1995 PONTIAC GRAND-AM coolant level

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
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This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine
is too
hot!
That reading means the same thing as the warning light.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull
off the road, stop
your vehicle and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY!
In “Problems on the Road”, this manual shows what to
do. See “Engine Overheating’, in the Index.
Low Coolant Warning Light
LOW
COOLANT
If this light comes on and
stays on, the vehicle should
be promptly pulled off the
road
and the coolant level
checked. See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index.
If
there are visible signs of
steam see “Engine
Overheating” in the:Index
before opening the hood.
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VENT Use when outside temperatures are mild,
and little heating or cooling is needed. Air flow is
through the instrument panel outlets. Set the center
control knob to the temperature desired.
HEATER: This setting brings heated air through
the heater ducts, and some through the windshield
defroster vents.
If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine
block heater) and use it during cold weather,
0°F
(- 18 “C) or lower, your heating system will more quickly
provide heat because the engine coolant is already
warmed. See “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
9 BLEND: This setting divides air flow equally
between the heater ducts and the windshield defroster
vents.
DEFROST This setting directs air through the
windshield defroster vents located on top of the
instrument panel.
Defogging Windows
To defog the windshield, turn all three control knobs to
the
far right.
Air Conditioning System (Option)
The air conditioner and heater work best if you keep
your windows closed while using them. Your vehicle
also has the flow-through ventilation system described
later in this section.
Air Conditioning
Your system has three air conditioner settings. Before using
your
air conditioner on very hot days, open the windows
long enough to let hot inside
air escape. This reduces the
amount
of work your air conditioner’s compressor will have
to do, which should help fuel economy.
MAX: Use for maximum cooling. This setting
recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle
so it
maximizes your air conditioner’s performance and your
vehicle’s fuel economy.
A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting
cools outside air and directs it through the instrument
panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: Use on cool, but sunny days. This
setting brings in the outside air, but directs it in two
ways. The cool air is directed to the upper portion
of
your body through the instrument panel outlets, but
slightly warmer air is directed through the heater ducts
and defroster vents. At times this temperature difference
may be more apparent than others.
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Ventilation
Use when outside temperatures are mild, and little
heating or cooling is needed.
Turn the right knob to
VENT. Air
flow is directed through the instrument panel
outlets. Set the center knob to the temperature desired.
Heating
Turning the right control knob to HEATER and the
center control knob clockwise will send heated air
through the heater ducts toward your feet and the
floor,
and some through the defroster vents.
VENT and HEATER are economical positions because
the air conditioner compressor doesn’t run in these two
settings. This reduces engine load, resulting in improved
fuel economy. If either setting fails to keep you
comfortable, or causes your windows to fog up, turn the
right control
knob to one of the air conditioning
positions, or to DEFROST.
If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine
block heater) and use it during cold weather,
0°F
(- 18 O C) or lower, your heating system will more quickly
provide heat because the engine coolant ‘is already
warmed. See “Engine Coolant Heater” the Index.
BLEND: This setting divides airflow equally between
the heater ducts and the windshield defroster vents.
Defrosting
The DEFROST setting directs air through ‘the defroster
vents located on top of the instrument panel.
Defogging Windows with Air Conditioning
System
To defog the windshield, turn all three control knobs to
the far right.
To defog the side windows, turn the right control knob
to BI-LEVEL and the fan control
knob to HIGH. Aim
the side vents toward the side windows. For increased
air flow to the side vents, close the center vents.
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If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
don’t
do anything else until it cools down. 1
The coolant level should be at or above FULL COLD. 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.
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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.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge
Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at or above FULL COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze
at the coolant surge
tank, but be sure the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool
before you do it. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for
more information about the proper coolant
mix.)
I NOTICE:
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4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mix to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches
FULL COLD, or just above
the small cylinder at the base of the opening.
1
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is tight.
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Hydraulic Clutch Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is “Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid. Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct a leak. How to Check
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The proper fluid should be added if the level is at or
below the STEP mark on the reservoir cap. See the
instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF ( 128 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
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Adding Coolant To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
FULL COLD mark, or a little higher.
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