Page 222 of 340
m
m
II
L, CAUTIOP
You can be bu 3d if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene
glycc
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t
spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the Luolant in the coolant recovery ~~IMC is “1 or
above
“FULL COLD,” start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing
you can try. You can add the proper coolantmix
directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before
you do it.
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Page 225 of 340
4. Then fill the coolant
recovery tank to
e “FULL COLD.”
5. Put the cap back on the
coolant recovery tank,
but leave the radiator
pressure cap off.
7. By this time the coolant ,level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower.
If the level is lower, add
more
of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level .reaches the base
of the filler neck.
6. Start the engine and let
it run until you can feel
the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan.
8. Then replace the
pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on
the pressure cap
line up like this.
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Page 226 of 340
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing .a Flat Tire
I! CAUTIO1
can slip off the jack and roll over you or othe-
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your
=
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in
3. Turn off the engine. Park),
To be even
more certain the vehicle won't move.
you can put chocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side
of the
vehicle. at the otmosite end.
Page 241 of 340
I A CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high eed, the I
explode and YOU or others could be injured.
And, the transmission or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment fire other damage.
When
you’re stuck, spin the wheels as little as
possible. Don’t spin the wheels above 35 I h
(55 km/h) as shown on the speedome r. c
239
Page 246 of 340

What about gasoline with blending materials that contain oxygen, such as MTBE or alcohol?
MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is, no
more than 15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or .grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel
that
is no more than 10% ethanol is fine for your
vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or
wood alcohol. Gasolines
for Cleaner Air
Your use
of gasoline with detergent additives will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine:and
fuel
system. That helps keep your ,engine in. tune and your
emission control system working properly. It’s good
for
your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for cleaner
air.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. General Motors .recommends that you use
gasolines with these blending materials, such as MTBE
and-ethanol. By doing so, you can help clean the
ak,
especially in those parts of the country that have high
carbon monoxide levels.
In addition, som-e gasoline suppliers are now .producing
reforniulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. General Motors
recommends that you use reformulated gasoline. By
doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those
parts
of the country that have high ozone levels.
You should ask your service station operators if their
gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates, and
if they
have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.
.
Page 251 of 340
Engine OiI
If the "LOW OIL" light on '
the instrument panel comes
on, it means .you need to
check your engine oil level
right away. You should
check your engine oil level
regularly; the light
is an
added reminder.
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. From the front, you'll
see
your oil hpstick to the left
of 'the air cleaner. Turn off
the engine and give the oil a
fe.w minutes.
to drainget
back down-into the
oil pan.
If
you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual
h%l.
To Check Engine Oil: Pull
out the dipstick slightly.
Pinch the ,end of the
dipstiek tube as you remove
the dipstick to wipe the oil
fi-om it. Then,push it' all the
way back
in. No.w, remgve
it without pinching the tube,
keeping the tip lcmer.
Page 254 of 340

It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less:
than
10 miles (16 km).
. The engine is -at low .speed most of the time (as in
door
tp door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If -any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need-to change
your oil.and filter every 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or, 3 months - whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles
(12 -500 km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change and
at every
other oil change after that.
Engine Block Heater: An engine block heater can be a
big help if-you have
to park outside in very cold
weather,
-20 * F (-29 C] or .colder. If your vehicle has
this option, see
“Engine Block Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
Used engine oil contains things that have
caused skin cancer in laboratory animals.
Da
let used oil stay on your skin for very long
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
away clothing or rags containing used engine
0
lr a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
I
..
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your
own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
Erom the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams
or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it.to a
place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a
service station or
a local recycling center for help.
252
Page 255 of 340
Air Cleaner
The air cleaner is located behind the engine fan. To
access the filter, lift up on the latches and let the cover
down. Replace the filter and snap the latches.
Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to replace-the air filter and the
PCV filter.
See “Scheduled .Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
Operath e engine wltn tne air cleaner off can
cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air,
it stops flame i
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive
with it off, and be careful working on tT
engine with t‘ air cf - - -- -8r om-
_.
I
253