GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Draining Procedure

  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. Remove the pressure cap when the engine is cool:
  3. 2.1. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise until a hissing sound is heard.
    2.2. Wait until any residual pressure (indicated by a hissing sound is relieved.
    2.3. After all hissing stops, continue to rotate the pressure cap counterclockwise until the cap is removed.
  4. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Place a drain pan under vehicle to collect all of the drained coolant.

  6. Object Number: 70033  Size: SH
  7. Open the radiator drain valve located at the bottom of the radiator tank.

  8. Object Number: 561967  Size: SH
  9. Remove the right front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Remove engine block drain plug (1).
  11. Allow the coolant to drain completely.

Filling Procedure


    Object Number: 70033  Size: SH
  1. Close the radiator drain valve.

  2. Object Number: 561967  Size: SH
  3. Install the engine block drain plug (1).
  4. Install the right front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Remove the drain pan(s) from under the vehicle.
  6. Lower the vehicle.

  7. Object Number: 561966  Size: SH
  8. Open the radiator air bleed valve (1).
  9. Add a 50 percent ethylene glycol DEX-COOL ™ and 50 percent clean drinkable water mixture to fill the system.
  10. Close the radiator air bleed valve when coolant starts to come out of the air bleed valve (1).
  11. Slowly add the coolant mixture until the level has reached the FULL COLD mark.
  12. Run engine to operating temperature while adding coolant/water mixture to FULL mark.
  13. After engine has reached operating temperature. turn engine off and wait for two minutes and recheck the level of the coolant mixture. Add clean water if necessary to restore the coolant mixture level to the FULL COLD mark.
  14. Install the surge tank cap.
  15. Inspect the coolant level and freeze protection after the engine completes three thermal cycles (engine heats up to cooling fan operation and cools back down) using a refractometer or a hydrometer to ensure a proper freeze protection of -40°C (-40°F).