Saturn Sky (2008 year). Manual

Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)

If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-25.

When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.

If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some
of the pressure from the parking pawl in the
transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of
PARK (P).

Shifting Out of PARK (P)

This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:

•

Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully released,
and

•

Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.

The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.

If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
See Jump Starting on page 5-39 for more information.

To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:

1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.

If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):

1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift

lever button again.

3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.

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If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.

Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)

Before leaving your manual transmission vehicle, fully
press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever in
either FIRST (1) gear or REVERSE (R), and firmly apply
the parking brake. See Manual Transmission Operation
on page 2-23.

Parking Over Things That Burn

{

CAUTION:

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.

Engine Exhaust

{

CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:

•

The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.

•

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

•

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

•

Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over
road debris.

•

Repairs were not done correctly.

•

Your vehicle or the exhaust system has
been modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:

•

Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and

•

Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

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Running the Engine While Parked

It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.

{

CAUTION:

Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-27.

Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.

Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
See Winter Driving on page 4-18.

{

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the automatic transmission shift lever is not
fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your
vehicle when the engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the engine running,
the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when it is on fairly level
ground, always set the parking brake and
move the automatic transmission shift lever to
PARK (P), or the manual transmission shift
lever to NEUTRAL.

Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will
not move. See Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25 and Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission) on page 2-27.

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Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up
or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment
allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the
lamps behind you. Move the lever to the right for
nighttime use and to the left for daytime use.

Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar

When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Hold the mirror in the center to move it up or
down and side to side. The day/night adjustment allows
you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the lamps
behind you. Move the lever to the right for nighttime use
and to the left for daytime use.

There may also be three OnStar

buttons located at the

bottom of the mirror face. See your dealer/retailer for
more information on the system and how to subscribe to
OnStar

. See OnStar

System on page 2-30 for more

information on the services OnStar

provides.

Outside Power Mirrors

The controls for the
outside power mirrors
are located on the
driver’s door.

Move the selector switch, located below the four-way
control pad, to the left or right to choose either the driver
side or passenger side mirror.

To adjust a mirror, use the arrows located on the
four-way control pad to move the mirror in the desired
direction. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of
the vehicle and the area behind it can be seen
while sitting in a comfortable driving position.

The mirrors can be manually folded inward to prevent
damage when going through an automatic car wash or a
confined space. To fold, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. To return the mirror to its original position, push
outward. Be sure to return both mirrors to their original
unfolded position before driving.

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OnStar

System

OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar Emergency advisors who can
request emergency services be sent to your location.
If you lock your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to unlock
your doors. If you need roadside assistance, press
the OnStar button and they can contact Roadside
Service for you.

OnStar service is provided to you subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions. You may cancel your
OnStar service at any time by contacting OnStar.

A complete OnStar Owner’s Guide and the OnStar
Terms and Conditions are included in the vehicle’s
OnStar Subscriber glove box literature. For more
information, visit onstar.com or onstar.ca, contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or
TTY 1-877-248-2080, or press the OnStar button to
speak with an OnStar advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.

Not all OnStar features are available on all vehicles.
To check if your vehicle is equipped to provide the
services described below, or for a full description of
OnStar services and system limitations, see the OnStar
Owner’s Guide in your glove box or visit onstar.com.

OnStar Services

For new vehicles with OnStar, the Safe & Sound Plan,
or the Directions & Connections Plan is included for
one year from the date of purchase. You can extend this
plan beyond the first year, or upgrade to the Directions
& Connections Plan. For more information, press the
OnStar button to speak with an advisor. Some OnStar
services (such as Remote Door Unlock or Stolen
Vehicle Location Assistance) may not be available until
you register with OnStar.

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Available Services with Safe & Sound Plan

•

Automatic Notification of Airbag Deployment

•

Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN)
(If equipped)

•

Link to Emergency Services

•

Roadside Assistance

•

Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance

•

AccidentAssist

•

Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert

•

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics

•

GM Goodwrench

On Demand Diagnostics

•

OnStar Hands-Free Calling with 30 complimentary
minutes

•

OnStar Virtual Advisor (U.S. Only)

Available Services included with
Directions & Connections Plan

•

All Safe and Sound Plan Services

•

Driving Directions - Advisor delivered or OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation (If equipped)

•

RideAssist

•

Information and Convenience Services

OnStar Hands-Free Calling

OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows eligible OnStar
subscribers to make and receive calls using voice
commands. Hands-Free Calling is fully integrated into
the vehicle, and can be used with OnStar Pre-Paid
Minute Packages. Hands-Free Calling may also be
linked to a Verizon Wireless service plan in the U.S. or
a Bell Mobility service plan in Canada, depending
on eligibility. To find out more, refer to the OnStar
Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speak with an
OnStar advisor by pressing the OnStar button or calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).

OnStar Virtual Advisor

OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling that uses your minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. By pressing the phone button and giving
a few simple voice commands, you can browse
through the various topics. See the OnStar Owner’s
Guide for more information (Only available in the
continental U.S.).

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OnStar Steering Wheel Controls

Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be
used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
See Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-71 for
more information.

On some vehicles, you may have to hold the button for
a few seconds and give the command “ONSTAR” to
activate the OnStar Hands-Free Calling.

On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial
numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.

How OnStar Service Works

Your vehicle’s OnStar system has the capability of
recording and transmitting vehicle information.
This information is automatically sent to an OnStar
Call Center at the time of an OnStar button press,
Emergency button press or if your airbags or AACN
system deploys. The vehicle information usually includes
your GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the accident that your
vehicle has been involved in (e.g. the direction from
which your vehicle was hit). When you use the Virtual
Advisor feature of OnStar Hands-Free Calling, your
vehicle also sends OnStar your GPS location so that we
can provide you with location-based services.

OnStar service cannot work unless your vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless you are in a place where the
wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that area
has coverage, network capacity and reception when the
service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas, or
at all times.

Location information about your vehicle is only available if
the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and available.

Your vehicle must have a working electrical system
(including adequate battery power) for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service to you at any particular time or place.
Some examples are damage to important parts of your
vehicle in an accident, hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather or wireless phone network congestion.

Your Responsibility

Increase the radio volume if you cannot hear the OnStar
advisor. If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red,
this means that your system is not functioning properly
and should be checked by your dealer/retailer. If the
light appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired. You can always press the
OnStar button to confirm that your OnStar equipment
is active.

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Storage Areas

Glove Box

To open, lift the handle up. Use the key to lock and
unlock.

Cupholder(s)

There are two cupholders located in the center console,
press and release to extend forward.

Your vehicle has a cupholder on the passenger side of
the center console. To access it, press and release
the forward section of the cupholder.

Center Console Storage

There is also an upright center console storage area
between the seatbacks. To open the storage area, press
and release the button near the top so it extends out.
Then, turn the button in either direction to unlatch the lid
and pull the console lid down. Press the release
button back in after you close the lid.

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Convertible Top

For care and cleaning of the convertible top, see
Convertible Top on page 5-89 under “Service and
Appearance Care”. High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.

The following procedures explain the proper operation
of the manual convertible top.

The parts of the manual convertible top that are used
when lowering and raising it are:

A. Front Edge
B. Side Edge

C. Rear Buttresses
D. Trunk

Notice: Leaving the convertible top down and
exposing the interior of your vehicle to outdoor
conditions may cause damage. Always close
the convertible top if leaving your vehicle outdoors.

Notice: Lowering the convertible top when there
are objects in the storage area could damage
it or break the glass rear window. Always verify that
no objects are in the storage area before lowering
the convertible top.

Notice: Lowering the top if it is damp, wet, or dirty
can cause stains, mildew, and damage to the inside
of your vehicle. Dry off the top before lowering it.

Notice: If you lower the top on your vehicle in cold
weather (0°F/-18°C or lower), you may damage top
components. Do not lower the top in cold weather.

Notice: If you raise or lower the convertible top
while the vehicle is in motion, you could damage the
top or the top mechanism. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always put an
automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a manual
transmission in FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R), turn the
ignition off and engage the parking brake before
raising or lowering the convertible top.

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{

CAUTION:

Moving parts of the convertible top can be
dangerous. People can be injured by the
convertible top and its mechanism. Keep
people away from your vehicle when you are
lowering or raising the top.

Lowering the Manual Convertible Top

1. Empty the trunk of all contents.

2. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.

Shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P).
Shift a manual transmission into FIRST (1)
or REVERSE (R).

3. Make sure the ignition is turned off.

4. Push the trunk release button located in the glove

box, or on the remote keyless entry, if equipped.

5. Lift the trunk.

6. The convertible top front latch, located above the

inside rearview mirror, must be unlatched. Pull the
latch down and turn it counterclockwise to
unlatch it.

Leave the latch open and turned to prevent damage.

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7. Pull rearward on the side edge (B) of the convertible

top and pull it off of the windshield frame.

8. Push the convertible top down into the trunk (D).

9. After the top is stored, apply one even push, as

shown, on the convertible top to ensure that the
top is fully retracted and securely stored.

10. Close the trunk (D) by pressing down from the rear

center of it with a swift, firm motion.

Do not operate the rear defogger when the convertible
top is down.

A clear Mylar

protective film has been installed at the

factory on the trunk lid surface under the convertible
top buttresses. This film is designed to help prevent
paint damage to the trunk lid. Do not remove this
protective film. It is intended to remain permanently
affixed to the trunk lid surface.

Raising the Manual Convertible Top

1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake firmly

and shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P).
Shift a manual transmission into FIRST (1) or
REVERSE (R).

2. Make sure the ignition is turned off, and lower the

windows.

3. Push the trunk release button located in the glove

box, or on the remote keyless entry, if equipped.

4. Lift the trunk.

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5. Pull the convertible top forward by firmly gripping the

side edge (B) and applying a brisk upward and
forward motion to get the top in the full-up position.

6. Pull the front edge (A) of the convertible top forward

from the outside of the vehicle, or push the front
edge (A) of the convertible top forward from
the inside of the vehicle.

7. Turn the top front latch handle clockwise to latch

the convertible top.

8. Close the trunk (D) by pressing down from the rear

center of it with a swift, firm motion.

9. At the rear edge of the convertible top, press down

on the two buttresses (C) to latch them into the top
of the trunk.

A clear Mylar

protective film has been installed at the

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Saturn Sky (2008 year). Manual - part 6