engine coolant PONTIAC PONTIAC 1995 User Guide

NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can kreeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
COLD mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can
try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before you do
it.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
NOTICE:
Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure could cause your
engine
to overheat and be severely damaged.
i
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. TU^ the
pressure cap slowly to
the left 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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3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed
valve.
3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine
3.1L V6 (VIN Code M): There are two bleed valves.
One is located on the thermostat housing. The other is
located
on the thermostat bypass tube.
3.4L LQl (Code X) Engine
3.4L V6 (VIN Code X): There are two bleed valves.
They are located on the thermostat housing and heater
inlet pipe.
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Fill the radiator with the
base of the filler neck,
If you see a stream of
coolant coming fi-om an
air bleed valve, close the
valve. Otherwise, close
the valves after the
radiatur is filled.
proper mix, up to the
5. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and compartment.
6. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the COLD
mark.
7. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off,
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8. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine fans.
filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more
of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
9. By this time the coolant level inside the radiator
10. Then replace the
pressure cap. At
any
time during this
procedure
if coolant
begins to
flow out of
the filler neck, reinstall
the pressure cap.
Be
sure the arrows on the
pressure cap line up
like this.
11. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in
the coolant recovery tank should be at
the HOT
mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark
when the engine is cold.
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I
a3
7
With the 3.1 L L82 (Code M) engine, when you open the hood, you’ll see:
1. Radiator Pressure Cap 7. Engine Oil Dipstick
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir 8. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
3. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 9. Brake Fluid Reservoir
4. Coolant Bleed Valves 10. Air Cleaner
5. Electric Engine Fans 11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap
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'4 L,
With the 3.4L LQI (Code X) engine, when you open the hood, you'll see:
1. Radiator Pressure Cap 7. Coolant Bleed Valves
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir 8. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
3. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 9. Brake Fluid Reservoir
4. Electric Engine Fans 10. Air Cleaner
5. Engine Oil Dipstick 1 1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap
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When to Change Engine OiI
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop and go traffic).
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your
oil and filter every 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
your
vehicle.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or
colder. If your vehicle has
this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment.
If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station
or a local recycling
center for help.
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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
or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128 “C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half
clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze 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. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant flush and refill.
If you use
this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
I NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
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Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
COLD mark or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to the HOT mark or a little
higher.
If this light comes on, it
means you’re low on engine
coolant.
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
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