Draining Procedure
- Open the radiator drain cock at the bottom of the radiator.
- Completely drain the system.
- If the coolant is dirty, or if there are deposits in the radiator, flush the cooling system before refilling. Refer to Flushing .
- Remove the cooling system pressure cap.
- Disconnect the hoses from the coolant reservoir surge tank. Remove the reservoir or surge tank.
- Pour out any fluid.
- Clean the inside of the reservoir or surge tank using soap and water.
- Thoroughly flush the reservoir with clean water. Then drain the reservoir or surge tank.
- Install the reservoir or surge tank. Connect the hose(s).
Caution: As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the pressure cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously -- possibly with explosive force -- spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.
Caution: An electric fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
Notice: Do not add cold water to the cooling system with the engine at or above operating temperature. Adding cold water causes rapid cooling, resulting in possible engine damage.
| 4.1. | Clean, test, and replace the cap if needed. |
| 4.2. | Clean the radiator/cooling system filler neck. Inspect the filler neck. |
Filling Procedure
- Close the radiator drain cock.
- Refill the cooling system. In order to ensure sufficient engine cooling, freezing and corrosion protection, maintain the coolant protection level at -37°C (-34°F) or lower.
- Set the heater and A/C control in any A/C mode except MAX. Set the temperature to the highest setting.
- Allow the engine to continue idling until the lower radiator to coolant pump hose becomes hot.
- Cycle the engine speed up to about 3,000 RPM and back to idle 5 times. On the VIN 1 engines, slowly open the bleed valve on the rear of the thermostat housing for about 15 seconds in order to release any trapped air in the cooling system.
- After the air has been released, fill the radiator. Install the radiator pressure cap/surge tank. The arrows on the radiator pressure cap must line up with the coolant recovery tube.
- Allow the engine to cool to the outside temperature. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is not at the Add (of Full Cold) mark, add coolant until the coolant reaches the mark.
NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® coolant. If Coolant other than DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® is added to the system the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.
Notice: Do not use a solution stronger than 70 percent antifreeze. Pure antifreeze can freeze at -22°C (-8°F).
Notice: This engine uses DEX-COOL® and GM coolant supplement (sealant) P/N 3634621 specifically designed for use in aluminum engines. Failure to use the engine coolant supplement (sealant) and the approved coolant antifreeze could result in major engine damage. When refilling the cooling system, add three pellets of the engine coolant supplement sealant GM P/N 3634621 to the lower radiator hose.
