Page 243 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
So
use the recommended coolant.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on
a hot engine.
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure
cap when the cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise 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 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
fans.
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 about 2.5 inches (60 mm)
below the base of the filler neck.
S. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on
the pressure cap line up like this. c
Start the engine and allow it to warm up. If the CHECK
COOLANT LEVEL message does not appear on the
Driver Information Center, coolant
is at the proper fill
level. If a CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message does
appear, repeat Steps
1 to 3 or see your dealer.
5-24
Page 270 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The oil fill cap is located What Kind of Oil to Use
behind the radiator on the
passenger’s side
of the
engine. Turn the cap
counterclockwise to remove.
Just
fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re throtlgh. Oils recommended for
your vehicle
can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol.
This symbol
indicates that the oil
has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute
(APT). Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
_- .. U you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the front
of the oil container. If
you
have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil
put into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also
use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle,
as shown in the following chart:
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Page 277 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180 OF to 200 OF
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km)
when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's
colder
than 50°F (lO"C), you may have to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
0 Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in PARK (P).
running.
in
PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then,
without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. The black transaxle fluid cap is located next to the
radiator hose and below the air cleaner assembly
on
the driver's side of the engine. Remove the air
cleaner assembly so you can reach the transaxle fluid
cap, The assembly is attached to the vehicle
by two
fasteners. Simply lift up on the air cleaner assembly
to remove it. Find the transaxle fluid cap and turn it
counterclockwise to remove. Pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with
a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way. wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
6-18
Page 281 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Coolant
,/'
The surge tank is located next to the engine block on the
passenger's side
of the engine.
The cooling system when hot is under a.lot of pressure.
If the
CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message appears on
the DIC, you will need to add coolant.
A CAUTION:
Tbrning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the full cold mark, which is 2.5 inches (60 mm) below
the base
of the fill neck. Use a flashlight as necessary to
see into the tank.
-
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Page 282 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Y
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
surge tank, but only when the engine is cool.
I A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on
a hot engine.
c1
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
I NOTICE:
.-
The surge tank cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) ’
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the
cap line up.
If the surge tank pressure cap needs to be replaced, a
General Motors cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops
the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
If your thermostat needs to be replaced, a General
Motors thermostat
is recommended.
6-23
Page 284 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine --
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located next to
the air filter
on the driver’s side of the engine.
Open
the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
NOTICE:
0
0
e
.0
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t
mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system.
Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
3/4 full
when it’s very cold. This allows for
expansion, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Don’t
use radiator antifreeze in your
windshield washer.
It can damage your
washer system and paint.
6-25