GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

Notice: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL® coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.

Drain and Fill Procedure

Important: If the procedure below is not followed a low or high coolant level condition and/or vehicle damage could result.

  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. Follow the steps below to remove the radiator surge tank fill cap:
  3. • Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise.
    • Stop and allow the hissing to stop.
    • After all hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise to remove the cap.
  4. Install a piece of 3/8 inch non-reinforced hose to the drain cock outlet to direct the flow of coolant into the catch basin and open the radiator drain cock.
  5. To aid in the drainage of the cooling system, you may disconnect the throttle body heater return hose (leading to the reservoir) from the throttle body and plug the throttle body. Use shop air to apply a small amount of pressure (3-4 psi) to the return hose. This will slightly pressurize the cooling system to aid in the removal of coolant from the engine block.
  6. Allow the system to drain completely.
  7. Inspect the engine coolant:
  8. • Discolored -- follow the flush procedure below.
    • Normal in appearance -- Continue with the next step.
  9. Close the radiator drain cock and remove the drainage hose.
  10. Fill the system through the radiator surge tank opening up to the KALT/COLD mark (seam on the surge tank).
  11. Start the engine.
  12. Idle engine for 1 minute.
  13. Top off coolant as necessary.
  14. Install radiator surge tank cap.
  15. Cycle the RPM, idle to 3000 in 30 seconds intervals until engine coolant reaches 99°C (210°F). The cooling system will bleed automatically during warm-up.
  16. Shut off engine.
  17. Re-check level of coolant and top off as necessary.
  18. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the compartment.
  19. Inspect the concentration of the coolant.