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Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located toward
the rear of the engine compartment on the driver’s
side of the vehicle. For more information on
location, seeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 374.
{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 at
the FULL COLD mark, located on the side of
the surge tank that faces the front.
If the LOW COOLANT message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on and stays on,
it means you are low on engine coolant. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 206
for more information.
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A low coolant level should be indicated by a LOW
COOLANT message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). If it is, you may have a leak at the
pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else
in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other
engine parts, can be very hot. Do not
touch them. If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If
you run the engine, it could lose all
coolant. That could cause an engine re,
and you could be burned. Get any leak
xed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on,
check to see if the electric engine cooling fan
is running. If the engine is overheating, the
fan should be running. If it is not, your vehicle
needs service.Notice:Engine damage from running your
engine without coolant is not covered by your
warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 390for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing sooner, at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
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1. You can remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the cap and remove it.3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper
mixture until the level inside the surge tank
stabilizes at the FULL COLD mark on the front
of the surge tank.
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4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off,
start the engine and let it run until you can
feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch
out for the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower,
add more of the proper mixture to the coolant
surge tank until the level stabilizes at the FULL
COLD mark on the coolant surge tank.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
cap is hand-tight and fully seated.If the LOW COOLANT message does not appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) after
two minutes, the coolant is at the proper ll level.
If a LOW COOLANT message does appear,
repeat Steps 1 through 3 then reinstall the
pressure cap, or see your dealer.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 374for
reservoir location.
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