coolant temperature CHEVROLET OPTRA 5 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater. In
very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum
of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At
temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment, behind the battery.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-Volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
2-19

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-8
Other Warning Devices...................................3-8
Horn .............................................................3-8
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-9
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................3-10
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................3-10
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-10
Windshield Wipers........................................3-11
Windshield Washer.......................................3-12
Rear Window Wiper/Washer (Hatchback and
Wagon only).............................................3-13
Cruise Control..............................................3-13
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-16
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-18
Dome Lamp .................................................3-18
Map Lamps .................................................3-19
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-19
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-20
Clock..........................................................3-21Climate Controls............................................3-22
Climate Control System.................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-25
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-27
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-27
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-29
Trip Odometer..............................................3-29
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-30
Safety Belt Reminder Tone............................3-30
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-30
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-31
Charging System Light..................................3-33
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-34
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-35
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light...........................................3-35
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-36
Hold Mode Light...........................................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-37
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-39
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If your vehicle has the
Traction Control System
(TCS), this light comes on
for a few seconds when
the ignition is turned to ON.
If the light does not come on, then have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
The TCS warning light may also come on for the
following reasons:
If the TCS warning light comes on and stays on for an
extended period of time when the system is turned
on, there may be a problem with your TCS and your
vehicle needs service.
When the TCS warning light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Hold Mode Light
If your vehicle has this
feature, this light will come
on when the hold mode
is active.
If the HOLD mode light flashes, have your vehicle
checked. See “Hold Mode” underAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-20for additional information
on this feature.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Your vehicle has an
engine coolant temperature
gage. With the ignition
turned to ON, this
gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
3-36

How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, look
on the side of the reservoir. If the fluid reaches the
MAX (A) mark on the reservoir, the fluid level is correct.
The reservoir is located near the back of the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
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, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-23.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and proper
coolant will:
•Give 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.
5-20

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear of
the engine compartment on the driver’s side. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
{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 between the
Maximum (A) and Minimum (B) marks on the coolant
surge tank. The level rises at engine operation
temperature and drops again when the engine
cools down.
Adding Coolant
If the level falls below the Minimum (B) mark, add the
proper coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when
the engine is cool. If the surge tank is empty, a
special fill procedure is necessary. SeeCooling System
on page 5-24for instructions on “How to Add Coolant
to the Coolant Surge Tank.”
5-22

{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. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
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 Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-36.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
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. Just 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 your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
5-23

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer fluid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-30

Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-80
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-39
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-48
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-78
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-77
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-75
Finish Care.................................................5-77
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-74
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-76
Leather......................................................5-76
Tires..........................................................5-79Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-78
Climate Control System...................................3-22
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Clock............................................................3-21
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-19
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-73
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-36
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-36
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
Cooling System..............................................5-24
Cruise Control................................................3-13
Cruise Control Light........................................3-41
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-34
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
3

Electrical System (cont.)
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-83
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-82
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-82
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-34
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-37
Coolant......................................................5-20
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-36
Cooling System Inspection............................6-23
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-27
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage...............................................5-79
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-10Flat Tire........................................................5-63
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-64
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-73
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Manual Transaxle........................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-29
Windshield Washer......................................5-30
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-41
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-17
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-35
Front Storage Area.........................................2-35
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage .........................................................3-42
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-43
System Inspection.......................................6-22
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-82
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-83
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-82
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-36
Fuel..........................................................3-42
Speedometer..............................................3-29
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-34
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-8
Head Restraints............................................... 1-8
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-39
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-82
Headlamps....................................................5-40
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-40
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-16
Flash-to-Pass..............................................3-10
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-42
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-40
High/Low Beam Changer..............................3-10Headlamps (cont.)
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Sidemarker Lamps.......................................5-44
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-43
Heater...........................................................3-22
Hideaway Rear Storage Bins............................2-37
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-41
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-21
Hold Mode Light.............................................3-36
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn ............................................................... 3-8
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-19
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Inflation - Tire Pressure...................................5-56
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-23
Engine Cooling System................................6-23
6