Page 239 of 390
3800 V6: Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see: If
the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.
(A) Coolant recovery tank
(B) Radiator pressure cap
(C) Electric engine fan (or fans if you have the 3800 V6
engine).
3.1L V6: Recovery Tank Level
5-17
ProCarManuals.com
Page 240 of 390
3800 V6: Recovery Tank Level
l I I
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL HOT
mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
I NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine fan is running.
If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be running.
If it isn’t, your
vehicle needs service.
5-18
ProCarManuals.com
Page 241 of 390
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant
level isn’t at or above the
FULL HOT mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and
a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See
“Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information
about the proper coolant
mix.)
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or
above the
FULL HOT mark, start your vehicle.
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 cooling system
is
cool before you do it.
5-19
ProCarManuals.com
Page 243 of 390
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.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
3800 V6: Removing the Pressure Cap
3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, up to the base
of the filler neck.
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
HOT mark.
3.1L V6: Removing the Pressure Cap
5-21
ProCarManuals.com
Page 244 of 390
3.lL V6: Upper Radiator Hose
5. plTt the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave .the radi@or pres- cap off.
3800 V6: Upper: *' Radiator Hose
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can $eel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out
for the
engine fan(
s) .
5-22
ProCarManuals.com
Page 245 of 390
1. BY tnls time tne 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.
3800 V6: Replacing the Pressure Cap
3.1L V6: Replacing the Pressure Cap 8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure
if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall
the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up
as shown.
5-23
ProCarManuals.com
Page 269 of 390
3.1L V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3. Air Cleaner
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Battery
7. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
8. Engine Oil Dipstick
9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
IO. Radiator Cap
6-9
ProCarManuals.com
Page 270 of 390
P
3800 V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir 6. Battery
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7. Air Cleaner
3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick 8. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir 9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir 10. Radiator Cap
6-10
ProCarManuals.com