Info - 2006 Saturn VUE New Model Features and Service Guide

This bulletin is being revised to update towing information in the Towing and Unique Vehicle Characteristics sections and add rollover sensing system information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-00-89-069 (Section 00 - General Information).

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform Saturn retailers of new model features to the 2006 Saturn VUE as well as any changes to service procedures.

The 2006 Saturn VUE features a fresh exterior and interior design, as well as numerous functional and mechanical revisions. A brief list of changes:

The 2006 Saturn VUE introduces fresh exterior and interior design to a proven vehicle. The VUE continues to provide customers with dent-resistant exterior panels and a versatile interior, as well as a host of safety features. All VUEs offer 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, and available head-curtain side airbags. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard on all VUEs and traction control is available for front-wheel drive models.

The 2006 Saturn VUE is built at the General Motors assembly center in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Powertrain Options

For 2006, the Saturn VUE offers a variety of powertrain and driveline choices to fit the needs of customers.

For customers seeking greater economy, front-wheel drive (FWD) models with a 2.2L four-cylinder (VIN D - RPO L61) engine mated to either a 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle (RPO MN5) or an F23 five-speed manual transaxle (RPO MG3) are available.

A popular combination for customers seeking versatile, all-weather performance is an all-wheel drive (AWD) model powered by a dual overhead cam (DOHC) 3.5L V-6 (VIN 4 - RPO L66) engine mated to a 5AT five-speed automatic transaxle with power takeoff unit (RPO MJ8). This powertrain has amassed an outstanding record of reliability and durability.

The 3.5L V-6 (L66) engine and 5AT five-speed automatic transaxle (RPO MJ7) are also available in a front-wheel drive model as well.

High-performance VUE Red Line editions (with the 3.5L V-6 [L66] engine and 5AT automatic transaxle [MJ7/MJ8]) are also available in either FWD or AWD drivelines. These models incorporate 18" wheels, performance-tuned suspensions and aerodynamic fascias and rockers.

The 3.5L V-6 (VIN 4 - RPO L66) engine is unchanged from the 2005 model year. The 2.2L four-cylinder (VIN D - RPO L61) engine is also unchanged from the 2005 model year.

5AT Five-Speed Automatic Transaxle (RPO MJ7/MJ8)

The 5AT five-speed automatic transaxle (RPO MJ7/MJ8) is unchanged from the 2005 model year. This transaxle is subject to a limited service repair program (exchange program). Please refer to service bulletin 03-07-30-040B for additional information on this program.

The 5AT transaxle (RPO MJ7/MJ8) is a 5-speed, electronically controlled, automatic transaxle featuring transaxle shift calibration that adjusts and assures consistent shift feel. However, transaxle shift feel adaptation on the 5AT automatic transaxle does not initiate until after the first series of shifts are completed, after a cold soak (i.e. when the vehicle parked for extended periods of time). The Saturn VUE 5AT automatic transaxle shift calibration is designed to provide optimum shift feel during normal driving, and more specifically during normal operating temperatures (transaxle fluid temperatures of 65-110°C [150-230°F]). This method of providing consistent shift feel is to ensure the best possible shift feel during the ideal operating temperatures. Because of this programming, some customers may experience shift performance that is described as "firm" or a sensation of a slight upshift lag when comparing the shift feel after warm up to pre-warm up operating modes.

During initial pre-warm up periods, customers may experience a lag/delay during 1-2, 2-3 upshift after accelerating from a stop, or during acceleration during a rolling stop. The delayed 1-2/2-3 upshift can occur between the speeds of 20-30 mph (32-48 km/h), during the initial warm up period. As the transaxle fluid warms, the transaxle control module (TCM) calibration is optimized to refine shift feel for smoothness and responsiveness during the normal range of temperatures experienced. The shift feel characteristics experienced by customers is considered a normal characteristic. There is no need to attempt a repair for cold shift performance.

4T45-E Four-Speed Automatic Transaxle (RPO MN5)

The 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle (RPO MN5) is unchanged from the 2005 model year. However, new DEXRON-VI transmission fluid with improved characteristics is now available for service (refer to service bulletin 05-07-30-037A for additional information).

F23 Five-Speed Manual Transaxle (RPO MG3)

The F23 five-speed manual transaxle is unchanged from the 2005 model year.

The AWD system is unchanged from the 2005 model year. The all-wheel drive transfer case (power takeoff unit) associated with the 5-speed automatic transaxle (RPO MJ8) is subject to a limited service repair program (exchange program). Please refer to service bulletin 03-07-30-039B for additional information on this program.

The 2006 Saturn VUE electrical system is unchanged from the 2005 model year. The VUE electrical system consists of Class 2 and GMLAN communications. For those modules using GMLAN (refer to "Data Link Communications Description and Operation," SI Document ID# 1442928), a CANdi module is required to communicate with the Tech 2.

Refer to "Control Module References" (SI Document ID# 1654623) for a complete list of control modules, links to schematics, repair, programming and set-up instructions.

The front suspension is fully independent and features McPherson struts and coil springs. The rear suspension is a fully-independent, four-link design. Like the front, it also employs coil springs which are retained between the spring seat in the under body and the spring seat in the lower control arm.

Alignment - When aligning the front and/or rear suspension, it is important to note the CASTER is NOT adjustable. However, both the Camber and Toe CAN be adjusted.

Important: The rear suspension alignment cams are not installed during production. However, service cams are available.

The 2006 Saturn VUE offers a fresh look, with many exterior changes. The new front fascia features integrated fog lamps, and is combined with new "jewel" headlamp assemblies, grille, and badging for an all-new front end. A new roof rack is also available. The rear of the vehicle has been changed as well, with a new rear fascia with an available chrome insert. A chrome license plate pocket header is available as well.

New for the 2006 Saturn VUE is a front passenger airbag system with passenger sensing system and passenger air bag status indicator in the instrument panel (IP) center stack.

Caution: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger's airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger's frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you need to 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.

Even though a passenger sensing system is standard on all 2006 Saturn VUEs, rear-facing child seats should never be placed in the front passenger seat.

2006 Saturn Vues also feature a new rollover sensing system (on vehicles equipped with available head curtain side airbags* (RPO ASF). The rollover sensing system uses advanced motion technology to detect potential rollover situations, and then activates the seatbelt pretensioners and deploys the head curtain side airbags if necessary.

*Always use safety belts and proper child restraints, even with airbags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. See the Owner's manual for more safety information.

Instrument Panel

The 2006 Saturn VUE features a revised IP with low-gloss surfaces and available woodgrain trim. The revised center stack features new vents, enhanced HVAC system interfaces, and added storage pockets on driver and passenger side.

Center Console

The new center console features a "roll top" cover for the cupholder compartment. The cupholder compartment also offers additional storage space under the cupholders. To access this space, the cupholders can be removed by pressing the button on the right side of the compartment and lifting out the cupholders. The cupholders may also be removed to allow for a larger forward storage compartment. The center console still offers a separate storage compartment toward the rear of the center console.

The center console also includes rear seat cupholders, and rear console power source.

Seating and Rear Cargo Area

A variety of new seat cover materials are available for the 2006 model year, complementing the richer looking, low-gloss trim pieces on the doors. The front and rear seats operate with the same controls and offer the same features as before. The rear cargo area is also unchanged, and continues to offer a convenient cargo area organizer that stows flat when not in use.

Several entertainment system choices are available for the 2006 Saturn VUE:

US8, US9, and UU8 systems are equipped with U2K digital audio system (S-band) satellite radio capability for XM radio (monthly subscription fee required for full service).

*Interim availability in Canada

Towing capacities and methods are unchanged from the 2005 model year. Refer to the appropriate section of the Owner's Manual and service bulletins 03-00-89-033B (all VUEs) and 05-00-89-014A (3.5L V-6 L66 equipped vehicles only) for additional information.

Performing a quality pre-delivery inspection is one of the most important functions your dealership can do for the customer. Most customers consider the condition of their new vehicle during delivery as a direct reflection of your dealership and your service department. A quality PDI is essential to improving a customer's perception of your dealership and increasing his/her satisfaction with their new vehicle. The following items require special attention during PDI and are included in the PDI time:

Protective Film:

Protective film is applied to various locations of the vehicle to protect against scratches during transportation. This protective film can be removed as soon as the vehicle has reached the dealership.

The vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant with door edge guards. The door edge guards should remain in place until time of delivery to the customer. This will ensure maximum protection while on the dealer lot.

Tire Pressure:

The vehicle's tires are shipped with an elevated tire pressure. Tire pressure must be adjusted to the recommended level as noted on the tire label. The tire pressure label can be found at the bottom of the driver's side B-pillar.

License Plate Installation:

Several states and Canadian provinces require front license plates. When required, the front plate should be attached by using the furnished hardware. The front fascia has two dimples where the license plate should be attached.

Battery Life:

Check and charge the battery, if necessary. It is the dealer's responsibility to maintain the battery until delivery to the customer.

Brake Burnish:

If the vehicle has been idle for a long period of time, it may be necessary to burnish the brakes during the PDI test drive, prior to delivering to the customer. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 05-05-22-002 ("Brake Warranty Service and Procedures") in the Brake Pulsation -- Corrosion section for more details.

Loose Parts:

Ensure the following loose shipped items are in the vehicle and fit the components to the vehicle.