Pontiac 2001 Automobile User Manual


 
5-10
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light about a hot engine on your 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.
Should an overheated engine condition exist, 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. 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.