Draining Procedure
- Open the radiator drain at the bottom of the radiator.
- Remove the plugs in the engine block.
- Completely drain the system.
- If the coolant is dirty, or if there are deposits in the radiator, flush the cooling system before refilling. Refer to Flushing .
- Remove the cooling system pressure cap.
- Disconnect the hoses from the surge tank. Remove the surge tank.
- Pour out any fluid.
- Clean the inside of the surge tank using soap and water.
- Thoroughly flush the surge tank with clean water. Then drain the surge tank.
- Install the surge tank. Connect the hose(s).
Caution: As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the pressure cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously -- possibly with explosive force -- spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.
NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® coolant. If Coolant other than DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® is added to the system the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.
Notice: The 4.6L engine uses DEX-COOL® and GM coolant supplement (sealant) P/N 3634621 specifically designed for use in aluminum engines. Failure to use the engine coolant supplement (sealant) and the approved coolant antifreeze could result in major engine damage. When refilling the cooling system, add three pellets of the engine coolant supplement sealant GM P/N 3634621 to lower the radiator hose.
| 5.1. | Clean, test, and replace the cap if needed. |
| 5.2. | Clean the radiator/cooling system filler neck. Inspect the filler neck. |
Filling Procedure
- Close the radiator drain cock.
- Install the block drain plugs if removed.
- Refill the cooling system. In order to ensure sufficient engine cooling, freezing and corrosion protection, maintain the coolant protection level at -37°C (-34°F) or lower.
- Set the heater and A/C control to the highest setting.
- Allow the engine to continue idling until the lower radiator to coolant pump hose becomes hot.
- Cycle the engine speed up to about 3,000 RPM and back to idle 5 times.
- After the air has been released, fill the radiator. Install the surge tank cap. The arrows on the radiator pressure cap must line up with the coolant recovery tube.
- Allow the engine to cool to the outside temperature. Check the coolant level.
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.
Notice: Pure coolant can be added to raise the boiling point of the coolant, but too much will affect the freezing point. Do not use a solution stronger than 70 percent, as the freeze level rises rapidly after this point. Pure coolant will freeze at -22°C (-8°F).
