The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if only DEX-COOL® extended life coolant is added.
The following explains the cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating or if coolant needs to be added to the radiator, see Engine Overheating .
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® engine coolant will:
| • | Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C). |
| • | Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C). |
| • | Protect against rust and corrosion. |
| • | Help keep the proper engine temperature. |
| • | Let the warning lights and gages work as they should. |
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL can cause premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and one-half DEX-COOL® engine coolant which will not damage aluminum parts. If this coolant mixture is used, nothing else needs to be added.
Caution: Adding only plain water to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.
Notice: If an improper coolant mixture is used, the engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts.
If coolant needs to be added more than four times a year, have your dealer check the cooling system.
Notice: If you use the proper coolant, you do not have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
3.8L V6 Engine shown, 3.6L V6 Engine similar
The coolant recovery tank is located in the engine compartment toward the rear of the engine on the passenger's side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the cold fill line or a little higher. The cold fill line is near the bottom of the surge tank and has an arrow pointing down at it.
Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add coolant to the radiator. See Engine Overheating .
Caution: Turning 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.
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. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see Cooling System .
