Saturn Relay (2007 year). Manual

Weight of the Trailer Tongue

The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total
or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and
the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you
have a lot of options, equipment, passengers,
or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight your vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow.
And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle
will be carrying that weight, too. See Loading
Your Vehicle on page 391 for more information
about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue
weight of 350 lbs (159 kg) for your vehicle.

After you have loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer
and then the tongue, separately, to see if the
weights are proper. If they are not, you may be
able to get them right simply by moving some
items around in the trailer.

Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability to
carry tongue weight. Tongue weight cannot
cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating). The effect of additional
weight may reduce your trailering capacity more
than the total of the additional weight.

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Consider the following example:

A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs
(2 495 kg); 2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front
axle and 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg) at the rear axle.
It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg), a
RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:

You can expect tongue weight to be at least
10 percent of trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and
because the weight is applied well behind the
rear axle, the effect on the rear axle will be greater
than just the weight itself, as much as 1.5 times
as much. The weight at the rear axle could
be 850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg).
Since the rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs
(1 225 kg), adding 1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the

total to 3,975 lbs (1 803 kg). This is very close to,
but within the limit for RGAWR as well. The
vehicle is set to trailer up to 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg).

But let’s say your specific vehicle is equipped
with some of the latest options and you have a
front seat passenger and two rear seat passengers
with some luggage and gear in the vehicle as
well. You may add 300 lbs (136 kg) to the
front axle weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear
axle weight. Your vehicle now weighs:

Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you
may think that you should subtract 700 additional
pounds (318 kg) from your trailering capacity
to stay within GCWR limits. Your maximum
trailer would only be 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg).
You may go further and think you must limit
tongue weight to less than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
to avoid exceeding GVWR. But, you must
still consider the effect on the rear axle.

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Because your rear axle now weighs 3,100 lbs
(1 406 kg), you can only put 900 lbs (408 kg)
on the rear axle without exceeding RGAWR.
The effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times the
actual weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by
1.5 leaves you with being able to handle only
600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue weight. Since tongue
weight is usually at least 10 percent of total
loaded trailer weight, you can expect that the
largest trailer your vehicle can properly handle is
6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).

It is important that you make sure your vehicle
does not exceed any of its ratings — GCWR,
GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer Rating
or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure you
are not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
your vehicle and trailer.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the
upper limit for cold tires. You will find these
numbers on the Certification/Tire label at the rear
edge of the driver’s door or see Loading Your
Vehicle on page 391. Then be sure you do not go
over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.

Hitches

It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough
roads are a few reasons why you will need
the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:

•

The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or
other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.

•

Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?

If you do, remember to seal the holes later
when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal
them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle. See Engine
Exhaust on page 151. Dirt and water can, too.

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Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your
vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety
chains under the tongue of the trailer to help
prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not attach them to
the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so
you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes — and
they must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes so you will
be able to install, adjust, and maintain them
properly.

Because your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes,
do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake systems will not
work well, or at all.

Driving with a Trailer

{

CAUTION:

If you have a rear-most window open and
you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your
vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.
See Engine Exhaust on page 151.
To maximize your safety when towing
a trailer:

•

Have your exhaust system inspected
for leaks, and make necessary
repairs before starting on your trip.

•

Keep the rear-most windows closed.

•

If exhaust does come into your
vehicle through a window in the rear
or another opening, drive with your
front, main heating or cooling system
on and with the fan on any speed.

CAUTION:

(Continued)

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CAUTION:

(Continued)

This will bring fresh, outside air into
your vehicle. Do not use the climate
control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air
inside your vehicle. See Climate
Control System on page 205 or Dual
Climate Control System on page 209.

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
you will want to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving
is now a good deal longer and not nearly
as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires, and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you
check your electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that the lamps and
any trailer brakes are still working.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as you would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Passing

You will need more passing distance up ahead
when you are towing a trailer. And, because
you are a good deal longer, you will need to
go much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before you can return to your lane.

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Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left,
just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer
to the right, move your hand to the right. Always
back up slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.

Making Turns

Notice: Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making very sharp
turns while trailering.

When you are turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer will
not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,
trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have
extra wiring.

The arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
flash, telling other drivers you are about to turn,
change lanes, or stop.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It is important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.

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Driving on Grades

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
do not shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and
no longer work well.

If you are towing a trailer that weighs more than
1,000 lbs (450 kg), you may prefer to drive in
THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D) or, as you need
to, a lower gear. This will minimize heat build-up
and extend the life of your transaxle.

Parking on Hills

{

CAUTION:

You really should not park your
vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill.
If something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured,
and both your vehicle and the trailer can
be damaged.

But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
do the following:

1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift

into PARK (P).

2. Have someone place chocks under the

trailer wheels.

3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release

the regular brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.

4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply

your parking brake, and shift into PARK (P).

5. Release the regular brakes.

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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill

1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal

down while you do the following:

•

Start your engine.

•

Shift into a gear.

•

Release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the

chocks.

4. Stop and have someone pick up and store

the chocks.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when
you are pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance
Schedule for more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are
automatic transaxle fluid, engine oil, belts, cooling
system, and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help
you find them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a
good idea to review these sections before you
start your trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.

Trailer Wiring Harness

Your vehicle may have a trailer wiring harness
package located in the glove box. It can be
connected from the rear of your vehicle to your
trailer. Contact your retailer for more information.

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Service

Your Saturn retailer knows your vehicle best and
wants you to be happy with it. We hope you
will go to your retailer for all your service needs.
You will get genuine Saturn parts and
Saturn-trained and supported service people.

We hope you will want to keep your Saturn vehicle
all Saturn.

Genuine Saturn parts have one of these marks.

Accessories and Modifications

When you add non-Saturn accessories to your
vehicle they can affect your vehicle’s performance
and safety, including such things as, airbags,
braking, stability, ride and handling, emissions
systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like anti-lock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. Some of these accessories
may even cause malfunction or damage not
covered by warranty.

Saturn accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on your
vehicle. Your Saturn retailer can accessorize your
vehicle using genuine Saturn accessories.
When you go to your Saturn retailer and ask
for Saturn accessories, you will know that
Saturn-trained and supported service technicians
will perform the work using genuine Saturn
accessories.

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California Proposition 65 Warning

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

Doing Your Own Service Work

{

CAUTION:

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

•

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

•

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

If you want to do some of your own service work,
you will want to use the proper service manual.
It tells you much more about how to service your
vehicle than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service Publications
Ordering Information on page 553.

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Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work, see
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 99.

You should keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of any service
work you perform. See Maintenance Record
on page 534.

Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle

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

Fuel

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

Gasoline Octane

Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating
is less than 87, you may notice an audible
knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine
needs service.

Gasoline Specifications

At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specification D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). Saturn recommends against the use
of gasolines containing MMT. See Additives on
page 415 for additional information.

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California Fuel

If your vehicle is certified to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate
on fuels that meet California specifications.
See the underhood emission control label. If this
fuel is not available in states adopting California
emissions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp may turn on and your vehicle may
fail a smog-check test. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 229. If this occurs, return to
your authorized Saturn retailer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is caused by the
type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by
your warranty.

Additives

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

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Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers
and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may
be available in your area. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines if they
comply with the specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels
containing more than 10% ethanol must not be
used in vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.

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

Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy
gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. General
Motors recommends against the use of such
gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the
life of spark plugs and the performance of the
emission control system may be affected.

The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If this
occurs, return to your authorized Saturn retailer for
service.

Fuels in Foreign Countries

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

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

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Saturn Relay (2007 year). Manual - part 26