coolant level GMC ACADIA 2007 Owner's Manual

When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet are automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor
runs when the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet is normally
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air
inlet can automatically switch to recirculate
inside air to help quickly cool down your
vehicle. The light comes on the recirculation
button while in recirculation.
2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a
73°F (23°C) temperature setting and allow
about 20 minutes for the system to regulate.
Use the driver’s or passenger’s temperature
buttons to adjust the temperature setting
as necessary. If you choose the temperature
setting of 60°F (15°C), the system remains
at the maximum cooling setting. If you choose
the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C), the
system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not
cause the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.Do not cover the solar sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based
on sun load and also turns on your vehicle’s
headlamps. For more information on the solar
sensor, see “Sensors” later in this section.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the
system delays turning on the fan until warm air is
available. The length of delay depends on the
engine coolant temperature. Press the fan switch
to override this delay and change the fan to a
selected speed.
O(On/Off):Press this button to turn off the
climate control system. Outside air still enters
the vehicle, and is directed to the oor. This
direction can be changed by pressing the mode
button. Recirculation can only be selected in
vent or bi-level mode. The temperature can also
be adjusted using either temperature button.
If you adjust the air delivery mode or temperature
settings with the system off, the display comes
on briey to show the settings and then turns off.
Press the on/off button or the up down arrows
on the fan switch, the defrost button, AUTO button,
or the air conditioning button to turn the system
on when it is off.
205

CRUISE SET TO XXX
This message displays whenever the cruise control
is set. SeeCruise Control on page 180for more
information.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
driver’s door is not fully closed and the vehicle
is in a drive gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message still appears
on the DIC.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating
temperature. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 225. To avoid added strain on
a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You can continue to
drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the
system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible to avoid damage to the engine.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this
message displays if the oil level in the vehicle
is low. Check the oil level and correct it as
necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool
or warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure
this message clears. SeeEngine Oil on page 397
for additional information.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
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 410for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 225.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 412for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
246

ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
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. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 410for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds
if the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message clears when the
engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when
the cooling system temperature gets too hot
and the engine further enters the engine coolant
protection mode. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 410for further information.This message also displays when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no reduction
in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at
a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if
the fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 231andFuel on page 387
for more information.
247

A. Radiator Pressure Cap (Out of View).
SeeRadiator Pressure Cap on page 410.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Cap. SeeCooling
System on page 413.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 493.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 425.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 419.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 397.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 397.
H. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick.
See “Checking the Fluid Level” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 404.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 421.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 402.
K. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
See “Adding Washer Fluid” under
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 420.Engine Oil
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 396
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.
397

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmission uid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 511.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the
proper uid to bring the level into the crosshatched
area on the dipstick.
1. Remove the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally
less than one half of a pint (0.25 L).
Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission uid may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the automatic
transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 511.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained,
twist & lock dipstick cap in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating or if you need
to add coolant to the radiator, seeEngine
Overheating on page 410.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
406

If coolant needs to be added more than four times
a year, have your dealer/retailer check the
cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or
additives in your vehicle’s cooling system, you
could damage your vehicle. Use only the
proper mixture of the engine coolant listed in
this manual for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 511for more information.Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery
tank cap has this
symbol on it.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 396
for more information on the location of the
coolant recovery tank.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should
be at the FULL COLD line or a little higher.
When the engine is warm, the level could be
above the FULL COLD level. The FULL COLD line
is marked on the coolant recovery tank.
408

Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture at the coolant
recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty,
add coolant to the radiator. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 410.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap
when the engine and radiator are hot can
allow steam and scalding liquids to blow
out and burn you badly. With the coolant
recovery tank, you will almost never have
to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap — even a
little — when the engine and radiator
are hot.
{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.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the
radiator. For information on how to add coolant to
the radiator, seeCooling System on page 413.
409

Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is
what you will see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Radiator Pressure Cap (covered)
C. Engine Cooling Fans{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 recovery tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
413

When the engine is cold, the coolant level should
be at least up to the FULL COLD mark. 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 fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not, your vehicle
needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your
engine without coolant is not covered by your
warranty.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing sooner, at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
414

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery 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 coolant recovery tank.
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 recovery tank, but be sure
the cooling system, including the coolant recovery
tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it. See
Engine Coolant on page 406for more information.
{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 radiator pressure cap — even
a little — they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and radiator pressure cap to cool
if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
415