engine overheat CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1999 3.G User Guide

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5-13
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.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fan is running. If the
engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it
isn't, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at the FULL COLD mark, 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. (See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for
more information.)

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5-15
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. So
use the recommended coolant.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.

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5-30
NOTICE:
When the compact spare is installed, don't take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on
the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel,
and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Don't use your compact spare on other vehicles.
And don't mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They won't fit. Keep your spare
tire and its wheel together.
NOTICE:
Tire chains won't fit your compact spare. Using
them can damage your vehicle and can damage
the chains too. Don't use tire chains on your
compact spare.
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin
your wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº
can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.

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6-25 How to Check
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take
the cap off. If the fluid reaches the step inside the
reservoir, the fluid level is correct.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your surge tank cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, 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, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

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6-26
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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.

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6-27
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located on the passenger's side of the
engine compartment.

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6-58 Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses. Should your
headlamps fail to function, have your headlamp system
checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuse
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have
it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the
chance of damage caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver
-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a
spare fuse, you can ªborrowº one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle that
you can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.
There are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the
instrument panel fuse block and the engine compartment
fuse block.

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9-4
Driving
City 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Easy Entry Seat 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-18, 3-22, 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-10, 2-32, 4-29, 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Level Check 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-16, 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What To Use 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active Light 2-69, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-68, 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ETS 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active Light 2-69, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-68, 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-10, 2-32, 4-29, 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses, Cleaning 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Protection 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fifth Gear, Manual Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-17, 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-8
Odometer 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle, Manual Transaxle 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1-23, 1-29, 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power
Door Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10, 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Outlet 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios
AM
-FM Stereo 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and ATC 3-11 . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc and ATC 3-16 . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Raising the Convertible Top Manually 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Raising Your Convertible Top 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Security Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .