What To Use; Checking Coolant - GMC 2005 Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual

What to Use

Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
®
one-half DEX-COOL coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
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Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
Notice: If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by your warranty.
Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
5-36
®
coolant.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your 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

The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for more information on location.
CAUTION:
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Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark.