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.If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the
engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper
towel or cloth, then push it back
in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check
the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
2.0L L4 Engine (LTG) and 2.5L L4
Engine (LCV)
3.6L V6 Engine (LGX)
3.6L V6 Twin Turbo Engine (LF4)
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and the
engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications 0319.
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
cross-hatched area 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
0 234 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 0314.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that meet
the dexos1™ specification. Engine oils
that have been approved by GM as
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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 comes on. SeeEngine
Oil Messages 0130. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). 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 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. Using the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE on
the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0122. When
remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the
display. See Engine Oil
Messages 0130.
2. Press SEL on the DIC controls and hold SEL down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and
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 on with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on, the
system is reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
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{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.
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.
Cooling System
(Intercooler)
Intercooler ATS-V Only
The 3.6L V6 twin turbo engine (LF4)
has an intercooler cooling system.
The intercooler cooling system has a
special procedure for draining and
adding coolant. Because this
procedure is difficult, see the dealer
for service if the intercooler is low on
coolant or a leak is suspected.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant.
See Maintenance Schedule 0307 and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0314.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0251.
What to Use
{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.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down to
−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
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.Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
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 0314.
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.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface
when checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in
the upper coolant hose return line
when the engine is running. It is also
normal to see bubbles entering the
surge tank through the small hose.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the COLD FILL
line, add a 50/50 mixture of clean
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
It is normal for the coolant level in
the bottom chamber to rise and fall
with operating temperature and
ambient conditions. Coolant will
evaporate from the bottom chamber
in normal operation. This will happen
faster when the vehicle is driven for
long periods in hot, dry conditions.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank, add coolant as follows:
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 no problem is found, check to see if
coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank. If coolant is visible but the
coolant level is not at the bottom of
the fill neck, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant at the coolant surge tank, but
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be sure the cooling system, including
the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. 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.
{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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core, and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and the
proper coolant mixture.
{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. 1. Remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap from the top
chamber when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank 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. This
will allow any pressure still left
to be vented out the
discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it. Open the
surge tank service port cap to
the lower chamber
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3. Fill the surge tank top chamberwith the proper DEX-COOL
coolant mixture to the bottom of
the fill neck. The top chamber
needs to be completely full. Fill
the surge tank bottom chamber
through the service port to
approximately half.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off and the surge
tank service port cap open, start
the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan. By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank top
chamber may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the
proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture to the surge tank top
chamber until the level reaches
the bottom of the fill neck.
5. Replace the surge tank pressure cap tightly and close the surge
tank service port cap.Caution
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.
Check the level in the surge tank top
and bottom chambers when the
cooling system has cooled down.
If the coolant is not at the proper
levels, repeat Steps 1-3 and reinstall
the pressure cap and close the service
port. If the coolant still is not at the
proper levels when the system cools
down again, see your dealer.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to
warn of the engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge and an engine
coolant temperature warning light on
the instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0111 and
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light 0119. The vehicle may also
display a message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See Engine
Cooling System Messages 0129.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears, get
service help right away.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
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Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0234 for reservoir location.
Caution
.
Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will not
work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
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Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
If equipped with high performance
brake linings, there could be an
increased build-up of brake dust as
well as minor noises as compared to
standard brake linings.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0319.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if
there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance expected can change in
many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are installed
or parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 234 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when