engine overheat CADILLAC DEVILLE 2005 8.G Owners Manual

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant
heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side
of the engine, behind the transaxle dipstick/uid ll
location and next to the engine.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer in the area where you will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
2-27

Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it.
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of
the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transaxle. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-32.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-33

The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:
If there is a brake system problem that is specically
related to traction control, the traction control system
will turn off and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light tells you that
your engine has
overheated. As a check,
the light should come
on for a few seconds when
you start your engine.
If this light comes on and stays on, you should stop your
vehicle and turn the engine off as soon as possible. A
warning chime should also sound if this light comes on.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States
(Analog Only)Canada (Analog Only)
3-49

This gage shows the
engine coolant
temperature. If the gage
pointer moves into
the shaded area, the
engine is too hot.
That reading means the same thing as the warning
light — the engine coolant has overheated. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-27.Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Service Engine Soon Light in the United
States or Check Engine Light in Canada
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which
monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may prevent
more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction. Digital Cluster
United StatesCanada (Analog Only)
3-50

{CAUTION:
When the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message is
displayed on the Driver Information Center and
the tire pressure is low, your vehicle’s handling
capabilities will be reduced during severe
maneuvers. If you drive too fast, you could lose
control of your vehicle. You or others could be
injured. Don’t drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when
the tire pressure is low. Drive cautiously and
correct the tire pressure as soon as you can.
CHECK WASHER FLUID – 25:This message means
that your vehicle is low on windshield washer uid.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-36.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR – 140:This message will
display anytime the key is in ON, the transaxle is
not in PARK (P) and the driver’s door is open or ajar.
A chime will sound when the vehicle’s speed is greater
than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).DRIVE NO. X (1 or 2):This message will be displayed
with the key in ON and while entering FEATURE
PROGRAMMING, but only if the vehicle is equipped
with memory seats. The message will show which driver
is activating the personalization feature. It will only
stay on for ve seconds. This message can be
customized for you by your GM dealer.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE ENGINE – 44:This
message will appear when the engine coolant
temperature is over 262°F (128°C). Stop and allow your
vehicle to idle in PARK (P) until it cools down and the
message is removed. Do not increase engine speed
above a normal idle. If it does not cool down, turn off the
engine and have it serviced by your GM dealer before
driving it again. Severe engine damage can result
from an overheated engine. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-27for more information.
3-63

ENGINE HOT–AC OFF – 16:This message displays
when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the
normal operating temperature. To avoid added strain
on a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor
is automatically turned off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the A/C operation will
automatically resume. You can continue to drive
your vehicle. If this message continues to appear, have
the system repaired by your GM dealer as soon as
possible to avoid compressor damage.
ENGINE OVERHEATED, STOP ENGINE – 42:This
message will appear when the engine has overheated.
Stop and turn the engine off immediately to avoid
severe engine damage. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27. A multiple chime will also sound when this
message is displayed.
ENGINE POWER REDUCED – 41:This message
informs you that the vehicle is reducing engine power
because the transaxle is being placed in gear under
conditions that may cause damage to the vehicle’s
engine, transaxle or ability to accelerate.
FUEL LEVEL LOW – 11:This message serves as a
warning that the fuel level in the tank is critically
low. Stop for fuel soon. A single chime will sound when
this message is displayed.HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED – 23:If it is dark enough
outside and the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel®
controls are off, this message will display on the DIC.
This message informs the driver that turning on the
exterior lamps is recommended even though the DRL
are still illuminated. It has become dark enough outside
to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps.
This message will also appear if the optional
Rainsense™ wiping feature is on and the Twilight
Sentinel
®is off.
ICE POSSIBLE – 13:This message appears when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR – 142:The left rear door is
open or ajar when this message appears. The ignition
must be in ON and the transaxle not in PARK (P) for this
message to display. A chime will sound if the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE – 35:If this
message appears while the engine is running, stop the
engine and do not operate it until the cause of low
oil pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the engine
can result. A multiple chime will sound when this
message is displayed.
3-64

THEFT ATTEMPTED – 40:This message is displayed
if the theft system has detected a break-in attempt
while you were away from your vehicle.
TOP SPEED FUEL CUT-OFF – 111:This message will
appear when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
detects that the maximum speed for your vehicle has
been reached. The speed of your vehicle will surge as the
fuel supply is cut off. Your vehicle’s top speed is based on
the top speed rating of the tires. This ensures that your
vehicle stays in a safe operating range for the tires.
TRACTION ENGAGED – 91:When your traction
control system is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION
ENGAGED message will be displayed. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. This message
will stay on for a few seconds after the traction control
system stops limited wheel spin.
TRACTION OFF – 89:This message will be displayed
after the traction control system has been turned off
using the TRAC ON/OFF button on the center console.
TRACTION READY – 90:This message informs the
driver that the traction control system is available.
Pressing the TRAC ON/OFF button on the center console
once turns the traction control system off. Pressing the
button again turns the system back on. This message
will automatically disappear from the display after
ve seconds.TRACTION SUSPENDED – 56:This message displays
when the traction control system has been temporarily
shut off because your vehicle’s brakes have overheated.
This message does not indicate a problem with your
vehicle’s traction control system. After a few minutes,
the traction control system will be available again
and the TRACTION READY message will appear.
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE – 112:This message
indicates that the transaxle uid in your vehicle is too
hot. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle until it cools
down or until this message is removed.
TRUNK OPEN – 24:This message indicates that the
trunk is open when the ignition is on.
TURN SIGNAL ON – 20:If you drive your vehicle for
more than a mile with a turn signal on, this message
will appear as a reminder to turn off the turn signal.
A multiple chime will sound when this message
is displayed.
VEHICLE OVERSPEED – 52:This message is
displayed when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain
limit as required by some export countries. A continuous
chime will sound when this message is displayed.
3-67

Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help
keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do
some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until
help comes.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as rocking
can help you get out when you are stuck, but you
must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they
can explode, and you or others could be
injured. And, the transaxle or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment re or other damage.
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little
as possible. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the
speedometer.
Notice:Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back
and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. See
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-30.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 5-75.
4-29

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal asher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument
panel will ash whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
ash, telling other drivers you are about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It
is important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On long uphill grades, reduce speed to 45 to 50 mph
(70 to 90 km/h) and avoid prolonged use of SECOND (2)
gear and engine speeds above 3800 rpm.Climbing grades steeper than four percent at
temperatures above 90°F (32°C) with a loaded vehicle
and trailer is not recommended. The cooling system
may temporarily overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
4-42

But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P).
2. Have someone place chocks behind the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then shift into
PARK (P) rmly and apply your parking brake.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine,
Shift into a gear, and
Make sure the parking brake has released.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transaxle uid (do
not overll), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and
brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you nd them quickly. If you
are trailering, it is a good idea to review this information
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
4-43