VUE AWD V6-3.5L VIN 4 (2004)
Towing Information: Technical Service Bulletins
Vehicle - Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Bulletin No.: 05-00-89-014C
Date: August 04, 2006
INFORMATION
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
Supercede:
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:
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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.
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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)
1.
Position and attach the vehicle behind the recreational vehicle.
2.
Turn the ignition key to ACC.
3.
Turn fog lamps and all accessories off.
Note:
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.
4.
Perform transaxle lubrication procedure:
