INFO ON TOWING SATURN CARS WITH 4 WHEELS #97-I-19 - (Oct 24, 1997)

SUBJECT: Information on Towing Saturn Cars with All Four Wheels on the Ground

TO: Saturn General Managers, Fixed Operations Managers, and New and Used

Car Managers

Due to the addition of new information, this bulletin supercedes bulletin 92-I-06, which should be discarded.

IMPORTANT: The 1991 and 1992 Owner's Handbooks limit towing with front wheels on the ground to a maximum range of 80 km (50 miles) at 56 km/h (35 mph). This range and speed limitation no longer applies.

The following are new guidelines that should be used when towing a Saturn car, equipped with an automatic transaxle, on all four wheels (also known as flat-towing):

a. Before towing, make sure the transaxle fluid is at the correct transaxle fluid level. For four wheel towing, Saturn recommends that the maximum transaxle fluid level should be no higher than the level shown in the illustration, when the transaxle is at normal operating temperatures of 88-93*C (190-200*F). (Refer to Automatic Transaxle fluid level checking procedures in this bulletin for further information if required.)

IMPORTANT- Manual transaxle towing guidelines remain unchanged. Consult appropriate year Owner's Handbook for these guidelines.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the automatic transaxle when towing a Saturn vehicle on all four wheels, make sure the transaxle fluid is no higher than the "MAX HOT FOR 4-WHEEL TOWING" level or no lower than the "ADD HOT" level shown on the dipstick. Too much or too little transaxle fluid may damage the automatic transaxle when towing a Saturn on all four wheels. This is especially true if the transaxle is over-filled with transaxle fluid.

b. When towing:

- Turn the ignition key to the "ACC" (Accessory) position.

- Turn all of the accessories Off.

- Make sure fog lamp switch is Off (if equipped).

- Place automatic transaxle in the "N" (Neutral) position.

- Release parking brake.

IMPORTANT: Towing speeds should not exceed the legally posted speed limit, or 100 km/h (65 mph) maximum.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid Level Checking Procedures

1. Start the engine and operate vehicle for 25 km (15 miles) or 15 minutes, or until a normal operating temperature of 88-93*C (190-200*F) is obtained.

2. Park vehicle on level ground.

3. Apply parking brake.

4. Move gear selector through all gear positions.

5. Move gear selector to "P" (Park).

6. Let vehicle idle for three minutes with all accessories Off.

7. With the vehicle running, pull out the fluid level indicator (dipstick) and wipe if off with a clean towel.

8. Push the dipstick back in all the way, and then immediately pull it back out.

9. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower transaxle fluid level. For four wheel towing, the transaxle fluid level must be in the lower half of the cross-hatched area, below the line in the figure shown on the previous page labeled "MAX HOT FOR 4-WHEEL TOWING." (It is normal if there are some splatters of transaxle fluid on the dipstick, above the transaxle fluid fill level.)

10. If the transaxle fluid level is:

- in the lower half of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick, push the dipstick back in all the way. There is no need to add or remove any transaxle fluid to the automatic transaxle.

- below the "Add Mark," then add only enough Saturn Transaxle Fluid to bring the transaxle fluid level up to the lower half of the cross-hatched area.

- in the upper half of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick, remove enough transaxle fluid to obtain the desired transaxle fluid level in the lower half of the cross-hatched area.

IMPORTANT- If it is necessary to remove transaxle fluid from the transaxle in order to achieve the desired level for four wheel towing, it will not be necessary to add transaxle fluid when not towing the vehicle, provided the transaxle fluid level falls in the cross-hatched area when checked at the proper temperature.

Figure 1

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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