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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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
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6-24
CAUTION:
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 mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
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 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture 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.
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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6-25 Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located on the driver'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 Driver Information Center, you will need
to add coolant.
CAUTION:
Turning 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.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark, which is at or above the fill mark at the
edge of the surge tank.
If the CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message comes on
and stays on, it means you're low on engine coolant.
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6-26
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.
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
hand
-tight.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located next to
the fuse relay center on the
passenger's side of
the engine.
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.
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6-28
NOTICE:
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 engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT
-3
brake fluid.
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8-3
Check
Brake Fluid Message 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Message 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Gage Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas Cap Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer Fluid Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Things Under the Hood 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Seat Position 1-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-40 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHMSL 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
City Driving 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Engine Air/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome
-Plated Wheels 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Surfaces 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades 6
-53 . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speaker Covers 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wood Panels 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control Panel 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control Personalization 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control, Steering Wheel Controls 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster, Instrument Panel 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls and Radio System Personalization 2-91 . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player Care 3-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Players 3-15, 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartments, Storage 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass, Rearview Mirror with 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Shift Lever 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console-Mounted CD Changer 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continuous Variable Road Sensing
Suspension (CVRSS) 2
-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System, Traction 4-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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8-5
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Temperature Control 3-2, 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror
with Compass 2
-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Solar Sensor 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Hot, Idle Engine Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-32, 4-28, 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hot - A/C Off Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Misfire -- Ease Off Gas Pedal Message 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated, Stop Engine Message 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Reduced Message 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed Limiter 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
English/Metric Display 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-32, 4-28, 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lighting 2-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass Feature 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid
AutomaticTransaxle 6
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 2-39, 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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8-6
Fog Lamp Light 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway Driving 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamps, Bulb Replacement 6
-39 . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses
Circuit Breakers 6
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underseat 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wipers 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garment Hooks 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 7-5 . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handles, Assist 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suggested Message 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Activated 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing, Damage 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Seats 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Road Driving 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hooks, Garment 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn Sounds at Lock 2-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank 5-14 . . . . . . .
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HVAC Steering Wheel Controls 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Brake Warning Lights 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .