2005 PONTIAC GTO engine coolant

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

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer fluid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-35

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13. Reset oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.An Emission
Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.••
Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-62and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels and add fluid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission fluid level and add fluid as needed. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12for what to use.•
6-5

(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

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-52for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-68.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notification. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-23.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If
the vehicle starts in any other position, contact your
GM Goodwrench
®dealer for service.
6-9

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilThe engine requires a special
engine oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
standard may be identified as
synthetic, and should also be
identified with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
However, not all synthetic API oils
with the starburst symbol will meet
this GM standard. You should look
for and use only an oil that meets
GM Standard GM4718M. GM
Goodwrench
®oil meets all the
requirements for your vehicle. For
the proper viscosity, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-13.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemHydraulic Brake Fluid. Use only
GM Part No. U.S. 88958860, in
Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4
brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only
GM Part No. U.S. 88958860, in
Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4
brake fluid.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specification”
on the label.
6-12

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-41
Top Strap...................................................1-35
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-36
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-34
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-81
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-80
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-77
Finish Care.................................................5-80
Glass Surfaces............................................5-79
Instrument Panel.........................................5-79
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-79
Leather......................................................5-79
Tires..........................................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Vinyl..........................................................5-78
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-80
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-81
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-22Compact Spare Tire........................................5-76
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-28
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-15
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-29
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-32
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
3

Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-16
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-14
City...........................................................4-18
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-19
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Racing or Other Competitive Driving...............2-18
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-28
Winter........................................................4-24
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-85
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-88
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-86Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-28
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-28
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-26
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-26
Racing or Other Competitive Driving...............2-18
Starting......................................................2-17
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage...............................................5-82
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-68
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-68
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-75
4