Page 265 of 386
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.
I
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 ston A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
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Page 267 of 386
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it fun 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 (6.4 cm)
below the base of the filler neck.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on
the pressure cap line up like this.
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 through 3 or see your dealer.
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Page 294 of 386
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Engine Oil
111 out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll
need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use
the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and
Specifications”
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
The oil fill cap is located
behind the radiator on the
passenger’s side of the
engine. Turn the cap
counterclockwise to
remove it.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
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Page 302 of 386

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 1
80 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
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK
(P).
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).
0 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.
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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