2006 CHEVROLET EPICA coolant temperature

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater. In
very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will 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 cord is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment, behind the battery.
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 re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not 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 do not, 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 will
be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
2-20

Traction Control System
Active Light..............................................3-38
Traction Off Light..........................................3-39
Hold Mode Light...........................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-40
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-43
Cruise Control Light......................................3-43
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-44
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Indicator Light...........................................3-44
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-44
Trunk Ajar Light............................................3-44
Fuel Gage...................................................3-45
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-46Audio System(s).............................................3-46
Radio with CD
(Single Display, Base Level).......................3-48
Radio with CD
(Single Display, MP3).................................3-52
Radio with CD
(Double Display, MP3/WMA).......................3-59
Radio with Six-Disc CD
(Double Display, MP3/WMA).......................3-67
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer...........................3-75
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-78
Radio Reception...........................................3-79
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-80
Care of the CD Player...................................3-80
Backglass Antenna (Sedan Models).................3-80
Integrated Windshield Antenna
(Hatchback and Wagon Models)..................3-81
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Your vehicle has an
engine coolant temperature
gage. With the ignition
turned to ON, this
gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine
is too hot. It means that your engine coolant has
overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-22.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
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. The Check Engine light comes on
to indicate that there is a problem and service is
required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good,
and your engine may not run as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered
by your warranty.
3-40

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealership service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Have your dealer or service center change both the fluid
and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km) 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.
•Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than ESSO LT71141 or TOTAL ATF H50235
may damage your vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by your warranty. Always use
ESSO LT71141 or TOTAL ATF H50235 labeled
automatic transaxle uid.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-22.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and proper
coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
5-19

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge
tank is located in the
engine compartment on
the passenger’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more
information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be between
the Maximum (A) and Minimum (B) marks on the
coolant surge tank. The level rises at engine operation
temperature and drops again when the engine
cools down.
Adding Coolant
If the level falls below the Minimum (B) mark, add the
proper coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only
when the engine is cool. If the surge tank is empty,
a special fill procedure is necessary. SeeCooling
System on page 5-24for instructions on “How to
Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank.”
{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 replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
5-21

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-40.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam
or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop
your engine if it overheats, and get out of
the vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
5-22

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.
5-30

90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace engine oil pan drain plug washer.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace fuel filter.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Inspect drive belts.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-19for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect EVAP canister, vapor lines, and EVAP vent
solenoid valve.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)❑Inspect PCV system.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Change brake fluid (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs first).
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-53for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transaxle fluid 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.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police, or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid does not require changing.
6-18