2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO engine coolant

6-25
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 (DIC), 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 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) below the base of the fill
neck. Use a flashlight as necessary to see into the tank.
If the CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message comes on
and stays on, it means you're low on engine coolant.
For more information, see ªCheck Coolant Level
Messageº in the Index.

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.
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.

6-27
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir and dipstick are
located next to the coolant
surge tank on the
passenger's side of the
engine. For more
information on location, see
ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index.
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.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If necessary,
add only enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet. Always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.

6-29
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID. Add washer
fluid until the tank is full.
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. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index. It is filled with
DOT
-3 brake fluid.