GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Testing Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 23688
    • J 26568

    Important: 

       • Both the coolant testers automatically compensate for temperature.
       • Make sure the eyepiece of the coolant tester is totally free of solution before looking through it.
       • Before each use, swing back the plastic cover at the slanted end of the coolant tester, exposing the measuring window and the bottom of the plastic cover.
       • Wipe the measuring window dry with a tissue or a clean, soft cloth.
       • Close the plastic cover.

  1. Release the tip of the pump from the housing of the J 23688 or the J 26568 .
  2. Do not remove the clear plastic pump from the J 23688 or the J 26568 .
  3. Remove the coolant recovery reservoir cap.
  4. Insert the tube into the coolant recovery reservoir. The tip of the pump must be below the level of the coolant.
  5. Press the bulb. Release the pump bulb in order to obtain a sample of the coolant.
  6. Bend the tube around the J 23688 or the J 26568 . Insert the tip of the pump into the cover plate opening.
  7. Press the pump bulb. Allow a few drops to fall onto the measuring surface. Do not open the plastic cover when taking readings because any water evaporation will change the reading.
  8. Point the coolant concentration tester toward any light source. Look into the eyepiece.
  9. • The coolant protection reading is at the point where the dividing line between light and dark crosses the scale.
    • The temperature scale is reversed from a standard thermometer scale. Below zero readings are on the upper half of the scale.
  10. If the readings are not clear, properly clean and dry the measuring surface. Conduct a new test. Make sure there is enough fluid on the measuring prism.

Calibrating Testers

The J 23688 and the J 26568 are factory calibrated and sealed. The testers should not require adjustment. If adjustment is required, do the following adjust procedure:

  1. Make sure the J 23688 and the J 26568 is between 21-29°C (70-85°F).
  2. Using distilled water, take a reading. If the reading departs from a 0°C (32°F) reading on the scale, make a correction by adjusting the screw on the bottom of the J 23688 and the J 26568 .
  3. Important: Do not remove the screw from the J 23688 and the J 26568 .

  4. Remove the sealant covering the screw.
  5. Turn the screw in the direction necessary to adjust the reading to the 0°C (32°F) line.
  6. Reseal the screw using a silicone sealant.