GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester

Draining Procedure

Caution: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.


    Object Number: 450506  Size: SH
  1. Remove the coolant pressure cap.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement in Body Front End.
  4. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
  5. Open the radiator drain cock.
  6. Drain the cooling system.
  7. Remove the surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement .
  8. 7.1. Clean the outside of the surge tank.
    7.2. Pour out any fluid.
    7.3. Thoroughly clean the inside of the surge tank using soap and water.
    7.4. Thoroughly flush the surge tank with clean water and drain.
  9. Install the surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement .
  10. Inspect the coolant condition.
  11. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.

    • Normal in appearance--Follow the filling procedure.
    • Discolored--Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing .

Filling Procedure

    Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.


    Object Number: 569431  Size: SH
  1. Close the radiator drain cock.
  2. Install the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement in Body Front End.
  3. Lower the vehicle.
  4. Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

  5. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  6. Install the coolant pressure cap.
  7. Start the engine.
  8. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  9. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
  10. Shut the engine OFF.
  11. Allow the engine to cool.
  12. Top off the coolant (1) as necessary.
  13. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant, using the J 26568 .
  14. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.