Buick Enclave (2009 year). Manual — part 18

Engine Compartment Overview

When you lift the hood, here is what you will see:

5-10

Service and Appearance Care

A. Radiator Pressure Cap. See

Cooling System on page 5-16.

B. Engine Coolant Recovery Cap.

See Cooling System on
page 5-16.

C. Remote Negative (

−

) Terminal.

See Jump Starting on page 5-28.

D. Underhood Fuse Block on

page 5-94.

E. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.

See Jump Starting on page 5-28.

F. Power Steering Fluid on

page 5-22.

G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When

to Add Engine Oil” under Engine
Oil on page 5-11.

H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See

“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-11.

I. Automatic Transmission Fluid

Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” under Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-15.

J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir.

See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes
on page 5-24.

K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on

page 5-14.

L. Windshield Washer Fluid

Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-23.

Engine Oil

Checking Engine Oil

It is a good idea to check the
engine oil every time you get fuel. In
order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle
must be on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick handle is a
yellow loop. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.

1. Turn off the engine and give the

oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If you do not
do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.

2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it

with a paper towel or cloth, then
push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.

When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick,
add at least one quart/liter of the
recommended oil. This section
explains what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 5-98.

Notice: Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil
that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows
the proper operating range,
the engine could be damaged.

Service and Appearance Care

5-11

See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 5-10 for the location of
the engine oil fill cap.

Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range in the cross-hatched area.
Push the dipstick all the way back in
when you are through.

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use

Look for three things:

•

GM6094M

Use only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM6094M.

•

SAE 5W-30

SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or
thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.

•

American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol

Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst
symbol on the container. This
symbol indicates that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).

5-12

Service and Appearance Care

Notice: Use only engine oil
identified as meeting GM
Standard GM6094M and showing
the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol. Failure
to use the recommended oil
can result in engine damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Cold Temperature Operation

If you are in an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls
below

−

20°F (

−

29°C), use either an

SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an
SAE 0W-30 engine oil. Both provide
easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures. Always
use an oil that meets the required
specification, GM6094M. See “What
Kind of Engine Oil to Use” for more
information.

Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes

Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the starburst
symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you need for good
performance and engine protection.

Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Engine Oil Life System

When to Change Engine Oil

This vehicle has a computer system
that lets you know when to change
the engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change will
be indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system
every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
will indicate that an oil change
is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message will come
on. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if
you are driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might
not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However,
the engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset
accidentally, you must change the
oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last oil change. Remember
to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.

Service and Appearance Care

5-13

How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System

The Engine Oil Life System
calculates when to change the
engine oil and filter based on vehicle
use. Whenever the oil is changed,
reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required.
If a situation occurs where you
change the oil prior to a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message being
turned on, reset the system.

To reset the Engine Oil Life System:

1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,

with the engine off.

2. Press the vehicle information

button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays.

3. Press and hold the set/reset

button until 100% is displayed.
You will hear three chimes
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message will go off.

4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.

If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when
you start the vehicle, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat
the procedure.

What to Do with Used Oil

Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.

Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter

Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
Maintenance

II

intervals and replace

it at the first oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-3 for more information.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.

See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 5-10 for the location of
the engine air cleaner/filter.

How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter

To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle and
lightly shake the filter (away from
vehicle) to release loose dust and
dirt. If the filter remains caked with
dirt, a new filter is required.

5-14

Service and Appearance Care

To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:

1. Loosen the screws that hold the

cover on.

2. Disconnect the electrical

connector.

3. Lift off the cover.

4. Remove the engine air

cleaner/filter element and any
loose debris that may be found in
the air cleaner base.

5. Inspect or replace the air filter

element.

6. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to

reinstall the cover and reconnect
the electrical connector.

{

CAUTION

Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. If it is not there and the
engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine
with the air cleaner/filter off.

Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is
off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/filter in place
when you are driving.

Automatic Transmission
Fluid

It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. A
transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to the dealer/retailer
and have it repaired as soon as
possible.

Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Additional Required
Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.

Service and Appearance Care

5-15

Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.

The transmission fluid will not reach
the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check the
transmission fluid level, please take
the vehicle to your dealer/retailer.

Cooling System

The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.

A. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank

B. Radiator Pressure Cap

C. Engine Cooling Fans

{

CAUTION

An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.

{

CAUTION

Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.

Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.

Notice: Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL

®

can cause premature

engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing
sooner, at 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL

®

(silicate-free)

coolant in the vehicle.

5-16

Service and Appearance Care

Engine Coolant

The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL

®

engine

coolant. The coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for five years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km),
whichever occurs first.

The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and
add coolant when it is low. If there
is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 5-20.

What to Use

{

CAUTION

Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.

(Continued)

CAUTION

(Continued)

The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL

®

coolant.

Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture, nothing
else needs to be added. This
mixture:

•

Gives freezing protection down to

−

34°F (

−

37°C), outside

temperature.

•

Gives boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C), engine
temperature.

•

Protects against rust and
corrosion.

•

Will not damage aluminum parts.

•

Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.

Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and
other parts.

Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or
additives are used in the
vehicle’s cooling system, the
vehicle could be damaged. Use
only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this
manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12 for
more information.

Service and Appearance Care

5-17

Checking Coolant

The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.

Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the FULL COLD mark, add
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure
the cooling system is cool before this
is done. See Engine Coolant on
page 5-17 for more information.

The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.

When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at or above
the FULL COLD line marked on
the recovery tank.

When the engine is hot, the level
could be higher than the FULL
COLD line. If the coolant is below
the FULL COLD line when the
engine is hot, there could be a leak
in the cooling system.

If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to a
dealer/retailer for service.

How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank

{

CAUTION

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.

Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.

If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL

®

coolant mixture at

the coolant recovery tank.

How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator

{

CAUTION

An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.

5-18

Service and Appearance Care

{

CAUTION

Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the
surge tank pressure cap — even a
little — they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the cap when
the cooling system, including the
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
surge tank pressure cap to cool
if you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.

If coolant is needed, add the proper
mixture directly to the radiator,
but be sure the cooling system is
cool before this is done.

1. Detach fasteners and lift off

the panel that covers the
radiator cap,

2. Remove the radiator pressure

cap when the cooling system,
including the upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot.

Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If you hear a hiss, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left in
the system.

3. Keep turning the pressure cap

slowly and remove it.

4. Fill the radiator to the base of the

filler neck with the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture.

5. When coolant begins to flow out

of the filler neck, reinstall the
pressure cap. Be sure to secure
it tightly.

Service and Appearance Care

5-19

6. Fill the coolant recovery tank to

the FULL COLD mark.

7. Reinstall the cap on the coolant

recovery tank but leave the
radiator pressure cap off.

8. Start the engine and let it run

until the upper radiator hose
feels warm. Any time during this
procedure, watch out for the
engine cooling fan(s).

9. If the coolant level inside the

radiator filler neck is low, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
coolant mixture through the
filler neck until the level is back
up to the base of the filler
neck. Replace the pressure cap.
Be sure to secure it tightly.

Notice: If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.

Engine Overheating

The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.

There is an engine coolant
temperature gage on the instrument
panel cluster. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-35.

The vehicle may also display
an ENGINE OVERHEATED
IDLE ENGINE and ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-48.

You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 7-6.

5-20

Service and Appearance Care

If you do decide to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface

Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are
not, do not continue to run the
engine and have the vehicle
serviced.

Notice: Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.

Notice: If the engine catches fire
while driving with no coolant,
the vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs
would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-22 for
information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.

If Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment

{

CAUTION

Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Turn it off
and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.

If you keep driving when the
vehicles engine is overheated, the
liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned.
Stop the engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.

See Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-22 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.

If No Steam Is Coming From
The Engine Compartment

If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can
get a little too hot when the vehicle:

•

Climbs a long hill on a hot day.

•

Stops after high-speed driving.

•

Idles for long periods in traffic.

•

Tows a trailer.

If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:

1. Turn the air conditioning off.

2. Turn the heater on to the highest

temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.

3. If in a traffic jam, shift to

N (Neutral), otherwise, shift
to the highest gear while
driving — D (Drive) or L (Low).

Service and Appearance Care

5-21

If the temperature overheat gage is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue
to drive the vehicle slow for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the car in front of you.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally.

If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.

If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating
Mode” next in this section.

Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode

This emergency operating mode lets
the vehicle 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, there is a significant loss in
power and engine performance. The
temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving
extended distances 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 5-11.

Power Steering Fluid

The power steering fluid reservoir is
located toward the front of the engine
compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10 for reservoir location.

5-22

Service and Appearance Care

When to Check Power
Steering Fluid

It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in
the system or you hear an unusual
noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.

How to Check Power Steering
Fluid

To check the power steering fluid:

1. Turn the key off and let the

engine compartment cool down.

2. Remove engine oil fill cap.

3. Slide engine cover rearward and

lift to remove.

4. Wipe the cap and the top of the

reservoir clean.

5. Unscrew the cap and wipe the

dipstick with a clean rag.

6. Replace the cap and completely

tighten it.

7. Remove the cap again and look

at the fluid level on the dipstick.

The fluid level should be somewhere
between MAX and MIN line on the
dipstick in room temperature. If the
fluid is on or below MIN line, you
should add fluid close to MAX Line.

What to Use

To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12. Always
use the proper fluid.

Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid
may damage the vehicle and
the damages may not be covered
by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the correct fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.

Windshield Washer Fluid

What to Use

When adding windshield washer
fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If the vehicle will be operating in
an area where the temperature may
fall below freezing, use a fluid that
has sufficient protection against
freezing.

Service and Appearance Care

5-23

Adding Washer Fluid

When the windshield washer fluid
reservoir is low, a WASHER FLUID
LOW ADD FLUID message will be
displayed on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48 for more
information.

Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10 for reservoir location.

Notice:

•

When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.

•

Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution to
freeze and damage your washer
fluid tank and other parts of the
washer system. Also, water
does not clean as well as
washer fluid.

•

Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.

•

Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in your windshield
washer. It can damage the
vehicle’s windshield washer
system and paint.

Brakes

Brake Fluid

The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-10 for the location of the
reservoir.

There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:

•

The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.

5-24

Service and Appearance Care

•

A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system can also cause a low fluid
level. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes will
not work well.

Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when new
brake linings are installed. Add or
remove brake fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.

{

CAUTION

If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn, if
the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.

When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-33.

What to Add

Use only new DOT-3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.

Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.

{

CAUTION

With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.

Notice:

•

Using the wrong fluid
can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops
of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system
parts so badly that they will
have to be replaced. Do not let
someone put in the wrong
kind of fluid.

•

If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake fluid
on the vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. See Washing
Your Vehicle on page 5-86.

Service and Appearance Care

5-25