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DAN WILLIAMS 

Paint process:

1. Saturn uses a waterborne paint process that has won several awards.  Suspending the pigment in water (instead of a petroleum solvent based product) results in lower paint emissions.  
2. What's under all that paint?
   • The spaceframe is electrically charged and immersed in corrosion resistant coating material.
   • Waterproofing sealant is applied to critical seams to prevent water leaks and rust where the metal is joined.
   • Primer is applied to prepare the surface.
   • A basecoat is applied of pure color.
   • A special clearcoat is applied that produces a finish that is flexible (the polymer has to flex) and is more resilient than traditional solvent based paints.
   • Want to know how a Saturn paint job will hold up?  Look for any older Saturn vehicles and see for yourself.

Passlock security system:

1. Standard on all model year 2000 levels of Saturn L and S series. Look for the SECURITY light on the tachometer, bottom slightly left of center.
2. A passive anti-theft system.  Passlock lets the fuel injectors work if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock is tampered with, fuel is disabled (your car won't start).
3. There is no chip in the key.  The body computer knows what shape of key to look for and if the wrong one is used or if someone tampers with the lock, the car explodes in a heap of polymer flames.  Well, not really. Actually, the car just won't start.
4. The SECURITY light will go off approximately 5 seconds after the key is turned to the ON ignition position. If your engine is running and the SECURITY light comes on, you will be able to restart the car if the engine stalls but the PASSLOCK system is not working right. The car is not protected during this time. Call service.

Parking on hills, torque lock from see torque lock.

Plastic panels (see polymer panels)

Polymer bodyside panels

1. Never rust. Very dent resistant.
2. Injected molded from thousands of small thermoplastic resin pellets.  The pellets are melted and injected into molds where the polymer resin hardens within a minute. 
3. Here's a nifty fact:  If a mistake is made, the plastic can be melted down and used as raw material for new panels and several flavors of ice cream.
4. Dents:  Our polymer is four (4) times more dent resistant than ordinary steel body panels. You have seen the commercials, right?  
5. Nicks, dings, chips:  The material in the panels is also used in applications like snowmobile parts that take cold on the outside while sitting next to hot engines. The durability means less nicks and dings.
6. Safety:  Saturn panels are scored on the inside to break in predictable ways on impact to reduce the chance of passenger compartment intrusion.

Powertrain

1. The engine and transmission together.  

Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

R134a  

1. Standard air conditioning refrigerant used in both Saturn series cars.
2. Older vehicles use R112 systems that must be upgraded to R134a when repairs are needed.  R134a is safer.
3. Check under the hood for the listed type of your refrigerant.  The info is usually on a sticker on near the fan cowl. 

Rack and Pinion Steering: (see also steering)

1. A pinion gear turned by the steering wheel acts on a toothed bar (called the rack) and moves it side-to-side as the steering wheel is turned. 
2. The rack is connected to the road wheels and turns them.

Rear Window Defogger  

1. Standard on all models

Click on the picture to enlarge.  For both L and S series, the rear defrost button is the one with the squiggles between the AC and recirculate buttons.  The buttons are located in the center of the dash, between the Temperature selector knob and the Air Flow direction selector knob.  On L-series only (except for LS), the same button operates the heated exterior mirrors.  

Red Label Used Car

1. The Saturn vehicle is less than 5 model years old AND has under 60,000 miles.
2. The vehicle undergoes a 150-plus point inspection and reconditioning process: 
   1. A survey of all major vehicle systems
   2. tires at least 4/32" of tread remaining
   3. brake linings must retain more than 50% of useful life
   4. test of battery, starting system and charging system
   5. road test for rattles, squeaks, handling under varying conditions
   6. thorough diagnostic test with the onboard computer
   7. chips, scratches and/or nicks that affect durability, integrity and/or appearance are repaired based on the age and mileage of the car
   8. fresh oil and filter change
   9. a through cleaning, waxing, buffing
   10. all scheduled maintenance within 2,000 miles of the current odometer reading will be performed
   11. full tank of fuel
3. We will show you the results of the inspection.  
4. Maryland state inspection.
5. The Warranty After You Buy:
   1. For cars still covered by their 3-year/36,000 mile new car warranty:
      1. 3-day money back guarantee:  for any reason.
      2. 30 day/1,500 mile trade-in policy.
      3. saturn certified limited warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first).  The warranty includes:  
         1. $0 deductible on all covered repairs
         2. 24-hour roadside assistance.
   2. For cars outside of their Saturn 3-year/36,000 miles new car warranty:
      1. 3-day money back guarantee:  for any reason.
      2. 30-day/1,500 mile trade-in policy.
      3. saturn certified limited warranty for 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the date of purchase.  The warranty includes:
         1. $0 deductible on covered repairs
         2. 24-hour roadside assistance

Redesign

1. New vehicle term referring to a new platform (the basic structure of the car including body, frame and suspension), interior and exterior styling.  Engine and transmission could be carryover from previous model year.

Residual Value

1. The estimated value of a vehicle at the end of the lease or balloon.
2. Determined by the bank, lease company or finance company.
3. Residual values vary for different vehicles based on depreciation rates. So, a car that does not hold value very well over the years and miles will have a lower residual value than a car that keeps more of its value.

Reskin  

1. Vehicle model year styling term. Minor styling changes to the sheet metal including front and/or rear styling changed from previous year. See also: carryover,  freshen, redesign, restyle.

Restyle

1. Vehicle model year styling term.  Same platform as previous year with extensive changes to exterior and interior designs.  The car looks totally different from the previous model year.  

Reverse, fun driving in limited by main computer  

1. You can only go about 30 mph in reverse before the computer hits the rev limiter button.  All sorts of complicated technical reasons why this is a good thing. 

Rocking A Vehicle

S-Series

1. The original that started a revolution.  Available in three sedan (4 door) models, a wagon model and two sporty coupes (the first three door coupe!).  Want more info? Go here.

Security System

1. The Saturn Security System provides both an anti-theft system and a fuel injector disable feature for your Saturn.  And, as if that's not enough, you get active security system arming, programmable passive security mode and illuminated entry.
2. The system consists of a receiver located in a top secret location inside your Saturn and two transmitters.
3. With the system, you can lock all doors, unlock either the driver door or all doors and open the trunk (or release the lift-gate if you've got a wagon) as you approach or leave your Saturn up to a distance of about 32 ft.   Each system also has a panic feature that honks the horn and flashes the daytime running lights if you need to draw attention to yourself. 

Service contract

Shift interlock  

1. Standard on all automatic transmission Saturn models, both L and S series.  The automatic transmission will stay put in park until you put your foot on the brake. 
2. Fully apply your regular brake (that pedal on the floor that slows down the car) before you can shift from "P" (Park) when the ignition is in the RUN position.

Shift interlock, bypass  

1. If for some reason, the car will not shift out of Park, follow these directions:
2. 2000 model year:  Turn the key to accessory, shift to Neutral.  The car will now operate normally.

Spaceframe 

Steel Timing Chain

1. What Is It?  A timing chain (or belt) is an engine component that transfers motion to the camshaft(s) which, in turn, controls valve operation.  This is important.  If this breaks, your engine won't run.  At all.
2. What's so great about a chain?  Most cars use a timing belt.  All Saturn 4 cylinder engines (both S and L series) have always used a chain.  The chain requires no scheduled maintenance as long as you change your oil on a regular basis.  Timing belts require changing every 50,000 miles or so.  Chains mean overall lower maintenance costs.  The chain is also why you'll see so many Saturn cars over 200,000 miles and still going strong.
3. For a picture of an S-series DOHC chain, go HERE.
4. Why all the fuss about changing the oil?  Timing chains are lubricated by oil. Did you ever have a bicycle?  Remember how not putting oil on your chain resulted in the chain falling off or making that loose, jangling sound?  Well, the same goes for your Saturn's chain.  A lubricated chain stays tight and functional for a very long time.  Wait too long between oil changes and you'll stretch the chain.  Then you'll start to hear a jangling sound.  Then you'll spend several hundred dollars.  Trust me.  Change the oil every 3,000 miles.  And remember, all of my customers get $5.00 off every oil change if you've got the card.  GET IT HERE.

Steering  

1. SL (1991 - 2000):  manual rack and pinion steering.  A low effort, lightweight steering system using, well, a rack and a pinion gear. A pinion is a gear that rotates and moves a bar (the rack) to turn the wheels right or left.
2. SL (2001), SL1 (1991 - Present):  Constant flow rack and pinion power assisted steering.  Provides consistent response at all speeds; incorporates special pivots for direct road feel. 
3. SL2 (1991 - Present):  Variable-speed, variable-effort power steering.  The computer directs more steering assistance when you need it most:  navigating in and out of parking spaces and other low speed maneuvers. 

Supplemental inflatable restraint system:  see air bags

Tires

Please select a subject or browse  down:

The Firestone Tire issues and Saturn's Response.

Tire Sizes  by model

Recommended Tire Pressure by Model

TIRE INFLATION TIPS

Proper tire inflation is IMPORTANT.  Under- or over-inflation causes a tire to run hot, negatively affect handling and can lead to tire failures and serious accidents.

1.    Get into the habit of checking your tire pressure at least once per month and before any long trips.  Invest in a good pressure gauge. Any decent auto parts store, Target, Wal-Mart, etc. will have a selection.

2.    Check tire pressure when tires are cold. (Proper inflation pressures are given for cold tires.)  A tire is cold when it has been driven less than a mile at moderate speed after the vehicle has been stopped for 3 or more hours.

3.    If you must add air when tires are hot, add 4 pounds per square inch (psi) above the recommended pressure.  Be sure to recheck the pressure when the tire is cold.

4.    Never release air from a hot tire in order to reach the recommended cold tire air pressure.  Driving makes tires run hotter and causes air pressure to increase.  If you release air when your tires are hot you may dangerously under-inflate your tires.

5.    If your tire loses more than 2 pounds per square inch (psi) per month, you may have a valve, tire or wheel problem.  Have it checked.

6.    Remember to check your spare.  It's no fun fixing a flat only to find that your spare is flat, too!

7.    Use valve covers.  The covers prevent dirt, debris and other gunk from causing air leakage or damaging the valve. 

HOW TO SPOT TIRE DAMAGE

1.    After striking anything unusual on the road, ask your Firestone or other tire retailer to take the tire off the car and inspect the tire thoroughly for damage.  A tire could have hidden damage that will cause a sudden failure days or weeks later.

2.    Regularly inspect your tire for cuts, bulges, bruises, scrapes or splits in the tread or sidewall area.  A good idea is to inspect your tires each time you get gas.  

3.    Low mileage does not prevent tire damage.  Look for signs of splitting, wrinkling or small separations in the tire sidewall if the vehicle is seldom driven.  Rubber begins to rot and the tires are very dangerous to drive on even if they minimal miles.

4.    Look for uneven tread ware.  Tread wearing the outside but not on the inside (or on the inside but not the outside) means you've got a problem.  Also, run your hand along the inside edge of the tire.  If you feel uneven wear, sort of like little ridges and valleys (we call it cupping), you've got a problem.

5.    Tread depth.  Tires have built in wear indicators when the remaining tread is 2/32" or less.  I recommend replacing a tire at 5/32". Why?  Your tread is the only thing between you and the road.  Tire performance starts to seriously decline in wet conditions below 5/32" and when tire performance declines so does your ability to control your vehicle.

6.    Rim.  Bent or cracked rims are bad.  Have them replaced.

Reading and Understanding Metric Tire Sizes

As an example, let's take an SL2: 

Why tires vary in price and performance

1. Shopping for tires can be confusing. Look for the UTOG system. The Uniform  Quality Tire Grading System is an international system of standards for treadware, traction and temperature grades of tires.  Check out these simple standards when buying a tire.  A less expensive tire usually has lower treadware or traction ratings. My advice?  Don't skimp on tires.  No matter how much you spend on a car, the only thing between you and the road is the four contact points of the tires.

Back to top of Tire section

Torque Lock (automatic transmission):

1. The trouble you have when pulling the shifter out of "P" when parked on a hill.
2. Results from shifting into "P" before using the parking brake. So, the weight of the car falls on a thingy called a parking pawl in the transaxle.
3. When you park on a hill, always set the parking brake then shift into park.

Towing, behind RV  

IMPORTANT:  2000-2001 MODEL YEAR SATURN OWNERS.  IF YOU INTEND TO TOW YOUR SATURN, YOU MUST FOLLOW THE REVISED PROCEDURES BELOW. 

L-SERIES (2000 - 2001)

S-SERIES (2000 - 2001)

S-SERIES (1991 - 1999)

1.    Towing Your L-series:  Initially, the Saturn L-series was designed to be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground just like the S-series. You may still tow your vehicle.  However, some people may experience a low or dead battery after towing.  If you intend to tow your L-series vehicle (any model) you must follow this revised procedure.  Note the new steps starting at #5.

Click on the picture below see a diagram of the maxifuses locations

IGN 0/3/CR 30A     IGN 1/2  30A

Towing S-series Vehicles with all four wheels on the ground:

1. IMPORTANT UPDATE:  the following applies to 2000/2001 model year S-series vehicles.  

2. Failure to follow this procedure could result in a dead battery. A portion of the computer system (BCM or body control module) remains active when the ignition is in the ACC position on all 2000/2001 model Saturn vehicles.  The BCM will drain the battery while towing unless you follow this procedure:
   (1)    Position and attach the vehicle to be towed.
   (2)    Turn the ignition key to ACC position.
   (3)    Turn fog lamps Off (if equipped).  Turn all accessories Off.
   (4)    Shift transaxle to N (Neutral).
   (5)    Open hood.
   (6)    Open underhood fuse block (the black rectangular box behind the battery) cover and remove the IGN 1/4 30A maxifuse shown below (See fig. 4.1).  Please refer to the underside of the fuse box lid for the exact location of the IGN 1/4 30A fuse. In the diagram below, look in the upper right corner after clicking to enlarge.
   (7)    Replace underhood fuse block cover.
   (8)    Close hood.
   (9)    When you reach your destination, simply replace the fuse back into the box.
   (10)    Note:  When towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, make sure the towing speed does not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) or your vehicle could be severely damaged.  

fig. 4.1  

Flat Towing Your 2000/2001 S-series. Remove Maxifuse.  Save Battery. Click on the picture below.
Maxifuse # IGN  1/4 30A

• 1991-1999:  Turn Key to ACC.  Place transmission in neutral.  Follow manufacturer's directions for safe towing.
• All Saturn cars - both L and S series - can be flat towed behind an RV with no mileage accumulation.  Works with automatic or manual transmission.  Blue Ox and a number of other companies make tow bars for Saturn vehicles.
• Check out the on-line side of Trailer Life magazine for more info and a complete list of links and resources for RVing.

Towing, max trailer weight

Traction Control:  

• Standard with the anti-lock brake option. 
• Traction Control FAQ:
  • What is it?  Your Saturn is front wheel drive.  If one of the front drive wheels starts slipping (turns faster than the other wheels), the system activates to slow down the slipping tire to keep contact with the road.
  • So, I get more traction, right?  No.  Traction Control only makes the most out of the available traction.  Driving in rain, snow or other slippery situations, the traction control system can increase your ability to steer the car.
  • S-Series:  A powertrain-based system that works by reducing the amount of power sent to the front wheels.  The power is moderated by adjusting spark timing, fuel control and, on automatic transmissions, gear selection. 
  • L-Series:  On the S-series, the traction control is a powertrain and braking based system.  Braking is applied to slipping wheels as needed using the ABS sensors.
  • How do I turn it on? Traction control is automatically on every time you start your car.  
  • How do I turn if off?  Push the lighted Traction Control button on the instrument panel.
  • Should I leave it on all the time?  Yes.  The traction control system does not reduce gas mileage.  You never know when it might come in handy.
  • When should I turn it off?  Only turn of the system when you want unlimited wheel spin.  Back in Indiana, we have this stuff called snow.  In order to get a car unstuck, you need to rock the vehicle.  Rapid and unlimited wheelspin is necessary to get a car out of the snow or mud.  
  • Does My Car Have Traction Control?  

Trap resistant trunk kit

Torque:   

• The turning or twisting power of an engine, measured in foot-pounds (or Newton meters).  The ability of a vehicle to accelerate from a standstill (or tow a trailer) is more dependent on torque than on horsepower.  Saturn engines produce a large percentage of their torque at low engine rpms so you can get going quickly.
• S-Series:
  • SL, SL1:  114 foot-pounds at 2,400 rpm.
  • SL2:  122 foot-pounds at 4,800 rpm.
• L-Series:  
  • LS, LS1:  146 foot-pounds at 4,400 rpm.
  • LS2:   190 foot-pounds at 3,600 rpm.
• Caterpillar 797:
  • 12,170 foot-pounds at 1300 rpm.  WOW.

1. Understeer:

• When taking a turn, the tendency of a car to travel in a straight line rather than follow the turning force applied by the steering.  See also Oversteer.
• In other words, under steer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car.

Upshift indicator light:  

• In manual transmission cars, an arrow that appears when the engine reaches a shift point in the RPMs.  Designed to tell you the best time to shift gears to get the optimum gas mileage.
• Also known as the No Fun Light because if you follow the suggestions of the computer you'll get great mileage but have very little fun shifting.

Variable Effort Power Steering:  

1. Standard on SL2, SW2, SC2 and SWP.  The PCM (computer) tells the power steering system to vary the steering effort in relation to the vehicle speed. So, you get increased assistance at lower speeds (like parking and city driving) and less at higher speeds (highway).  

VTi:  

Click to enlarge.  The Variable Transmission (or, VTi), uses a steel belt on steel pulleys.  When power changes, one side of each pulley moves to raise or lower the belt's position.  It's like a 10-speed bike.  Remember the gear sprockets on the back wheel?  You use the bigger gear for power and the higher gears for increasing speed.  Pulleys and a steel belt result is an infinite number of gear ratios.  So what?  Well, you get smooth acceleration, smooth shifting and gas mileage comparable to a manual transmission.  There's no searching for the right gear when you're going up or down hills. Searching is that high rev and/or frequent gear change up or down that happens a lot when you're placing different demands on the engine.  Going up a hill uses lower gears than going down a hill.  It's like that 10-speed.  When you  go up a hill, you shift down to the lower gears so you can go up the hill easier.  Similarly, you shift to higher gears when you need speed rather than power.  The 10-speed or 18-speed or whatever speed bike has a general range of gears.  I'm sure you've shifted around a few times to find the right gear for the terrain you're on.  Think of the VTi as having an infinite number of sprockets so that it always has the right gear, the balance of power and speed, for the road conditions. The VTi also has 40% fewer moving parts than a conventional automatic transmission, weighs less and takes up less space so you get more room for folks and cargo. 

The VTi on the VUE is the first use of the technology on an SUV in the US.  

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):

Web, tangled and/or woven:

Whichever come first:

• What does it mean? You'll see this a lot in reference to warranties.  These are numbers that refer to the age of the car since its original in-service date as a new car and/or the total number of miles on the car.  Here's some examples:
  • New Vehicle Warranty: 3 year/36,000 miles whichever comes first:  3 years from the date you buy the car OR a total of 36,000 miles on the car.
  • Used Vehicle warranty:  4 year/50,000 miles whichever come first:  4 years from when the car first went into service as a new car or 50,000 total vehicle miles.

©2000-2003    dan@saturndan.com. 
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