2007 SATURN ION radiator cap

Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located on the driver’s side of
the engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 280for 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 parked on a level surface.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should
be near the cold ll line. When your engine is
warm, the level should be at the cold ll line or a
little higher.
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Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is
what you will see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the
hood can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at the cold ll line.
If it is not, you may have a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling system.
2.2L L4 Engine shown, 2.4L L4 and
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engines similar
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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.
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling system,
including the upper radiator hose, is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one-quarter of a turn.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
This will allow any pressure still left to be
vented out the discharge hose.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly,
and remove it.
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3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture, to the cold
ll line.
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 DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the cold ll line.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling
system has cooled down. If the coolant is not at
the proper level, repeat Steps 1 through 3
and reinstall the pressure cap. If the coolant is not
at the proper level when the system cools down
again, see your retailer.
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How to Add Coolant to the
Intercooler System Fill Neck
(2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine Only)
If you have not found a problem yet, turn the
engine off and allow it to cool down, then check to
see if coolant is visible within the horizontal
tube section of the ll neck. If coolant is not visible,
add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOL
®coolant to the ll neck. Be sure
the Intercooler System, including the Intercooler
System pressure cap, is cool before doing so. See
Engine Coolant on page 293for more information.
{CAUTION:
Turning the Intercooler System pressure
cap when the engine and intercooler are
hot can allow steam and scalding liquids
to blow out and burn you badly. Never
turn the Intercooler System pressure cap,
even a little, when the engine and
intercooler are hot.
{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.
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.
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4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminal locations on each
vehicle.
You will not need to access your battery for
jump starting. Your vehicle has a remote
positive (+) and a remote negative (−) jump
starting terminal.
The remote positive (+) terminal is located on
the engine compartment fuse block, under a
red cap. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 280for more information on location.
The remote negative (−) ground terminal is a
bolt located under the metal frame that
supports the radiator. It is at the front of the
engine compartment, on the driver’s side
of the vehicle, and is marked with a label that
says GND (−).
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a ashlight if you need
more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water.
You do not need to add water to the
battery installed in your new vehicle. But
if a battery has ller caps, be sure the
right amount of uid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that rst. If you
do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on your
skin, ush the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
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(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, ttings, and clamps; replace with
genuine Saturn 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 wiper blades 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, glove box
hinges, sunroof (if the vehicle has one), and
any folding seat hardware. 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.
(g)Check system for interference or binding
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that
have high effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables.
(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter 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.
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(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This
service can be complex; you should have
your retailer perform this service. See Engine
Coolant on page 293 for what to use. Inspect
hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired and the uid level checked. Add uid
if needed.
(k)Or every 12 months, whichever occurs rst.
If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the lter may require replacement more often.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage. Replace belt if
necessary.
(n)Drain, ush, and rell intercooler system. This
service can be complex; you should have your
retailer perform this service. See Engine Coolant
on page 293 for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean pressure cap and ller neck. Pressure test
the system and pressure cap.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be
performed at the intervals specied to help ensure
the safety, dependability, and emission control
performance of your vehicle. Your Saturn retailer
can assist you with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at
once. Whenever any uids or lubricants are added
to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper
ones, as shown inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 402.
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