coolant level CHEVROLET OPTRA 5 2007 1.G Owners Manual

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear
of the engine compartment on the driver’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 258for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when
the engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn the surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — when
the engine and radiator are hot.
To check the engine coolant, the vehicle must be
on a level surface. When your engine is cold,
the coolant level should be between the
Maximum (A) and Minimum (B) marks on the
coolant surge tank. The level rises at engine
operation temperature and drops again when the
engine cools down.
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{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the
hood can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
Make sure that the air conditioning is turned off.
The coolant level should be between the Minimum
and Maximum marks on the coolant surge tank
when the engine is cool. If it is not, you may have
a leak at the pressure cap or in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump, or
somewhere else in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
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 re,
and you could be burned. Get any leak
xed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on,
check to see if the electric engine cooling fan
is running. If the engine is overheating, the
fan should be running. If it is not, your vehicle
needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your
engine without coolant is not covered by your
warranty.
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
Notice:This vehicle has a specic coolant ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure
could cause your engine to overheat and
be severely damaged.
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not between the
Minimum and Maximum marks, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and proper coolant at
the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank pressure
cap, is cool before you do it. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 268for more information.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add
coolant as follows:
{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.
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3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper
mixture to the Maximum mark on the
coolant surge tank. Wait about five minutes,
then check to see if the level is below the
mark. If the level is below the Maximum mark,
add additional coolant to bring the level up
to the mark. Repeat this procedure until
the level remains constant at the Maximum
mark for at least five minutes.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 than the Maximum mark, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant
surge tank until the level reaches the mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
See your dealer, if necessary.
278

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals
specified to help ensure the safety, dependability
and emission control performance of your
vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at
once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added
to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper
ones, as shown in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant
to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 260for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 268for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir and add
the proper fluid if necessary. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 280for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect the tires and make sure the tires
are inflated to the correct pressures. Do not
forget to check the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 311.
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