Saturn Outlook (2010 year). Manual

8-6

Climate Controls

Temperature Control

The driver and passenger side
temperature buttons are used to
adjust the temperature of the air
coming through the system. The
temperature can be adjusted even if
the system is turned off since
outside air still enters the vehicle,
unless the recirculation mode is
selected. See “Recirculation” later in
this section.

Driver Side Temperature
Control: Press the + or − buttons
to increase or decrease the driver
side temperature. The driver side
temperature display will show the
temperature setting.

Passenger Side Temperature
Control: Press the + or − buttons
to increase or decrease the
passenger side temperature. The
passenger side display will show the
temperature setting.

PASS (Passenger): Press to set
the passenger temperature to match
the driver temperature setting. The
PASS indicator will turn off. When
the passenger temperature setting
is different than the driver setting,
the PASS indicator comes on.

Manual Operation

The air delivery mode or fan speed
can be manually adjusted.

(Fan Control): Press to

increase or decrease the fan speed.

Pressing

while in automatic

control places the fan speed under
manual control.

The air delivery mode remains in
automatic control. The fan setting
still displays, but the word AUTO no
longer displays, and the AUTO
button indicator light turns off.

(Air Delivery Mode

Control): Press to change the
direction of the airflow in the vehicle.
Repeatedly press

until the

desired mode appears on the

display. Pressing a mode button
while the system is off changes the
air delivery mode without turning the
system on. Press a mode button
while in automatic control to place
the system into manual control.

The air delivery mode setting still
displays, but the word AUTO no
longer displays, and the AUTO
button indicator light turns off.

(Vent): Air is directed to the

instrument panel outlets.

)

(Bi-Level): Air is divided

between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air is directed
towards the windshield and side
window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and
warmer air to the floor outlets.

(Floor): Air is directed to the

floor outlets, with some of the air
directed to the windshield, side
window, and second row floor
outlets. In this mode, the system
uses outside air.

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

Climate Controls

8-7

(Defog): This mode clears the

windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor
outlets, and side window vents.
When this mode is selected, the
system turns off recirculation and
runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is
less than 4°C (40°F). Do not drive
the vehicle until all the windows are
clear.

(Defrost): Press to turn the

defrost on or off. This mode quickly
clears the windshield of fog or frost.
Air is directed to the windshield,
side window, and floor vents. In this
mode, outside air is pulled inside
the vehicle. The air conditioning
system runs automatically in this
setting, unless the outside
temperature is less than 4°C (40°F).

Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.

While in defrost mode, if the PASS
button is pressed, the PASS button
indicator flashes three times to
show that the passenger climate
control system cannot be activated.
If the passenger temperature
buttons are adjusted while in defrost
mode, the driver temperature
indicator will change. The
passenger temperature will not be
displayed.

When returning to bi-level, vent,
or floor mode, the previous
temperature settings displays in
place of any change made while in
defrost mode.

Air Conditioning

(Air Conditioning): Press to

turn the air conditioning (A/C) on
and off. An indicator light comes on
when A/C is on.

The A/C does not work when the
outside temperature is below 4°C
(40°F). If

is pressed the indicator

flashes three times and turns off to
show that the A/C mode is not
available. If the A/C is on and the
outside temperature drops below a
temperature which is too cool for air
conditioning to be effective, the A/C
indicator turns off to show that the
A/C mode has been canceled.

On hot days, open the windows
briefly to let hot inside air escape.
This helps reduce the time it takes
for the interior of the vehicle to
cool down.

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

8-8

Climate Controls

The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so
water might drip under the vehicle
while idling or after turning off the
engine. This is normal.

(Recirculation): Press to turn

the recirculation mode on or off. An
indicator light comes on when
recirculation is on. When the engine
is turned off, the recirculation mode
automatically turns off and must be
re-selected when the engine is
turned on again.

This mode recirculates and helps to
quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering
the vehicle.

The recirculation mode cannot be
used with floor, defog, or defrosting
modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator flashes
three times and turns off. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
While in recirculation mode the
windows can fog when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog,
select either the defog or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed.

REAR: Press to turn the rear
heating and air conditioning on or
off. See Rear Climate Control
System (Rear Climate Control Only)
on page 8‑10 or Rear Climate
Control System (Rear Climate with
Rear Seat Audio) on page 8‑11.

Rear Window Defogger

The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.

(Rear Window Defogger):

Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. The rear window
defogger stays on for about
10 minutes, before turning off. The
defogger also turns off when the
engine is turned off. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are
clear.

For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, fog or frost is
cleared from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog
button is pressed.

Notice: Do not use a razor blade
or sharp object to clear the inside
rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid
lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.

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

Climate Controls

8-9

Sensors

The solar sensor, located in the
defrost grille in the middle of the
instrument panel, monitors the solar
heat. Do not cover the solar sensor
or the system will not work properly.

The interior temperature sensor
located on the instrument panel to
the right of the steering column,
measures the temperature of the air
inside the vehicle.

There is also an exterior
temperature sensor located behind
the front grille. This sensor reads
the outside air temperature and
helps maintain the temperature
inside the vehicle. Any cover on the
front of the vehicle could cause a
false reading in the displayed
temperature.

The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to
maintain comfort settings by
adjusting the temperature, fan
speed, and the air delivery mode.
The system may also supply cooler
air to the side of the vehicle facing
the sun. The recirculation mode will
also be used as needed to maintain
cool outlet temperatures.

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

8-10

Climate Controls

Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate
Control Only)

A. Fan Control

B. Temperature Control

C. Air Delivery Mode Control

For vehicles with the rear climate
control system, the controls are
located on the rear of the center
console. The system can also be
controlled with the front controls.

Press the REAR button on the front
climate control system to turn the
rear climate control system on or
off. An indicator comes on when the
rear system is on. The system also
turns on if any of the rear controls
are adjusted.

Mimic Mode: This mode matches
the rear climate control to the front
climate control settings. It comes on
when REAR is pressed.

Independent Mode: This mode
directs rear seating airflow
according to the settings of the rear
controls. It comes on when any rear
control is adjusted.

Fan Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Turn the
knob to

to turn the fan off.

Temperature Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the airflow
temperature.

Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
to the desired mode to change the
airflow direction.

H (Vent): Air is directed through
the overhead outlets.

) (Bi-Level): Air is directed
through the rear floor outlets, as
well as the overhead outlets.

6 (Floor): Air is directed through
the floor outlets. The rear system
floor outlets are located under the
third row seats.

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

Climate Controls

8-11

Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate with Rear
Seat Audio)

A. Fan Control

B. Air Delivery Mode Control

C. Temperature Control

For vehicles with the rear climate
control system, the controls are
located on the rear of the center
console.

Press the REAR button on the front
climate control system to turn the
rear climate control system on or
off. The system also turns on if any
of the rear controls, except for the

are pressed. An indicator comes

on when the rear system is on.

The system can also be turned off,
by pressing and holding the

button.

Mimic Mode: This mode matches
the rear climate control to the front
climate control settings. It comes on
when REAR is pressed.

Independent Mode: This mode
directs rear seating airflow
according to the settings of the rear
controls. It comes on when any rear
control is adjusted.

D C

(Fan Control): Press the fan

up or down buttons to increase or
decrease the fan speed.

Temperature Control: Press
+ or − to increase or decrease the
air temperature. The temperature
settings will display in
0-12 increments, going from the
coolest (0) to the warmest (12)
setting.

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

8-12

Climate Controls

(Air Delivery Mode Control):

Press to manually change the
direction of the airflow. Repeatedly
press the button until the desired
mode appears on the display.

(Vent): Air is directed through

the overhead outlets.

)

(Bi-Level): Air is directed

through the rear floor outlets, as
well as the overhead outlets.

(Floor): Air is directed through

the floor outlets. The rear system
floor outlets are located under the
third row seats.

Air Vents

Use the slider switch in the center of
the outlet, to change the direction of
the air flow. Use the thumbwheel
near the outlet to control the amount
of air flow or to shut off the airflow.

Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.

Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
can block the flow of air into the
vehicle.

Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.

Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.

If fogging reoccurs while in vent
or bi-level modes with mild
temperature throughout the
vehicle, turn on the air
conditioner to reduce windshield
fogging.

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

9-2

Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
your safety belt, see Safety Belts on
page 3‑14.

{

WARNING

Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
In addition:

Allow enough following
distance between you and
the driver in front of you.

Focus on the task of driving.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques
could save your life.

Drunk Driving

{

WARNING

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. 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.

Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.

Alcohol affects four things that
anyone needs to drive a vehicle:
judgment, muscular coordination,
vision, and attentiveness.

Police records show that almost
40 percent 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
17,000 annual motor vehicle-related
deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about
250,000 people injured.

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.

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

Driving and Operating

9-3

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.

Control of a Vehicle

The following three systems help to
control the vehicle while
driving — brakes, steering, and
accelerator. At times, as when
driving on snow or ice, it is easy to
ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide.
Meaning, you can lose control of the
vehicle. See StabiliTrak System on
page 9‑28.

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications on page 10‑3.

Braking

See Brake System Warning Light
on page 5‑20.

Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it 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 100 km/h
(60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft). That
could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough
space between the 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.

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 might not
have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out
much faster with a lot of heavy
braking. Keeping pace with the
traffic and allowing realistic following
distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.

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

9-4

Driving and Operating

If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. If the brakes are pumped,
the pedal could get harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will
still be some power brake assist but
it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is
used up, it can take longer to stop
and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications on page 10‑3.

Steering

Power Steering

If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.

Variable Effort Steering

The vehicle has a steering system
that continuously adjusts the effort
felt when steering at all vehicle
speeds. It provides ease when
parking, yet a firm, solid feel at
highway speeds.

Steering Tips

It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.

Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road
surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle speed.
While in a curve, speed is the one
factor that can be controlled.

If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve, while
the front wheels are straight.

Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and
then accelerate gently into the
straightaway.

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. These problems can
be avoided by braking — if you can
stop in time. But sometimes you
cannot stop in time because there is
no room. That is the time for
evasive action — steering around
the problem.

The vehicle can perform very well in
emergencies like these. First apply
the brakes. See Braking on
page 9‑3. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.

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

Driving and Operating

9-5

An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o'clock
positions, it can be turned 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

The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving.

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
the vehicle straddles the edge of the
pavement. Turn the steering wheel
8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 inches), about
one-eighth turn, until the right front

tire contacts the pavement edge.
Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.

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.

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

9-6

Driving and Operating

The three types of skids correspond
to the 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.

If the 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, the 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,
slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to
slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance is 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 might
not realize the surface is slippery
until the 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.

Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.

Driving on Wet Roads

Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.

{

WARNING

Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.

After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.

Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.

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

Driving and Operating

9-7

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under your vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.

There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.

Other Rainy Weather Tips

Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:

Allow extra following distance.

Pass with caution.

Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.

Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.

Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires on
page 10‑37.

Turn off cruise control.

Highway Hypnosis

Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.

Other driving tips include:

Keep the vehicle well ventilated.

Keep interior temperature cool.

Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides.

Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.

Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:

Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.

Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.

Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.

{

WARNING

If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.

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

9-8

Driving and Operating

{

WARNING

Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down
and they could get so hot that
they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or
even none going down a hill. You
could crash. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle in
gear when going downhill.

Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.

Top of hills: Be
alert — something could be in
your lane (stalled car, accident).

Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.

Winter Driving

Driving on Snow or Ice

Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C
(32°F) when freezing rain begins to
fall, resulting in even less traction.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in
freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.

Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.

Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive
wheels will spin and polish the
surface under the tires even more.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 9‑26 improves vehicle
stability during hard stops on
slippery roads, but apply the brakes
sooner than when on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in
shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are
clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.

Turn off cruise control, if equipped,
on slippery surfaces.

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

Driving and Operating

9-9

Blizzard Conditions

Being stuck in snow can be in a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use the Roadside
Assistance Program on page 13‑5.
To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.

{

WARNING

Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:

Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.

Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.

Open a window about 5 cm
(two inches) on the side of
the vehicle that is away from
the wind to bring in fresh air.

Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.

Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the
Index.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑21.

Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can
cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so
you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking the
exhaust.

Run the engine for short periods
only as needed to keep warm, but
be careful.

To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you

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

Saturn Outlook (2010 year). Manual - part 16