coolant reservoir SATURN VUE 2006 Owners Manual

Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has this feature, in very cold weather
0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater
can help. You will get easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the
coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not
required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
If your vehicle is equipped with a four-cylinder
engine, the cord is located near the air cleaner
assembly. If your vehicle is equipped with a
six-cylinder engine, the cord is located between
the windshield washer uid reservoir and coolant
reservoir.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your retailer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The retailer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
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A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-42.
E. Brake/Clutch Cylinder Fluid. SeeBrakes on
page 5-38andHydraulic Clutch on page 5-27.F. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-96.
G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41.
H. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-42.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
underEngine Coolant on page 5-27.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37.
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A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of View). See “When to
Add Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-42.
E. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41.
F. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 5-96.
G. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-42.
H. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
underEngine Coolant on page 5-27.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your 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 for
the 2.2L L4 engine and an orange loop for the
3.5L V6 engine. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for 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.
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Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The hydraulic clutch system does not
have its own reservoir. The system receives uid from
the brake master cylinder reservoir. It is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. SeeBrakes on page 5-38for
more information.
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 100,000 miles
(166 000 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, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-30.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.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 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.
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Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling
system has cooled down. If the coolant is not at the
proper level, repeat Steps 1 through 3 and reinstall the
pressure cap. If the coolant still is not at the proper level
when the system cools down again, see your retailer.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield or rear window washer uid,
be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a
uid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Windshield Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until
the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for 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 your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
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 your washer
system and paint.
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Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-27for further details.
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
Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-56for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-72.
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 5-63.
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 you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-24.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle starts in
any other position, contact your Saturn retailer for
service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway, and
try to start the engine. The vehicle should start only
when the clutch pedal is pushed down all the way to
the oor. If the vehicle starts when the clutch is not
pushed all the way down, contact your Saturn retailer
for service.
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