GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

GE-47622 Hose Clamp Pliers

Draining Procedure

    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.

  1. Remove the cap from the charge air cooler reservoir.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan under the charge air cooler radiator.

  4. Object Number: 1382066  Size: SH
  5. Using GE-47622 , reposition the inlet hose clamp at the auxiliary water pump.
  6. Remove the inlet hose from the auxiliary water pump and allow the cooling system to drain.
  7. Inspect the appearance of the engine coolant for discoloration:
  8. • Discolored--Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Coolant System Flushing .
    • Normal in appearance--Follow the filling procedure.

Filling Procedure


    Object Number: 1382066  Size: SH

    Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.

  1. Install the inlet hose to the auxiliary water pump.
  2. Using GE-47622 , reposition the inlet hose clamp to secure the hose.
  3. Lower the vehicle.
  4. Remove the right front headlamp assembly. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb Replacement in Lighting Systems.

  5. Object Number: 1413260  Size: SH
  6. Remove the bleeder screw from the radiator on the passenger top side of the charge air cooler.
  7. Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water. It is necessary to maintain the coolant level near the cold fill line on the surge tank to ensure all the air has been purged from the cooling system.

  8. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water to the cooling system until the coolant level reaches the top of the bleeder screw opening. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  9. Install the bleeder screw.
  10. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water to the cooling system until the coolant level is just visible in the bottom of the charge air cooler reservoir. The coolant level will reach the hot fill line once the system has reached operating temperature.
  11. Install the cap to the charge air cooler reservoir.
  12. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
  13. Install the right front headlamp assembly. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  14. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.