2009 CADILLAC STS coolant temperature

What to Use
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant
mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system
is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
Gives freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
Protects against rust and corrosion.
Will not damage aluminum parts.
Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
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 6-13for more information.
5-28

3. Add the proper DEX-COOL®coolant mixture to the
ll neck, until the coolant reaches the COLD FILL
line on the ll neck.
With the Intercooler System pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes.
Then turn the engine off. By this time, the coolant
level inside the ll neck may be lower. If the level
drops to where coolant is no longer visible in the
horizontal tube section of the ll neck, with the engine
off add more of the DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
to the ll neck until the level is again visible in the
horizontal tube section.
4. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
If the coolant is not at the proper level when the system
cools down again, see your dealer.
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.
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.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There are two engine hot messages that could be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79
DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
If the engine is overheating, then you will nd a coolant
temperature gage and a coolant warning light on the
instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-65andEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-64for more information.
5-34

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
An overheat warning, can indicate a serious problem.
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam
can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:
1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gage is no longer
in the overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the
vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the car in front of you. If the warning does
not come back on, continue to drive normally.If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see″Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode″later in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven
to a safe place in an emergency. Should an overheated
engine condition exist, 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. An engine overheat
warning will indicate that an overheat condition exists.
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 and change the oil. SeeEngine
Oil on page 5-18.
5-36

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
The CHECK WASHER FLUID message will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the uid
level is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-79for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid 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 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.
5-38

(i)If using DOT-4 brake fluid only: Drain, flush, and refill
brake hydraulic system at a regular maintenance service
every two years. This service can be complex; you should
have your dealer/retailer perform this service. See Brakes
on page 5-39.
(j)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-27 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)Drain, flush, and refill intercooler system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-27.
(m)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.(p)If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 (VIN Code V) engine,
replace the engine air cleaner filter every 40,000 miles
(64 000 km).
(q)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. Check to be sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During any maintenance, if a
power washer is used to clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken to not directly spray the
transfer case output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer case
fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be replaced.
(r)Change transfer case 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.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as high performance operation or taxi,
police, or delivery service.
6-9

Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-112
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-39
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-47
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-37
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-47
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-110
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-109
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-106
Finish Care...............................................5-109
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-107
Interior.....................................................5-105
Leather....................................................5-107
Speaker Covers.........................................5-108
Tires........................................................5-111
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-111
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-108
Weatherstrips............................................5-108
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-110
Wood Panels............................................5-107Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-54
Dual ..........................................................3-48
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-52
Rear ..........................................................3-53
Clock, Setting.................................................3-98
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-104
Compass.................................................1-6, 2-38
Competitive Driving.........................................4-17
Competitive Driving Mode
................................4-11
Compressor Kit
Storing.......................................................5-94
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant............................5-87
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-60
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-27
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-65
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-64
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-34
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cruise Control................................................3-16
Cruise Control, Forward Collision
Alert (FAC) System....................................... 3-9
Cruise Control Light........................................3-70
Cupholders....................................................2-60
3

Electrical System (cont.)
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-113
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-23
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-66
Coolant......................................................5-27
Coolant Heater............................................2-29
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-65
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-64
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Oil .............................................................5-18
Oil Life System...........................................5-21
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-36
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-27
Enhanced StabiliTrak
®....................................... 4-6
Entry Lighting.................................................3-41
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-27
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-40
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-23
Finish Damage.............................................5-111
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-13
Flat Tire........................................................5-84
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-94
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-102
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-38
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-70
Forward Collision Alert (FAC) System.................. 3-9
Front Axle......................................................5-49
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-71
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-113
Rear Underseat Fuse Block.........................5-118
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-114
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-113
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-65
Fuel..........................................................3-71
Speedometer..............................................3-57
Tachometer.................................................3-57
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-53
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-60
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-50
Headlamp Wiring...........................................5-113
Headlamps....................................................3-32
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-51
Daytime Running Lamp................................3-36
Flash-to-Pass..............................................3-13
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........5-51
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-9Headlamps (cont.)
On Reminder..............................................3-36
Washer......................................................3-16
Wiper Activated...........................................3-36
Head-Up Display (HUD)...................................3-43
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heated Steering Wheel..................................... 3-7
Heater...........................................................3-48
Engine Coolant...........................................2-29
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-70
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................5-65
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-19
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-20
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-26
Immobilizer....................................................2-24
Immobilizer Operation......................................2-24
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.......................3-42
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-64
Inator Kit, Tire...............................................5-87
6