GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

Check for an incorrect or faulty radiator filler cap. Refer to Radiator Cap .

Was an incorrect cap installed, or is the cap faulty?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Replace the filler cap. Refer to Radiator Assembly .

Is there still a coolant loss?

103 kPa (15 psi)

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Check for a leaking coolant recovery reservoir or reservoir hose.

Is the coolant recovery reservoir leaking, or is the reservoir hose leaking?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

replace the reservoir or the hose. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement .

Is there still a loss of coolant?

--

Go to Step 5

System OK

5

Check for any loose or damaged radiator hoses and connections.

Are any radiator hoses loose or damaged?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Re-seat the hoses and clamps. If necessary, replace the hoses and the clamps.

  1. On the 3.1L engine, refer to Radiator Hose Replacement .
  2. On the 3.4L engine, refer to Radiator Hose Replacement .
  3. On the 3.8L (L36) engine, refer to Radiator Hose Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Check for a coolant pump gasket leak.

Is there a leak at the coolant pump gasket?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the coolant pump gasket.

  1. On the 3.1L engine, refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  2. On the 3.4L engine, refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  3. On the 3.8L (L36) engine, refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Check for a seal leak at the coolant pump.

Is there a leak at the coolant pump seal?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the coolant pump.

  1. On the 3.1L engine, refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  2. On the 3.4L engine, refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  3. On the 3.8L (L36) engine, refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Check if the cylinder head bolts are tightened to specification.

    • For the 3.1L engine, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    • For the 3.4L engine (VIN X), refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    • For the 3.8L engine, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

Are the cylinder head bolts tightened to the proper specification?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

Tighten the cylinder head bolts to the proper specification. If necessary, replace the cylinder head gasket.

    • For the 3.1L engine, refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
    • For the 3.4L engine (VIN X) left side, refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
    • For the 3.4L engine (VIN X) right side, refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
    • For the 3.8L engine left side, refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
    • For the 3.8L engine right side, refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 13

System OK

13

Check for any coolant leaks at the radiator. Refer to Radiator Leak Testing .

Does the radiator have any leaks?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

  1. Inspect the radiator.
  2. Replace the radiator as necessary. Refer to Radiator Replacement .

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

  1. Check the following for leaks:
  2. • The intake manifold
    • The engine block coolant drain hole plug or the knock sensor
    • The heater core

Are any leaks occurring at any of these places?

--

Go to Step 16

System OK

16

Make the necessary repairs or replace the components as necessary in order to repair the leak.

Is there still a coolant loss?

--

--

System OK