4. With the coolant surge tank cap off, start the engineand let it run until you can feel the upper radiatorhose getting hot. Watch out for the enginecooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolantsurge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, addmore of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tankuntil the level reaches the FULL COLD mark onthe side of the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the cap. Be sure the cap is hand-tight andfully seated.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,coolant loss and possible engine damage mayoccur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightlysecured.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engineoverheating.
There is an engine temperature warning light and/orgage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Warning Light on page 4-55andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 4-56.
The vehicle may also display a ENGINE OVERHEATEDIDLE ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATEDSTOP ENGINE message displayed in the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67for more information. You willalso hear a chime.
4.6L L37 Engine shown, 4.6L LD8 Engine similar
6-27
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warningappears, but instead get service help right away.SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicleis parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans arerunning. If the engine is overheating, both fans shouldbe running. If they are not, do not continue to runthe engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the enginewithout coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches fire while driving withno coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.The costly repairs would not be covered bythe vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated EngineProtection Operating Mode on page 6-29forinformation on driving to a safe place in anemergency.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{WARNING:
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 fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6-29for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
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If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steamcan be seen or heard, the problem may not be tooserious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hotwhen 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 ofsteam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature andto the highest fan speed. Open the windows asnecessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) whilestopped. If it safe to do so, pull off the road, shift toP (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in theoverheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicleslow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distancefrom the car in front of you. If the warning does not comeback on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park thevehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for threeminutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turnoff the engine until it cools down. Also, see!OverheatedEngine Protection Operating Mode!next in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and themessage ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE isdisplayed, an overheat protection mode which alternatesfiring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.In this mode, you will notice a loss in power andengine performance. This operating mode allows yourvehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in theoverheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engineprotection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,allow the engine to cool before attempting anyrepair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil andreset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil onpage 6-13.
6-29
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer fluid, besure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.If the vehicle will be operating in an area where thetemperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that hassufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message willbe displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC)when the fluid is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4-67for more information.
Open the cap with thewasher symbol on it. Addwasher fluid until thetank is full. SeeEngineCompartment Overview onpage 6-12for reservoirlocation.
Notice:
•When using concentrated washer fluid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for addingwater.
•Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze anddamage your washer fluid tank and other partsof the washer system. Also, water does notclean as well as washer fluid.
•Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for fluidexpansion if freezing occurs, which coulddamage the tank if it is completely full.
•Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’swindshield washer system and paint.
6-31
Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and performance of thevehicle, it is important that the first rotation service fornew tires be performed when they have 8 000 to13 000 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles). SeeTire Inspectionand Rotation on page 6-62.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil Soon
Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil onpage 6-13.An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible,within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving underthe best conditions, the engine oil life system might notindicate the need for vehicle service for more than ayear. The engine oil and filter must be changed at leastonce a year and the oil life system must be reset.Your dealer/retailer has trained service technicians whowill perform this work and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is reset accidentally, servicethe vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the lastservice. Reset the oil life system whenever the oilis changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-16.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,certain services, checks, and inspections are required.
Every Engine Oil Change
•Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-13.An Emission Control Service.
•Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-23.
•Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-31.
•Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-54.
•Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-62.
•Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-62.
7-3
•Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system mustbe repaired and the fluid level checked.
•Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-17.
•Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
•Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts orsigns of wear.
•Engine cooling system inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps andreplacement, if needed.
•Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and wiperblade cleaning, if contaminated. SeeWindshieldand Wiper Blades on page 6-97. Worn or damagedwiper blade replacement. SeeWindshield WiperBlade Replacement on page 6-44.
•Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders,
console hinges, and glove box door hingeslubrication. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants on page 7-8. More frequent lubricationmay be required when vehicle is exposed to acorrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with aclean cloth makes them last longer, seal better, andnot stick or squeak.
•Restraint system component check. SeeChecking
the Restraint Systems on page 2-74.
•Automatic transmission fluid level check and adding
fluid, if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluidon page 6-19.
Additional Required Services
At Each Fuel Stop
•Engine oil level check. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-13.
•Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-23.
•Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-31.
Once a Month
•Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-54.
•Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-62.
7-4
First Engine Oil Change After Every
120 000 km/75,000 Miles
•Professional Vehicle Only: Engine cooling system
drain, flush, and refill, cooling system and cappressure check, and cleaning of outside of radiatorand air conditioning condenser (or every 5 years,whichever occurs first). SeeEngine Coolanton page 6-23.An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•Automatic transmission fluid and filter change
(normal service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluidon page 6-19.
•Spark plug replacement.An Emission Control
Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•Except Professional Vehicle: Engine cooling system
drain, flush, and refill, cooling system and cappressure check, and cleaning of outside of radiatorand air conditioning condenser (or every 5 years,whichever occurs first). SeeEngine Coolanton page 6-23.An Emission Control Service.
•Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage andreplacement, if needed.An Emission ControlService.
Owner Checks and Services
Starter Switch Check
{WARNING:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enoughroom around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regularbrake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-30.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready toturn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicleshould start only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If thevehicle starts in any other position, contactyour dealer/retailer for service.
7-6
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{WARNING:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular brake at once
should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facingdownhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set theparking brake.
•To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and the transmissionin N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from theregular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle isheld by the parking brake only.
•To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Thenrelease the parking brake followed by theregular brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, partnumber, or specification can be obtained from yourdealer/retailer.
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil
The engine requires a specialengine oil meeting GM StandardGM4718M. Oils meeting thisstandard can be identified assynthetic, and should also beidentified with the AmericanPetroleum Institute (API) Certifiedfor Gasoline Engines starburstsymbol. However, not all syntheticAPI oils with the starburst symbolwill meet this GM standard. Look forand use only oil that meets GMStandard GM4718M. For the properviscosity, seeEngine Oil onpage 6-13.
Engine Coolant
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkablewater and use only DEX-COOL®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant onpage 6-23.
Hydraulic BrakeSystem
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid(GM Part No. U.S. 88862806, inCanada 88862807).
7-8