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This page is taken directly from our digital online manual 38040 for the 2005-17 Chevrolet Equinox, 2010-17 GMC Terrain, and 2006-09 Pontiac Torrent, 2WD or 4WD with 4 cylinder or V6 engines. These simple fluid checks should be done periodically about once a week in normal usage, or every 250 miles. Follow this procedure periodically to keep your vehicle full of vital fluids and functioning properly.
Note: The following are fluid level checks to be done on a 250 mile or weekly basis. Additional fluid level checks can be found in specific maintenance procedures that follow. Regardless of intervals, be alert to fluid leaks under the vehicle, which would indicate a fault to be corrected immediately.
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Fluids are an essential part of the lubrication, cooling, brake and windshield washer systems. Because the fluids gradually become depleted and/or contaminated during normal operation of the vehicle, they must be periodically replenished. See "Recommended Lubricants and Fluids" in the beginning of Chapter 1 of the Haynes manual before adding fluid to any of the following components.
Note: The vehicle should be on level ground when fluid levels are checked.
Engine oil
- (See illustration) The engine oil level is checked with a dipstick that extends through a tube and into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine
Engine oil dipstick (A) and oil filler cap (B). To prevent dirt from contaminating the engine, always make sure the area around the cap is clean before removing it (3.4L V6 engine shown)
- The oil level should be checked before the vehicle has been driven, or about 5 minutes after the engine has been shut off. If the oil is checked immediately after driving the vehicle, some of the oil will remain in the upper engine components, resulting in an inaccurate reading on the dipstick.
- (See illustration) Pull the dipstick out of the tube and wipe all the oil from the end with a clean rag or paper towel. Insert the clean dipstick all the way back into the tube, then pull it out again. Note the oil at the end of the dipstick. Add SAE 5W-30 oil as necessary to keep the level within the cross-hatched zone on the dipstick.
The oil level must be maintained within the cross-hatched zone at all times - it takes about one quart of oil to raise the level from the bottom of the zone to the top of the zone
- Do not overfill the engine by adding too much oil since this may result in oil-fouled spark plugs, oil leaks or oil seal failures.
- Oil is added to the engine after unscrewing a cap from the valve cover. A funnel will help to reduce spills.
- Checking the oil level is an important preventive maintenance step. A consistently low oil level indicates oil leakage through damaged seals, defective gaskets or past worn rings or valve guides.
The condition of the oil should also be checked. If the oil looks milky or has water droplets in it, the cylinder head gasket(s) may be blown or the head(s) or block may be cracked. The engine should be checked immediately. Whenever you check the oil level, slide your thumb and index finger up the dipstick before wiping off the oil. If you see small dirt or metal particles clinging to the dipstick, the oil should be changed. Instructions for changing the oil ar in Section 8 of your Haynes manual.
Engine coolant
Warning: Do not allow antifreeze to come in contact with your skin, antifreeze is highly toxic if ingested. Never leave antifreeze lying around in an open container or in puddles on the floor; children and pets are attracted by its sweet smell and may drink it.
Be careful not to spill antifreeze on painted surfaces of the vehicle, as it may damage paint. Rinse off spills immediately with plenty of water.
Check with local authorities on disposing of used antifreeze, even "non-toxic" formulas. Many communities have collection centers that will see that antifreeze is disposed of safely.
Warning: Never remove the expansion tank cap when the engine is warm. Only perform this check after the vehicle has sat for several hours and is cold to the touch.
Caution: Never mix green-colored ethylene glycol antifreeze and orange-colored “DEX-COOL” silicate-free coolant because doing so will destroy the efficiency of the “DEX-COOL” coolant which is designed to last for 100,000 miles or five years.
- (See illustration) All vehicles covered by this manual are equipped with a coolant expansion tank, located at the left side of the engine compartment and connected by hoses to the cooling system.
The coolant expansion tank is located on the left side of the engine compartment
- (See illusration) The coolant level in the tank should be checked regularly. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or slightly above the COLD FILL mark. If it isn’t, add coolant to the tank.
Warning: Never unscrew the expansion tank cap when the engine is warm. Only remove the cap when the engine and cooling system is cool.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level must be up to the COLD FILL mark
- To add coolant, slowly twist open the cap; if you hear a hissing sound, STOP and wait until the hissing stops. Add a 50/50 mixture of “DEX-COOL” coolant and water until the level is up to the COLD FILL mark.
- Drive the vehicle and recheck the coolant level. If only a small amount of coolant is required to bring the system up to the proper level, water can be used. However, repeated additions of water will dilute the antifreeze and water solution. In order to maintain the proper ratio of antifreeze and water, always top up the coolant level with the correct mixture. An empty plastic milk jug or bleach bottle makes an excellent container for mixing coolant. Do not use rust inhibitors or additives.
- If the coolant level drops consistently, there may be a leak in the system. Inspect the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water pump (see Section 14 of your Haynes manual ). If no leaks are noted, have the pressure cap tested by a service station.
- Check the condition of the coolant as well. It should be relatively clear. If it is brown or rust colored, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Even if the coolant appears to be normal, the corrosion inhibitors wear out, so it must be replaced at the specified intervals. If the system is filled with standard green coolant/water, it must be flushed and replaced more frequently than if the original “DEX-COOL” coolant is retained.
Windshield washer fluid
- (See illustration) Fluid for the windshield washer system is located in a plastic reservoir in the left side of the engine compartment.
The windshield washer fluid tank is located at the left front corner of the engine compartment
- In milder climates, plain water can be used in the reservoir, but it should be kept no more than 2/3 full to allow for expansion if the water freezes. In colder climates, use windshield washer system antifreeze, available at any auto parts store, to lower the freezing point of the fluid. Mix the antifreeze with water in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions on the container.
Caution: Don’t use cooling system antifreeze - it will damage the vehicle’s paint.
- To help prevent icing in cold weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before using the washer.
Battery electrolyte
- These vehicles are equipped with a battery which is permanently sealed (except for vent holes) and has no filler caps. Water doesn’t have to be added to these batteries at any time. If a maintenance-type battery is installed, the caps on the top of the battery should be removed periodically to check for a low electrolyte level. If the level is low, add only distilled water until the level is above the plates.
Brake fluid
- The brake master cylinder is mounted on the upper left of the engine compartment firewall.
- (See illustration) The translucent plastic reservoir allows the fluid inside to be checked without removing the cap. Be sure to wipe the top of the reservoir cap with a clean rag to prevent contamination of the brake system before removing it.
The brake fluid reservoir is located at the left side of the firewall
- When adding fluid, pour it carefully into the reservoir to avoid spilling it on surrounding painted surfaces. Be sure the specified DOT 3 fluid is used, since mixing different types of brake fluid can cause damage to the system.
Warning: Brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces, so use extreme caution when handling or pouring it. Do not use brake fluid that has been standing open or is more than one year old. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Moisture in the system can cause a dangerous loss of brake performance.
- At this time, the fluid and master cylinder can be inspected for contamination. The system should be drained and refilled if deposits, dirt particles or water droplets are seen in the fluid.
- After filling the reservoir to the proper level, make sure the cap is installed tight to prevent fluid leakage.
- The brake fluid level in the master cylinder will drop slightly as the pads at the front wheels wear down during normal operation. If the master cylinder requires repeated additions to keep it at the proper level, it’s an indication of leakage in the brake system, which should be corrected immediately. Check all brake lines and connections (see Section 19 of the Haynes manual for more information).
- If, upon checking the master cylinder fluid level, you discover the reservoir empty or nearly empty, the brake system should be bled and thoroughly inspected (see Chapter 9 of your Haynes manual).