2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 276

Checking Coolant CAUTION: Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine and radiator are hot. Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for information on location. The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be at COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or a little higher. Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but only when your engine is cool. If the tank is very low or empty, also add coolant to the radiator. See "Engine Overheating" in the Index for information. 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. Don't 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" in the Index. 6-30