1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE coolant temperature

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2-20
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
3800 Engine shown, 3.5L similar
In very cold weather, 0
F (
-18
C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located near the air cleaner assembly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
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2-58 Low Traction Light
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on
(3800 V6 engine only).
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if the low
traction light comes on, so adjust your driving
accordingly. The light will stay on for a few seconds
after the anti
-lock system stops adjusting brake pressure
or the Enhanced Traction System stops limiting
wheel spin.
The low traction light also comes on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to ON. If the light doesn't come on
then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when the
anti
-lock brake system, Enhanced Traction System or
Traction Control System is active.
Slippery road conditions may exist if the low traction
light comes on, so adjust your driving accordingly.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
You have a gage that shows
the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage
moves into the red area,
your engine is too hot.
That reading means the same thing as the warning light.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
In ªProblems on the Road,º this manual shows what to
do. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
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3-4 Heating
On cold days use FLOOR and the outside air button
pushed in with the temperature knob all the way in the
red area. The system will bring in outside air, heat it and
send it to the floor ducts.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use it
to help your system provide warm air faster when it's cold
outside (0
F (
-18
C) or lower). An engine coolant heater
warms the coolant your engine and heating system use to
provide heat. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº in the Index.
Ventilation
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling
is needed, use UPPER and outside air to direct air through
your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow
-through
ventilation system described later in this section.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows. To defrost the windows quickly, use
DEFROST with the temperature knob all the way in the
red area. To warm passengers while keeping the
windows clean, use DEFOG.
Air Conditioning with Automatic and
Auxiliary Temperature Control
(If Equipped)
With this system, you set a temperature. You can then
either let the system adjust airflow and force to maintain
the temperature, or you can manually adjust the flow
and force. The system works best if you keep your
windows closed while using it.
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3-7
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time the
compressor has to run, which should help fuel economy.
For quick cool
-down on very hot days, use RECIRC. If
this setting is used for long periods of time, the air in
your vehicle may become too dry.
For normal cooling on hot days, use UPPER with the
A/C button pushed in. The system will bring in outside
air and cool it.
On cool but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can use BI
-LEV with the A/C button pushed in.
The system will bring in outside air and direct it to your
upper body, while sending slightly warmed air to your
lower body. You may notice this temperature difference
more at some times than others.Heating
On cold days use LOWER. The system will bring in
outside air, heat it and send it to the floor ducts.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it's
cold outside (0
F (
-18
C) or lower). An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant your engine and heating
system use to provide heat. See ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Ventilation
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use UPPER to direct outside air
through your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the
flow
-through ventilation system described later in this
section.
Defogging and Defrosting
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows. To defrost the windows quickly, use your
front DEFOG button. To warm passengers while
keeping the windows clean, use DEFOG by pressing the
MODE button.
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5-9
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. Don't have your vehicle towed
on the drive wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle must
be towed on the drive wheels, do not tow the vehicle
more than 500 cumulative miles (800 km) or exceed
50 mph (80 km/h). If these limitations must be
exceeded, then the drive wheels have to be supported on
a dolly.
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 a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light about a hot engine on your instrument panel. See
ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº and ªEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Lightº in the Index. You
also have a low coolant light on your instrument panel.
See ªLow Coolant Lightº in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (3.5L V6 Engine Only)
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
Should an overheated engine condition exist, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of three cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, you will notice a significant loss in power and
engine performance. The low coolant light may come on
and the temperature gage will indicate an overheat
condition exists. Towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss and change the oil. See
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
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6-26
Cooling System Pressure Cap
(3.5L V6 Engine)
The cooling system pressure cap is located on the
surge tank.
NOTICE:
Your cooling system 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 your radiator pressure cap, an AC
Delco
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 Delco


thermostat is recommended.
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 or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, 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.
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9-3
Tires 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrips 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage, Center 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control, Loss Of 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-29, 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-30, 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Gage 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Use 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System Pressure Cap 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer Assistance
Hearing Impaired 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offices 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speech Impaired 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text Telephone Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Illumination 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disabilities, GM Mobility Program for Persons 8-5 . . . . . . . .
Dolby
B Noise Reduction 3-13, 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive, Automatic Transaxle 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-4
Driving (Continued)
In the Rain 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Deep Water 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 3-27, 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-42 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-11, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-13, 2-28, 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block (Passenger's Side) 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Protection Operating Mode 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing 4
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Light, How to Reset 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Light 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light 2-57, 4-10 . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-13, 2-28, 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Illumination 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Protection 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air Cleaner 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-to-Pass Feature 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat, If a Tire Goes 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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