2007 Saturn Vue ignition position when towing

[Globetrotter]

I am getting ready to tow my Vue and have been reading the manual but would like some clarification as it appears to differ from the previous gm (grand am) I towed.
The Vue instructions state after hookup, turn the key to accessory and shut off all accessories , shift to drive and then to neutral, start and run the vehicle for 3 minutes and turn off, leaving it in neutral.
Should I be starting it before I shift it from park to drive to neutral?

My other question is whether I turn it totally off after the 3 minutes or turn it to access position?
The wheel won't lock if in the off position and given the fuse would be pulled I don't see the need to leave it in access' position unless it has something to do with the transmission.
Can I actually shut it down and remove the key?

My '03 grand am had to have the key left in access position even with the fuses pulled.

Please let me know.

Thanks,

Dave

[Globetrotter]

I am getting ready to tow my Vue and have been reading the manual but would like some clarification as it appears to differ from the previous gm (grand am) I towed.
The Vue instructions state after hookup, turn the key to accessory and shut off all accessories , shift to drive and then to neutral, start and run the vehicle for 3 minutes and turn off, leaving it in neutral.
Should I be starting it before I shift it from park to drive to neutral?

My other question is whether I turn it totally off after the 3 minutes or turn it to access position?
The wheel won't lock if in the off position and given the fuse would be pulled I don't see the need to leave it in access' position unless it has something to do with the transmission.
Can I actually shut it down and remove the key?

My '03 grand am had to have the key left in access position even with the fuses pulled.

Please let me know.

Thanks,

Dave

[RV Wizard]

Dave, not sure if the 06 and 07 are exactly the same or not. You should turn the key from "OFF" to "Accessory" and turn everything off. I think this is just to relieve the fuse from a load and not to cause an arch (pitting the fuse prongs) when it is removed or reinstalled later. Start the engine and let it run for three minutes being sure you go from a forward gear into neutral and NOT from reverse to neutral. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition fuse stated in the manual. turn the key to the accessory position so the steering will not lock into place. This is how we do our 06 and I think the 07 is the same; the steering lock may be the only difference but the rest should be the same.

[Jarhead1]

This is what i heard.When the 30 Amp fuse is pulled and the key is in the first position away from lock ( the Accessory
position) the following components receive power:
Windshield Wiper (turn off)
Radio and clock display (remove CD and turn off radio)
Four power window Switch LED's and
Mirror Compass.
Under these normal circumstances these components will be drawing between 0.6 and 0.7 amps. Thus in
7 hours of towing, you will draw the battery down by about 5 amps. (Since Saturn recommends starting
the V6 models every 7 hours clock time we use this limit) Certainly not enough to require you to pull a
fuse, in our opinion.
We recommend checking the current draw by reversing the fuse in the fuse box so that one leg overlaps
exterior of the fuse box. Using a Volt Ohm Meter set to measure Amps (usually a 10 amp scale with the
leads plugged into a different place on the meter), connect one lead to the exposed fuse leg and the other
to the other connection in the fuse box. Check the current draw when the key is turned to the first
(Accessory) position. If it is in this range then you can safely leave the fuse in.
Remember to turn off the switch after towing since you will continue to draw down the battery if
you do not.
This information is supplied to assist you, and in no way is suggesting that Saturn approves this
procedure, however there are many Saturn Vue's operating as Tow Cars without removing the specified
fuse. Always check your car first since production changes can and do occur