GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

Check for an incorrect or faulty surge tank cap.

Is the surge tank cap incorrect or faulty?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Replace the surge tank cap. Refer to Cooling System .

Is there still a coolant loss?

103 kPa (15 psi)

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

  1. Check for any loose or damaged coolant hoses.
  2. Check the hose connections.

Are any hoses loose or damaged?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Reseat or retighten the clamps properly on the hoses and the connections.
  2. Replace the clamp and the hose if necessary.

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 5

System OK

5

Check the surge tank and tank hose for any leaks.

Is the surge tank hose or tank leaking?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the surge tank hose or the surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Check the cylinder head bolts for the proper torque.

Are the bolts tightened to the proper specification?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Check for a seal leak at the coolantpump.

Is there a seal leak at the water pump?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

9

Tighten the cylinder head bolts to the proper specification. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Engine Mechanical.

Is there still a coolant leak?

--

Go to Step 10

System OK

10

Replace the coolant pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Check for a coolant pump gasket leak.

Is the coolant pump gasket leaking?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the coolant pump gasket. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 13

System OK

13

Check for a leak at the cylinder head gasket.

Is there coolant leakage at the cylinder head gasket?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

Replace the cylinder head gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

Check for coolant leakage at the radiator. Pressure test the cooling system, Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing .

Is there coolant leakage at the radiator?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 17

16

Replace the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 17

System OK

17

Check the heater core for leakage.

Is the heater core leaking?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

18

Replace the heater core. Refer to HVAC.

Is there still a loss of coolant?

--

Go to Step 19

System OK

19

Check for cracked cylinder head or block. Perform a cylinder leak test. Refer to Cylinder Head Inspection and Measurement in Engine Mechanical.

Is the cylinder head or block cracked?

--

Go to Step 20

System OK

20

Resurface the cylinder head or block. Refer to Cylinder Head Inspection and Measurement in Engine Mechanical. If necessary, replace the cylinder head or block.

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

--

System OK