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Vehicle Care 10-9
to use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 12-2.
{Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be
damaged. You should drain out
the excess oil or limit driving of
the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10-4 for the location of the
engine oil fill cap. Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Specification
Use and ask for licensed engine oils
with the dexos1
®approved
certification mark. Engine oils
meeting the requirements for the
vehicle should have the dexos1
approved certification mark. This
certification mark indicates that the
oil has been approved to the dexos1
specification.
{Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil can result in engine
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Check with your
dealer or service provider on
whether the oil is approved to the
dexos1 specification.
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not use
other viscosity grade oils such as
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29°C
(−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be
used. An oil of this viscosity grade
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10-10 Vehicle Care
will provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures. When selecting an oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade,
always select an oil of the correct
specification. See“Specification”
earlier in this section for more
information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the dexos
specification and displaying the
dexos certification mark are all that
is needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. Forthe oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message displays. See
Engine Oil Messages on page 5-31.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, change the oil as
soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). If the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL NOW message
displays, change the oil as soon as
possible. It is possible that, if driving
under the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
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Vehicle Care 10-11
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAININGon the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-24 andEngine Oil
Messages on page 5-31. 2. Press
Vfor five seconds to
reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the OIL LIFE REMAINING value is
not 100%, the system needs to be
reset again.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in
Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-2, and be sure
to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
{Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
For the 2.4L L4 and 3.0L
V6 engines, the transmission fluid
will not reach the end of the dipstick
unless the transmission is at
operating temperature. If you need
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10-12 Vehicle Care
to check the transmission fluid level,
please take the vehicle to your
dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10-4 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect and replace the air cleaner/
filter at the scheduled maintenance
intervals. See the Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-2. If driving in
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required. Never use
compressed air to clean the filter. To inspect or replace:
2.4L L4 Engine Shown, 3.0L
V6 Engine Similar
1. Electrical Connector
2. Air Duct Clamp
3. Screws
1. Disconnect the electrical connector (1).
2. Loosen the air duct clamp (2) on the air duct hose. Disconnect the
air duct hose. 3. Remove the screws (3) on the
sides of the air cleaner cover
assembly.
4. Turn the cover upward to disengage the cover hinges.
5. Lift and remove the air cleaner cover assembly and air filter
element.
6. Inspect or replace the air filter element.
If the air filter element is dirty,
you should replace it.
Wipe all dust from inside of the
housing and inspect the air
cleaner and air outlet duct for
cracks, cuts, and deterioration.
The air outlet duct must be
replaced if damaged.
7. Reverse Steps 1–5 to reinstall the engine air cleaner/filter cover
and air duct hose.
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Vehicle Care 10-13
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
{Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when you are driving.
Cooling System
2.4L L4 Engine
1. Engine Fan (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
3.0L V6 Engine
1. Engine Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
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.
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Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
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10-14 Vehicle Care
If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is hot, do not do anything
else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines.
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.
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with
the engine on, check to see if the
engine cooling fan(s) is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan
should be running. If it is not, the
vehicle needs service. Turn off the
engine.
{Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
{Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first, if only DEX-COOL
extended life coolant is added.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to add coolant
when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 10-18.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant will:
.Give freezing protection down to
−37°C (−34°F).
.Give boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F).
.Protect against rust and
corrosion.
.Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
.Let the warning lights and
gauges work as they should.
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Vehicle Care 10-15
{Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the 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.
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The 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 fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
{Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
If coolant has to be added more
than four times a year, have the
dealer check the vehicle cooling
system.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
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Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
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10-16 Vehicle Care
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-4 for more information on
location.
{Warning
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 the engine is cold,
the coolant level should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the
proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture
at the coolant surge tank, but only
when the engine is cool. See below
for instructions on
“How to Add
Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank.”
{Warning
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.
When replacing the pressure cap,
make sure it is hand-tight and fully
seated.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
If a problem yet has not been found,
check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
between the MIN and MAX lines,
add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before doing it.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10-18 for more information.