engine coolant PONTIAC G6 2009 Owner's Manual

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 5-39for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed 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.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:
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.
5-38

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 emergency operating mode lets the vehicle be
driven to a safe place in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
there is a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer 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 5-21.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
reservoir location.
5-39

Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer uid reservoir is low, a
LOW WASHER FLUID message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-46for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
reservoir is full.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
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.
5-41

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-21. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-24.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter (3.5 L V6 Engine) on page 5-26orEngine Air Cleaner/Filter
(All Other Engines) on page 5-27.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-76and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-10.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
3.6L and 3.9L Engines Only: Check automatic transmission uid level and add
uid as needed.•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
6-5

(c)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.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 5-58 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-106 for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts replaced. Also see Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-76.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, and trunk lid hinges
and latches. 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.(g)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(h)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.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)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 5-33 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-33.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-67.
Check to make sure the spare tire is stored securely.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-86.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-76.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the
vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
6-10

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certied for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol. To
determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, seeEngine
Oil on page 5-21.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-33.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Power Steering
System (if
equipped)GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor,
and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
6-13

Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-104
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-43
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-53
Chains, Tire...................................................5-84
Charging System Light....................................3-34
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-108
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-43
Infants and Young Children...........................1-39
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-48
Older Children.............................................1-36
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-56
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-58
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-46
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels......................................5-107
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-105
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-103
Finish Care...............................................5-106
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-104Cleaning (cont.)
Interior.....................................................5-102
Leather....................................................5-104
Tires........................................................5-107
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-108
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-105
Weatherstrips............................................5-105
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-106
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Automatic...................................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Clock, Setting.................................................3-53
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-101
Compass.......................................................2-38
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-33
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-37
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-41
Cupholders....................................................2-43
3

E
Easy Entry Seat.............................................1-10
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-109
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-112
Fuses......................................................5-110
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-110
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-110
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-115
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-109
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.................................5-26, 5-27
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-38
Coolant......................................................5-33
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-37
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil .............................................................5-21Engine (cont.)
Oil Life System...........................................5-24
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-39
Overheating................................................5-37
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-16
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-35
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner..............................5-26, 5-27
Finish Damage.............................................5-107
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-69
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-85
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-86
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-94
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-29
Power Steering...........................................5-39
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
5

Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-15
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-8
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage .........................................................3-42
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-7
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-7
Low Warning Light.......................................3-42
Fuses..........................................................5-110
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-112
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-110
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-115
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-109
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-37
Fuel..........................................................3-42
Speedometer..............................................3-30
Tachometer.................................................3-30Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-7
Specications............................................... 5-7
Glove Box.....................................................2-43
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-2
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-51
Headlamps....................................................3-13
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-51
Daytime Running Lamp................................3-14
Delayed.....................................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-51
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-52
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Headlamps Off in Park....................................3-14
Heated Seats................................................... 1-6
Heater...................................................3-20, 3-24
Engine Coolant...........................................2-25
6