coolant level OLDSMOBILE AURORA 1999 Owners Manual

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2-70 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the
red warning zone, your
engine is hot.
To prevent engine overheating, the air conditioning
compressor will turn off automatically, a fast
-pulsed
chime will sound, and the message ENGINE HOT...A/C
OFF will appear in the information center. As the engine
cools down, the air conditioning compressor will
automatically turn back on.If the coolant temperature is over 261
F (127
C), the
message HOT...STOP ENGINE will appear. It means
that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have
been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
The ªProblems on the Roadº section in this manual
explains what to do. See ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
If your coolant level is low, the message LOW ENGINE
COOLANT will appear on the Driver Information
Center. Check your coolant level as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index.
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3-4
In cold weather, the system will delay turning on the fan
to avoid blowing cold air. The length of the delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature and the
outside temperature. Turning the AUTO FAN knob will
override this delay by turning off the automatic fan
mode and changing the fan speed.
Your automatic electronic climate control system has
two sun sensors located on the top of the instrument
panel that detect direct sunlight. To keep you and your
passengers comfortable, the system may supply cooler
air to the side toward the sun. Be careful not to put
anything over these sun sensors. The automatic
electronic climate control system may not operate
correctly if these sensors are covered.To change the automatic electronic climate control
display from an English display to a metric display, push
the OFF button located in the Driver Information Center
(DIC) for two seconds. The display in the DIC will also
change from an English to a metric display. To return to
an English display, repeat the above procedure.
Manual Operation
You may override the automatic airflow distribution by
turning the AUTO
-PUSH knob. After you turn this
knob, the comfort setting will be displayed for five
seconds, then the outside temperature will be displayed.
The fan control will remain in the automatic control
mode unless you turn the AUTO FAN knob to select a
manual fan speed.
UPPER: This setting directs airflow through the
upper air outlets located in the instrument panel and
door panels.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs the airflow
through both the upper air outlets and the lower floor
outlets. There is also a small amount of air directed to
the front defroster and the side window defrosters.
HEAT: This setting directs most of the airflow to
the lower floor outlets with some airflow directed to the
side window defrosters. There is also a small amount of
airflow directed to the front defroster.
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3-6 Air Conditioning
The air conditioner cools, dehumidifies and filters the
air for the inside of the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor is enabled in all modes
unless the A/C ON button is in the off position (the
indicator light will not be illuminated). However, the air
conditioning compressor will not operate when the
outside temperature is below 42
F (7
C). When the air
conditioner is on, you may sometimes notice slight
changes in your vehicle's engine speed and power. This
is normal, because the system is designed to cycle the
compressor on and off to keep the desired cooling and
help fuel economy.
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let
the hot air out. This reduces the time required to cool the
interior of the vehicle to a comfortable level. If the
system is in the automatic mode (AUTO
-PUSH knob
indicator light is on), during very hot days the system
will automatically go to the RECIRC ON mode and the
temperature door will be positioned at the full cold
position for maximum cooling. You can choose the
extreme comfort setting of 60
F (16
C), but the
system will not cool any faster by choosing the extreme
comfort setting.
Heating
In cold weather, if the automatic mode is selected
(AUTO
-PUSH knob indicator light is on), the system
will automatically direct the airflow out of the lower
floor outlets and the temperature door will be positioned
at the full hot position. You can choose the extreme
comfort setting of 90
F (32
C), but the system will not
warm up any faster by selecting the extreme
comfort setting.
In cold weather, the system will delay turning on the fan
to avoid blowing cold air. The length of the delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature and the
outside temperature. The fan speed will increase as the
temperature of the engine coolant increases. Turning the
AUTO FAN knob will override this delay by turning off
the automatic fan control mode and changing the
fan speed.
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5-13
A low coolant level should be indicated by a CHECK
COOLANT LEVEL message on the Driver Information
Center. If it is, you may have a leak 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. Don't touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Don't run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
See ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Modeº in the Index.
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5-14
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
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 aren't, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at FULL COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX
-COOL
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. (See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for
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 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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5-17
3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper
mixture, to FULL COLD.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 fans.
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 reaches FULL COLD.
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6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-21 Engine Coolant
6
-26 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-28 Brakes
6
-31 Battery
6
-33 Bulb Replacement
6
-43 Tires6
-51 Appearance Care
6
-51 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-57 Underbody Maintenance
6
-57 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-58 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-59 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-60 Electrical System
6
-64 Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
6
-70 Replacement Bulbs
6
-70 Capacities and Specifications
6
-71 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-71 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
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6-24
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark or a little higher.
If the message LOW ENGINE COOLANT is displayed
on your Driver Information Center, it means you're low
on engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
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7-14
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. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the
Index for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.
Power Antenna Service
Clean power antenna mast. See ªAudio Systemsº in
the Index for further details.
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9-4
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow or Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Elapsed Time Indicator 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-22, 3-24, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Climate Control 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Belt 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Blocks 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Message (DIC) 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Oil 6
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life Indicator 2-78, 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life Monitor 2-78, 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Light 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Estimated Time of Arrival 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Knob, Climate Control System 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter/Cleaner, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass Feature 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Storage Armrest 2
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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