5-
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-3 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-8 Engine Overheating5
-11 Cooling System
5
-18 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-19 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-29 Compact Spare Tire
5
-30 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
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5-8
Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.
Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.
Use only the correct hooks.
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
or car
-carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find an ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE
ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATED,
STOP ENGINE message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). You will also hear a chime. There is also
an engine temperature warning light and/or gage on the
instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Lightº or ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº
in the Index.
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5-13
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
See ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Modeº in the Index.
NOTICE:
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.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
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 proper level (2.5 inches (6.4 cm) below the
base of the fill neck), add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX
-COOL coolant 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 ªEngine Coolantº in the Index
for more information.)
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6-22 How to Reset Transaxle Fluid
Change Indicator
Your vehicle is equipped with a transaxle fluid change
indicator. A CHANGE TRANS FLUID message will
display on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when
the powertrain computer determines that the transaxle
fluid needs to be changed or at each 100,000 miles
(160 000 km) interval, whichever occurs first. When this
message appears, change the transaxle fluid and reset
the transaxle fluid life indicator as follows:
1. Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
2. Press and hold the OFF and rear defog buttons on the
climate control at the same time until the TRANS
FLUID RESET message appears on the DIC.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
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
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.
If your thermostat needs to be replaced, a GM
thermostat is recommended.
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6-23
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 ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).
Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
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.
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6-42
2. Insert a screwdriver into the slot as shown and press
down to release the wiper blade assembly.
3. Align the wiper arm pin with the hole on the wiper
blade assembly and snap it into place to install.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Cadillac Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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8-5
Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Hot, Idle Engine Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-33, 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Misfire, Ease Off Gas Pedal Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated, Stop Engine Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Reduced Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-33, 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Hot - A/C Off Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind of Oil to Use 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Speed Limiter 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
English/Metric Button 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-33, 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Extender, Safety Belts 1
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Button 3-2, 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle 6
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 2-39, 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway Driving 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Storage Area 2
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamps, Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . .
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8-6
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Panel 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Release 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level Low Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses
Circuit Breakers 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Compartment 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wipers 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 7-5 . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handles, Assist 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Restraints 1
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suggested Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Activated 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing, Damage 3-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Front Seats 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Road Driving 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank 5-13 . . . . . . .
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HVAC Steering Wheel Controls 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Brake Warning Lights 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ice Possible Message 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator, Oil Life 2-95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire Pressure 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .