2004 PONTIAC VIBE engine overheat

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 waterand a proper coolant at
the coolant recovery tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-27for 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 ®re 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.
5-34

{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. Do not 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
pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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.
5-35

Engine (cont.)
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-18
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.....................5-100
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-19
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-40
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter.............................................................5-21
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finding a PTY Station.....................................3-55
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XMŸ).............3-45
Finding a Station....................................3-43, 3-53
Finish Care....................................................5-93
Finish Damage...............................................5-94
Five-Speed....................................................2-23Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-64
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-6
Flat Tire........................................................5-76
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-77
Floor Mats.....................................................2-37
Fluid.............................................................5-23
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Manual Transaxle........................................5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
Fluid Level Check...........................................6-20
FM Stereo.....................................................3-63
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-5
Following Distance..........................................4-38
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-40
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-24
Fuses...........................................................5-98
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-98
5