2005 PONTIAC GTO radiator

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Overow Reservoir
{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 would not 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 DEX-COOL
®coolant.If you have not found a problem yet, check the coolant
level on the coolant overflow reservoir dipstick. If
the coolant level is not at or above the bottom arrow on
the dipstick, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant overflow
reservoir. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for
more information.
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.
{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.
5-31

To add coolant to the overflow reservoir, do the
following:
1. Remove the coolant overflow reservoir cap when
the cooling system is no longer hot.
2. Fill the coolant overflow reservoir with the proper
mixture, until it reaches the bottom arrow on the
dipstick.
3. Replace the dipstick, then press down on the
coolant reservoir cap while turning it clockwise until
it stops, to lock it into position.If there is still no coolant visible on the dipstick, there is
one more thing you can try. You can add the proper
coolant mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the
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
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.
5-32

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
Notice:Your engine has a specic radiator
ll procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
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.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on the location of the
radiator pressure cap.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
it first stops. Do not 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 DEX-COOL
®coolant
mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. See
Engine Coolant on page 5-23for more information
about the proper coolant mixture.4. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment.
5. Then fill the coolant overflow reservoir to the bottom
arrow on the dipstick.
6. Put the cap back on the coolant overflow reservoir,
but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
7. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
8. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator fill
neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more
of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the level reaches the
base of the filler neck.
9. Then replace the radiator 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 pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
10. Check the coolant in the overflow reservoir.
The level should be at the bottom arrow on
the dipstick when the engine is cold.
See your dealer, if necessary.
5-33

2. Remove the five screws in the radiator cover.
3. Unclip and remove the radiator cover.
A hole is provided in the air intake duct so that the
bulbs can be accessed for replacement.
After following the procedure to replace the bulbs, clip
the radiator cover to the radiator fan shroud and reinstall
the five screws.
Passenger’s Side
To replace the passenger’s side headlamp bulbs,
first do the following:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 5-11
for more information.
2. Disconnect the battery clamp.
3. Remove the battery retaining plate and slide the
battery out of the way toward the rear of the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the battery terminals. If your vehicle is
equipped with a larger battery, it must be completely
removed from the vehicle.
After following the procedure to replace the bulbs,
reinstall and reconnect the battery.
1. Access the bulbs by following the previous
instructions for either the driver’s side or
passenger’s side of the vehicle.
2. Turn the dust caps
counterclockwise and
remove from the rear
of the headlamp
assembly to gain
access to the bulb.
5-48

3. Remove the wiring harness connector by squeezing
the two tabs on the connector and pulling the
connector down.
4. Remove the old bulb
by twisting the bulb
counterclockwise.
5. Install the new bulb without touching it.
6. Reverse the steps to reinstall the headlamp
assembly.Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps
To replace a front turn signal or parking lamp bulb,
do the following:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 5-11
for more information.
2. Follow the removal procedure for either the driver’s
side or passenger’s side of the vehicle to access
the bulbs. SeeHeadlamps on page 5-47for
more information.
3. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the
bulb assembly.
4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove.
5. Lightly press the bulb and twist counterclockwise
out of the socket.
6. Insert the new bulb and install the bulb socket.
The bulb should be colored orange.
7. Reconnect the wiring harness connector.
8. Reinstall the battery or radiator cover. See
Headlamps on page 5-47for more information.
5-49

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with genuine
GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, and trunk lid hinges
and latches. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
6-7

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
-In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
-In hilly or mountainous terrain.
-When doing frequent trailer towing.
-Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
-Uses such as high performance operation.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist
you with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for
further details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-8

O
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-16
Older Children, Restraints................................1-25
One-to-Four Shift Light....................................3-26
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-21
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-28
Power Mirrors.............................................2-28
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-24
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Parking
Brake........................................................2-23
Over Things That Burn.................................2-26
Passing.........................................................4-12
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-17
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-17Power (cont.)
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-34
Windows....................................................2-12
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-24
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-8
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-10
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radios..........................................................3-45
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-57
Care of Your CDs........................................3-57
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-46
Setting the Time..........................................3-45
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-55
Understanding Reception..............................3-57
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-22
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-19
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-28
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-34
8