2002 CADILLAC SEVILLE coolant temperature

2-26
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. At temperatures above 32
F (0
C),
use of the coolant heater is not required.
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.

2-80
The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:

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
your engine has overheated.
As a check, the light should
come on for a few seconds
when you start your engine.
If this light comes on and stays on, 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.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.

2-81 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States Canada
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the shaded 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 in the United
States or Check Engine Light in Canada)
United States Canada
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.

2-94
CHECK WASHER FLUID - 25: This message means
that your vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
- 140: This message will
display anytime the key is in ON, the transaxle is not
in PARK (P) and the driver's door is open or ajar.
A chime will sound when the vehicle's speed is greater
than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).
DRIVER NO. X (1 OR 2): This message will be
displayed with the key in ON and while entering
FEATURE PROGRAMMING, but only if the vehicle
is equipped with memory seats. The message will show
which driver is activating the personalization feature.
It will only stay on for five seconds. This message can
be customized for you by your dealer.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE ENGINE
- 44:
This message will appear when the engine coolant
temperature is over 262
F (128
C). Stop and allow
your vehicle to idle in PARK (P) until it cools down and
the message is removed. Do not increase engine speed
above a normal idle. 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
-AC 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. When the coolant temperature returns to
normal, the A/C operation will automatically resume.
You can continue to drive your vehicle. If this message
continues to appear, have the system repaired as soon as
possible to avoid compressor damage.
ENGINE OVERHEATED, STOP ENGINE
- 42:
This message will appear when the engine has
overheated. Stop and turn the engine off immediately to
avoid severe engine damage. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index. A multiple chime will also sound when this
message is displayed.
ENGINE POWER REDUCED
- 41: This message
informs you that the vehicle is reducing engine power
because the transaxle is being placed in gear under
conditions that may cause damage to the vehicle's
engine, transaxle or ability to accelerate.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
- 11 : This message serves as
a warning that the fuel level in the tank is critically low.
Stop for fuel soon. A single chime will sound when this
message is displayed.

3-5
If your vehicle is sitting in direct sunlight on a hot day
and you have the climate control system in AUTO, the
air will first flow out the floor ducts for a few seconds.
This is normal. This removes hot air from the air outlets.
As the air is cooled, the airflow will enter the vehicle
through the instrument panel outlets.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will start at a reduced fan speed until warm air is
available. The length time required for this to happen
depends on the outside air temperature, engine coolant
temperature or the time since the engine was last started.
As the coolant warms up, the fan speed will gradually
increase and air will flow from the floor ducts, with
some airflow to the windshield to prevent fogging under
most normal conditions. If you select defrost mode or a
fan speed manually, this function will be canceled.
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. Defrost will change to automatic
operation when the ignition is shut off and then turned
back on.Electronic Solar Sensor
The sensor monitors the sun's solar radiation and is located
near the end of the instrument panel near the windshield.
The climate control panel uses this information to
automatically make the necessary temperature and
airflow adjustments to maintain your comfort. The
climate control system may supply cooler air to one side
of your vehicle, if that side is facing the sun.
Be sure not to put anything over the electronic solar
sensor. If you do, the climate control system may not
function properly.

5-10
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service
if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index. If you want to
tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for recreational
purposes (such as behind a motorhome), see
ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº 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). 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.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the message
ENGINE OVERHEATED, STOP ENGINE is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which alternates firing
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency; you may
drive up to 50 miles (80 km). Driving extended miles
(km) and/or 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, change the oil and reset
the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.

5-12
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
An overheat warning, along with a low coolant message,
can indicate a serious problem. See ªLow Coolant
Messageº in the Index.
If you get an engine overheat warning with no low
coolant message, 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. Set the temperature control to the highest heat setting
and open the windows, as necessary.
2. If you're in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
)
or THIRD (3).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn't come back on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there's still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you're parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see ªOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Modeº listed previously in
this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.

6-24
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.