Draining and Filling the Cooling System
DRAINING AND FILLING THE COOLING SYSTEM
Use the following procedures if a non-aqueous coolant exchanger such as (Pro Fill) J 75010-KM (or equivalent) is not available.
Draining
Important
^ This procedure significantly increases the amount of used coolant and diluted hazardous waste.
1. Park vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove and clean coolant recovery reservoir.
CAUTION: To avoid being burned, DO NOT remove the radiator cap while the engine is at normal operating temperature. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if the cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot. This could result in a large coolant loss and possibly personal injury.
3. Remove tile radiator cap when the engine is cool by:
A. Slowly rotating pressure cap counterclockwise to detent. Do not press down while rotating pressure cap assembly.
B. Wait until any remaining pressure (indicated by a hissing sound) is relieved.
C. Afier all hissing stops, press down on pressure cap and continue to rotate counterclockwise.
Important
Recover coolant and store in a used coolant holding tank and submit the used coolant for recycling on a regular basis. This procedure significantly increases the amount of used coolant and diluted hazardous waste.
4. Place drain pan under vehicle to collect all drained coolant.
5. Open the radiator drain valve located at the bottom of the left-hand radiator end tank.
6. On 3.1L Engines open the air bleed vent on the throttle body return pipe (above the coolant pump). The air bleed vent should be opened two to three turns.
7. Remove the engine block drain plugs.
8. Allow the system to drain completely.
Important
^ Dispose of used coolant in an approved used coolant holding tank.
Filling
1. Close radiator drain valve.
2. Close the bleed valve opened in Step 6 under "Draining".
3. Install engine block drain plugs.
4. Install coolant recovery reservoir.
CAUTION: Under some conditions, the ethylene glycol in engine coolant is combustible. To help avoid being burned, DO NOT spill antifreeze or coolant on the exhaust system or hot engine parts.
5. Fill radiator assembly to just below neck assembly.
Important
^ Fill the cooling system using GM approved recycled or new Ethylene Glycol coolant antifreeze meeting GM Specification 1825. To ensure sufficient engine cooling, freezing and corrosion protection, maintain tile protection level at -37°C (-34°F).
A. or lower. Use a solution that is no more than 70% antifreeze. Refer to Figure.
Important
^ When filling the engine cooling system, add the proper amount of Sealant Tablets GM PIN C3634621 or equivalent, and GM approved recycled or new Ethylene Glycol coolant antifreeze meeting GM Specification 1825.
- 2.2L Engine add (2) GM P/N 3634621 or equivalent.
- 3.1L Engine add (2) GM P/N 3634621 or equivalent.
6. Fill the coolant recovery reservoir with a 50% ethylene glycol and a 50% clean water coolant mixture. The figure lists the proper amount of fill ratio to the coolant recovery-reservoir.
^ Install coolant recovery reservoir cap.
CAUTION: To help avoid personal injury keep hands, tools, and clothing away from the fan(s). The fan(s) may start at any time causing personal injury.
7. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until normal operating temperature is reached (the upper radiator hose starts to get hot or the coolant begins to rise up the filler neck).
8. With engine idling, add coolant to radiator until fluid level reaches bottom of neck assembly.
9. Install radiator cap assembly making certain the arrows line up with the overflow tube.
Inspect
^ Freeze protection of the engine coolant after the engine heats up and cools down three times to ensure proper freeze protection -37°C (-34°F) using the procedures outlined in "Testing Coolant Concentration" in this section.