engine coolant PONTIAC PONTIAC 1996 Owner's Manual

NOTICE:
If yos we 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.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check
your cooling system.
I 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
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
COLD mqk or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to the HOT mark or a
little higher.
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If this light comes on,
it means you’re low on
engine coolant.
LOW
COOLANT
L
Adding Coolant
A CAUTION:
lhrning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have.to add coolant
at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the Add
coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
coolant recovery tank. to
spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. (See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.) ’ A 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.
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Radiator Pressure Cap Power Steering Fluid
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.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
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 AC'thermostat
is recommended.
3.1L L82 Engine 3.4L LQ1 Engine
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.
6-24 -
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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(QT every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first): See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service; ~~~~.~ ,~
An Emission Control Service.
I
,. .“,-*$ .J$?
0 Inspect spark plug -wires.
0 Replace spark plugs.
, I .. .. -. .,, .
An Emission Control Service.
c
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 O C) gr higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- = Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the jluid
and filter do not require changing,
’ . , ..VI -
.‘ . .: delivery service.
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1 Lung Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I
I 97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever, occurs first).
0 Lubricate steering ball joints (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement,. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
An Emission Control Sewice.
DATE ACTUALMILEAGE SERVICED BY: ’
100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or ‘every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses, Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
0 -Replace spark plugs. .
An Emission Control Service.
An Emission Control Service.
7-34
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Listed below are owner checks and services whch Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
should be performed at the intervals specifi’ed to help windshield washer tank and add the proper
fluid if
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
performance
of your vehicle. for further details.
Be sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once. At Least Once a Month
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your .- e:. .r- ....
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown )z., I ” lire Inflation Check
in Part D. Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
At Each Fuel Fill See “Tires” in the Index for further details.
It is important for you or a service station attendant to Cassette Deck Service
perjom these underhoad checks at each fuel fill. Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix if necessary. & ,.. ‘TQgine _i. Coolant” in the
Index for further details. I,
Power Antenna Service
Clean power antenna mast. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
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I
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified
For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity.
To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and GM
Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL
TM or
Havoline@ DEX-COOL TM
(orange-colored, silicate-free)
antifreeze conforming to GM
Specification
6277M. See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index.
USAGE
Coolant
Supplement
Sealer
Hydraulic Brake System
Power Steering System
Automatic
Transaxle Key Lock
Cylinders
Chassis
Lubrication
FLUIDLUBRICANT
GM Part No. 3634621 or
equivalent with a complete flush
and refill.
Delco Supreme 11
@I Brake.Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052535 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid
10500 17 - 1 qt., or equivalent).
DEXRON@-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube’
(GM Part No. 12346241
or equivalent).
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB
(GM
Part NO. 1052884
- 1 Pt.,
or GC-LB.
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Clock. Setting the ................................ 3-5
ComfortControls
................................ 3-1
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-23
Compact Disc Player
....................... 3-14, 3-16
Compact Disc Player Errors
....................... 3- 15
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-33
Console Storage
................................ 2-39
Control
of a Vehicle ............................. ’ . 4-5
Convenience Net
................................ 2-40
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-38
Bleed Valves
................................. 5-20
Heater, Engine
............................... 2- 13
Recovery
Tank ............................... 5-16
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-34
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-7
Cruise Control ................................. 2-29
Cupholders
.................................... 2-38
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8- 1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-2
Coolant
................................. ....... 6-20
Coolingsystem
................................ 5-14
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users .......... 8-4
Damage, Finish ...... ..................... 6-62
Damage, Sheet Metal
............................ 6-62
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-33
Defects, Reporting Safety
..... i ................... 8-9
Defensive Driving ............................... 4- 1
Defogger, Rear Window
.......................... 3-4
Defoqging ..................................... 3-4
DeadBattery ................................... 5-2 Defrosting
................... ........ 3-4
Dimensions. Vehicle ........... .......... 6-75
Dolby@
B Noise Reduction ......... ........... 3-10
Dome Lamp
................................... 2-36
Door
Locks ..................................... 2-3
Drive Position. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-16
Driver Position
............................ 1-10. 1-16
Driving
City
........................................ 4-19
Defensive
.................................... 4-1
Drunken
.............. ; ...................... 4-2
Freeway
.................................... 4-20
In a Blizzard
................................. 4-26
In Foreign Countries
............................ 6-4
In the Rain
.................................. 4-16
On Curves
.................................... 4-9
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-36
On Hill and Mountain Roads
...... ............. 4-22
OnSnowandIce
............................. 4-25
WetRoads
................................... 4-16
Winter
....................................... 4-24
With a Trailer ................................. 4-34
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-2
Electrical Equipment. Adding
........ 2-12.3-22. 6-64
Electrical System
............ .............. 6-64
Night
...................................... 4-14
Throughwater
............................... 4-18
.. ... 9-3
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Engine .................................... 6.8. 6.9
Coolant ..................................... 6-20
Coolant Heater ............................... 2-13
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-36
Cmhzt Temperatere Gage ..................... 2-5 1
Coolant Temperature Light ..................... 2-50
Exhaust ..................................... 2-23
Identification ................................ 6#-64
Overheating ................................. 5-12
Specifications ................................ 6-74
Starting Your ................................ 2- 11
Adding
..................................... 6-11
Additives ................................ ; .. 6-14
Checking ................................... 6-11
LevelCheck ................................. 7-36
Used ....................................... 6-15
Whentochange .............................. 6-15
Ew~l 6-3 Exhaust, Engine ................................ 2-23
Fan Knob, Climate Control System .................. 3-1
Filter, Engine Oil ............................... 6- 15
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle ................... 2-17
Flashers, Hazard Warning ......................... 5-1
FlatTue, Changing ............................. 5-23 Fluids and Lubricants ............................. 7-41
Fog Lamp Bulb Replacement ................ 6-42, 6-43
Fog Lamps ..................................... 2-33
Running While Parked ......................... 2-24
........................................
Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-57
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-4
Filter, Air ..................................... 6-16
Finishcare ..................................... 6-61
FinishDmage
................................. 6-62
Foreign Countries. Fuel ......................... 6-4
French Language Manual ........................... ii
Front Lamp
Bar Bulb Replacement ................. 6-38
Front Sidemarker Bulb Replacement ................ 6-40
Front Turn Signal Bulb Replacement ................ 6-40
FrontTowing ................................... 5-9
Fuel .......................................... 6-2
Filling Your Tank ............................... 6-4
Gage ....................................... 2-56
Canadian .................................... 6-3
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ..................... 6-65
bages
Engine Coolant Temperature ................ 2-51
Fuel
....................................... 2-56
GAM ....................................... 4-29
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle ................ 2-14
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-29
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratmg ...................... 4-29
Guide en Francpis .................. ............ ii
GVWR
......................... ....... 4-29
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-1
Headlamps ..................................... 2-32
Bulb Replacement ........................ 6-31 6-34
High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-27
Wiring ..................................... 6-65
GloveBox .................................... 2-38
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-31
HeadRestraints ................................. 1-5
Aiming ..................................... 6-35
OnReminder ................................. 2-32
9-4 --
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Head-Up Display ............................. 2-58
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heating
........................................ 3-3
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-27
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-22
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-33
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-6
Release
.................................... 6-7
Horn
.................. .................. 2-25
HUD .................. .................. 2-58
Hydroplaning
........... .................. 4-18
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2- 10
Inflation, Tire .................................. 6-49
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
.................. 2-37
Inspections Brakesystem
................................ 7- 40
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-40
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-40
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-40
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-40
Steering
.................................... 7-40
Suspension
.................................. 7-40
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-40
Instrumentpanel
............................... 2-43
Brightness Control
............................ 2-34
Cleaning
.................................... 6-59
Cluster
..................................... 2-44
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-65
Interior Lamps ................................. 2-34 Jack. Tire
..... ... ..... 5-23
Jump Starting
... ................ 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-37
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2-11
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Labels Certification
................................. 4-29
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-64
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-28
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-64
Lamps
........................................ 2-32
Courtesy
..................................... 2-34
Dome
...................................... 2-36
Interior
..................................... 2-34
OnReminder
................................ 2-32
Sustained Interior Illumination
.................. 2-34
Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-4
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
....... 2-21
Lighter
....................................... 2-41
Lights
Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-25. 2.47
Anti-Lock Brake System Active
............. 2.50. 4.8
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.49. 4.7
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-48
Charging System
............................. 2-47
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-50
Interior
..................................... 2-34
Low Coolant Warning
......................... 2-51
LowFuel
................................... 2-57
9-5
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