warning CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G Owners Manual

{WARNING:
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 surge tank
pressure cap — even a little — they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge
tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolantas follows:
1. Remove the coolantsurge tank pressurecap when the coolingsystem, includingthe coolant surge tankpressure cap andupper radiator hose, isno longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise.If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hissmeans there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surgetank with the propermixture to theFULL COLD markon the side ofthe coolant surge tank.
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4. With the coolant surge tank cap off, start the engineand let it run until you can feel the upper radiatorhose getting hot. Watch out for the enginecooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolantsurge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, addmore of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tankuntil the level reaches the FULL COLD mark onthe side of the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the cap. Be sure the cap is hand-tight andfully seated.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,coolant loss and possible engine damage mayoccur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightlysecured.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engineoverheating.
There is an engine temperature warning light and/orgage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Warning Light on page 4-55andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 4-56.
The vehicle may also display a ENGINE OVERHEATEDIDLE ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATEDSTOP ENGINE message displayed in the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67for more information. You willalso hear a chime.
4.6L L37 Engine shown, 4.6L LD8 Engine similar
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You may decide not to lift the hood when this warningappears, but instead get service help right away.SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicleis parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans arerunning. If the engine is overheating, both fans shouldbe running. If they are not, do not continue to runthe engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the enginewithout coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches fire while driving withno coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.The costly repairs would not be covered bythe vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated EngineProtection Operating Mode on page 6-29forinformation on driving to a safe place in anemergency.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{WARNING:
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 fire. 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 6-29for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
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If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steamcan be seen or heard, the problem may not be tooserious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hotwhen 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 ofsteam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature andto the highest fan speed. Open the windows asnecessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) whilestopped. If it safe to do so, pull off the road, shift toP (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in theoverheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicleslow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distancefrom the car in front of you. If the warning does not comeback on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park thevehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for threeminutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turnoff the engine until it cools down. Also, see!OverheatedEngine Protection Operating Mode!next in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and themessage ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE isdisplayed, an overheat protection mode which alternatesfiring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.In this mode, you will notice a loss in power andengine performance. This operating mode allows yourvehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in theoverheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engineprotection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,allow the engine to cool before attempting anyrepair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil andreset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil onpage 6-13.
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Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer fluid, besure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.If the vehicle will be operating in an area where thetemperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that hassufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message willbe displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC)when the fluid is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4-67for more information.
Open the cap with thewasher symbol on it. Addwasher fluid until thetank is full. SeeEngineCompartment Overview onpage 6-12for reservoirlocation.
Notice:
•When using concentrated washer fluid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for addingwater.
•Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze anddamage your washer fluid tank and other partsof the washer system. Also, water does notclean as well as washer fluid.
•Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for fluidexpansion if freezing occurs, which coulddamage the tank if it is completely full.
•Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’swindshield washer system and paint.
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinderreservoir is filled with DOT3 brake fluid. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview on page 6-12forreservoir location andaccess.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level inthe reservoir might go down:
•The brake fluid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,the fluid level goes back up.
•A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulicsystem fixed, since a leak means that sooneror later the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does notcorrect a leak. If fluid is added when the liningsare worn, there will be too much fluid when new brakelinings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, asnecessary, only when work is done on the brakehydraulic system.
{WARNING:
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is on and the brake fluid is low, theSERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM message displays in theDriver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-8.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and thearea around the cap before removing it. This helps keepdirt from entering the reservoir.
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{WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
•Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just afew drops of mineral-based oil, such as engineoil, in the brake hydraulic system can damagebrake hydraulic system parts so badly that theywill have to be replaced. Do not let someoneput in the wrong kind of fluid.
•If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Becareful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle.If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashingYour Vehicle on page 6-95.
Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads havebuilt-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warningsound when the brake pads are worn and new padsare needed. The sound can come and go or be heard allthe time the vehicle is moving, except when applyingthe brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brakepads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brakesqueal when the brakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not mean something is wrong withthe brakes.
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{WARNING:
A battery that is not properly vented can let
sulfuric acid fumes into the area under the rear
seat cushion. These fumes can damage the rear
seat safety belt systems. You might not be able to
see this damage and the safety belts might not
provide the protection needed in a crash. If a
replacement battery is ever needed, it must be
vented in the same manner as the original battery.
Always make sure that the vent hose is properly
reattached before reinstalling the seat cushion.
To be sure the vent hose (A) is properly attached, thevent hose connectors (B) must be securely reattached tothe vent outlets (C) on each side of the battery andthe vent assembly grommet (D) must be secured to thefloor pan (E).
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Vehicle Storage
{WARNING:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that
can explode. You can be badly hurt if you are not
careful. SeeJump Starting on page 6-36for tips
on working around a battery without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black, negative (!) cablefrom the battery to keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black, negative (!) cablefrom the battery or use a battery trickle charger.
Jump Starting
If the vehicle’s battery has run down, you may want touse another vehicle and some jumper cables to startyour vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to doit safely.
{WARNING:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
•They contain acid that can burn you.
•They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
•They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some orall of these things can hurt you.
Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costlydamage to the vehicle that would not be coveredby the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling itwill not work, and it could damage the vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-voltbattery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-voltsystem with a negative ground, both vehicles canbe damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systemswith negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
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You will not see the battery of your vehicle underthe hood. It is located under the rear passenger’sseat. You will not need to access the batteryfor jump starting. The remote terminals are forthat purpose.
{WARNING:
An electric fan 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.
{WARNING:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not
need to add water to the battery installed in your
new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be
sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that first. If you do not,
explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do
not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water
and get medical help immediately.
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