Cooling System Bleeding
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
CAUTION:
Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.
NOTE:
Recover and store used coolant in a used coolant holding tank and submit the used coolant for recycling on a regular basis. DO NOT pour used coolant down the drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is very toxic. Disposing of ethylene glycol into the sewer system or ground water is both illegal and ecologically unsound.
- Ensure the radiator drain cock is closed. Remove the radiator cap. Open the air bleed valve on the thermostat housing 2 full turns. Open the air bleed valve above the water pump 2 full turns. Slowly add a 50/50 mixture of GM Goodwrench Dex-Cool(R) or Havoline(R) Dex-Cool(R) and clean, drinkable water to the radiator until the coolant level is at the base of the radiator fill neck.
- Close the cooling system bleeder screws. Install the coolant pressure cap. Start the engine. Run the engine at 2000-2500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes. Shut the engine off. Allow the engine to cool. Top off the coolant as necessary. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant. Using the Coolant and Battery Tester (J 26568). Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.