...but I suppose enough so that I tend to get a regular stream of folks who find Possumblog when they're searching for answers to car repair and maintenance questions.
Such as the person who came by yesterday wondering: how to fill cooling system on pontiac aztec.
As with all car repairs, consult your owner's manual first. Second, if you have any reservations about the procedures, it is better to take it to a qualified ASE-certified repair facility. Having dispensed with those two vital disclaimers, for the do-it-yourselfer, the following is my recommendation for the Pontiac Aztek. The following is for all model years.
1. Raise the hood and make sure the engine is cool to the touch, and then carefully remove the coolant reservoir cap.
2. Allow the unoccupied vehicle to roll into the nearest body of water that will allow the coolant reservoir to be completely submerged.
3. Leave.
I hope this helps.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at March 14, 2007 11:04 AMBy the way. the stuttering in the Escort was cured in about 5 minutes by the mechanic up the road. He heard a vacuum leak as soon as he opened the hood and repaired the hose in a second, no charge.
Posted by: Janis Gore at March 14, 2007 11:28 AMThat turned out pretty good! I wish our previous problem with our Focus' PCV hose could have been solved so inexpensively.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at March 14, 2007 11:38 AMI recall hearing Rosie proudly proclaim her love for her Aztek. Would it be asking a lot if the coolant tank topping instructions included ensuring that Rosie was properly belted into the driver's seat for gauge monitoring duty prior to refilling?
Posted by: Nate at March 14, 2007 01:24 PMGosh--if there were ever two objects MADE for each other, it's her and the Aztek. I think your suggestion is well-taken, however one would have to take into consideration her natural bouyancy, which would make the filling process that much more involved.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at March 14, 2007 01:38 PMFor shame. Giving incomplete instructions to the gullible. Leaving out so many important steps.
1) Insure the vehicle is parked on a steep incline, preferably near a large body of deep water.
2) With the parking brake on, place the car in neutral and turn off the engine.
3) Remove all valuables from the car.
4) Place Rosie in line with the vehicle near the large body of water (You'll notice this resolves the potential buoyancy issues referred to by other knowledgeable car types.)
6) Following Possum step 2, release the parking brake.
7) Buy a Honda. Or a Toyota. Or a Hispano-Suiza.
Posted by: skinnydan at March 14, 2007 04:06 PMDetails, details...
Anyway, I must say I DO like your resolution to the bouyancy issue.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at March 14, 2007 04:35 PM