engine overheat Oldsmobile Bravada 1999 s User Guide

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5-14
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.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
ADD mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there's one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
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
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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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5-28
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 transmission 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.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.

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6-22
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator 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. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
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.
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.

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6-23
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.
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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6-24
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 ADD, or a
little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should
be up to FULL HOT, or a little higher.

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9-4
Engine (Continued)
Identification 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Compartment Fuse Block 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kind to Use 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Filter 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Add 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Window 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fluids and Lubricants 6
-51, 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamp Switch 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Axle 6
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Area 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block
Engine Compartment 6
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas Cap 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gate Ajar Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-7
Odometer 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Driving 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Your Vehicle Off Paved Roads 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ordering Owner and Service Publications 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . .
Outside Mirrors 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Console 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner and Service Publications 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hills with a Trailer 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payload 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlets 2
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator, Adding Coolant 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios
Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player 3
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-22, 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RAP 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Axle 6
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Security Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Washer/Wiper 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 6-51, 7-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Hooks 5-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .