Cooling System: Service and Repair

CAUTION: WITH A PRESSURIZED COOLING SYSTEM, THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE RADIATOR CAN BE CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAN THE BOILING POINT OF THE SOLUTION AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE. REMOVAL OF THE SURGE TANK CAP, WHILE THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER HIGH PRESSURE, CAUSES THE SOLUTION TO BOIL INSTANTANEOUSLY WITH EXPLOSIVE FORCE. THIS WILL CAUSE THE SOLUTION TO SPEW OUT OVER THE ENGINE, THE FENDERS, AND THE PERSON REMOVING THE CAP. SERIOUS BODILY INJURY MAY RESULT.

NOTICE: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50,000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.

NOTICE: The use of sealing pellets (or similar compounds) in the coolant system is NOT recommended.The use of sealing pellets may restrict the flow of coolant through the throttle body or other engine cooling system components.


IMPORTANT: If the procedure below is not followed a low or high coolant level condition and/or vehicle damage could result.

DRAIN AND FILL PROCEDURE
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Follow the steps below to remove the radiator surge tank fill cap:
^ Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise.
^ Stop and allow the hissing to stop.
^ After all hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise to remove the cap.

3. Open the radiator drain cock.
4. Allow the system to drain completely.
5. Inspect the engine coolant:
^ Discolored-follow the flush procedure below.
^ Normal in appearance-Continue with the next step.

6. Close the radiator drain cock.

IMPORTANT: When filling the cooling system use a 50 to 60 percent concentration with DEX-COOL coolant.

7. Fill the system through the radiator surge tank opening.
8. Fill half the capacity of the system with 100 percent DEX-COOL coolant.
9. Slowly add clean drinkable water to the system until the level reaches to the base of the neck.
10. Start the engine.
11. Idle engine for 1 minute.
12. Install radiator surge tank cap.
13. Cycle the RPM, idle to 3000 in 30 seconds intervals until engine coolant reaches 99° C (210° F),
14. Shut off the engine.
15. Refer to step 3 above to remove the radiator surge tank cap.
16. Start the engine.
17. Idle engine for 1 minute and fill surge tank to 1/2 inch above COLD FULL mark on the radiator surge tank.
18. Install the radiator surge tank cap.
19. Cycle the RPM, idle to 3000 in 30 second intervals until engine coolant reaches 99° C (210° F).
20. Shut off the engine.
21. Top off coolant as necessary, 1/2 inch above FULL COLD mark on the radiator surge tank.
22. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the compartment.
23. Inspect the concentration of the coolant.

IMPORTANT: Do not use a chemical flush.

FLUSH PROCEDURE
1. Block the drive wheels.
2. Place the transmission in Park or Neutral.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Run the engine until the thermostat opens.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean drinkable water repeat if necessary until the fluid is nearly colorless.
7. Fill the cooling system.