GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

With the engine sufficiently cool, perform the following steps:

    Important: Confirm that the engine cooling system is full. If not, add coolant to the recommended level.

  1. Remove the radiator cap.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Idle the engine.

Perform the following steps:

  1. Move the mode control to the HEAT position.
  2. Move the temperature control to the FULL HOT position.
  3. Move the blower motor control to the HIGH position.

When the coolant flow in the radiator is visible through the filler neck, install the radiator cap.

Temperature Check

    Important: 

       • Feel the upper radiator hose in order to confirm proper thermostat operation.
       • Feel the heater inlet and outlet hoses in order to confirm that warm coolant flows through the heater.

  1. Run the engine for about 20 minutes in order to reach operating temperature.
  2. Drive the vehicle at 48 km/h (30 mph).
  3. Use an accurate thermometer in order to determine the temperature of the outside air and the temperature of the air discharged at the floor outlets.
  4. The minimum acceptable heater output temperatures at 4 different outside temperatures are represented in the table.

Outside Air Temperature

Heater Air Temperature

-18°C (0°F)

54°C (130°F)

-4°C (25°F)

59°C (139°F)

10°C (50°F)

64°C (147°F)

24°C (75°F)

68°C (155°F)

Minimum acceptable heater output temperatures for outside air temperatures other than those shown may be approximated by using the Fahrenheit scale and rounding off the outside air temperature to the nearest 5 degrees.

When the outside temperature is below 50 degrees, allow an additional 1.8 degrees of heater output temperature for every additional 5 degrees of outside temperature .

When the outside temperature is above 50 degrees, allow an additional 1.6 degrees of heater output temperature for every 5 degrees of outside temperature.