Filling Procedure

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.

Reinstall the engine Block drains.

Fig 1: Reinstalling Engine Block Drains
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Close the radiator drain cock.

Fig 2: Closing Radiator Drain Cock
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the coolant recovery reservoir.
NOTE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® coolant. If Coolant other than DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® is added to the system the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.
Slowly add a 50/50 mixture of GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® and clean, drinkable water to the radiator until the coolant level is at the Base of the radiator fill neck.
Wait for 2 minutes and reinspect the level of the coolant in the radiator. If necessary, add coolant to the radiator until the coolant level is at the Base of the radiator fill neck.

Fig 3: Installing Coolant Recovery Reservoir
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the radiator cap.

Fig 4: Installing Radiator Cap
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Ensure that the radiator cap arrow points toward the radiator overflow tube.

Fig 5: Proper Positioning of Radiator Cap Arrow Points
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: The air Bleed valves are Brass. Do NOT over-tighten the air Bleed valves.
Close the air Bleed valve above the coolant pump.

Fig 6: Closing Air Bleed Valve Above Coolant Pump
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Close the air Bleed valve on the thermostat housing.

Fig 7: Closing Air Bleed Valve On Thermostat Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fill the coolant reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® and clean, drinkable water.
Important: If the coolant temperature indicator turns ON, turn the engine OFF immediately and allow the engine to cool. Do NOT remove the radiator cap.
Start the engine and allow the engine cooling fan to cycle on and off 3 times.
Turn off the ignition.
CAUTION: 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.
Allow the engine to cool.
Ensure that the engine coolant concentration is sufficient.