radiator cap CADILLAC ELDORADO 2002 10.G Owners Manual

5-15
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 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. 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.
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.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
See ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Modeº in the Index.
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.

5-18
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. You can remove
the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left) until it
first stops. (Don't press down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some pressure left.2. Then keep turning the cap, but now push down as
you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.

5-19
3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper
mixture, to the base of the filler neck.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 about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
below the base of the filler neck.

6-12
Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on
properly. Then pull the hood down and close it firmly.
Underhood Lamp
Turn the parking lamps on to operate the underhood
lamp. The underhood lamp will come on when the hood
is opened.
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away. For more information,
see ªCheck Message, Oil Levelº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's 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 is
located behind the radiator
on the driver's side of
the vehicle. For more
information on location,
see ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index.
The yellow handle says
ENGINE OIL on it.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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.

6-13
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and
Specificationsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap is
located behind the radiator
on the passenger's side
of the vehicle. For more
information on location,
see ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index.
Turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.

6-22
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transaxle fluid cap is located next to the radiator
hose and below the engine air cleaner/filter assembly
in the engine compartment on the driver's side of
the vehicle. For more information on location,
see ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index.1. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter assembly
by lifting it out, after unhooking the latches
securing it. Find the transaxle fluid cap and
turn it counterclockwise to remove it. Pull out the
dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds
and then pull it back out again.3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read
the lower level. The fluid level must be in the
cross
-hatched area.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range,
push the dipstick back in all the way and turn
the handle clockwise. Reinstall the engine air
cleaner/filter assembly.

6-26 Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located next to the engine block on
the passenger's side of the vehicle. For more information
on location, see ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in
the Index.
If the CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message appears
on the Driver Information Center (DIC), you will need
to add coolant.
CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even
a little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine
is cold, the coolant level should be at the full cold mark,
which is 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) below the base of the fill neck.
Use a flashlight as necessary to see into the tank.
If the CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message comes on
and stays on, it means you're low on engine coolant.
For more information, see ªCheck Message,
Coolant Levelº in the Index.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-14
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
Change automatic transaxle 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 high performance operation.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and
filter do not require change until the message CHANGE TRANS FLUID
appears on the Driver Information Center.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

7-20 Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the
cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at
least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle 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 and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and
rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.