Information on Flat-Towing Saturn S-Series with All Four Wheels on the Ground #00-T-33A - (Sep 30, 2003)

1991 - 2002 Saturn S-Series vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle

Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidelines to follow when towing a Saturn S-Series vehicle, equipped with an automatic transaxle, with all four wheels on the ground (also known as flat towing).

The information on page 2 in this bulletin is to be followed for all Saturn S-Series vehicles.

The information on page 2 and 3 in this bulletin provides the proper procedure for checking the automatic transaxle fluid for all Saturn S-Series vehicles and should be followed for all Saturn S-Series vehicles being flat towed.

The information on page 4 in this bulletin provides the proper procedure for fuse removal and other towing preparations for 2000 - 2002 Saturn S-Series vehicles.

ENSURING PROPER FLUID LEVEL:

Notice

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

1991 - 1998 MODEL YEAR DIPSTICK

1999 - 2002 MODEL YEAR DIPSTICK

The following guideline should be used before towing a S-Series vehicle, equipped with automatic transaxle, on all four wheels (also known as flat towing).

• Maximum automatic transaxle fluid level must be at level shown in illustration, at normal operating temperatures of 88 - 93°C (190 - 200°F).
• For 2000 - 2002 Model Year S-Series vehicles being towed, also refer to fuse removal procedure in this bulletin.

CHECKING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL:

1. Start engine and operate vehicle for 25 km (15 miles) or 15 minutes, or until 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. Put transaxle in "P" (Park).
6. Let vehicle idle for 3 minutes with all accessories Off.
7. With vehicle running, pull out fluid level indicator (dipstick) and wipe it off with a clean rag or towel.
8. Push dipstick back in all the way, and then immediately pull it back out.
9. Check both sides of dipstick and read the lower transaxle fluid level. For flat-towing, transaxle fluid level must be in lower half of cross-hatched area for 91 - 98 vehicles and in the cross hatch area for 99 - 2002 vehicles, below the line in previous illustration labeled "MAX HOT FOR 4-WHEEL TOWING". (It is normal if there are some splatters of automatic transaxle fluid on the dipstick, above transaxle fluid fill level.)
10. If transaxle fluid level is in:
• lower half of cross-hatched area (1991-1998 Model Year) or right on the cross-hatched line (1999-2002 Model Year) on dipstick, push dipstick back in all the way. There is no need to add or remove any automatic transaxle fluid to the automatic transaxle.
• below "Add Mark", then add only enough automatic transaxle fluid to bring transaxle fluid level up to lower half of cross-hatched area (1991-1998 Model Year) or the end of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick (1999-2002 Model Year).
• upper half of cross-hatched area (1991-1998 Model Year) or above cross-hatched line on dipstick (1999-2002 Model Year), remove enough automatic transaxle fluid to obtain desired transaxle fluid level in lower half of cross-hatched area.

Important

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

FUSE REMOVAL:

Notice

Due to the addition of enhanced electronics on 2000 - 2002 Model Year Saturns, it is necessary to remove a fuse prior to flat-towing. This is to prevent battery drain during extended towing times with key On.

1. Position and attach the vehicle to be towed.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC position.
3. Turn fog lamps and all accessories Off.
4. Shift transaxle to N (Neutral).
5. Open hood.
6. Open underhood fuse block (UHFB) cover and remove the IGN 1/4 30A maxifuse shown at location (1). (Refer to underside of the UHFB cover for specific maxifuse location.)
2000 - 2002 Model Year Only




Notice

When removing fuse, pull fuse straight up. Do not rock fuse from side to side or terminal damage may result.

Notice

The underhood fuse block cover must be re-installed properly to ensure a good seal from moisture and dirt.

7. Replace UHFB cover.
8. Close hood.

Notice

When towing vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, make sure the towing speed does not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) or your vehicle could be severely damaged.

Notice

Don't tow the vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is the compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transaxle.

Notice

Too much or too little fluid can damage the transaxle. Be sure that the transaxle fluid is at the proper level before towing with all four wheels on the ground.

UPON REACHING DESTINATION

1. Shift the transaxle to P (Park).
2. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open hood.
4. Open UHFB cover.
5. Replace the IGN 1/4 30A maxifuse that was removed previously.

Notice

The underhood fuse block cover must be re-installed properly to ensure a good seal from moisture and dirt.

6. Replace UHFB cover.
7. Close hood.

Notice

Due to 1996 - 2002 Model Year on board vehicle diagnostics, the potential exists for the Service Engine Soon light to illuminate if the vehicle is started and driven immediately after being flat-towed. This is due to a diagnostic trouble code that will set if the transaxle temperature is higher than the engine coolant temperature during a cold start up scenario.

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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