Draining Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 boil 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.
Important: Draining the cooling system with the pressure cap installed will siphon the coolant from the overflow tank.
- 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.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Remove the coolant pressure cap.
- Inspect the coolant.
- Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.
- Normal in appearance - follow the filling procedure.
- Discolored - follow the flush procedure. Refer to: FLUSHING .