2008 BUICK ENCLAVE In tank

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.
1. 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 to the FULL
COLD mark on the
side of the coolant
surge tank.4. With the coolant surge tank 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 fans.
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 reaches the FULL COLD mark on
the side of the coolant surge tank.
5. Then replace the cap. Be sure the cap is hand-tight
and fully seated.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
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.
5-31

Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could be
damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine
coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12for more information.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark when the engine is cold. The coolant level
should be above the FULL COLD mark under normal
operating conditions. If it is not, you may have a leak
in the cooling system.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant recovery
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. If
coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or abovethe FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant
recovery tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine Coolant for more
information.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery 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.
Notice:This vehicle has a specic coolant ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
5-33

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{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 surge tank
pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge
tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.If coolant is needed, add the proper mixture directly to
the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
1. You can remove the
pressure cap when
the cooling system,
including the 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 that
there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap and remove it.
3. Fill the cooling system with the proper DEX-COOL
coolant mixture, up to the base of the ller neck.
SeeEngine Coolant (4.6L Engine) on page 5-28
orEngine Coolant (3.9L Engine) on page 5-32.
4. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the
COLD FILL line.
5. Install the coolant recovery tank cap and the
pressure cap. After a day or two of driving, when the
engine is cold, check the coolant level in the recovery
tank. If it is low, rell it to the COLD FILL line.
5-34

If the coolant in the recovery tank is constantly low, you
should have a dealer/retailer service department inspect
the vehicle for leaks.
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.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle is a
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line
up with the overow tube on the radiator ller neck.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
more information on location.
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.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
more information on location.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
You will nd a warning light about a hot engine as well
as an engine coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel cluster.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be running.
If they are not, do not continue to run the engine and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving with
no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 5-37for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
5-35

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, 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 uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for 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 the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
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 the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-39

Headlamp Aiming
The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming
system. The aim of the headlamps have been preset at
the factory and should need no further adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the aim
of the headlamps may be affected and adjustment
may be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles ash their high beams at you, this
may mean the vertical aim of your headlamps needs
to be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to your
dealer/retailer for service if the headlamps need to
be adjusted. It is possible however, to re-aim the
headlamps as described.The vehicle should:Be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from
a light colored wall.
Have all four tires on a level surface which is level
all the way to the wall.
Be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall.
Not have any snow, ice or mud on it.
Be fully assembled and all other work stopped while
headlamp aiming is being performed.
Be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one
person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver seat.
Have all tires properly inated.
Have the spare tire is in its proper location in the
vehicle.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle’s low-beam
headlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctly
aimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.
5-51

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Engine Cooling System
3.9L V6 Engine 9.7 qt 9.2 L
4.6L V8 Engine 12.7 qt 12.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter
3.9L V6 Engine 4.0 qt 3.8 L
4.6L V8 Engine 7.4 qt 7.0 L
Fuel Tank
3.9L Engine (with NU6 emissions) 18.3 gal 69.3 L
3.9L Engine (without NU6 emissions) 18.6 gal 70.4 L
4.6L Engines sold new in all states 18.6 gal 70.4 L
5-109

Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-99
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-41
Infants and Young Children...........................1-38
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-45
Older Children.............................................1-35
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position........................1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-54
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-44
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-98
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-96
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-93
Finish Care.................................................5-96
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-95
Interior.......................................................5-92
Leather......................................................5-94
Tires..........................................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-99
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-96
Weatherstrips..............................................5-95
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-97Climate Control System...................................3-21
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-30
Dual Automatic............................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Clock, Setting.................................................3-76
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-91
Compass.......................................1-12, 2-34, 3-54
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-57
Coolant
Engine...............................................5-28, 5-32
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-42
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-42
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-35
Cooled Seats................................................... 1-7
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cornering Lamps............................................3-17
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-18
Cruise Control................................................3-12
Cruise Control Light........................................3-47
Cupholders....................................................2-57
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation................................7-10
Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone (TTY) Users........................ 7-6
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-6
3