Vehicle - Disabled Vehicle/Trailer/Recreational Towing
Bulletin No.: 03-00-89-033GDate: June 22, 2007
INFORMATION
Subject:
Trailer, Recreational and Disabled Vehicle Towing Information
Models:
2003-2007 Saturn ION
2005-2007 Saturn Relay
2007 Saturn AURA, OUTLOOK, SKY
2008 Saturn VUE
Attention:
Sales Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, and Technician
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the VUE and OUTLOOK information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-00-89-033F (Section 00 - General Information).
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide retailers with a summary of trailer, recreational, and disabled towing information for 2003-2007 Saturn vehicles. Important changes to Owner Manual information will be described as well.
2008 Saturn VUE
This section of the bulletin summarizes the following towing information:
Trailer Weight Information
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Disabled Towing Information
Trailer Weight Information
The chart shows how much the trailer can weigh, based on the vehicle powertrain combination. Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate model year Saturn VUE Owner Manual for important trailering tips, vehicle maintenance, and safety rules before towing a trailer.
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Vehicles with a 6-speed automatic transmission that are "dinghy towed" must be run at the beginning of each day and at each fuel stop for a minimum of five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components.
Refer to the appropriate model year Saturn VUE Owner Manual for towing preparation guidelines and dolly and dinghy towing procedures.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle - such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly"). With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways. Refer to the appropriate model year Saturn VUE Owner Manual for towing preparation guidelines and dolly and dinghy towing procedures.
The Towing Chart summarizes powertrain combination compatibility with dolly and dinghy towing methods.
All 2008 Saturn VUE vehicles can be dinghy towed from the front with all four wheels on the ground.
If the vehicle is equipped with a 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, it can be dinghy towed from the front for unlimited miles at 65 mph (105 km/h). To avoid vehicle damage, never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing Saturn VUE vehicles. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty.
Disabled Towing Information
To avoid vehicle damage, a platform or flatbed trailer (carrier) should be used to transport this vehicle. Consult a Saturn retailer or professional towing service for more information regarding disabled towing.
2007 Saturn OUTLOOK
This section of the bulletin summarizes the following towing information:
Trailer Weight Information
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Disabled Towing Information
For additional information on trailer wiring accommodations for non-V92 equipped vehicles, please refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 07-00-89-021.
Trailer Weight Information
The chart shows how much the trailer can weigh, based on the vehicle powertrain combination. Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate model year Saturn OUTLOOK Owner Manual for important trailering tips, vehicle maintenance, and safety rules before towing a trailer.
Vehicles with a 6-speed automatic transmission that are "dinghy towed" must be run at the beginning of each day and at each fuel stop for a minimum of five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle - such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly"). With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways. Refer to the appropriate model year Saturn OUTLOOK Owner Manual for towing preparation guidelines and dolly and dinghy towing procedures. The Towing Chart below summarizes powertrain combination compatibility with dolly and dinghy towing methods.
2007 Saturn OUTLOOK Recreational Towing Chart
If the vehicle is equipped with a 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, it can be dinghy towed from the front for unlimited miles at 65 mph (105 km/h). To avoid vehicle damage, never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty.
Dinghy Towing Procedure
If you tow your vehicle without performing each of the steps listed under "Dinghy Towing", you could damage the automatic transmission. Be sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to and after towing your vehicle.
Don't tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.
Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles may only be dinghy towed from the front, with all four wheels on the ground.
Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it.
Shift the transmission to Park (P) and turn the ignition to OFF.
Set the parking brake.
Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY.
Shift your transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
To prevent your battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the 50 amp BATT1 fuse in the UBEC, and store in a safe location.
Release the parking brake.
Once you have reached your destination, do the following steps:
Set the parking brake.
Reinstall the BATT1 fuse.
Shift the transmission to Park (P), turn the ignition key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition.
Release the parking brake.
Disabled Towing Information
To avoid vehicle damage, a platform or flatbed trailer (carrier) should be used to transport this vehicle. Consult a Saturn retailer or professional towing service for more information regarding disabled towing.
2007 Saturn AURA
This section of the bulletin summarizes the following towing information:
Trailer Weight Information
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Disabled Towing Information
Trailer Weight Information
For all V-6 powertrain combinations, the trailer should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg). Other important considerations include speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how often the vehicle is used to pull a trailer. Special equipment present on the vehicle may also affect trailer towing capacity. Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate model year Saturn AURA Owner Manual for important trailering tips, vehicle maintenance, and safety rules before towing a trailer.
Saturn AURA Green Line models are neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer. Do not tow a trailer if the vehicle is equipped with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (LAT).
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Vehicles with a 6-speed automatic transmission that are "dinghy towed" must be run at the beginning of each day and at each fuel stop for a minimum of five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle - such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly"). With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways. Refer to the appropriate model year Saturn AURA Owner Manual for towing preparation guidelines and dolly and dinghy towing procedures. The Towing Chart below summarizes powertrain combination compatibility with dolly and dinghy towing methods.
2007 Saturn AURA Recreational Vehicle Towing Chart
If the vehicle is equipped with a 4T45E four-speed automatic transaxle or a 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, it can be dinghy towed from the front for unlimited miles at 65 mph (105 km/h). To avoid vehicle damage, never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing Saturn AURA vehicles. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty.
Before performing dinghy towing procedures, remove the IGN SENSOR fuse from the instrument panel fuse block. (Refer to Instrument Panel Fuse block label to locate this fuse.) Failure to remove this fuse may result in low battery voltage after towing. Reinstall the fuse once the vehicle has reached its destination.
Disabled Towing Information
To avoid vehicle damage, a platform or flatbed trailer (carrier) should be used to transport this vehicle. Consult a Saturn retailer or professional towing service for more information regarding disabled towing.
2007 Saturn Sky
This section of the bulletin summarizes the following towing information:
Trailer Weight Information
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Disabled Towing Information
The 2007 Saturn SKY is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle - such as behind a motorhome. The Saturn SKY was not designed to be towed behind another vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground; therefore, dinghy towing is not recommended. If a Saturn SKY needs to be towed, the vehicle should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground. The Towing Chart below summarizes powertrain combination compatibility with different towing methods.
2007 Saturn Sky recreational Vehicle Towing Chart
MUST be off the ground.
Disabled Towing Information
To avoid vehicle damage, only a platform or flatbed trailer (carrier) should be used to transport SKY vehicles. All four wheels MUST be off the ground. Consult a Saturn retailer or professional towing service for more information regarding disabled towing.
2005-2007 Saturn Relay
This section of the bulletin summarizes the following towing information:
Trailer Weight Information
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Disabled Towing Information
Trailer Weight Information
For all powertrain combinations, the trailer should never weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) (3,500 lbs [1,588 kg] if equipped with trailer towing provisions [RPO V92]). The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversion, should never exceed 7,000 lbs. (3,175 kg) (8,500 lbs [3,856 kg] if equipped with trailer provisions [RPO V92]). Other important considerations include speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how often the vehicle is used to pull a trailer. Special equipment present on the vehicle may also affect trailer towing capacity. Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate model year Saturn Relay Owner Manual for important trailering tips, vehicle maintenance, and safety rules before towing a trailer.
To help prevent transmission fluid overheating with a 3.9L engine, do not tow a 2,500 lb (1,135 kg) or heavier trailer on long or steep grades at temperatures over 109°F (43°C) or a 3,500 lb (1,589 kg) trailer on long or steep grades above 95°F (35°C).
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle-such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly"). Not all Saturn Relay vehicles can be "dinghy" or "dolly" towed. Refer to the chart below for information regarding powertrain combination compatibility with dolly and dinghy towing methods. Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate model year Saturn Relay Owner Manual for dolly and dinghy towing procedures.
2005-2007 Saturn Relay Recreational Vehicle Towing Chart
To avoid vehicle damage, never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing Saturn Relay vehicles.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain components. DO NOT tow an all-wheel drive vehicle if any of its wheels will be on the ground.
Disabled Towing Information
Saturn Relay vehicles equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) can be towed with a carrier or wheel lift equipment. When wheel lift equipment is used to raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground, a towing dolly must be installed under the front wheels. To avoid vehicle damage, only a platform or flatbed trailer (carrier) should be used to transport Relay vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). Consult a Saturn retailer or professional towing service for more information regarding disabled towing.
2003-2007 Saturn ION
This section of the bulletin summarizes the following towing information
Trailer Weight Information
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Disabled Towing Information
Trailer Weight Information
For all powertrain combinations, the trailer should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg). Other important considerations include speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how often the vehicle is used to pull a trailer. Special equipment present on the vehicle may also affect trailer towing capacity. Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate model year Saturn ION Owner Manual for important trailering tips, vehicle maintenance, and safety rules before towing a trailer.
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle-such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly"). Not all Saturn ION vehicles can be "dinghy" or "dolly" towed. Refer to the chart below for information regarding powertrain combination compatibility with dolly and dinghy towing methods. Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate model year Saturn ION Owner Manual for dolly and dinghy towing procedures.
Only Saturn ION vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle or four-speed automatic transaxle may be dinghy towed (towed with all four wheels on the ground). Refer to the chart below.
2003-2007 Saturn ION Recreational Vehicle Towing Chart
Saturn ION Red Line vehicles can be dinghy towed (all four wheels on the ground) or dolly towed (front wheels on a dolly). However, due to reduced ground clearance, be sure that towing equipment is clear of fascias/side cladding to avoid vehicle damage.
If the vehicle is equipped with a 4T45E four-speed automatic transaxle, it can be dinghy towed from the front for unlimited miles at 65 mph (105 km/h). To avoid vehicle damage, never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing Saturn ION vehicles. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty.
Towing with all four wheels on the ground is limited to 62 miles (100 km) at maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). This is for disabled towing only.
Too much or too little fluid can cause damage to the automatic transaxle. Ensure that transaxle fluid is at the proper level before towing with all four wheels on the ground. Refer to "Checking the Fluid Level" in this bulletin.
Before performing dinghy towing procedures, remove the large Body Control Module (BCM) 2 (IP Battery 2) fuse 40 amp (# 41) from the engine compartment fuse block (refer to the Engine Compartment Fuse Block label for more information.) Failure to remove this fuse may result in low battery voltage after towing.
Disabled Towing Information
The Saturn ION can be transported with car carrier equipment only. Consult a Saturn retailer or professional towing service for more information regarding disabled towing.
Saturn vehicles are not designed for sling towing. To avoid vehicle damage, do not sling tow a Saturn vehicle. Use the proper towing equipment to avoid damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas of the vehicle.
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