coolant level CADILLAC XLR 2008 1.G Owners Manual

HIGH VOLTAGE
This message displays when the electrical charging
system is overcharging. To avoid being stranded, have
the electrical system checked by your dealer/retailer.
You can reduce the charging overload by using
the accessories. Turn on the lamps and radio, set the
climate control on AUTO and the fan speed on HI,
and turn the rear window defogger on. You can monitor
battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the information
button. The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the
engine is running.
HOT ENGINE–A/C OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
You can continue to drive your vehicle. If this message
continues to display, have the system repaired by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible to avoid
compressor damage.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
LEFT DOOR AJAR
This message displays anytime the engine is running,
the transmission is not in PARK (P), and the driver door
is open or ajar. A chime sounds when the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
LOW BRAKE FLUID
This message displays if the engine is running to inform
the driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the
brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 6-37.
LOW COOLANT
This message displays when there is a low level of
engine coolant. Have the cooling system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 6-24.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when the fuel supply is less
than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is turned off.
A single chime also sounds when this message is
displayed.
3-66

Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer/retailer service department and have it repaired
as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission uid. Because this procedure is difficult,
you should have this done at the dealer/retailer service
department. Contact your dealer/retailer for additional
information or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. To purchase a service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 8-16.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 7-5, and be sure
to use the uid listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-11.
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 150,000 miles
(240 000 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 6-27.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Giving 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.
6-24

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located toward the
rear of the engine compartment on the driver’s side of
the vehicle. For more information on location, see
Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12.
{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, located on the side of the surge tank
that faces the front.
If the LOW COOLANT message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on and stays on,
it means you are low on engine coolant. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-63for more
information.
6-26

Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood
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.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
do not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
A low coolant level should be indicated by a LOW
COOLANT message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). 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.
6-30

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the FULL COLD mark
on the front of the coolant surge tank, 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. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-24for more information.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as
follows:
{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
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s
coolant warning system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
The engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
6-32

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture
until the level inside the surge tank stabilizes at the
FULL COLD mark on the front of the surge tank.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 fan.
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 stabilizes at the FULL COLD mark
on the coolant surge tank.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the cap is
hand-tight and fully seated.
6-34

If the LOW COOLANT message does not appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) after two minutes, the
coolant is at the proper ll level. If a LOW COOLANT
message does appear, repeat Steps 1 through 3
then reinstall the pressure cap, or see your dealer.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 6-12for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level
on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage your
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the correct uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
6-35

Scheduled Maintenance
To maintain the ride, handling, and performance of your
vehicle, it is important that the rst tire rotation service be
performed when you notice unusual wear. Check tires for
ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 6-52.If
tire rotation is recommended for your vehicle, rotate tires.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-65.
When the CHANGE OIL NOW message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on, it means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if you are driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that
vehicle service is necessary for over a year. However,
your engine oil and lter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your
dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who will
perform this work using genuine parts and reset the
system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 6-20for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the CHANGE OIL NOW message appears, the
following services, checks, and inspections are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-16. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 6-20.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (a).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-22.
See footnote (h).
❑Check tires for ination pressures and wear. SeeTires
on page 6-52. If tire rotation is recommended for your
vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6-65.
❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (l).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels. If you have the 4.4L V8 supercharged engine,
check intercooler uid level. Add uid as needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services. See
“Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (n).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (m).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (b).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (c).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (d).
7-4

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-16.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 6-24.
Intercooler Coolant Level Check
(4.4L Supercharged Engine)
Check the coolant level and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-24.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 6-36.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inspection and Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires for wear and make sure they
are inated to the correct pressures. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-60.
7-8