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.

  1. Remove the coolant pressure cap.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
  4. Open the radiator drain cock.
  5. Drain the cooling system.

  6. Object Number: 188052  Size: SH
  7. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the engine block drain plugs.
  8. Inspect the coolant.
  9. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.
  10. • Normal in appearance -- Follow the filling procedure.
    • Discolored -- Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing .

Filling Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

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

  1. Close the radiator drain cock.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the radiator drain cock to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  3. If the engine block drain plugs were removed, perform the following procedures:
  4. 2.1. Apply pipe sealer to the drain plugs.
    2.2. Install the drain plugs.

    Tighten
    Tighten the drain plugs to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).

  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Open the cooling system bleeder screws.
  7. Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

  8. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  9. Close the cooling system bleeder screws.
  10. Install the coolant pressure cap.
  11. Start the engine.
  12. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  13. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
  14. Shut the engine OFF.
  15. Allow the engine to cool.
  16. Top off the coolant as necessary.

  17. Object Number: 9972  Size: SH
  18. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using J 26568 .
  19. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.