Oldsmobile 2000 Alero, Owner'S Manual

Page: 212 / 327

5-14
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-
COOL
R
(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
R
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.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at or above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX
-
COOL
R
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 “Engine Coolant” 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
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.