Subject: | Updated Recreational Vehicle Towing Information and Procedures for 2004-2007
Saturn VUE Vehicles |
Models: | 2004-2007 Saturn VUE Vehicles with 3.5L V-6 (VIN 4 - RPO
L66) |
Attention: | Sales Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, and Technician |
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2007 model year. Please discard Corporate
Bulletin Number 05-00-89-014B (Section 00 - General Information).
Important: This bulletin includes the towing procedure
for Saturn VUE vehicles with 3.5L V-6 (L66) engine and supersedes the information
found on page 4-47 of the 2004 Saturn VUE Owner’s Manual and page 4-51 of the
2005 VUE Owner’s Manual. The current towing procedure is already included in
the 2006 and 2007 VUE Owner's Manual. This bulletin is to be used in conjunction with
Corporate Bulletin Number 03-00-89-033D.
Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide updated procedures for towing a 2004-2007
Saturn VUE with a 3.5L V-6 (L66) engine and 5AT automatic transaxle (RPO MJ7/MJ8)
behind a recreational vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (dinghy towing).
Based upon engineering analysis of field exchange transaxles, it has been determined
that inadvertent transaxle damage may occur during dinghy towing if the appropriate
steps are not taken during and prior to towing. As a result, the procedure for dinghy
towing has been changed.
Copies of this bulletin should be made available and inserted into the 2004
and 2005 VUE Owner's Manuals for those customers considering recreational vehicle
or dinghy towing. (This information is already included in the 2006 and 2007 VUE Owner's
Manual.)
The new procedures include additional information regarding:
• | Maximum duration for towing:
Due to
transaxle fluid drain back, the transaxle lubrication procedure is required every
seven hours after the initial procedure has been completed, regardless if vehicle
is being towed or parked. Once the procedure is performed, the transaxle is adequately
lubricated and can be recreational vehicle towed for seven actual hours prior to repeating
lubrication procedure. |
| As an example, if you initially perform the lubrication
procedure and tow your vehicle for three hours, then park for four hours, the lubrication
procedure will need to be performed again, prior to dinghy towing the vehicle. Failure
to observe these time limits may result in transaxle damage. |
• | Final shift before towing:
Care should
be taken to ensure that the final
shift during
the lubrication procedure must be from "D" (Drive)
to "N" (Neutral).
Failure to perform this final shift
may result in internal damage to the transaxle assembly. |
Procedure
Dinghy Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive and All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles with 5AT Five-Speed
Automatic Transaxle)
- Position and attach the vehicle behind the recreational vehicle.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC.
- Turn fog lamps and all accessories off.
Notice: Start the engine and shift through all gear
positions. The FINAL shift must be "D" (Drive) to "N" (Neutral).
Failure to perform this final shift may cause internal damage to the transaxle assembly.
NEVER shift from "R" (Reverse) to "N" (Neutral) as the final
shift, to avoid internal damage to transaxle.
- Perform transaxle lubrication procedure:
4.1. | Set the parking brake. |
4.3. | Apply and hold the brake pedal until the end of Step 4.5. |
4.4. | To ensure proper automatic transaxle lubrication, shift transaxle through "P"
(Park), "R" (Reverse), "N" (Neutral), "D" (Drive -
Automatic Overdrive), "I" (Intermediate), "L" (Low). |
4.5. | Shift to "D" (Drive), then to "N"
(Neutral)
and let the engine run for 3 minutes. If you tow or tow
and park the vehicle for more than seven hours in one day, you must repeat the procedure. |
4.6. | Turn off the engine, and leave the key in the ACC position. |
4.7. | Release the parking brake. |
Important: Before performing dinghy-towing procedures,
remove the large IGN fuse from the underhood fuse block. Failure to remove this fuse
may result in low battery voltage after towing.
- Locate and remove the large IGN fuse from the underhood fuse block. Refer to
illustration in this bulletin.
After seven hours, repeat Step 4 if you intend to continue
dinghy towing.
Once you have reached your destination, do the following steps:
- Return the shifter to the "P" (Park) position.
- Set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key from the ignition.
- Reinstall the large IGN fuse.