engine overheat CHEVROLET IMPALA 2010 9.G User Guide

{
WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.{
WARNING:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts,
can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you
can be burned.
Do not 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.Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant could
require changing sooner, at 50 000 km (30,000 miles)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL
®
(silicate-free) coolant in the
vehicle.
Engine CoolantThe cooling system in the vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 6-29
6-25

What to Use
{
WARNING:
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 fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®
coolant.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®
coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
•
Gives freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
•
Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
•
Protects against rust and corrosion.
•
Will not damage aluminum parts.
•
Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core,
and other parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this manual for the
cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-10for more information.
6-26

Checking CoolantThe vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant recovery
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank
is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above
the COLD FILL line, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant
recovery tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine Coolant Engine Coolant
for more information.
If your vehicle has one of the V6 engines, the coolant
recovery tank is located in the rear of the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine, the coolant
recovery tank is located in the rear of the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-14.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
or above the COLD FILL line on the coolant recovery
tank. To check the coolant level, look for the COLD FILL
line on the side of the coolant recovery tank that
faces the engine. If the level is not correct, there may
be a leak in the cooling system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank
{
WARNING:
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.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Notice:This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
When the coolant level in the coolant recovery tank is at
the COLD FILL line, start the vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there is one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the cooling system through the
coolant fill neck on the engine, but be sure the system
is cool before you do it.
6-27

4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the
COLD FILL line.
5. Install the coolant recovery tank cap and the
pressure cap. After a day or two of driving, when the
engine is cold, check the coolant level in the recovery
tank. If it is low, refill it to the COLD FILL line.If the coolant in the recovery tank is constantly low,
you should have a dealer/retailer service department
inspect the vehicle for leaks.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
Engine OverheatingThe vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gage and a warning light
on the instrument panel that indicate an overheated
engine condition. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 4-30Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 4-30Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light.
6-29

In addition, you will find an ENGINE OVERHEATED
IDLE ENGINE and an ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE message displayed on the vehicle’s Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-44DIC Warnings and Messages
for more information.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches fire while driving with
no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 6-32for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
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 6-32for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
6-30

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine CompartmentIf an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam
can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when 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 of
steam:
1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also,
see ‘‘Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode’’
later in this section.
6-31

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating ModeThis emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The coolant temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 6-15.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located toward
the rear of the engine
compartment on the
passenger’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-14for reservoir
location.
When to Check Power Steering FluidIt is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-32

Electrical System (cont.)
Power Windows and Other Power Options . . . . . . 6-96
Underhood Fuse Block . ................................6-97
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................6-96
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®
III+...........................................3-18
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®
III+...........................................3-18
Electronic Stability Control................................. 5-6
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................6-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........4-31
Compartment Overview................................6-14
Coolant . . ....................................................6-25
Coolant Heater............................................3-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................4-30
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................4-30
Cooling System...........................................6-24
Drive Belt Routing.......................................7-12
Exhaust.....................................................3-31
Oil .............................................................6-15
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........6-32
Overheating................................................6-29
Starting . . ....................................................3-21
Engine Oil
Life System................................................6-18
Entry Lighting . . ...............................................4-12Event Data Recorders.....................................8-19
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................2-31
Exterior Lamps................................................. 4-9
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................6-19
Finish Damage...............................................6-94
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 4-3
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 4-5
Flat Tire........................................................6-74
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................6-75
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................6-83
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................6-22
Power Steering...........................................6-32
Windshield Washer......................................6-33
Fog Lamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................4-11
Light..........................................................4-35
Folding Rear Seat...........................................2-10
Fuel............................................................... 6-5
Additives...................................................... 6-7
California Fuel.............................................. 6-6
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 6-8
5

Older Children, Restraints................................2-32
Online Owner Center........................................ 8-5
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........3-35
Outlet Adjustment............................................4-20
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................4-15
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................3-34
Heated Mirrors............................................3-34
Power Mirrors.............................................3-34
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 6-32
Owner Checks and Services . . ............................ 7-8
Owners, Canadian.............................................. iii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................6-94
Parade Dimming.............................................4-13
Park
Shifting Into................................................3-28
Shifting Out of............................................3-29
Parking
Brake . . . . . ...................................................3-27
Over Things That Burn . ................................3-30
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................4-25Passenger Compartment Air Filter .....................4-20
Passenger Sensing System..............................2-66
Passing.........................................................5-11
PASS-Key
®
III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............3-18
PASS-Key
®
III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................3-18
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California..................................................... 6-4
Phone
Bluetooth®
..................................................4-74
Power
Door Locks.................................................3-10
Electrical System.........................................6-96
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................3-21
Seat . . .......................................................... 2-5
Steering Fluid.............................................6-32
Windows....................................................3-15
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts..........................2-30
Privacy..........................................................8-18
Navigation System.......................................8-20
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).............8-20
Program
Courtesy Transportation................................8-11
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock...............3-11
Proposition 65 Warning, California....................... 6-4
9