2000 CADILLAC ELDORADO coolant temperature

2-19 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver's side of
the engine, behind the transaxle dipstick/fluid fill
location (C) and next to the engine.
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.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It's the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your vehicle can't move easily.

2-62
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System Warning Light
This warning light should
come on briefly as you start
the engine.
If the warning light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there's a problem. If it stays on, or
comes on when you're driving, there may be a problem with
your traction control system and your vehicle may need
service. When this warning light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following:

If there's a brake system problem that is specifically
related to traction control, the traction control system
will turn off and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine
-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light tells you that the
engine has overheated. You
should stop your vehicle
and turn the engine off as
soon as possible. A warning
chime should also sound if
this light comes on.
As a check, the light should come on for a few seconds
when you start your engine. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

2-63 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into
the red area, the engine is
too hot.
That reading means the same thing as the warning
light
-- the engine coolant has overheated.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.This system is called OBD II (On
-Board
Diagnostics
-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.

2-72
CHECK OIL LEVEL - 36: For correct operation of the
low oil sensing system, your vehicle should be on a level
surface. A false CHECK OIL LEVEL message may
appear if the vehicle is parked on grades. The oil level
sensing system does not check for actual oil level if the
engine has been off for a short period of time, and the oil
level is never sensed while the engine is running. If the
CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears and your vehicle
has been parked on level ground with the engine off for
at least 30 minutes, the oil level should be checked by
observing the oil dipstick. Prior to checking the oil level,
be sure the engine has been off for five minutes and your
vehicle is on a level surface. Then check the dipstick and
add oil if necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
- 25: This message will
appear for several seconds indicating that you need
windshield washer solvent.
CRUISE ENGAGED
- 43: This message will appear
for a few seconds when you select a speed at which
to cruise.
DOOR AJAR
- 141: A door other than the driver's
is open or ajar when this message appears. The vehicle's
engine must be running and the transaxle not in
PARK (P) for this message to display. A chime will
also sound when the vehicle's speed is greater than
5 mph (8 km/h).DRIVER DOOR AJAR
- 140: This message
will display when the vehicle is being shifted out of
PARK (P) with the engine running to signal that the
driver's door is open or ajar. A chime will also sound
when the vehicle's speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE ENGINE
- 44:
This message will appear when the engine coolant
temperature is over 248
F (126
C). To avoid added
strain on a hot engine, turn off the climate control
system. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle until it cools
down or the message is removed. If it does not cool
down, turn off the engine and have it serviced before
driving it again. Severe engine damage can result from
an overheated engine. See ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
ENGINE HOT
- A/C OFF - 16: This message displays
when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal
operating temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning compressor is automatically
turned off so that air conditioned air is not delivered.
If the coolant temperature returns to normal, you must
select AC to return to a normal A/C compressor
operation. If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired as soon as possible to avoid
compressor damage.

3-4
If your vehicle is sitting out on a hot day and you have it
set on AUTO, the air will first flow out the floor air
outlets for a few seconds. That is normal. This is to
expel hot air from the air outlets. As the air is cooled,
the airflow will move through the air conditioning
outlets. If you start your vehicle with the fan setting on
HI, it will skip the air conditioning purge.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the outside air
temperature, engine coolant temperature or the time
since the engine was last started. As the coolant warms
up, the blower fan speed will gradually increase and air
will flow from the heater outlets, with some airflow
to the windshield to prevent fogging under most
normal conditions.
If you leave your vehicle, the system will remember the
control setting the next time you start your engine,
except for recirculation and defrost. Each ignition cycle
cancels recirculation, whereas, DEFROST will change
to automatic operation when the ignition is shut off and
then turned back on.Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs air into your
vehicle in two ways. Cool air is directed to the upper
portion of your body through the four instrument panel
outlets while warmed air is directed to the floor.
HEATER/DEFROST: This setting directs air to
the floor outlets and toward the windshield.
HEATER: This setting directs warmed air
through the floor outlets. Some warm air is diverted to
the windshield to minimize fogging.
DEFROST: Press this button to quickly remove
fog or frost from the windshield. This setting sends most
of the airflow to the windshield with only a small
amount to the floor outlets.

3-5
FAN SPEEDS: Press the button with the fan
symbol on it until AUTO is displayed on the screen.
At this setting, the fan speed is automatically controlled.
If it is cold outside, the blower may not run in the
maximum high fan speed right away. The system checks
the temperature of the engine coolant to assure it is
warm enough to provide heat. When the engine coolant
is warm, the controller allows the fan to gradually
increase to a higher speed. This prevents cold air from
blowing into the passenger compartment. If you want
the blower fan at a high speed, press the up arrow button
until you see HI on the display. If you want the fan
speed to be automatic, but you like the fan speed to be
higher than the AUTO setting, press the fan symbol
button until HI AUTO is shown on the display.
If you want the blower fan at a low speed, press the
down arrow button until LO is shown on the display.
If you want the fan speed to run lower than the
AUTO setting, press the button until LO AUTO is
shown on the display.OFF: Press this button to turn the system off.
Fresh air will continue to flow through the vehicle, and
the system will try to maintain the previously set
temperature. The outside temperature will show on the
display when the system is OFF.
AC: Press this button to turn the air conditioning on and
off. The system will cool and dehumidify the air inside
the vehicle. In the AUTO mode, the display will show
that AC is active, but the air conditioning compressor
only operates when the system determines it is needed.
RECIRCULATION: Press this button to limit
the amount of fresh air entering your vehicle. This is
helpful when you are trying to cool the air quickly or
limit odors entering your vehicle. In the AUTO mode,
the system will use recirculation as necessary to cool
the air. Pressing the recirculation button will change the
operation to a manual mode and the air will recirculate
non
-stop. Press this button again to turn off the
recirculation feature.
If you notice the windows fogging, press the
recirculation button to exit the recirculation mode.

5-9
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.

5-11
CAUTION: (Continued)
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool. See ªOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Modeº in the Index.
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. See ªOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Modeº in the Index.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:

Climb a long hill on a hot day.

Stop after high
-speed driving.

Idle for long periods in traffic.

Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Dial temperature control to the highest heat setting
and open the windows, as necessary.
3. If you're in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- OVERDRIVE (
) or THIRD (3).