GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Coolant Heater Replacement 3.1L

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 296201  Size: SH
  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Disconnect the engine coolant heater cord from the engine coolant heater.
  4. Loosen the engine coolant heater bolt. Do not remove the engine coolant heater bolt.
  5. Remove the engine coolant heater.
  6. Clean the engine coolant heater opening.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 296172  Size: SH
  1. Apply GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or the equivalent to the following :
  2. • The engine block heater seal
    • The cleaned surface of the engine block heater hole
  3. Position the engine coolant heater element at the 3 o'clock position (2).
  4. Install the engine coolant heater.
  5. Final installed position between 2 o'clock (1) and 4 o'clock (3) is acceptable.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. Install the engine coolant heater bolt.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  8. Connect the engine coolant heater cord to the engine coolant heater.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

Coolant Heater Replacement 3.8L

Removal Procedure

  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Disconnect the coolant heater cord from the coolant heater.

  4. Object Number: 179497  Size: SH
  5. Loosen the bolt at the coolant heater but DO NOT remove the coolant heater bolt.
  6. Remove the coolant heater.
  7. Remove and clean any burrs, compound, paint, or rough spots from the core plug hole.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 179497  Size: SH
  1. Apply GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to the following:
  2. • Engine block heater seal
    • Cleaned surface of the engine block heater hole
  3. Install the coolant heater by pushing tight to the block.

  4. Object Number: 179495  Size: SH
  5. Position the engine coolant heater element at the 9 o'clock position (2).
  6. Final installed position between 10 o'clock (1) and 8 o'clock (3) is acceptable.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  7. Tighten the coolant heater bolt until both locking wings draw tight against the inner wall of the engine block.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 2 N·m (17 lb in).

  9. Connect the engine coolant heater cord to the engine coolant heater.
  10. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .