1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER engine coolant

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge
Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at the
FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL TM
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.)
I A CAUTION:
-
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 coolant
surge tank pressure cap
-- even a little -- they
can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap
’ CAUTION: (Continued) when
the cooling system, including the coolant
surge
tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool
if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
5-17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. 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.
Use a 50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL TM antifreeze.
I NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
So
use the recommended coolant. You
can be burned if you spill coolant
01 lot
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
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly about
one-quarter turn to the left and then stop.
that to stop.
A hiss means
left. If you hear a hiss, wait for
there
is still some pressure
2. Then keep turning the
pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mix,
up to the
FULL COLD mark.
5-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I
4.
I
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 the
FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the
pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is tight.
5-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Things Under the Hood Hood Release
1
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure
you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any
underhood electric fan.
A CAUTION:
- -
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 hot engine.
The following sections tell
you how to check fluids,
lubricants
and important parts underhood.
1
To open the hood, first pull
the handle inside the
vehicle.
6-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.2L Engine (Code 4)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir F.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
C. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (if equipped)
G. Air Cleaner
D. Engine Oil Fill CapDipstick H. Battery
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.4L Engine (Code T)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
I
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
E Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
G. Battery
H. Air Cleaner
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
“Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
How to Check
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take
the cap off.
If the fluid reaches the step inside the
reservoir, the fluid level
is correct.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles ( 166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
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.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Chevrolet will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37OC).
e Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
e Help keep the proper engine temperature.
e Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
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