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DAN WILLIAMS 

[a]

 30 day /1,500 mile trade-in policy

1. Applies to used vehicles purchased at Saturn of Bowie.
2. If, for any reason, you are not happy with the vehicle, you may return the vehicle within 30 days from date of purchase or 1,500 miles from mileage at purchase to select another vehicle.  Of course, vehicles must not be returned with damage or excessive wear and they must be returned by the owner. 

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30 day/1,500 mile Money Back Guarantee

1. Applies to new Saturn vehicles.
2. Very simple.  If, for any reason, you do not want you vehicle you can return it and receive a full refund.  Don't like the shape of the tires?  Decide you really can afford that Ferrari? Any reason.  Of course, an offer wouldn't be an offer without fine print so here goes:
   1.   1) You have 30 days  from the purchase date or 1,500 miles from the purchase date (whichever comes first) to return the vehicle  and you have to do it between 12:01 am - 12:05 am on the third Tuesday after your purchase.  Of course, you need to buy us all lunch at the place of our choice for the next year and you have to run around advertising for Saturn whenever we ask  wear this really goofy set of clothing that looks like a big planet Saturn. Ciao.  Ferrari forever.
   2. Just Kidding:  Here goes:  1) You have 30 days from the purchase date or 1,500 miles from the purchase mileage (whichever comes first) to return the vehicle; 2) The vehicle must be returned in the condition in which it was delivered.  Any vehicle returned will be inspected for excessive wear and tear. 3) The car cannot have more than $300.00 damage. If it has more than $300.00 damage, the vehicle may not be returned.  If less than $300.00 damage, the damage estimate will be deducted from the credit or refund; and, 4) Only the original owner can return the vehicle. 

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ABS 

1. Anti-lock Brake System.  Available on all Saturn models.  The Saturn ABS system comes standard with Traction Control. 
2. ABS FAQ:
   1. How does ABS work?  Sensors are located on each wheel.  The sensors are connected to an electronic control unit.
      1. When you brake in emergency stopping situations (slam on the brakes), the sensors detect when a wheel is about to lock (stop turning and start skidding).  The ABS system pumps the brakes several times  per second (much faster than you can do it).  
      2. What's the big deal?  You can still steer the car when the wheels are turning. The ABS system keeps the wheels turning and the tires in contact with the road so you are much less likely to skid off the road. 
      3. Let's recap:  Emergency stop.  Wheels keep spinning with ABS.  You still have the ability to steer the car.  If you can steer the car, you stand a better chance of avoiding an accident.  Any questions?
   2. Will I stop faster?  NO.  This is important.  You will not stop any faster with ABS.  ABS helps avoid braking skids allowing you more opportunity to steer and avoid accidents.
   3. How can I tell if the ABS is working? When activated, you will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.  You will also hear audible feedback, sort of a thumping sound, when the ABS is working.  L and S series cars use similar ABS systems but the sounds will be different due to the weight and structure of the cars.
   4. Remember:  If you feel a pulsation in the brake pedal during ABS operation, then the system is working normally.  Repeat after me:  I will keep my foot on the brake even though it feels weird.  
3. ABS History: 
   1. Anti-lock Brakes/Traction Control:  Available on all Saturn models in some part since the first cars in 1991. 
      1. 1991 - 1992 Model Years:  ABS only optional across all models. 1991 Featured only the SL, SL1, SL2, and SC models.  Traction control was not offered.  All models with ABS get 4 wheel disc brakes.
      2. 1993 - 1995:  Full Model Line introduced (SL, SL1, SL2, SC1, SC2, SW1, SW2) in 1993
         1. Automatic transmission:   Traction Control standard with ABS. Automatic models ONLY got the ABS with traction control. 
         2. Manual transmission: Optional ABS only.  No traction control offered with manual transmissions.
         3. Brakes:  1993 & 1994 models get ABS with 4 wheel disc brakes. Starting in 1995, ABS with 4 wheel disc brakes were  only on the SL2 and SC2.  In other words, all models with ABS used front disc and rear drum brakes except the the SL2 and SC2. 
      3. 1996 - 2002: ABS with traction control optional  across all models and transmissions.  1996 - 1998 SL2 and SC2 models continued to receive 4 wheel disc brakes. Beginning in 1999, all Saturn vehicles came standard with front disk and rear drums for both ABS/Traction control and standard configurations.

    

    

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Actual Cash Value (ACV)  

1. The actual cash equivalent for your trade-in vehicle.   Cars and trucks are market driven.  There are two markets and probably several levels within the two main markets but we'll just concentrate on the two main types:
   (1)    Retail:  The price someone is willing to pay for your product.  There are wide variations in a retail price.  Sometimes we're used to the variation.  Gas prices vary a few cents (usually) between stations.  We have lots of experience with gas stations, right?, so we accept the variation and make our choices based on the large amount of information we have about gas stations and prices.  But, what happens when we shop for a product like a car that we have relatively little experience with?  Cars are my business and it takes hours each day to keep up with the market fluctuations, model types, option groups and depreciation rates.  So, if you shop for a car infrequently, how do you know what the value is?

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Acquisition Fee

1. The fee a financing source charges to acquire a lease or balloon from a retailer. Usually included in the capitalized cost or required as cash due at signing.

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Air bags

1. Also called Next Generation air bags or reduced force air bags.
2. How they work:  In a collision, a sensor located in the center of the car determines whether air bags may help reduce injury.  If conditions are right, the sensor tells the air bags to inflate.  This takes place in about 1/20th of second.  The bags deflate immediately.
3. What's reduced about the force?
   1. Short-version:  After a contentious debate, the government changed the crash tests allowing automakers to introduce an air bag that deployed with about 30% less force.  The thinking? Lower force bags reduce the likelihood of serious injury or death to unbelted front seat occupants and children. 
   2. Long-version:  The debate is still going on.  Some folks want the old bags back while NHTSA and the auto makers believe the current bags are OK. For complete info, go to the main NHTSA site.
   3. Bottom line:  IMHO, air bags are good.  They save lives.  Wear your seat belts and never put a child in the front seat.
      
4. Do all current Saturns have dual air bags?  Yes.  The only cars that don't are models from 1991-1993 and even then some have air bags.  
5. Side Head Curtain Bags:  
   1. Why are head curtains better? Standard side impact bags inflate and protect the lower body regions in certain side impact accidents. Many of the serious injuries are head and neck injuries.  Luxury car makers like BMW, Volvo and Mercedes have provided head curtain (head liner) bags for several years because of the superior injury protection.  Saturn is the first car company to offer the head curtain bags in compact, economy cars. Other car makers are now following our lead. 
   2. S-Series Head Curtain Air Bags:  Starting in model year 2001 all S-series cars, regardless of trim or model level, are offered with optional Head Curtain Air Bags. Head curtain bags offer passengers extra protection during certain side collisions by providing a cushion to help protect the head and neck regions. The bags inflate the headliner area just above the side windows on either side of the car.  S-series cars offer head curtain protection only for the front seat positions.   Like all air bags, head curtain bags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts.  S-series head curtain bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact accidents. 
   3. L-Series Head Curtain Air Bags:  Offered as an option on all L-series cars since the first model year (2000), the L-Series is different from the S-series configuration because both front and rear passengers receive protection. When the impact is strong enough, one air bag inflates to protect both front and rear passengers on the near side of the impact.   Like all air bags, head curtain bags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts.  L-series head curtain bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and rear seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact accidents.  All 2002 L-series have side head curtain bags standard. 
   4. VUE: Side head curtain bags will come as an option on all VUE models. Get them, it's worth it.

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Air Conditioning

1. Optional on all models from 1991 - mid year 1998.  Standard on SL2, SC2 and SW2 from mid year 1998 to the present (2002 model years).  A/C continues to be optional on all other models. 
2. Refrigerant:
   1. 1991 - 1993:  R - 12.
   2. 1994 - present: R - 134a

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Automatic transmission

1. S-SERIES:  

   a.    The Saturn S series transmission has over 30 patents to its credit. 

   b.    Uses the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to work with the engine to constantly monitor driving conditions and adjust for performance. For example, when the car is on and uphill grade the transmission compensates through gear ranges, shift points (the engine rpms) and power to provide optimum performance. Similarly, when traveling down steep grades, the transmission control provides automatic grade braking to select the appropriate gear.

   c.    Easy maintenance:  Easy access drain plug and dipstick and includes an external spin-off automatic transmission filter.  There's no bottom transmission pan!

   d.    Electronically controlled:  continuously monitors driving conditions like altitude, coolant, oil and air temperature to allow for optimum performance.

   e.    Limp-home capability:  If you have a problem, a computer monitored fail-safe system allows for as much normal function as possible to get you to a service facility.

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2. L-SERIES:

   a.    Electronically controlled 4-speed transmission.

   b.    Monitors driving conditions including altitude, grade changes, coolant, oil and air temperature to adjust for maximum performance.

   c.    Two versions: one specifically for the 2.2L 4-cyclinder and another for the increased torque of the V6.

   d.    Easy maintenance:  Transmission fluid is factory filled and never needs replacing under normal driving conditions.  In fact, there's no dipstick.

   e.    Limp-home and reduced power capability:  Both versions offer a computer monitored fail-safe system to get you further down the road in the event of a serious transmission problem.

    

3. VUE:
   1. VTi:

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Axle Ratio

1. The relationship between the number of engine or drive-shaft revolutions and the number of wheel revolutions.
2. So, an axle ratio of 3.68:1 means the drive-shaft turns 3.68 times for every revolution of the wheels.
3. Higher numbers mean more rapid acceleration but they also mean lower top end speed and gas mileage because the engine works harder (turns faster). The 1st gear ratio of the L200 (LS1) automatic is 2.96.
4. Lower numbers mean better overall speed and gas mileage.  The 4th gear ratio of the L200 (LS1) automatic transmission is 0.68.
5. Higher numbers=lower gears (sometimes called short gears).
6. Lower numbers=higher gears (usually called tall gears).

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   [b]

Balloon finance option

1. An alternative to leasing.  The title remains with you in a balloon loan so you pay less on insurance. A type of simple interest loan.
2. Like a lease, a balloon makes your payment smaller by breaking down the cost based on how long you will drive the car and how many miles you will drive. 
3. Balloons have mileage limitations just like leases.

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Battery, keyless entry remote 

1. All Saturn (both L & S series) keyless remotes use a common CR2032 battery.  A Panasonic comes from the factory but you can buy anything.  The CR2032 is available anywhere watch/camera batteries are sold. 
2. Expect a wide variation in battery life depending on your usage:  some folks replace a battery once a year, some folks go three or four years on the same battery.  Follow the replacement instructions in your owner's manual. Generally, you separate the two halves of the key fob (please, not with a hammer) and slide the battery out.  

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Battery, L-series

1. Maintenance free:  never add water.
2. 600 cold-cranking amps:  more reliable starts in cold temps.
3. 90-minute reserve capacity:  power for things like the radio and other accessories when the car is off.
4. 120-amp alternator; lightweight design.
5. side mount terminals with an additional easy access positive terminal for more convenient jump starts.  No more wrestling with the side mount covers.

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Battery, S-series

Blue label used car

Bore

1. The diameter of an engine cylinder. See also stroke.

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Bumpers

1. Federal law requires that bumpers sustain no damage in a 2½ mph incident.
2. Saturn has bumpers that stay put in accidents up to 5 mph.
3. In recent bumper tests, the Saturn S series comes in second to only the new VW Beetle.  What does that mean?  You can encounter those minor bumps and bruises and poles and pillars with little or no damage to your car (or your wallet).  Please the complete results at NHTSA.  The L-series also did very well, finishing 1st out of all 17 vehicles tested!  Please check  NHTSA for complete details.

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   [c]

Capitalized Cost

1. A lease/balloon financing term.  Also referred to as cap cost for short.
2. The price of the car and just about everything else that gets figured into your monthly payment.
3. Includes:  price of the vehicle, taxes, acquisition fee, dealer fee, service contracts, or any other charge that ends up on the bottom line.

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Carbon Monoxide

1. Colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of gasoline hydrocarbons. Very poisonous.
2. Always present in automobile exhaust.

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Carryover

1. New model year vehicles that are identical to the model sold the previous year. May contain new colors or seating fabrics.  Any structural changes are referred to as freshened vehicle.  

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Catalytic Converter

1. What it does:  converts harmful exhaust emissions into harmless gases (carbon dioxide and nitrogen) and a bit of water.
2. What's inside a converter:  a mixture of palladium, rhodium and platinum.   

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Certification

Certified used car

Change oil soon light:  see oil life monitor.

Child Safety Seat Top Tether Anchors

Some (and soon, all) child restraint seats will require a top tether anchor.  Starting in 2000, all Saturn S and L series vehicles offer three standard anchors.  The L-series Sedan anchor is shown at left. Sedan and coupe anchors are on the rear package shelf (by the rear window); S-series wagon anchors are located just below the liftgate; and, L-series wagon anchors are on the floor of the cargo area behind the rear seats.

See also LATCH SYSTEM

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Coefficient of drag

Compression Ratio

1. A ratio expressing the relationship between the volume of the cylinder with the piston at the bottom of its stroke and at the top of its stroke. The compression ratio of the L300 (LS2) is 10.0:1

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Coolant, checking level:  (see also, Coolant, mixture)

1. S-series:  The coolant fill surge tank is located on the passenger's side of the engine compartment. In new Saturn's it will have a yellow cap with a pink dot in the middle.  Very colorful.   Cold engine level:  Min./Max. COLD range.  Warm engine level:  Min./Max. COLD range or a little higher.  If you add coolant more than four times a year, have the service folks check the cooling system. 
   1. Be certain to add the right kind of coolant!  Read your owner's manual for the type of coolant specified for your vehicle.
2. L-series:  The coolant fill surge tank is located on the driver side of the underhood engine compartment.  As with the S, be certain you are adding the correct coolant. If you are unsure, please have a service facility do it for you.  

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Coolant, mixture: (see also, Coolant, checking level)

1. Use a 50/50 mix of clean, drinkable water (preferably distilled) and the appropriate coolant.  Newer cars use  Dex-Cool (silicate free) coolant. It is very important that you use the type of coolant specifically recommended for your car. Using the 50/50 mix will: give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C) and boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).

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Cruise Control

1. 1991-1992:  Cruise is mounted in the center of the steering column.  
2. 1993-1999:  Cruise is mounted on the rear of the steering column.
3. 2000 (L & S series):  Cruise is mounted in two positions on the steering wheel.

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Crumple Zones

1. What are they?  Sections of your car are designed to fly off in an accident.  
2. Why is this good:  See, during an accident, a certain amount of energy is         generated.  The less of the energy that smashes into you (or your kids), the better chance you have of walking away with less severe injuries. Think of it this way.  Say the total force of an accident is 100. Without crumple zones, a force of 85 is transferred to your chest, arms and legs.  With crumble zones, various parts of the car absorb the forces so that the amount that gets to your body might be 50 instead of 85.  Like the image on the left, the ends of your Saturn spaceframe or modified spaceframe are designed to crush so the middle part (where you sit) stays in tact.

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Curb Weight

1. The weight of a vehicle with no passengers or loads and a full gas tank.
2. The curb weight of the Saturn SL2 automatic transmission is 2425.5 lbs.  The curb weight of the Saturn L300 (LS2) is 3152.6 lbs.

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   [d]

Daytime running lamps 

1. Standard on all Saturn vehicles.  The green light on the speedometer (usually to the left of the 40 mph area, just across from the ejection seat malfunction indicator) tells you the lamps are working. 
2. Remember, the purpose of the lamps is so other folks can see you coming.  When the headlights are on, the lamps go off.
3. Can I turn them off:  NO. The fuses are connected to the high beams and regular lights so messing with the DRL can mean your head lights won't work.

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Defog (1991-1999 models)  

1. Saturn windows have a peculiar habit of fogging. This is normal. To correct the fogging, do one of the following:  1)  Do not breath whenever you are in the car.  This is difficult, but will work. 2)  Set the fan speed to high, turn the a/c on, set the mode knob to the defrost position and move the temperature into the hot (red) area.  The recirculate button must be off or this will not work.

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Defog (2000-2001 S & L series)  

1. With the mode knob at the defrost setting, set the fan speed to high, make sure the temperature is in the hot (red) area and the recirculate button is off. The  a/c will automatically come on when you use Defrost/Defog setting.  

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Defrog: 

Depreciation

1. Opposite of appreciation.  Land and property goes up in value (appreciates).  Cars drop in value (depreciate).
2. Different cars have different rates of depreciation.  Rates of depreciation differ across the country depending on local market values.  Rates are based on normal driving conditions.  So, if you drive a lot, your depreciation is more.  If you drive less, your depreciation is less.  

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Dex-Cool (silicate free) coolant  

1. Dex-cool (silicate free) provides great protection and is safer for the environment. Using coolant other than Dex-cool (silicate free) will cause premature engine, heater core and radiator corrosion.  Damage caused by the use of coolant other than Dex-Cool (silicate free) is NOT covered buy the new vehicle warranty. 

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Distributorless ignition system 

1. All Saturn engines use a computer controlled spark advance to accurately control the firing of the spark plugs.  A timing disk and a magnetic pickup sensor sense the position of the engine crankshaft and send a signal to the computer to open the coil circuit to fire the spark plug.
2. Translation:  The spark fires exactly when the cylinder is ready.  You get better starts, acceleration and gas mileage.  

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DOHC

1. Dual Over Head Camshaft. 
2. What's a camshaft?
3. A 1.9-liter engine is standard on SL2, SW2 and SC2. A 2.2L DOHC is standard on the L100, L200 & LW200.
4. See engine for complete details.

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Electric Power Steering

1. Look under the hood of the VUE and you'll notice the power steering fluid container is missing.  Why?  Instead of a conventional hydraulic pump with fluid and pressure hoses, the VUE uses an electric motor (right; click to enlarge) linked directly to the steering rack. 
2. The motor is powered by the VUE's electrical system rather than the engine accessory belt.  Thousands of input per second help regulate the amount of power assist provided by the electric motor.  Steering wheel input from the driver, angle of the front wheels and vehicle speed are some of the info used by the system.  
3. What does this mean to you? 
   1. A higher level of assist provided at lower speeds (like parking lots) and almost none when driving at steady speeds (like highways).  Overall, you get better road feel from the EPS. 
   2. Improved gas mileage from the lower weight of the system and the power savings using the motor (there's no pump to be driven by the engine and that saves power).  Since there's no pump, you also get to keep your power steering control in the even your accessory belt breaks.  
   3. You get more room and more efficient design owing to the lower weight and smaller size of the EPS.  

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Electronic Throttle Control  

1. On all V6 Saturn engines.  No mechanical linkage between the accelerator and the throttle.  So, you get more precise control of engine operation which means better fuel economy and better power.
2. Sometimes known as "fly by wire." 

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Elephants, flat feet  

Elephants have flat feet to stamp out burning ducks.  See Forest fires.

Engines

2.2L DOHC L-SERIES ENGINE

CLICK TO ENLARGE

3.OL V6 L-SERIES ENGINE

CLICK TO ENLARGE

       The VUE will offer an available ECO-TEC engine with VTi.

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Evaporative Emissions Canister

1. Helps protect you and the environment by reducing gasoline vapors.
2. When you turn the engine off, a small amount of gas is unused and will evaporate into the air.  In Saturns, the fuel vapors are trapped in a canister on top of the fuel tank assembly.  The vapors are held until the next time you start your car. Then the vapors are burned in the engine. The canister does double duty: See  onboard refueling vapor recovery.

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Freshen 

1. Term applied to vehicle model year designs.
2. Generally means the sheet metal or polymer body is untouched.  May include new grille, fascia or headlight/taillight treatments.

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Forest fires, stamping out  

1. Why ducks have webbed feet.  See also Elephants, flat feet.  

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Front Wheel Drive

1. All Saturn vehicles are front wheel drive.  
2. Only the front wheels receive power from the engine to move the car.
3. Definition time: 
   1. Differential:  allows a car's outside wheel to rotate faster than the inside wheel while cornering.  For many complicated reasons--possibly covered in physics while I was napping--This Is Good.
   2. Transaxle: Transfers power directly from the engine to the front wheels.  In front wheel drive cars, the term refers to the combination of transmission gearing, differential and drive axle connections into a single case located in the front of the car.  
   3. Driveshaft:  Takes power from the engine and transfers it to the rear (drive) wheels. A driveshaft is that long metal shaft on trucks and some cars.  Also produces that hump in the floor because you can't have the driveshaft hanging down below the car.
   4. Transmission: The part of the car that transfers the power generated by the engine to the wheels so you get going.  Contains gearing to produce differing amounts of torque and horsepower depending on the vehicle.
4. Benefits: 1) Front wheel drive cars offer better traction than rear-drive cars because the powered wheels are directly under the drive train.  Think of it as pulling your car instead of pushing.  2) You get more control of the car, especially in slippery conditions.  3) More room:  remember the hump in the middle of your old (or your folks') car?  I do.  I always had to sit there.  No driveshaft means no hump down the middle.

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Gas Tank   

1.  S-Series:  12.1-U.S. gallon/45.8-liter capacity. 
2.  L-Series:   A) 2001:  15.7 U.S. gallon
                   B) 2000:  13.1 U.S. gallon 49.5 liter capacity.

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Gilligan's Island

An uncharted desert isle with Gilligan, the skipper too, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Ann. 

Green label used car

1.    Saturn used car term no longer used.  Formerly, a Green Label used car was either a) a Saturn over 5 model years old and/or over 60,000 total vehicle miles or b) any non-Saturn car or truck. The designation is now inspected. Inspection labels are still usually green. 

Head Curtain Air Bags

Designed to prevent or significantly reduce the severity of head and neck injuries in side impact accidents.  Also, note how the bags cover the windows to protect from flying glass and other objects.

Unique to the compact class, head curtain bags are usually only found in more expensive cars, especially BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.

Why are they a big deal?  The vast majority of serious or fatal injuries in side impact accidents come from head/neck trauma.  Head curtain bags protect your head and neck area much better than a simple side curtain bag that comes out near your ribs. 

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Heated Exterior Mirrors:

1. Standard on all L200, L300, LW200 & LW300 models.  When you press the rear defrost button, the outside side-view mirrors also heat to help remove fog, frost and ice.  Very handy.  

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HEPA Filter

1. Passenger compartment air filter.  Standard on all L-Series cars.
2. What it does:  Traps most of the pollen and dirt and dust from the air entering the car.  Needs to be changed about once per year.  Once you see how dirty the filter gets, you'll probably change it more often. 
3. Where is it?  In the cowl grill, at the base of the windshield.  Raise the hood and look at the base of the windshield, below the rubber insulation strip.

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Horsepower  

1. One Horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second:  the ability to lift 550 pounds one foot off the ground in one second.  

2. ENGINE	1.9L SOHC	1.9L DOHC	2.2L DOHC	3.0L V6
   HORSEPOWER	100 @ 5,000 RPM	124@ 5,600 RPM	137 @5,800 ROM	182 @ 5,600 RPM
   MODELS	SL, SL1, SC1,SWP	SL2, SC2, SW2	LS, LS1, LW1	LS2, LW2
   			L100, L200, LW200	L300, LW300

3. Get more information on engines now.
4. See Torque.

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Ignition system

Injection Molding

1. Manufacturing process used for polymer exterior body panels.
2. Thermoplastic pellets are melted and injected into a body panel mold.  The plastic cools and hardens in about 1 minute producing a durable, flexible ready-to-paint panel for a Saturn.
3. The plastics used by Saturn are NOT thermoset.  Our plastics can be reground and recycled into other parts and nutritious snacks for the kids.

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Key, Seems stuck in lock  

1. If your key seems stuck in the lock do this:  1) check to see you are using the right key; 2) make sure the key is all the way in; 3) if everything is OK, jiggle the steering wheel left and right (even if the wheel is locked) while turning the key. Do not use any type of tool to force the key.  

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Keyless entry

L-Series

1. The new midsize from Saturn available in three sedan (4 door) models and two wagon models.  Yes, you can get a V6 now.  Want to know more?  Go here. 

LATCH SYSTEM

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Lease:

Lost Foam Casting

1. What it is:  A process of creating powertrain components like engine blocks, cylinder heads and crankshafts.
2. How it works:  A Polystyrene (a material that looks like Styrofoam) mold of, say and engine block, is packed in sand and molten metal is poured in. The intense heat of the hot metal causes the foam mold to evaporate instantly:  hence the name lost foam.  When the foam evaporates, it leaves behind an iron or aluminum imprint (an engine block, crankshaft, etc.).   Look closely at the aluminum engine block of any Saturn and you can clearly see the imprint from the lost foam process. Looks sort of like a foam cup or one of those cheapo picnic coolers.
3. Why it's good:  Saturn was the first automotive company to use innovative lost foam casting to make car parts on a large scale.  Why is this good?  Several reasons.  First, the process is more precise than traditional sand casting.  Less machining and fewer parts are required so there's less waste.  Second, Saturn can cast more complex parts and design more features into a single mold. This saves time, money and can add structural strength to the finished part (because it's all integrated into a single, rigid mold).  Stronger parts last longer.  Stronger parts need less maintenance.  
4. Bottom line:  Lower cost and more reliable products.
5. S-Series:  All models:  lost foam casting is used to make the engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts and transmission differential cases.
6. L-Series: 2.2L DOHC only (L100 (LS), L200 (LS1) & LW200 (LW1):  engine block, cylinder head and bedplate.    BACK TO TOP

Low fuel warning light

1. 1991 Model Year:  None.  Let me quote from the manual:  "When the gage first says 'E', you still have a little fuel left,  but you need to get more right away."
2. 1996 - 2001 S and L series cars:  The fuel light is supposed to trigger when the gas tank has about 1.5 gallons of fuel remaining.  BUT, sometimes the float (sensor attached to the fuel pump) sits on the bottom of the gas tank and just falls asleep, gets too distracted with everyday activities (you know how it is) and will not turn on the warning light.  The lesson?  Don't wait for the light.  BACK TO TOP

Manual transmission

Mobility program

Muffler

NHTSA  

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  
2. Excellent website offering a myriad of statistics including crash tests, fatality rates, air bag information, roll over studies and much, much more.  Easy to navigate and very searchable.  www.nhtsa.dot.gov.   

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Oil life monitor (2000 L & S series only):

Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery

1. Pollution control device on all Saturn models.
2. During refueling, gasoline entering the tank pushes vapors (containing mean, nasty hydrocarbons) from inside the tank out into the atmosphere.  
3. Using the Evaporative Emissions Canister, the vapors are trapped so they can be used as fuel the next time the engine starts.
4. Engine ignition opens a valve on the canister. Vapor is purged from the canister and returned to the engine to be burned. BACK TO TOP

Overhead cam

1. A type of valvetrain arrangement in which the camshaft(s) is in the cylinder head instead of the engine block.  This means no pushrods. 
2. What's the big deal? An overhead engine has fewer moving parts and reduces the inertia of the valvetrain.  So, you get more rotational speed and more power.
3. In a Single OverHead Cam (SOHC) engine, one cam operates all the valves of a given cylinder head.  SOHC engines provide excellent economy and midrange acceleration.
4. In a Dual OverHead Cam (DOHC) engine, one cam operates the intake valves and a second handles the exhaust valves.  DOHC engines provide better acceleration and longer midrange power.  

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Oversteer

1. When turning, the tendency of a car to turn much sharper than the steering forces from the driver.  See also Understeer.
2. In other words, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the back of the car.

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