Saturn Astra (2008 year). Manual

Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit

Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs”
on your vehicle placard.

Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.

Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs
(1400

−

750 (5 x 150) =

650 lbs).

Determine the combined
weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4.

If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, the load from your
trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.

The vehicle is neither designed
nor intended to tow a trailer.

Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 1

1,000 lbs

(453 kg).

Subtract Occupant Weight
150 lbs (68 kg)

300 lbs

(136 kg).

Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight

700 lbs

(317 kg).

Example 1

8-32

Driving and Operating

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Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2

1,000 lbs

(453 kg).

Subtract Occupant Weight
150 lbs (68 kg)

750 lbs

(340 kg).

Available Cargo
Weight

250 lbs (113 kg).

Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 3

1,000 lbs

(453 kg).

Subtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs
(91 kg)

1,000 lbs

(453 kg).

Available Cargo
Weight

0 lbs (0 kg).

Refer to the vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the

vehicle’s capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle’s capacity weight.

Certification Label

A vehicle specific Certification
label, found on the rear edge
of the driver’s door, tells you
the gross weight capacity of
the vehicle, called the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Example 2

Example 3

Label Example

Driving and Operating

8-33

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The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel, and cargo. Never exceed
the GVWR for your vehicle,
or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.

And, if you do have a heavy
load, you should spread it out.
See “Steps for Determining
Correct Load Limit” earlier in
this section.

{

CAUTION

Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).

(Continued)

CAUTION

(Continued)

If you do, parts on the
vehicle can break, and it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause
you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of the
vehicle.

If you put things inside your
vehicle — like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything
else — they will go as fast as
the vehicle goes. If you have
to stop or turn quickly, or if
there is a crash, they will
keep going.

{

CAUTION

Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.

•

Put things in the trunk of
your vehicle. In a trunk,
put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the
weight evenly.

•

Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.

•

Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.

•

When you carry
something inside the
vehicle, secure it
whenever you can.

•

Do not leave a seat folded
down unless you need to.

8-34

Driving and Operating

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Fuel

Use of the recommended fuel
is an important part of the proper
maintenance of your vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.

Gasoline Octane

Use regular unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. If the octane rating is less
than 87, you might notice an audible
knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark
knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as

soon as possible. If you are using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
and you hear heavy knocking, the
engine needs service.

Gasoline Specifications

At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification
D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. See Additives on
page 8-36 for additional information.

California Fuel

If your vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California emissions
standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control
system performance might be
affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp could turn on and your vehicle
might fail a smog-check test. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 4-20. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer/retailer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of
fuel used, repairs might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Driving and Operating

8-35

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Additives

To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now required
to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits
from forming, allowing the emission
control system to work properly.
In most cases, you should not have
to add anything to the fuel. However,
some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required
to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and intake
valves clean, or if your vehicle
experiences problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. Also, your
dealer/retailer has additives that
will help correct and prevent most
deposit-related problems.

Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines might
be available in your area.

We recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
10% ethanol must not be used in
vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.

Notice: Your vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under your
warranty.

Some gasolines that are
not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.

Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the
performance of the emission control
system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn
on. If this occurs, return to your
dealer/retailer for service.

Fuels in Foreign
Countries

If you plan on driving in another
country outside the United States or
Canada, the proper fuel might be
hard to find. Never use leaded
gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text
on fuel. Costly repairs caused
by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.

To check the fuel availability, ask
an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in
the country where you will be
driving.

8-36

Driving and Operating

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Filling the Tank

{

CAUTION

Fuel vapor burns violently and a
fuel fire can cause bad injuries.
To help avoid injuries to you and
others, read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island.
Turn off your engine when you
are refueling. Do not smoke if
you are near fuel or refueling
your vehicle. Do not use cellular
phones. Keep sparks, flames,
and smoking materials away
from fuel. Do not leave the fuel
pump unattended when
refueling your vehicle. This is
against the law in some places.
Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children
away from the fuel pump; never
let children pump fuel.

The fuel cap is located behind a
hinged fuel door on the passenger
side of the vehicle.

To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise.

The fuel cap has a spring in it,
if the cap is released too soon it
will spring back.

{

CAUTION

Fuel can spray out on you if
you open the fuel cap too
quickly. If you spill fuel and
then something ignites it, you
could be badly burned. This
spray can happen if your tank
is nearly full, and is more likely
in hot weather. Open the fuel
cap slowly and wait for any
hiss noise to stop. Then
unscrew the cap all the way.

Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not
top off or overfill the tank and wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the nozzle.
Clean fuel from painted surfaces as
soon as possible. See Exterior
Cleaning on page 9-75.

Driving and Operating

8-37

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When replacing the fuel cap, turn
it clockwise until it clicks. Make
sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4-20.

{

CAUTION

If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel
by shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.

Notice: If you need a new fuel
cap, be sure to get the right type.
Your dealer/retailer can get one for
you. If you get the wrong type, it
may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage
your fuel tank and emissions
system. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 4-20.

Filling a Portable Fuel
Container

{

CAUTION

Never fill a portable fuel
container while it is in your
vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container
can ignite the fuel vapor.

(Continued)

CAUTION

(Continued)

You can be badly burned and
your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:

•

Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.

•

Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.

•

Bring the fill nozzle in
contact with the inside of the
fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.

•

Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.

•

Do not use a cellular phone
while pumping fuel.

8-38

Driving and Operating

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Vehicle Service
and Care

Service

Service

...............................9-2

Accessories and

Modifications

.....................9-3

California Proposition 65

Warning

............................9-3

California Perchlorate

Materials Requirements

.....9-3

Doing Your Own

Service Work

....................9-4

Adding Equipment to the

Outside of the Vehicle

......9-4

Owner Checks

Owner Checks

....................9-5

Hood Release

.....................9-5

Engine Compartment

Overview

...........................9-6

Engine Oil

..........................9-7

Engine Oil Life System

.......9-9

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

....9-11

Automatic Transmission

Fluid

................................9-12

Manual Transmission

Fluid

................................9-12

Hydraulic Clutch

................9-12

Engine Coolant

.................9-12

Pressure Cap

....................9-15

Engine Overheating

...........9-15

Cooling System

.................9-16

Power Steering Fluid

.........9-20

Windshield Washer Fluid

....9-20

Windshield Wiper Blade

Replacement

...................9-21

Brakes

..............................9-22

Battery

..............................9-25

Headlamp Aiming

Bulb Replacement

..................9-28

Front Turn Signal Lamps

...9-28

Taillamps

(Five-Door Hatchback)

.....9-29

Taillamps

(Three-Door Hatchback)

Electrical System

Add-On Electrical

Equipment

.......................9-33

Headlamp Wiring

..............9-33

Windshield Wiper Fuses

...............................9-34

Engine Compartment

Fuse Block

......................9-34

Rear Compartment

Fuse Block

......................9-36

Tires

Tires

.................................9-38

Winter Tires

......................9-39

Tire Sidewall Labeling

.......9-40

Tire Terminology and

Definitions

.......................9-43

Inflation - Tire Pressure

....9-46

High-Speed Operation

.......9-47

Tire Pressure Monitor

System

............................9-48

Tire Pressure Monitor

Operation

........................9-50

Tire Inspection and

Rotation

..........................9-51

When It Is Time for

New Tires

.......................9-53

Vehicle Service and Care

9-1

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Accessories and
Modifications

When non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories are added to your
vehicle they can affect your vehicle’s
performance and safety, including
such things as, airbags, braking,
stability, ride and handling,
emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like
antilock brakes, traction control and
stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by warranty.

GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on your vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize
your vehicle using genuine GM
Accessories. When you go to your
GM dealer/retailer and ask for

GM Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service
technicians will perform the work
using genuine GM Accessories.

Also, see Adding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-35.

California Proposition 65
Warning

Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle),
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.

California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements

Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained
in remote keyless entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

Vehicle Service and Care

9-3

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Doing Your Own
Service Work

{

CAUTION

You can be injured and your
vehicle could be damaged if
you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough
about it.

•

Be sure you have sufficient
knowledge, experience, the
proper replacement parts, and
tools before you attempt any
vehicle maintenance task.

•

Be sure to use the proper
nuts, bolts, and other
fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily
confused. If you use the
wrong fasteners, parts can
later break or fall off. You
could be hurt.

If you want to do some of your own
service work, you should use the
proper service manual. It tells
you much more about how to
service your vehicle than this
manual can. To order the proper
service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 11-14.

Your vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your
own service work, see Airbag
System Check on page 1-36.

You should keep a record with all
parts receipts and list the mileage
and the date of any service work
you perform. See “Maintenance
Record” in the Limited Warranty,
Maintenance and Owner Assistance
Information manual.

Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle

Things you might add to the outside
of your vehicle can affect the
airflow around it. This can cause
wind noise and can affect fuel
economy and windshield washer
performance. Check with your
dealer/retailer before adding
equipment to the outside of your
vehicle.

9-4

Vehicle Service and Care

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Owner Checks

{

CAUTION

An electric fan under the hood
can start up and injure you
even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.

{

CAUTION

Things that burn can get on hot
engine parts and start a fire.
These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake fluid,
windshield washer and other
fluids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others could be burned.
Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a
hot engine.

Hood Release

To open the hood:

1. Pull the handle that is located

under the instrument panel.

2. Push the secondary hood

release lever upward.

3. Lift the hood.

After the hood is slightly lifted, it will
continue to open to the full position.

Before closing the hood, be sure
all the filler caps are on properly.
Then lift the hood to relieve
pressure. Pull the hood down,
close it firmly.

Vehicle Service and Care

9-5

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A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on

page 9-11.

B. Engine Oil Fill Cap. Engine Oil

on page 9-7.

C. Brake Fluid Reservoir. Brakes

on page 9-22.

D. Coolant Reservoir. Cooling

System on page 9-16.

E. Coolant Reservoir Pressure Cap.

Pressure Cap on page 9-15.

F. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

on page 9-34.

G. Battery on page 9-25.

H. Windshield Washer Fluid on

page 9-20.

I. Engine Oil Dipstick. Engine Oil

on page 9-7.

Engine Oil

If the low oil level light appears on
the instrument cluster, check
the engine oil level right away.
See Low Oil Level Light on
page 4-23. You should check the
engine oil level regularly; this is just
a reminder.

Checking Engine Oil

It is a good idea to check the
engine oil every time you get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the
vehicle must be on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the engine oil
dipstick.

1. Turn off the engine and give the

oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If you do not
do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.

2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with

a paper towel or cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down
and check the level.

Vehicle Service and Care

9-7

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When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is below the MIN (minimum)
mark, add at least one quart/liter of
the recommended oil. This section
explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity,
see Capacities and Specifications on
page 10-2.

Notice: Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil
that the oil level gets above the
upper mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine
could be damaged.

See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6 for the location of
the engine oil fill cap.

Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the
way back in when you are through.

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use

Look for three things:

•

GM6094M

Use only an oil that meets
GM Standard GM6094M.

•

SAE 5W-30

SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. If you are in an area
of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below

−

20°F (

−

29°C), use either an

SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or
an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide
easier cold starting and better
protection for the engine at
extremely low temperatures.
These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or
thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.

9-8

Vehicle Service and Care

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

•

American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol

Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst symbol
on the container. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).

Notice: Use only engine oil
identified as meeting GM Standard
GM6094M and showing the
American Petroleum Institute
Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use
the recommended oil can result in
engine damage not covered by
your warranty.

Engine Oil Additives

Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with
the starburst symbol that meet
GM Standard GM6094M are all you
need for good performance and
engine protection.

Engine Oil Life System

When to Change Engine Oil

Your vehicle has a computer system
that lets you know when to change
the engine oil and filter. This is
based on engine revolutions
and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an
oil change will be indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil
life system to work properly, you
must reset the system 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. The letters InSP will
appear in the odometer display.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the mileage indicated on
the display. If you are driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is necessary once a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset
accidentally, you must change the
oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since your last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.

Vehicle Service and Care

9-9

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Saturn Astra (2008 year). Manual - part 12