehicle serviced. |
| • | Steering System Operation - Observe changes in steering action. An inspection is needed when the steering wheel is harder to turn or has more free play than normal. If abnormal sounds are noted when turning or parking, the steering system should be inspected. |
| Observe any rattles or squeaks that may occur at different engine speeds or over different road conditions. |
| • | Headlight Aim Adjustment - Observe the light pattern occasionally. If beam aim appears different than normal, headlight adjustment should be checked. |
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
| • | Engine Oil Level Check - Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See "Engine Oil" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for further details. |
| • | Engine Coolant Level Check - Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL® coolant mixture if necessary. See "Engine Coolant" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for further details. |
| • | Check the following fluid levels visually and add the proper fluid as needed. See the Vehicle's Owner Manual for further details. |
| - | The windshield washer fluid |
| - | The brake fluid |
| - | The power steering |
| - | The coolant |
| • | Tire Inspection - Check the tires for damage, adequate inflation, and wear. Inflate the tires if necessary. If the tires show damage or wear, replace or rotate. |
| • | Hood Latch Operation - When opening the hood, note the operation of the secondary latch. It should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Ensure the hood locks securely into place when it is closed. If the hood does not, service as necessary. |
At Least Monthly
You are to perform these checks and services.
| • | Light Operation Check - Check the operation of the license plate lamp, side marker lamps, headlamps, including high beams, parking lamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, reverse lamps, instrument panel illumination, and hazard warning flasher. Service as necessary. |
| • | Fluid Leak Check - After the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours, inspect the surface beneath the vehicle for signs of water, coolant, oil, fuel, or other fluids. If the air conditioning system was used, a small amount of water under the vehicle is normal. If you notice any fuel leaks or fumes, the cause should be found and corrected at once. |
| • | Cassette Deck Service (If equipped) - clean cassette tape head after each 30 hours of play. Saturn cassette players have a clean indicator on the display, which activates after approximately 30 hours of play. See "Audio Systems" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for further details. |
Semi-Annual And Annual Checks And Services
You or your Saturn retailer should perform the following checks and services every 6 or 12 months. See "Owner Checks and Services" and "Periodic Maintenance Inspections" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual. For further details contact your Saturn Servicing Retailer for an appointment and pricing.
Semi-Annual Checks and Service Schedule | Annual Checks and Service Schedule |
|---|---|
Month: | Month: |
Anti-Lock Brakes | Anti-Lock Brakes |
Restraint System Check | Restraint System Check |
Hydraulic Clutch System Check (when equipped) | Hydraulic Clutch System Check (when equipped) |
Tire Inspection | Movable Head Restraint Operation Check |
Seatback Latch and Recliner Operation Check | |
Spare Tire and Jack Storage Check | |
Brake Transmission/Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check | |
Wiper Refill Kit | |
Starter Safety Switch Operation Check | |
Steering Column Lock Operation Check | |
Parking Brake & Transmission /Transaxle "P" (PARK) Mechanism Operation Check | |
Engine Cooling System Inspection | |
Weatherstrip Lubrication | |
Key Lock Service | |
Body Lubrication Service | |
Underbody Flushing Service | |
Tire Inspection |
Category 3: Kilometre Driven Maintenance Service Requirements
This section summarizes the maintenance schedule and intervals for your Saturn vehicle.
Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your Saturn retailer's service department do these jobs. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for further details.
Service | 2004 Models |
|---|---|
Change Oil and Filter | When Oil Life Monitor Light indicates or every 12 months on the L Series and VUE, or 10 000 km or 6 months on ION, whichever occurs first |
Axle Boots, Suspension Bushings and Ball Joint Seals Inspection | At Each Oil Change |
Tire Rotation, Brake Inspection, Exhaust Inspection and Body Lubrication Service | First 10 000 km, then every 20 000 km thereafter |
Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. | On L Series and VUE, every 20 000 km or 12 months, whichever occurs first. On ION, every 30 000 km or 24 months, whichever occurs first. |
Engine Air Filter Element | Inspect every 25 000 km and replace every 50 000 km |
Engine Accessory Drive Belt and Coolant Hose Inspection | Every 30 000 km or 12 months, whichever occurs first. |
Engine Vacuum Hose Inspection | Every 50 000 km or 24 months, whichever occurs first. |
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle service (sever conditions only) | Every 83 000 km |
Install DEC-CVT Automatic Transmission Additive (VTi Transmission Only) | Every 83 000 km |
Engine Fuel Filter Replacement | Every 166 000 km |
Spark Plug Replacement | Every 166 000 km |
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Service (regular service) | Every 166 000 km for ION and VUE |
Cooling System Service | Every 166 000 km or 60 months, whichever occurs first. |
Engine Timing Belt Replacement on 3.0 Litre V6 (L81) engine only | Every 166 000 km |
Important: These intervals are for most Saturn vehicles. Please follow the complete scheduled maintenance outlined in the "Scheduled Maintenance Services" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for your specific Saturn vehicle.
For Your Information
The following explanations are to help you understand the maintenance services your Saturn retailer will perform. Your Saturn vehicle is equipped with industry leading technological innovations that have been designed to make sure you will have years of safe, efficient and trouble free driving. Therefore, you'll want only the best people servicing your Saturn vehicle, the Saturn trained and equipped technician.
Engine Oil and Filter
Change your engine oil and filter as follows:
| • | Vehicles equipped with the GM Oil Life System, a light on the instrument panel indicates when the oil is to be changed or every 12 months, (10 000 kilometres or 6 months for ION) which ever occurs first. Remember, change your oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 kilometres. |
Use only GF3 (U.S. - SL) engine oil, such as Saturn Engine Oil, which has been formulated to be 25 percent more efficient than the previous GF2 engine oil. To insure your vehicle does in fact get the GF3 engine oil, this service should be performed at a Saturn retailer. For recommended viscosity grade level, See "What Kind of Engine Oil to Use" section in your Vehicle's Owner Manual.
Tire Rotation
The average Canadian drives over 19 000 kilometres per year. Rotate tires after the first 10 000 kilometres, then every 20 000 kilometres thereafter. See "Tire Inspection and Rotation" in your Vehicle's Owner Manual for proper rotation pattern and additional information. All Saturn retailers have been issued special tools to properly torque the wheel nuts to factory specifications. To insure proper wheel nuts torque and avoid damage to the wheel assembly and your braking system, a qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
Drive Belts
Your Saturn vehicle is equipped with an engine accessory drive belt that has a wear indicator to advise you when to have the belt replaced. When the wear indicator shows that it is time to replace the belt, a qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
Engine Coolant
Drain and refill the cooling system every 5 years or 166 000 kilometres whichever comes first. See "Engine Coolant" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for additional information. Use only Saturn DEX-COOL® (orange-colour) engine coolant. If a top up is required, add ONLY Saturn DEX-COOL® (orange-colour) engine coolant and clean tap water in a 50/50 mixture. Using regular antifreeze (green-colour) will reduce the 5 year change interval to 24 months or 50 000 kilometres. If regular antifreeze (green-colour) were introduced to the cooling system, a qualified Saturn retailer's technician has a procedure to return your cooling system back to the original 5 year or 166 000 kilometres properties. Therefore, to save money and protect the integrity of the coolant system, as well as to protect your vehicle's warranty coverage, a qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
Exhaust Pipes and Mountings
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler and hangers for cracks, deterioration or damage every time the tires are rotated. See "Engine Exhaust" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for additional information. Start the engine and listen carefully for any exhaust leakage. If a problem is detected, connectors may need tightening or parts replaced. Therefore, tighten connections or replace parts as necessary. A qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect air cleaner/filter element as scheduled and replace at least every 50 000 kilometres. Replace more often if you drive in dusty conditions or off road conditions. See "Engine Air Cleaner/Filter" or "Air Cleaner" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for additional information. A qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
Spark Plugs
Your Saturn vehicle is equipped with long life - platinum/iridium spark plugs that have been designed to last up to 166 000 kilometres. However, various fuel additives used by the Canadian petroleum industry may shorten the life span. Long life - platinum/iridium spark plugs should never be taken out and cleaned. Always install new plugs of the same type as originally equipped. See "Spark Plug" in the Vehicle's Owner Manual for additional information. A qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
Brake Linings and Drums, Pads and Discs
At every engine oil change, inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. With many Saturn vehicles having an advanced electronic braking system (ABS), a qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform brake service.
Axle Boots, Suspension Bushings and Ball Joints Seals
Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushings, and ball joint seal every time the engine oil and filter are changed. A qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
When to Change - Automatic Transmission Fluid
Saturn transmissions have been designed for durability, dependability and reliability. They can either be sealed or conventional, but when the vehicle is operated in severe conditions as described below, the transmission fluid has to be changed.
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter at 83 000 kilometres if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
| • | In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher. |
| • | In hilly or mountainous terrain. |
| • | When doing frequent trailer towing. |
| • | Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. |
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 166 000 kilometres for ION and VUE. If you have a L Series the fluid and filter do not require changing. To insure the transmission fluid and filter are managed correctly and that DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid is used, a qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
DEX-CVT Additive
If your Saturn vehicle is equipped with a Vti transmission, then you are required to add the DEX-CVT additive every 83 000 kilometres.
Cabin Filters
Replace passenger compartment air filter every 20 000 kilometres or 12 months on L Series and Vue or 30 000 kilometres or 24 months on ION, or more frequently if operating in a dusty environment. A qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform this service.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced. A qualified Saturn retailer's technician should perform these services.
OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Please be sure to properly operate, care for and maintain your Saturn vehicle as outlined in the Vehicle's Owner Manual. It is your responsibility to maintain your service records, as it may be necessary for warranty reasons to show that the required maintenance on your vehicle has been performed. After you have had the required services performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.
Oil Change Records
Oil Change Records
Oil Change Records
Kilometre Driven Maintenance Service Records
Kilometre Driven Maintenance Service Records
Kilometre Driven Maintenance Service Records
Kilometre Driven Maintenance Service Records
Kilometre Driven Maintenance Service Records
Saturn retailers and their service professionals are truly dedicated to making servicing your Saturn vehicle convenient and worry free. When you bring your vehicle in for your service, you will experience the code that they uphold.
The Saturn Service Promise.
Every one of us at Saturn is dedicated to making the servicing of your vehicle as convenient and worry free as possible.
Our promise to you.
We're dedicated to ensuring that your car is running safely and efficiently.
We're dedicated to doing our absolute best to making sure it's fixed right the first time.
We're dedicated to doing everything we can to get you back on the road and enjoying your Saturn again as quickly as possible.
Authorized Retailer
Saturn Service
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