Saturn Sky (2008 year). Manual

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off
the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if:

•

The right front passenger seat is unoccupied.

•

The system determines that an infant is present in
a rear-facing infant seat.

•

The system determines that a small child is present
in a child restraint.

•

The system determines that a small child is present
in a booster seat.

•

A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of
the seat for a period of time.

•

The right front passenger seat is occupied by a
smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown
child restraints.

•

Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator
will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off.
See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-25.

If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child
restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint
following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions
and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position on page 1-32.

If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure
that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child
restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly
recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat
cushion if possible.

Remove any additional material from the seat such as
blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or
seat massagers before reinstalling or securing the
child restraint.

If the on indicator is still lit, do not install a child restraint
in this vehicle and check with your dealer/retailer.

The passenger sensing system is designed to enable
(may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag
anytime the system senses that a person of adult size
is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat.
When the passenger sensing system has allowed
the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and
stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active.

1-45

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For some children who have outgrown child restraints
and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system
may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating
posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who
has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety
belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for
that person.

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
If this happens, turn the vehicle off, remove any
additional material from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat heaters or seat massagers
and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully
upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on
the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably
extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person
remain in this position for two to three minutes.
This will allow the system to detect that person and
then enable the right front passenger’s frontal airbag.

Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which
helps the passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for additional information
about the importance of proper restraint use.

1-46

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{

CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 3-24 for more on this, including
important safety information.

A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.

We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment other than any that GM has
approved for your specific vehicle. See Adding
Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-48 for more information about modifications
that can affect how the system operates.

{

CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.

1-47

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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle

Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle
and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual,
see Service Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-15.

{

CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inflate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inflates. Avoid yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to do so.

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, front sensors, or airbag wiring can affect
the operation of the airbag system.

In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seat trim
is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim,

1-48

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or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for
a different vehicle. Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top of the seat
fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-43.

If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my airbag system?

If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag
wiring.

1-49

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Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Safety Belts

Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly.

Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or
frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-23 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety
Belts on page 5-87.

Airbags

The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 3-24 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbag modules, see What
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-41. See your
dealer/retailer for service.

1-50

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Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash

{

CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts?

After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have your safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.

New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
belt was not being used at the time of the crash.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.

Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your
vehicle has been in a crash, or if your airbag readiness
light stays on after you start your vehicle or while
you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 3-24.

1-51

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Keys

{

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons, children or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the keys in the
ignition and they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing window.
Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

The key can be used for the ignition and all locks.

Your vehicle has a vehicle theft-deterrent system.
The key has a transponder in the key head that is
electronically coded to match a decoder in your vehicle
that allows the key to start the vehicle. If a replacement
key or any additional key is needed, you must purchase it
from your dealer/retailer. See PASS-Key

III+ Operation

on page 2-14 for additional information.

2-2

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The key has a bar-coded key tag that a dealer/retailer
or qualified locksmith can use to make new keys.
Store this information in a safe place, not in your vehicle.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.

If you are locked out of your vehicle, contact Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System

Your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on
a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

At times you may notice a decrease in operating range.
This is normal for any RKE system. If the transmitter
does not work or if you have to stand closer to
your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

•

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.

•

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

•

Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” later in this
section.

•

If you are still having trouble, see your dealer/retailer
or a qualified technician for service.

2-3

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Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation

The vehicle’s doors can
be locked and unlocked,
and the trunk can be
unlatched from about
3 feet (1 m) up to 60 feet
(18 m) away with the
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter.

(Lock): Press the lock button to lock all the doors.

If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC),
the parking lamps may flash once and the horn may chirp
to indicate locking has occurred. See “LOCK HORN”
under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-45.

(Unlock): Press the unlock button one time to

unlock the driver’s door. Press the unlock button
again within five seconds to unlock the other doors.

The interior lamps will come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled
through the DIC, the parking lamps will flash once
to indicate unlocking has occurred. See “UNLOCK
HORN” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-45.

(Trunk Release): Press and hold this button for

approximately one second to release the trunk lid.
The trunk release will only work if the ignition is off or
the vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h).

(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): Press and release

this button to help locate your vehicle. The horn will
sound three times and the hazard lamps will flash three
times. Press and hold the button for three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. The horn will sound and
the hazard lamps will flash for 30 seconds. The ignition
must be off for the vehicle locator/remote alarm to
work. Press the vehicle locator/panic alarm button again
or turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
to turn off the alarm.

The vehicle may have Remote Lock/Unlock Confirmation.
This feature provides feedback that a command has been
received by the vehicle. The parking lamps will flash and
the horn may sound briefly. See “LOCK HORN” and
“UNLOCK HORN” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-45 for programming information.

2-4

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Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

Each RKE transmitter is uniquely coded to prevent
another transmitter from unlocking the vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer/retailer. Remember
to bring any additional transmitters so they can also be
re-coded to match the new transmitter. Once your
dealer/retailer has coded the new transmitter, the lost
transmitter cannot unlock the vehicle. The vehicle
can have a maximum of four transmitters coded to it.

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in the RKE transmitter
should last about four years.

If the battery is weak the transmitter will not work within
its normal range. It is probably time to change the
battery if you have to be very close to the vehicle before
the transmitter works.

Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.

To replace the battery do the following:

1. Insert a flat object with a thin edge into the notch,

located below the trunk release button, and pry the
front and back apart.

2. Remove the old battery, but do not use a metal

object to do this.

3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter with the

positive side of the battery facing up. Use a type
CR2032 battery, or equivalent type.

4. Snap the front and the back of the transmitter

together.

5. Test the operation of the transmitter with the

vehicle.

2-5

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Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

•

Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle
will not open it. You increase the chance
of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

•

Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.

•

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle.

From the outside, turn the key in the driver’s door
lock cylinder briefly counterclockwise to unlock the
driver’s door. Turn and hold it to unlock all the doors.
You can also use the remote keyless entry transmitter.
From the inside use the manual or power door locks.

Power Door Locks

You can use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock and unlock the doors from inside
or outside the vehicle. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2-4 for more information.

On vehicles with power door locks, the switches
are located on the doors.

(Lock): Press to lock all doors.

(Unlock): Press to unlock all doors.

2-6

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Delayed Locking

If your vehicle has power door locks, it will have the
delayed locking feature. This feature delays the actual
locking of the doors when the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter is used to lock the vehicle.

If any door is open when locking the vehicle using the
RKE transmitter, three chimes will sound signaling
that the delayed locking feature is active. Five seconds
after the last door is closed, both doors will lock and
the parking lamps will flash. To cancel the delay
and lock the doors immediately, press the lock button
on the RKE a second time.

If the key is in the ignition, this feature will not lock
the doors.

Automatic Door Lock

The vehicle’s doors are programmed to lock when the
shift lever is moved into a forward gear.

If someone needs to get in or out of the vehicle after
the doors have been locked, place the shift lever
into PARK (P). You may also unlock all doors using the
power door lock switch or unlock one door using the
inside manual door lock.

The automatic door lock feature cannot be disabled.

Programmable Automatic Door
Unlock

The vehicle’s doors are programmed from the factory to
unlock when the shift lever is moved into PARK (P).

On vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
there are different programming options for unlocking the
doors automatically. See DIC Vehicle Personalization
on page 3-45.

2-7

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Lockout Protection

The lockout protection feature makes it more difficult to
lock the key in the vehicle. If the driver’s door is
open while the key is in the ignition, the door cannot be
locked with the power door lock switch.

This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be
locked out of the vehicle. If the key is not left in
the ignition, or, if the manual door lock is used,
the key could still be locked inside the vehicle.
Always remember to take the key with you.

Trunk

To release the trunk lid use either the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter, or see “Remote Trunk
Release” following.

To close the trunk, push down firmly from the rear
center of the trunk lid.

{

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:

•

Make sure all other windows are shut.

•

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.

•

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.

See Engine Exhaust on page 2-27.

2-8

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Remote Trunk Release

To open the trunk from
inside the vehicle, press
the remote trunk release
button located in the
glovebox.

The remote trunk release will only work when either the
ignition is off or in ACC/ACCESSORY, the parking
brake is engaged, or the vehicle speed is less than
2 mph (3 km/h).

Emergency Trunk Release Handle

Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release
handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing
items in the trunk as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release handle is only
intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk from the inside.

There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release
handle located inside the trunk on the driver’s side.
This handle will glow following exposure to light.
If someone is locked in the trunk, they can pull the
release handle and push the trunk lid open from
the inside to open the trunk.

2-9

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Saturn Sky (2008 year). Manual - part 4