Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a mini-
mum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) and
deionized, or distilled water. •
Use only high purity water such as deionized, or dis-
tilled water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the cooling
system.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
• The coolant freeze point in the battery and power
electronics loop should be checked by a dealer as a
special tool is required to remove the cap from those
expansion bottles.
• Electric/Battery coolant system must be serviced by
your authorized dealer. If the coolant level is below what
is specified on the reservoir, contact your authorized
dealer for service. These systems require the use of high
452 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
