coolant level Oldsmobile Aurora 2001 Owner's Manuals

2-72 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the
engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves
into the red warning zone,
your engine is hot.
To prevent engine overheating, the air conditioning
compressor will turn off automatically, a fast
-pulsed
chime will sound, and the message ENGINE HOT...A/C
OFF will appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
As the engine cools down, the air conditioning
compressor will automatically turn back on.If the coolant temperature is over 262
F (128
C),
the message HOT...IDLE ENGINE will appear. It means
you should reduce the engine load and speed to prevent
the engine from overheating.
If the coolant temperature is over 268
F (131
C),
the message HOT...STOP ENGINE will appear.
It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
You should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Your vehicle is equipped with an Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index for more information.
If your coolant level is low, the message LOW ENGINE
COOLANT will appear on the Driver Information
Center. Check your coolant level as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index.

2-90 DIC Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display. For Canadian drivers, in addition to the DIC
message your DIC will display EXP with a number after
it which reflects the following messages:
EXP (Export ID) Warning Message. . . . . . . . . . . .
1 AIR BAG PROBLEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 CHANGE OIL NOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 CHANGE OIL SOON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 CHECK OIL LEVEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 TRANS HOT...IDLE ENG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 CONFIRM TIME & DATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 DRIVERS DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 ENGINE HOT...A/C OFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 HOT...REDUCE ENG RPM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 HOT...STOP ENGINE *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 THEFT SYSTEM FAULT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 LOW BRAKE FLUID *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 LOW ENGINE COOLANT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 LOW FUEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 LOW OIL PRESSURE *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 LOW TIRE PRESSURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 LOW WASHER FLUID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 PARK BRAKE SET *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 PASSENGER DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SERVICE VEHICLE SOON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 TURN SIGNAL ON?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 THEFT ATTEMPTED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SERV STABILITY SYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 TRUNK AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32 HOT...IDLE ENGINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33 STARTING DISABLED *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36 CHECK GAS CAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42 STABILITY ACTIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The EXP codes are used to make translation from
English to other languages easier.
Pressing the RESET button will remove the above
messages or warnings from the DIC display, unless
noted by an asterisk (*).

3-7
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to
let the hot air out. This reduces the time required to
cool the interior of the vehicle to a comfortable level.
If the system is in the automatic mode (AUTO
-PUSH
knob indicator light is on), during very hot days the
system will automatically go to the RECIRC mode and
the temperature door will initially be at the full cold
position for maximum cooling. You can choose the
extreme comfort setting of 60
F (16
C), but the
system will not cool any faster by choosing the extreme
comfort setting.
Heating
In cold weather, if the automatic mode is selected
(AUTO
-PUSH knob indicator light is on), the system
will automatically direct the airflow out of the lower
floor outlets and the temperature door will initially be
positioned at the full hot position. You can choose the
extreme comfort setting of 90
F (32
C), but the
system will not warm up any faster by selecting the
extreme comfort setting.In cold weather, the system will delay turning on the
fan to avoid blowing cold air. The length of the delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature and the
outside temperature. The fan speed will increase as the
temperature of the engine coolant increases. Turning the
AUTO FAN knob will override this delay by turning
off the automatic fan control mode and changing the
fan speed.
Defogging and Defrosting
On cool, humid days, use the defog setting to keep
the windows clear while also providing heat through the
lower outlets. Turn the AUTO
-PUSH knob clockwise to
DEF to quickly remove fog or ice from the windshield.
For maximum front defrost performance under extreme
icing or frosting conditions, increase the temperature
setting to 90
F (33
C) and increase the fan speed
to high.

5-13
A low coolant level should be indicated by a CHECK
COOLANT LEVEL message on the Driver Information
Center. If it is, you may have a leak in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts,
can be very hot. Don't touch them. If you do, you
can be burned.
Don't 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:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
See ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Modeº in the Index.
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 fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they aren't, your vehicle needs service.

5-14 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at at the proper level (below the base of the filler
neck), 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.
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 cap when the
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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.

5-17
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 fans.
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 reaches the base of the filler neck.5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on
the pressure cap line up like this.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-10 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-10 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-15 Engine Oil
6
-20 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-23 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-26 Engine Coolant
6
-31 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-32 Brakes
6
-35 Battery
6
-37 Bulb Replacement
6
-48 Tires6
-58 Appearance Care
6
-58 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-62 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-64 Underbody Maintenance
6
-64 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-65 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-66 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-67 Electrical System
6
-71 Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
6
-75 Replacement Bulbs
6
-76 Capacities and Specifications
6
-78 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-28 Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment. See
ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for 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 at the base of
the filler neck.

6-30
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cooling system pressure cap is located on the
surge tank.
NOTICE:
Your cooling system pressure 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.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It 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.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information on location.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

7-15
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for further details.Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
Don't forget to check your spare tire. See ªTiresº in the
Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.