Engine Overheating - Pontiac 2002 Grand Prix Owner's Manual

Engine Overheating

You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light concerning an overheated engine condition on the
instrument panel cluster. See "Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage" and "Engine Coolant Temperature
Light" in the Index. You also have a low coolant light on
your instrument panel cluster. See "Low Coolant Light"
in the Index.
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
low coolant light may come on and 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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