Draining Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 boll 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.

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

Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Remove the surge tank cap.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
Open the radiator drain cock.
Drain the cooling system.
Inspect the engine coolant for the following:
- Discolored - follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing .
- Normal in appearance - follow the filling procedure.
- If a complete block drain is required, remove the water pump drain plug.