GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2001 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.5L 🢒 Cooling System Draining and Filling

Draining Procedure
  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. Remove the pressure cap when the engine is cool:
    3. 2.1. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise until a hissing sound is heard.
    2.2. Wait until any residual pressure, indicated by a hissing sound, is relieved.
    2.3. After all hissing stops, continue to rotate the pressure cap counterclockwise until the cap is removed.
  3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Place a drain pan under vehicle to collect all of the drained coolant.

    5. Object Number: 339454 Size: SH
  5. Open the radiator drain valve located at the bottom of the radiator tank.

    6. Object Number: 561967 Size: SH
  6. Remove the right front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Remove engine front cover coolant drain plug (1).
  8. Allow the coolant to drain completely.

Filling Procedure

    Object Number: 339454 Size: SH
  1. Close the radiator drain valve.

    2. Object Number: 561967 Size: SH

    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.

  2. Install the front cover coolant drain plug (1).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the engine front cover coolant drain plug to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  3. Install the right front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove the drain pans from under the vehicle.
  5. Lower the vehicle.

    6. Object Number: 561966 Size: SH
  6. Open the radiator air bleed valve (1).
  7. Add a 50 percent ethylene glycol DEX-COOL™ and 50 percent clean drinkable water mixture to fill the system.
  8. Close the radiator air bleed valve when coolant starts to come out of the air bleed valve (1).
  9. Slowly add the coolant mixture until the level has reached the FULL COLD mark.
  10. Run engine to operating temperature while adding coolant/water mixture to FULL mark.
  11. After engine has reached operating temperature. turn engine off and wait for two minutes and recheck the level of the coolant mixture. Add clean water if necessary to restore the coolant mixture level to the FULL COLD mark.
  12. Install the surge tank cap.
  13. Inspect the coolant level and freeze protection after the engine completes three thermal cycles (engine heats up to cooling fan operation and cools back down) using a refractometer or a hydrometer to ensure a proper freeze protection of -40°C (-40°F).