Radiator Pressure Cap; Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode; Engine Overheating - Pontiac 2004 Montana Owner's Manual

Add coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
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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 on page 5-28.

Radiator Pressure Cap

Notice: The radiator cap on your vehicle 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 3-44. You
also have an engine coolant temperature warning
message on your instrument panel. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Message on page 3-50.
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 on page 5-13.
5-25