cooling CHEVROLET METRO 1999 2.G User Guide

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5-15
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 radiator
pressure cap
-- even a little -- they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to
turn the pressure cap.

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5-16 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise 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 pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.

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5-17
3. Fill the radiator with the proper coolant mixture, up
to the base of the filler neck. (See ªEngine Coolantº
in the Index for more information about the proper
coolant mixture.)
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the
FULL mark.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper coolant mixture through the filler
neck until the level reaches the base of the
filler neck.

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6-12 1.3L L4 Engine
When you lift the hood, you'll see these items:
A. Hood Prop
B. Power Steering Reservoir
C. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
G. Radiator Pressure Cap
H. Brake Fluid ReservoirI. Engine Coolant Reservoir
J. Battery
K. Main Fuse Box
L. Windshield Washer Reservoir

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6-25
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 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 the
proper coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-33F (-36C).

Give boiling protection up to 258F (125C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half coolant that meets GM Specification 1825-M,
which won't damage aluminum parts. You can also use a
recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification
1825
-M with a complete coolant flush and refill. 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 the
proper coolant.

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6-26
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 vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at LOW, or a
little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should
be up to FULL, or a little higher.

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6-47
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how far it's been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
Use tire chains only where legal and only when
you must. Use only SAE Class ªSº type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install
them on the front tires and tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.

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6-60
Replacement Bulbs
Lamps Bulb Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back
-Up 921. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Part No. 96059983 or equivalent
Center High
-Mounted Stoplamp 921. . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Part No. 96059983 or equivalent
Dome GM Part No. 94153335. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking and Sidemarker 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Part No. 96053293 or equivalent
Headlamp (Halogen) GM Part No. 9441731 . . . . . . .
or GM Part No. 91171148 or equivalent
License Plate 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Sidemarker 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Stop/Tail 1157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Hazard (Front and Rear) 1156. . . . .
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in U.S.
and metric conversions. Please refer to ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle
Drain and Refill 1.6 quarts (1.5 L)**. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transaxle2.5 quarts (2.4 L)** . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System
Automatic Transaxle
VIN Engine Code 2 5.0 quarts (4.7 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transaxle
VIN Engine Code 6 4.1 quarts (3.9 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code 2 4.9 quarts (4.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
Crankcase
(With Filter Change)3.5 quarts (3.3 L)* . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank10.6 gallons (40.0 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque45 lb
-ft (60 N´m) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning

See the refrigerant information label under the hood.

See ªAir Conditioning Refrigerantsº later in
this section.

Scheduled Maintenance
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7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

Most trips are through dusty areas.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or 6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Manual Transaxle
Fluid Change (or 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Valve Lash
(Clearance) Adjustment (1.3L Code 2 engine only).
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection (or every
15 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Spark Plug Replacement. Ignition Coil
Plug Cap Inspection (1.3L Code 2 L4 engine only) (or
every 30 months, whichever occurs first). Engine
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). Cooling System Service (or
every 30 months, whichever occurs first).

Scheduled Maintenance
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7-7
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 7.5 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Valve Lash
(Clearance) Adjustment (1.3L Code 2 engine only).
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection (or every
15 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs first). Cooling System Service (or every
30 months, whichever occurs first). Spark Plug
Replacement. Ignition Coil Plug Cap Inspection
(1.3L Code 2 L4 engine only) (or every 30 months,
whichever occurs first). Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Manual Transaxle Fluid Change
(or 30 months, whichever occurs first).
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Camshaft Timing
Belt Inspection. Spark Plug Wire Replacement (or
every 60 months, whichever occurs first). Wiring
Harness and Connectors Inspection (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first). Brake
Fluid Service.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Fuel Filter
Replacement. Camshaft Timing Belt Replacement.
Every 120,000 Miles (200 000 km): Evaporative
Emissions Canister Air Suction Filter Replacement
(or every 120 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.