Saturn Aura (2010 year). Manual

{

WARNING:

A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may
have also damaged important functions in the
vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and
steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may
be concealed damage that could make it difficult
to safely operate the vehicle.

Use caution if you should attempt to restart the
engine after a crash has occurred.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger airbag.

•

Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an
airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect you in
another crash. A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.

•

The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on
page 8-15 and Event Data Recorders on page 8-16.

•

Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer/retailer for service.

2-67

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

Passenger Sensing System

The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position. The passenger airbag
status indicator will be visible on the instrument
panel when the vehicle is started.

The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off,
are visible during the system check. If you are using
remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle from
a distance, you may not see the system check. When
the system check is complete, either the word ON
or OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-29.

The passenger sensing system turns off the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side
impact airbag under certain conditions. The driver
airbags and the roof-rail airbags are not affected by the
passenger sensing system.

The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
are part of the right front passenger seat. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
should be enabled (may inflate) or not.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when
properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child
restraint for their weight and size.

We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing
child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children,
who are large enough, using safety belts.

A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

United States

Canada

2-68

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

{

WARNING:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates. This is because the
back of the rear-facing child restraint would be
very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag
inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward
position.

Even if the passenger sensing system has turned
off the right front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), no
system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an
airbag will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the airbag(s) are off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat,
even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger seat as far back
as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint
in a rear seat.

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off
the right front passenger airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag if:

•

The right front passenger seat is unoccupied.

•

The system determines that an infant is present in
a rear-facing infant seat.

•

The system determines that a small child is present
in a child restraint.

•

The system determines that a small child is present
in a booster seat.

•

A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of
the seat for a period of time.

•

The right front passenger seat is occupied by a
smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown
child restraints.

•

Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.

2-69

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

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the
right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit
to remind you that the airbags are off. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-29.

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on
(may inflate) the right front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag anytime the system
senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in
the right front passenger seat.

When the passenger sensing system has allowed the
airbags to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay
lit to remind you that the airbags are active.

For some children who have outgrown child restraints
and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system
may or may not turn off the right front passenger frontal
airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag, depending
upon the person’s seating posture and body build.
Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints
should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there
is an airbag for that person.

{

WARNING:

If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-28
for more information, including important safety
information.

2-70

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

If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child
Restraint

If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as

blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or
seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions

provided by the child restraint manufacturer and
refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position on page 2-54.

5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting

the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the
vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback
and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to
make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing
the child restraint into the seat cushion.

Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped
under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints
on page 2-2.

6. Restart the vehicle.

If the on indicator is still lit with an infant present in
a child restraint, secure the child restraint in a
rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your
dealer/retailer.

2-71

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

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.

If this happens, use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and enable the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side
impact airbag:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such

as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or
seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on

the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in

this position for two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.

2-72

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

Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation

Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which
helps the passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for additional information
about the importance of proper restraint use.

A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for
your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-74 for more
information about modifications that can affect how the
system operates.

{

WARNING:

Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle

Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information
on page 8-14.

{

WARNING:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.

2-73

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

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring can
affect the operation of the airbag system.

In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or
trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as
an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing

pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat
fabric, could also interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-68.

If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8-2.

Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my airbag system?

If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8-2.

In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag
wiring.

2-74

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

Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Safety Belts

Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.

Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. Torn
or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See
Safety Belt Reminders on page 4-26 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety
Belts on page 6-91.

Airbags

The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4-28 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do
not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are
any opened or broken airbag covers, have the
airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For
the location of the airbag modules, see What
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 2-65. See your
dealer/retailer for service.

2-75

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

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash

{

WARNING:

A crash can damage the restraint systems in your
vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not
properly protect the person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a crash. To help
make sure your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected and
any necessary replacements made as soon as
possible.

If the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new
safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts?

After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was
being used during a crash, you may need new LATCH
system parts.

New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was
not being used at the time of the crash.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.

Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the
vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light
stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are
driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-28.

2-76

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

Keys

{

WARNING:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key
is dangerous for many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even killed. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key can be used for the ignition and all locks.

The key has a bar-coded key tag that the dealer/retailer
or qualified locksmith can use to make new keys.
Store this information in a safe place, not in your vehicle.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.

If you are locked out of your vehicle, contact Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on
page 8-6.

3-2

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

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System

See Radio Frequency Statement on page 8-17 for
information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:

•

Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or
snowy weather.

•

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.

•

Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.

•

If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualified technician for
service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 60 m (195 feet) away from the vehicle.

Keep in mind that other conditions, such as those
previously stated, can impact the performance of the
transmitter.

(Remote Vehicle Start): For vehicles with this

feature, press to operate the remote start feature.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 3-5 for additional
information.

With Remote Start

Shown, Without Remote

Start Similar

3-3

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

(Lock): Press to lock all the doors. The interior

lamps turn off after all of the doors are closed. If enabled
through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the
remote lock feedback can be programmed to have the
horn chirp and/or the turn signals flash to confirm
locking. See “LOCK HORN” and “LIGHT FLASH” under
DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 4-46 for more
information.

Pressing

may also arm the content theft-deterrent

system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 3-16.

(Unlock): Press once to unlock the driver door.

Press

again within five seconds to unlock all remaining

doors. The interior lamps turn on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled
through the DIC, the remote unlock feedback can be
programmed to have the horn chirp and/or the turn
signals flash to confirm unlocking. See “UNLOCK HORN”
and “LIGHT FLASH” under DIC Vehicle Personalization
on page 4-46 for more information.

The high-beam headlamps, parking lamps, and back-up
lamps may come on each time

is pressed. See “EXT

(Exterior) LIGHTS” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 4-46 for additional information.

Pressing

on the RKE transmitter disarms the content

theft-deterrent system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on
page 3-16.

(Remote Trunk Release): Press and hold for

about one second to unlock the trunk. The trunk can be
opened with the transmitter when the vehicle speed
is less than 3 km/h (2 mph) or when the ignition is off.

(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): Press and release

to locate the vehicle. The horn sounds three times
and the headlamps and turn signals flash three times.

Press and hold

for about three seconds to initiate the

panic alarm. The horn sounds and the headlamps
and turn signals flash for 30 seconds. Press

again

to cancel the panic alarm.

Programming Transmitters to the
Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will
work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased and programmed through your dealer/
retailer. When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to the vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be programmed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters no longer work once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can have up to four
transmitters programmed to it.

3-4

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

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT (Battery)
LOW message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB
BATT (Battery) LOW” under DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-42 for additional information.

Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.

To replace the battery:

1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object

inserted into the notch on the side.

2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.

3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.

Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.

4. Snap the transmitter back together.

Remote Vehicle Start

Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle. It
may also start the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning
systems and rear window defogger. When the
remote start system is active and the vehicle has an
automatic climate control system, it will automatically
regulate the inside temperature. Normal operation
of these systems will return after the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN.

Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.

3-5

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

There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 3-3 for additional
information.

(Remote Start): This button will be on the RKE

transmitter if you have remote start.

To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:

1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.

2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,

then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button for about four seconds or
until the vehicle’s turn signal lamps flash. The doors
will lock.

When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps turn on
and remain on while the engine is running.

The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time, or one start with a time extension. The
first start must expire or be canceled to get two separate
10 minute starts.

If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat the previous steps, while the engine is
still running, to extend the engine running time by
10 minutes from the time you repeat the steps for
remote starting. The remote start running time can be
extended one time and only after the first remote start.

After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.

The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been done or the
vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition switch and
turned to ON/RUN.

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following.

•

Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.

•

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

•

Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position
and then back to LOCK/OFF.

The parking lamps turn off to indicate the engine is off.

After the engine has been started two times, or one
time with a time extension, the vehicle’s ignition must be
turned to ON/RUN using the key before the remote
start procedure can be used again. See Ignition
Positions on page 3-19 for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.

3-6

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

Saturn Aura (2010 year). Manual - part 7