Draining & Filling Cooling System: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird and 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
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.
NOTE:
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 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 24 months.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Remove the radiator pressure cap.
- Open the radiator draincock.
- Open the air bleed screw located on the thermostat housing.
- Allow the system to drain completely.
- Inspect the engine coolant. If engine coolant is discolored, go to FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM . If coolant is normal in appearance, go to next step.
- Close the radiator draincock. Tighten drain cock to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® coolant and de-ionized water. Start the engine.
- With the pressure cap still removed, idle the engine until the normal operating temperature is reached.
- Close the air bleed screw when coolant is visible dripping from the bleed screw.
- With the engine still idling, add coolant to the radiator until the coolant level reaches the bottom of the fill neck. Install the pressure cap.
- Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and engine compartment.