Draining & Refilling
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue and 2002 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
In order to avoid personal injury, DO NOT remove the cap or open the cooling system drains from a hot system. Allow the system to cool first.
- Remove the coolant cap from the coolant surge tank. Raise and support the vehicle, as necessary.
- Remove the lower cradle splash shield screws and splash shield, if necessary. Place the coolant container under the radiator drain valve located at the bottom of the right radiator end tank. Using a small flat-bladed screwdriver, open the drain valve and drain the coolant. Open the drain valve 1-2 turns to drain coolant. Approximately 4 quarts (3.5 L) of coolant can be drained from the radiator.NOTE: Additional coolant will remain in some cooling system components.
- When completely drained, close the coolant drain valve and remove the drain hose. Install the lower cradle splash shield and fasteners. Tighten the lower cradle splash shield fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Close the cylinder block drain plug, if opened. The vehicle must be level when filling with coolant. Fill the cooling system to the FULL COLD line with coolant. Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean water. Bleed cooling system. See BLEEDING .