Radiator Pressure Cap; Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode; Engine Overheating - Pontiac 2003 Montana Owner's Manual

Radiator Pressure Cap

Notice: Your radiator cap is a 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.
The radiator pressure cap is located at the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger's side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12 for more information on location.

Engine Overheating

You will find an engine coolant temperature gage on
your vehicle's instrument panel cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-40 . You
also have an engine coolant temperature warning
message on your instrument panel. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Message on page 3-46 .
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles
(km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice: After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See "Engine Oil" in the
Index.
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