Page 241 of 378
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. 
3. Then  fill  the  coolant  surge tank with  the  proper 
mixture, up  to  the 
FULL COLD mark.   
     
        
        Page 242 of 378
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 
cooling 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  mixture  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. 
5-21   
     
        
        Page 270 of 378
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Turning  the  surge tank pressure  cap when  the 
engine  and radiator  are hot  can  allow  steam  and 
i 
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. 
I 
When  your  engine  is cold,  the coolant level should be  at 
the 
FULL COLD  mark.  Don’t overfill the surge tank. 
Too much coolant  can result  in an ovefflow when the 
fluid  is hot. 
If the  LOW  COOLANT  message comes on, it means 
you’re  low 
on engine  coolant. 
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: 
r 
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. 
6-25   
     
        
        Page 271 of 378
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Surge Tank  Pressure  Cap 
NOTICE: 
The  surge  tank  pressure  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 the 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 pre-set temperature. 
When  you replace the thermostat,  a GM  thermostat 
is  recommended. 
Power  Steering  Fluid 
When  to  Check  Power  Steering Fluid 
It  is  not  necessary to regularly  check  power  steering  fluid 
unless  you  suspect  there  is  a  leak 
in the  system or you  hear 
an unusual  noise. A fluid  loss in this  system  could  indicate 
a  problem.  Have  the  system  inspected 
and repaired.   
     
        
        Page 334 of 378

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part C: Periodic  Maintenance 
Inspections 
Listed  below  are  inspections  and  services  which  should 
be  performed  at  least  twice  a  year  (for  instance,  each  spring  and  fall). 
You should  let  your  dealer’s  service 
department  or other  qualified  service  center  do these  jobs. 
Make  sure  any  necessary  repairs  are completed  at  once. 
Proper  procedures  to  perform these services  may be 
found  in  a  service  manual.  See “Service and Owner 
Publications”  in  the  Index. 
Steering  and  Suspension  Inspection 
Inspect the front  and rear suspension and steering 
system  for damaged,  loose or missing parts, signs  of 
wear  or lack  of lubrication. Inspect the power steering 
lines  and  hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, 
cracks,  chafing,  etc. 
Tire  and  Wheel  Inspection 
Inspect the tires  for uneven  wear  or damage.  If there  is 
irregular or  premature  wear,  check the wheel alignment. 
Inspect  for damaged  wheels. 
Exhaust  System  Inspection 
Inspect  the  complete exhaust system. Inspect the body 
near  the exhaust  system.  Look for broken, damaged,  missing 
or out-of-position  parts as well as open seams, 
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could 
cause  a heat build-up  in the floor pan  or could  let 
exhaust fumes  into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” 
in the Index. 
Radiator  and  Heater  Hose  Inspection 
Inspect  the  hoses  and have  them  replaced  if  they are 
cracked,  swollen  or deteriorated.  Inspect  all  pipes,  fittings 
and  clamps;  replace  as  needed.  Clean  the outside of the 
radiator  and  air  conditioning  condenser. 
To help ensure 
proper  operation,  a  pressure  test  of the cooling system 
and  pressure  cap is recommended  at least once a  year. 
Rear  Axle  Service 
Check  the  gear  lubricant  level  in  the  rear  axle  and  add  if 
needed.  See  “Rear  Axle”  in  the  Index. 
A fluid  loss  may 
indicate  a  problem.  Check  the  axle  and  repair  it 
if needed. 
Brake  System  Inspection 
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and 
hoses  for proper hook-up,  binding, leaks, cracks, 
chafing,  etc. Inspect disc brake pads  for wear and 
rotors  for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, 
including calipers, parlung brake, etc.  You may  need  to 
have your brakes inspected more often  if your driving 
habits  or conditions result in frequent braking. 
7-15