engine coolant CADILLAC XLR 2009 1.G User Guide

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
The engine coolant surge tank is located toward the
rear of the engine compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. For more information on location, seeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12.
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 FULL
COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done.When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or
above the FULL COLD mark on the side of the coolant
surge tank that faces the front. When the engine is hot,
the level could be higher than the FULL COLD mark.
If the coolant is below the FULL COLD mark when the
engine is hot, there could be a leak in the cooling system.
If the LOW COOLANT message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) comes on and stays on, it means the
vehicle is low on engine coolant. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-60. A low coolant level should be
indicated by a LOW COOLANT message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). If it is, there could be a leak in
the cooling system.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{CAUTION:
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.
6-24

Notice:This vehicle has a specic coolant ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
{CAUTION:
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.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system
and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you
ever have to turn the pressure cap.If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank, add
coolant as follows:
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap
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. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the cap and remove it.
6-25

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture
until the level inside the coolant surge tank stabilizes
at the FULL COLD mark on the front of the coolant
surge tank.4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, 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 may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level stabilizes at the FULL COLD mark
on the coolant surge tank.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the cap is
hand-tight and fully seated.
6-26

If the LOW COOLANT message does not appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) after two minutes, the
coolant is at the proper ll level. If a LOW COOLANT
message does appear, repeat Steps 1 through 3 then
reinstall the pressure cap, or see your dealer/retailer.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture at the coolant surge tank.
Notice: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.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There is a COOLANT OVER TEMP message or an
ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE message displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-60. You will also hear a chime.There is also an engine coolant temperature gage on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-49.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 6-29for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
6-27

If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6-29for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
An overheat warning, along with a low coolant message,
can indicate a serious problem.
If an engine overheat warning is displayed with no low
coolant message, but no steam can be seen or
heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
6-28

If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance
from the car in front of you. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also,
see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This operating mode allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency situation. If an overheated
engine condition exists and the DIC message ENGINE
HOT, STOP ENGINE is displayed, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. Driving extended miles (km) in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15.
6-29

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The LOW WASHER FLUID message will be displayed on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the uid is low.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
6-31

When the CHANGE OIL NOW message appears, the
following services, checks, and inspections are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 6-18.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (a).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
See footnote (h).
❑Check tires for ination pressures and wear. SeeTires
on page 6-46. If tire rotation is recommended for the
vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6-60.
❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (l).❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels. If the vehicle has the 4.4L V8 supercharged
engine, check intercooler uid level. Add uid as
needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services. See
“Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (n).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (m).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (b).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (c).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (d).
7-5

(d)Lubricate the trunk key lock cylinder. Lubricate all
body door hinges. Lubricate all hinges and latches,
including those for the hood, trunk, console door, and
any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
(e)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(f)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Uses such as high performance operation.
(g)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 6-23
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure
test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(h)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.(j)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(k)Drain, flush, and refill intercooler system. This
service can be complex; you should have your dealer/
retailer perform this service. See Engine Coolant on
page 6-23 for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean pressure
cap and filler neck. Pressure test the system and
pressure cap.
(l)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(m)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(n)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. XLR-V Only: Lubricate the outer ends of both rear
toe-links every other oil change.
7-8

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 6-23.
Intercooler Coolant Level Check
(4.4L Supercharged Engine)
Check the coolant level and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-23.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 6-31.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inspection and Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires for wear and make sure they
are inated to the correct pressures. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-54.
7-9