Page 305 of 386

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL@ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum
parts. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
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@ coolant.
I NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
I NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
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Page 306 of 386

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
is under a lot of pressure when it is
hot.
If the CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message
appears on the DIC, you will need to add coolant.
”urning 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 (6.4 cm)
below the base
of the fill neck. Use a flashlight as
necessary to see into the tank.
..... ......................... ................. ................... . ... ............ ............. ..I.. ... .................. ..................................... *....I. ...... . .”... ... ”.. ...... ...... .......... ....... ..... ................... ”
If this message comes on, it means you’re low on
engine coolant.
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Page 307 of 386

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
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.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it
is tight.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
1 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.
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Page 309 of 386
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located next to
the air cleaner on the driver’s side of the engine.
Open
the cap labeled WASHER FLUID OKY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
NOTICE:
0
0
0
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
three-quarters full when it’s very
cold. This
allows for expansion
if freezing occurs,
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.
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