Repair Instructions: Flushing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Cadillac CT4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Dispose of the used engine coolant properly. Store the used coolant in a used coolant holding tank awaiting proper disposal or recycling. Do not pour used coolant down the drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Disposal into the sewer system or into the ground water is both environmentally irresponsible and illegal.

NOTE:

When the cooling system becomes contaminated, the cooling system should be flushed thoroughly to remove the contaminants before the engine is seriously damaged.
This procedure is effective in removing contaminants caused by the use of improper coolants, coolant at the end of its life, or some liquid chemical flushing agents. This procedure is NOT effective for removing debris contamination caused by component failure, or the use of "stop leak" additives. When the system is contaminated by this type of debris, use the system flow diagrams to identify components that may need replacement to restore proper system flow.
Do not use chemical flush agents.
Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is illegal and ecologically unsound.
Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special equipment is used, such as a back flusher, follow the manufacturer's instruction.

When the cooling system becomes contaminated, the cooling system should be flushed thoroughly to remove the contaminants before the engine is seriously damaged.

Fully drain the cooling system. Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 GE 47716)
Using the appropriate trim tool, remove the windshield wiper arm finish caps (1) from both windshield wiper arms (3).
Windshield Wiper Arm Nut (2) - Remove [2x]
Grasp the outer ends of the windshield wiper arms (3) and gently rock both arms back and forth to remove the windshield wiper arms (3) from the windshield wiper transmission pivot shafts.
Apply two layers of masking tape on the body around the top edges of the air inlet grille panel extensions (1) to prevent paint damage.
Using a suitable plastic trim tool, carefully release the air inlet grille panel extension (1) clips.
Remove the air inlet grille panel extensions (1) from the air inlet grille panel and both upper front fenders.
Remove the hood rear outer air inlet seal retainers (1) from both sides.
Remove the hood rear outer air inlet seals (2) from both sides.
Remove the front compartment side sight shield retainers (1) from both sides.
Remove the front compartment side sight shields (2) from both sides.
Air Inlet Grille Panel Retainer (1) - Remove [6x]
Air Inlet Grille Panel (2) - Remove
Disconnect the windshield washer nozzle hose from the windshield washer pump hose.
Lift the front edge of the air inlet grille panel (2) and slide the panel forward from both hood hinges and remove.
Windshield Wiper System Module Shield (1) - Remove

NOTE:

To prevent erroneous DTC's, disconnect the battery negative cable before disconnecting the windshield wiper motor electrical connector.

Disconnect the battery negative cable. Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
Disconnect the windshield wiper motor electrical connector.
Windshield Wiper System Module Bolt (1) - Remove [2x]
Slide the windshield wiper system module (2) inboard to release the grommet from the plenum and remove the windshield wiper system module (2) from the vehicle.
Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector Retainer (1) - Remove [2x]
Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector (1) - Remove
Plenum Front Panel Nut (1) - Remove [3x]
Plenum Front Panel Bolt (2) - Remove [3x]
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Pull the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) out from the plenum front panel.
Plenum Front Panel Bolt (1) - Remove [4x]
Plenum Front Panel Nut (2) - Remove [3x]
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Pull the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) out from the plenum front panel, if equipped.
Plenum Front Panel (1) - Remove
Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose Clamp (1) - Disengage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type
Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose (2) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Remove
Heater Outlet Hose Clamp (3) - Disengage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type
Heater Outlet Hose (4) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Remove
Radiator Surge Tank Nut (1) - Remove
Clip (2) @ Front Wheelhouse Panel Extension - Remove
Radiator Surge Tank (1) - Remove
Clean and flush the radiator surge tank with clean, drinkable water.
Radiator Surge Tank (1) - Install
Clip (2) @ Front Wheelhouse Panel Extension - Install

CAUTION:

Refer to Fastener Caution .

Radiator Surge Tank Nut (1) - Install and tighten - Fastener Specifications
Heater Outlet Hose (4) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Install
Heater Outlet Hose Clamp (3) - Engage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type
Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose (2) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Install
Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose Clamp (1) - Engage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type
Plenum Front Panel (1) - Install
Plenum Front Panel Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [4x] - Fastener Specifications
Plenum Front Panel Nut (2) - Install and tighten [3x] - Fastener Specifications
Install the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) into the plenum front panel, if equipped.
Connect the electrical connector.
Plenum Front Panel Nut (1) - Install and tighten [3x] - Fastener Specifications
Plenum Front Panel Bolt (2) - Install and tighten [3x] - Fastener Specifications
Install the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) into the plenum front panel.
Connect the electrical connector.
Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector (1) - Install
Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector Retainer (1) - Install [2x]
Install the windshield wiper system module (2) in the vehicle.
Windshield Wiper System Module Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
Connect the windshield wiper motor electrical connector.
Connect the battery negative cable. Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
Windshield Wiper System Module Shield (1) - Install
Air Inlet Grille Panel (2) - Install
Install the air inlet grille panel (2) between both hood hinges.
Connect the windshield washer nozzle hose to the windshield washer pump hose.
Air Inlet Grille Panel Retainer (1) - Install [6x]
Install the front compartment side sight shields (2) to both sides.
Install the front compartment side sight shield retainers (1) to both sides.
Install the hood rear outer air inlet seals (2) to both sides.
Install the hood rear outer air inlet seal retainers (1) to both sides.
Install the air inlet grille panel extensions (1).
Remove the masking tape from the body around the top edges of the air inlet grille panel extensions (1).
Using a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and clean drinkable water with a clean towel, remove any left over adhesive residue from the masking tape.
Clean the windshield wiper transmission pivot shaft splines with a soft wire brush before installing the windshield wiper arms (3).
Position the windshield wiper arms (3) on the windshield wiper transmission pivot shafts.
Windshield Wiper Arm Nut (2) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
Windshield Wiper Arm Finish Cap (1) - Install [2x]
If required, realign the windshield wipers to their respective alignment circles (1) on the windshield.
Lubricate the windshield with clean washer fluid.
Run the windshield wipers for two complete cycles then turn off the windshield wipers.
Ensure the windshield wipers are in the full park position.
Inspect the windshield wipers for proper position to the alignment circles (1) on the windshield.
Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean, drinkable water. Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 GE 47716)
Run the engine for 20 minutes.
Stop the engine.
Drain the cooling system. Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 GE 47716)
Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly col or less.

NOTE:

Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

Fill the cooling system to the proper level. Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LSY with V03 GE 47716) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 Static Fill) , or Cooling System Draining and Filling (LF4 GE 47716)