GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cooling System Draining and Filling 3.6 L

Draining Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Battery Disconnect Warning in the Preface section.

  1. Disconnect the battery ground cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  2. Warning: Refer to Radiator Cap Removal Warning in the Preface section.

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

  3. Ensure engine is below 50°C before removing the coolant pressure cap.
  4. Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

  6. Object Number: 1949734  Size: SH
  7. Place a drain pan under the drain cock (1).
  8. Note: If drain cock is not being replaced do not remove it from the radiator.

  9. Loosen the drain cock until coolant flows out of the radiator.
  10. Inspect the engine coolant for the following conditions:
  11. • Discolored appearance--Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Coolant System Flushing.
    • Normal in appearance--Follow the filling procedure. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.

Filling Procedure


    Object Number: 1949734  Size: SH
  1. Tighten the drain cock (1).
  2. Lower the vehicle.
  3. With the engine off, remove the coolant filler cap.

  4. Object Number: 1949735  Size: SH
  5. Remove the engine coolant air bleed hose (1) by releasing retaining hose clamp (2) and remove it from the radiator spigot (3).
  6. Note: When pouring coolant take care not to spill any coolant onto the accessory drive belts. If spilling occurs, rinse the belts immediately with water.

  7. Slowly fill the cooling system with a mixture of 50/50 dex cool and water until coolant flows out of air bleed hose spigot. Refit air bleed hose.
  8. Continue to fill the system until full. Wait several seconds and "top up" if levels drops.
  9. Start engine.
  10. With engine idling top up coolant until full, wait for several seconds and "top up" if level drops.
  11. Stop engine, wait several seconds and "top up" if level drops.
  12. When full, fit coolant filler cap and switch off engine.

  13. Object Number: 1949736  Size: SH
  14. Check coolant in coolant recovery reservoir. Adjust coolant in the reservoir to the top of the graphic mark (A) on the dipstick.

Cooling System Draining and Filling 6.0 L

Draining Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Battery Disconnect Warning in the Preface section.

    Warning: Refer to Radiator Cap Removal Warning in the Preface section.

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

  1. Disconnect the battery ground cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  2. Ensure engine is below 50°C before removing the coolant pressure cap.
  3. Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

  5. Object Number: 1949734  Size: SH
  6. Place a drain pan under the drain cock (1).
  7. Note: If drain cock is not being replaced do not remove it from the radiator.

  8. Loosen the drain cock until coolant flows out of the radiator.
  9. Inspect the engine coolant for the following conditions:
  10. • Discolored appearance--Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Coolant System Flushing.
    • Normal in appearance--Follow the filling procedure. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.

Filling Procedure


    Object Number: 1949734  Size: SH
  1. Tighten the drain cock (1).
  2. Lower the vehicle.
  3. With the engine off, remove the coolant filler cap.
  4. Note: When pouring coolant take care not to spill any coolant onto the accessory drive belts. If spilling occurs, rinse the belts immediately with water.

  5. Slowly fill the cooling system with a mixture of 50/50 dex cool and water until coolant flows out of air bleed hose spigot. Refit air bleed hose.
  6. Note: Lift the radiator top hose underneath the air intake tube, to release air bubble in hose, top up if level drops.

  7. Start engine.
  8. With engine idling top up coolant until full, wait for several seconds and "top up" if level drops.
  9. When full, fit coolant filler cap and switch off engine.

  10. Object Number: 1949736  Size: SH
  11. Check coolant level in coolant recovery reservoir. Adjust coolant level in the reservoir to the top of graphic mark (A) on the dipstick.