2008 BUICK LUCERNE engine coolant

A. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-28.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-41.
C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 5-48.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-106.
E. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Index.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-40.
G. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. See Index.H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-42.
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
5-13

A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-106.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-41.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-28
andCooling System (3.8L V6 Engine) on page 5-30
orCooling System (4.6L V8 Engine) on page 5-36.
E. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-48.
F. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-40.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-42.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick (Out
of View). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-21.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4.6L Engine)
For the 4.6L V8 engine, it is not necessary to check the
transmission uid level. A transmission uid leak is
the only reason for uid loss. If a leak occurs, take your
vehicle to the dealer/retailer service department and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life 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 5-28.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®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.
5-24

Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{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
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer/retailer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or additives
in your vehicle’s cooling system, you could
damage your vehicle. 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.
5-25

Checking Coolant (3.8L V6 Engine)
This symbol is located on
the cap of the engine
coolant recovery tank.
The engine coolant recovery 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.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should raise.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture at the coolant recovery
tank, but be careful not to spill it.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
{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.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For
information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
see Index. When replacing the pressure cap, make sure
to turn cap until it clicks.
5-26

Checking Coolant (4.6L V8 Engine)
The engine coolant surge
tank is located toward the
rear of the engine
compartment on the
passenger’s side of the
vehicle.
For more information on location, seeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12.
{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 engine.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant surge tank, but only
when the engine is cool.
{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.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For
information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
see Index. When replacing the pressure cap, make sure
to turn cap until it clicks.
5-27

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 5-12for
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 5-12for
more information on location.
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.
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. 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 the vehicles 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.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-30for information on driving
to a safe place in an emergency.
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. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-30for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
5-28

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
message ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE is
displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates
ring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and
engine performance. This operating mode allows your
vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.
Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-15.
Cooling System (3.8L V6 Engine)
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Radiator Pressure Cap
B. Coolant Recovery Tank
C. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
5-30