2003 PONTIAC VIBE engine coolant

5-14 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at or above the FULL mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and a proper coolant at the
coolant recovery tank. See ªEngine Coolantº in the
Index for more information about the proper coolant
mixture.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as 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 a
proper coolant.
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and the proper coolant
mixture.

5-15
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 the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
FULL mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there's one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to
turn the pressure cap.

5-16 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure
cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don't
press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper coolant mixture, up
to the base of the filler neck. See ªEngine Coolantº
in the Index for more information about the proper
coolant mixture.

5-17
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the
FULL mark.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler
neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of
the proper coolant mixture through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the ears
on the pressure cap are in line with the vent tube.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-6 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-10 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-14 Engine Oil
6
-20 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-22 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-24 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-28 Manual Transaxle Fluid
6
-29 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-30 All-Wheel Drive (Option)
6
-31 Engine Coolant
6
-34 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-34 Power Steering Fluid6
-36 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-37 Brakes
6
-41 Battery
6
-42 Bulb Replacement
6
-49 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-50 Tires
6
-61 Appearance Care
6
-61 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-64 Care of Safety Belts
6
-65 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-70 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-71 Electrical System
6
-76 Replacement Bulbs
6
-76 Capacities and Specifications
6
-78 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the release handle
inside the vehicle.
It's located below
the instrument panel
to the left of the
steering wheel.

6-12 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code 8) engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

6-13
When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code L) H.O. DOHC engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block