2001 Pontiac Aztek Owner's Manual - Page 299

Engine Overheating You will find an engine coolant temperature gage on your vehicle's instrument panel. See "Engine Coolant Temperature Gage" in the Index. You also have an engine coolant temperature warning message on your instrument panel. See "Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Message" in the Index. 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 and change the oil. See "Engine Oil" 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 temperature gage will indicate an overheat condition exists. Towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be avoided. 5-9