GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Draining Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester
    • J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Caution: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.


    Object Number: 924826  Size: SH

    Important: Draining the cooling system with the pressure cap installed will syphon the coolant from the overflow tank.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose.
  3. Using the J 38185 , reposition the lower radiator hose clamp.
  4. Remove the lower radiator hose from the radiator.
  5. Drain the cooling system.
  6. Remove the coolant pressure cap.
  7. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the engine block drain plug.
  8. Inspect the coolant.
  9. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.
  10. • Normal in appearance -- follow the filling procedure.
    • Discolored -- follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing .

Filling Procedure

  1. Install the lower radiator hose to the radiator.
  2. Using the J 38185 , reposition the lower radiator hose clamp.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  4. If the engine block drain plug was removed, perform the following:
  5. • Apply pipe sealer to the drain plug.
    • Install the drain plug.

    Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. Using the J 38185 , reposition the upper radiator hose clamp at the radiator.
  8. Remove the upper radiator hose from the radiator.
  9. Remove the air bleed hose from the radiator.
  10. Place a funnel into the upper radiator hose.
  11. Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

  12. Slowly fill the cooling system through the upper hose with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant comes out of the coolant air bleed hose. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities .
  13. Connect the upper radiator hose to the radiator.
  14. Using the J 38185 , position the hose clamp into the original position on the hose.
  15. Connect the coolant air bleed hose at the radiator.
  16. Fill the radiator with coolant through the filler neck.
  17. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.