checking oil CADILLAC XLR 2007 1.G Owners Manual

LEFT DOOR AJAR
This message displays anytime the engine is
running, the transmission is not in PARK (P), and
the driver’s door is open or ajar. A chime
sounds when the vehicle’s speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h).
LOW BRAKE FLUID
This message displays if the engine is running to
inform the driver that the brake uid level is
low. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 399.
LOW COOLANT
This message displays when there is a low level
of engine coolant. Have the cooling system
serviced by your dealer as soon as possible. See
Engine Coolant on page 385.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when the fuel supply is
less than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display
is turned off. A single chime also sounds when
this message is displayed.
LOW OIL LEVEL
For correct operation of the low oil sensing
system, your vehicle should be on a level surface.
A false LOW OIL LEVEL message may display
if the vehicle is parked on a grade. The oil
level sensing system does not check for actual oil
level if the engine has been off for a short
period of time, and the oil level is never checked
while the engine is running. If the LOW OIL
LEVEL message displays, and your vehicle has
been parked on level ground with the engine off for
at least 30 minutes, the oil level should be
checked by observing the oil dipstick. Prior to
checking the oil level, make sure the engine has
been off for a few minutes and your vehicle is on a
level surface. Then check the dipstick and add
oil if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 377.
LOW OIL PRESSURE
If this message displays while the engine is
running, stop the engine and do not operate the
vehicle until the cause of low oil pressure is
corrected. Severe damage to the engine can
result. A multiple chime sounds when this
message is displayed.
210

Service........................................................ 363
Accessories and Modications................... 363
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 364
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 364
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle................................................... 365
Fuel............................................................. 365
Gasoline Octane........................................ 366
Gasoline Specications.............................. 366
California Fuel........................................... 367
Additives................................................... 367
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 368
Filling the Tank......................................... 369
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 371
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 372
Hood Release........................................... 373
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 374
Engine Oil................................................. 377
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 380
Supercharger Oil....................................... 382
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 382
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 384
Engine Coolant.......................................... 385
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............. 388Engine Overheating................................... 388
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 390
Cooling System......................................... 391
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 396
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 397
Brakes...................................................... 399
Battery...................................................... 402
Jump Starting............................................ 403
Rear Axle.................................................... 407
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 408
Headlamp Vertical Aiming.......................... 410
Bulb Replacement....................................... 412
Windshield Replacement............................ 412
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 412
Tires............................................................ 413
Winter Tires (XLR-V) ................................. 414
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 415
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 417
Run-Flat Tires........................................... 420
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 422
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 423
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 426
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
361

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine
parts and start a re. These include
liquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake uid,
windshield washer and other uids, and
plastic or rubber. You or others could be
burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
372

A. Battery. SeeBattery on page 402.
B. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. See
Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 184.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood
Fuse Block on page 455.
D. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 396.
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 382.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 377.G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 377.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 399.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on
page 388.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 397.
375

A. Battery. SeeBattery on page 402.
B. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. See
Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 184.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood
Fuse Block on page 455.
D. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 396.
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 382.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 377.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 377.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 399.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on
page 388.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 397.Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL or LOW OIL PRESSURE
message on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) appears, it means you need to check the
engine oil level right away. For more information,
see LOW OIL LEVEL and LOW OIL PRESSURE
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 206.
You should check the engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 374
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you
do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper
towel or cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
377

Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake uid without taking off
the cap. Look at the brake uid reservoir. The uid
level should be above the MIN mark on the
reservoir. If it is not, have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is between the MIN and
MAX marks.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3
brake uid. Refer toRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 473. Use new brake uid
from a sealed container only.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This
will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake
system, the brakes may not work well, or
they may not even work at all. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper
brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake system can
damage brake system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint nish can
be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. SeeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 446.
400