Page 244 of 386

If the overheat warning continues, there's one more thing you can try. You
can add the proper coolant mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the
radiator is cool before you
do it.
I CAUTION
4 Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out
- and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the
radiator
pressure capeven a little-they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, Including the
radiator pressure cap, is hat. Wait for the cooling system and radiato
pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
I
8
K2511
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system,
including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap
slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don't
press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
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Page 245 of 386
PO244
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it.
Remove the pressure cap.
L
K2341
3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, up to the base of the filler neck.
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to COLD.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radi\
ator
pressure
cap off.
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Page 246 of 386
K2550
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan@).
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck m\
ay 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.
1
K2515
8. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the pressure cap
line up like this.
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Page 266 of 386

Service & Appearance Care
.
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle . This section
begins with service and fuel information. and then it shows
how to check
important fluid and lubricant levels
. There is also technical information about
your vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Service ........................................................................\
........................................... 6-3
Fuel ........................................................................\
................................................ 6-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
....................................................................... \
6-8
Hood Release
........................................................................\
............................ 6-8
Engine Oil ........................................................................\
.................................. 6-9
Air Cleaner
........................................................................\
............................... 6-16
Automatic Transmission Fluid
........................................................................\
. 6-17
Manual Transmission Fluid ........................................................................\
..... 6-20
Hydraulic Clutch
........................................................................\
....................... 6-21
Transfer Case
........................................................................\
.......................... 6-23
Front
Axle ........................................................................\
................................. 6-24
Rear Axle
........................................................................\
................................. 6-24
Engine Coolant
........................................................................\
........................ 6-25
Power Steering Fluid
........................................................................\
............... 6-29
Windshield Washer Fluid
........................................................................\
......... 6-31
Brake Master Cylinder
........................................................................\
............. 6-32
6-1
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Page 274 of 386
~AUTION
- Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These
include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a
Before closing the hood, be sure
all the filler caps are on properly. Then just
pull the
hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
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.
Turn
off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to get back down into the
oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
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How to Check Lubricant:
PO592
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add
some lubricant.
Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the
filler
plug hole.
What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
I
PO593
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Service & Appearance Care
The following explains your cooling system and how to add cool\
ant when it is
low.
If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your vehicle
will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 258°F (125°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of clean water (preferably distilled), and antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification
6038-M,” which won’t damage aluminum parts. Also use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) with a complete coolant change.
If
you use these, you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous.
I
Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the \
proper coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mix. With plain water or the wrong mix, your
engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat \
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Us\
e
a 50/50 mix of clean water and a proper antifreeze.
jIi ,yo.w use an improper coolant mix, your engine .coutd overheat andi
badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.’ TP~
much water in ;the mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, .heater
wre-ad -.other parts.
Some conditions, such as air trapped in the cooling system, can affect the
coolant level in the radiator. Check the coolant level when th\
e engine is cold
and follow the steps under “Adding Coolant” for the prope\
r way to
add
coolant.
.. .. ..
If you have to add coolant mdre than four times a year, have your dealer
check
your cooling system.
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Page 292 of 386

k
NOTICE
f YOU use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra inhibitors or
idditives which claim to improve the system. These can be harmful
Adding Coolant
‘1 L
L
L
PO206
To Check Coolant: When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level shoul\
d be up
to HOT, or a little higher.
To Add Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
I CAUTION
4
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are
hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to
add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
I cap-even a little-when the engine and radiator are hot. I
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
~ ~~
1 CAUTION I
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant
- b contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
I enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. I
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