1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER radiator cap

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search 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 about
one-quarter turn to
the left and then stop.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the
pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
5-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mix,
up to the FULL COLD mark.
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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 the FULL COLD mark.
5-21
. ,.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 DEX-COOL@ engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first,
if you add only DEX-COOL@ extended life 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.
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@ coolant will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
I
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only
DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than
DEX-COOL’ is added
to the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever
occurs
first. Damage caused by the use of coolant
other than
DEX-COOL@ is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located on the passenger’s side of the
engine compartment.
’ A CAUTIO--:
firning the surge tank bl-ssure 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.
1
If the low coolant light
comes on,
it means you’re
low on engine coolant.

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.
~~
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.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your 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.
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap,
a
GM 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.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat
is recommended.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled
WASHER FLUID ONLY.
mgrr Add washer fluid until the
tank is full.
NOTICE:
.~ -~
a
a
a
a
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.
6-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I I
Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule
100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km) (Continued)
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the
fluid andfilter do not require changing.
Manual transaxle fluid doesn’t
require change. delivery service.
DATE
ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant’’ in the Index for what
to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
- -.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine bung Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I
100,000 Miles (166 000 km) (Continued)
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the
fluid andfilter do not require changing.
Manual transaxle fluid doesn’t
require change.
I I I 1
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
I I I 1
DATE
SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE